Long Yue felt there was something off about this "Yu Zhu," like she had become a different person, albeit more composed than before.

It should be a good thing.

Yet Long Yue still felt uneasy.

Maybe ever since her rebirth, she’s never felt truly at ease, always busy and restless with revenge, gradually forming a certain instinct.

An instinct of suspicion!

Any slight hint of trouble, and she’d feel something was not right.

Now, that’s exactly how she’s feeling.

How could Yu Zhu suddenly transform from a glutton to a well-behaved girl, as if in a dream?

But Long Yue definitely wouldn’t ask her what was wrong, though there were some things she should probe.

Yu Zhu soon returned, entering and standing respectfully to one side, observing in silence.

Long Yue was sitting at the dressing table, combing her thousands of beautiful hair strands, preparing to go to bed. Seeing Yu Zhu so obedient, she smiled and said, "Yu Zhu, I suddenly remembered, and wanted to visit the Cold Palace."

Previously, Yu Zhu had always urged Long Yue to visit the infamous Lady Jinfu, and Long Yue was using this to test her now.

Upon hearing this, Yu Zhu’s body slightly stiffened. She took a deep breath and said, "Your Highness, it’s late now, and you’re with child. The Cold Palace is desolate; it wouldn’t be good if it affects the fetus."

Long Yue silently watched her.

This reasoning was correct, perfectly correct, even well stated.

But this was Yu Zhu!

That little girl Yu Zhu was unreliable, never considering such things, and she even wanted to step on Lady Jinfu to satisfy her vanity.

So her natural reaction would have been to cheer happily, urging her to hurry to the Cold Palace for a look-see.

But now, she’s actually advising against it?

Long Yue squinted, already certain of her answer, but still wondered, who is it pretending to be Yu Zhu?

Moreover, Long Yue couldn’t discern any difference in this Yu Zhu. If she didn’t know her so well, she would’ve believed it.

Then where is the real Yu Zhu?

Where did she go?

Who is this person?

One question after another sprang into mind. Long Yue gently massaged her temples; thinking about these matters gave her a headache!

But given the situation, she must consider them now.

That’s why Long Yue kept Yu Zhu close.

If someone familiar is switched, she can immediately detect it and come up with a response.

This "Yu Zhu" hasn’t made a move yet, so she still has time to prepare.

She gently stroked her small belly, nurturing a little life there, she cannot afford any mishaps, or it would mean two lives lost!

Having another chance at life, one cherishes life more, especially when she’s expecting a child now?

This matter, she should discuss with Li Qingmu.

But where is he tonight? Why hasn’t he come?

Li Qingmu couldn’t come now; Rong Si had called him to Fengming Palace.

The autumn mosquitoes seemed even more plentiful than in summer, buzzing annoyingly in his ears. At the palace gates of Fengming Palace, there were two pots of plants.

The leaves of these plants were purple, with blue stems, and there were tiny black spots on them.

These black spots occasionally moved, and upon closer inspection, they were tiny insects.

These little insects had wings; when the buzzing sound passed by, you could see these insects take flight and swallow the mosquitoes.

When there were no mosquitoes, these insects rested quietly on the peculiar plants.

Li Qingmu had recently noticed these strange plants and magical insects frequently on his visits to Rong Si’s chambers.

"Mother, these insects are nice, they can eat mosquitoes. Shouldn’t we send some to Ming Fei and Princess Consort Jing as well?"

Li Qingmu suggested, recalling how Long Yue had complained to him about the mosquitoes.

There were so many mosquitoes. He felt helpless and had incense for repelling mosquitoes brought in, but Long Yue seemed exceptionally attractive to mosquitoes, so even with incense, it was still a nuisance.

Seeing these intriguing creatures at Rong Si’s place, he thought they could be useful.

"These insects are poisonous, aren’t you afraid they’ll poison your beloved concubines?"

Rong Si teased with a smile.

Li Qingmu was slightly taken aback, poisonous?

"But there’s no harm, the insect’s venom isn’t potent. Just don’t provoke them, although Ming Fei and Princess Consort Jing are pregnant, so caution is best."

If they’re poisonous, then never mind!

Li Qingmu cherished his little wife dearly; the slightest hint of danger and he’d refuse.

Rong Si personally poured a bowl of tea for Li Qingmu, and smilingly said, "Tomorrow is the Grand Day Court meeting, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also one of the grandest celebrations of the year. It’s a time for ruler and ministers to enjoy together, so make sure to interact a lot with the ministers, that’s how you stabilize your position."

Previously, Li Qingmu had brought many ministers to his side, causing quite a stir in the court. Naturally, those in power praised Li Qingmu, but the displaced officials also had their networks and would have an influence.

That’s why Rong Si advised Li Qingmu to take advantage of the Grand Day Court’s opportunity to exchange and bond with the ministers.

"Mother, I understand!"

"Good, as long as you know."

When Li Qingmu left Rong Si’s place, it was already late, and he had the morning court to attend to the next day. After some thought, he decided not to visit Long Yue.

The next morning came the Grand Day Court meeting, where Rong Si remained behind the screen and presided over everything in an orderly fashion with no mishaps.

The Grand Day Court proceeded smoothly, and before one knew it, darkness had fallen.

After nightfall came the family feast.

The family feast was held in the back garden; the palace attendants had prepared a variety of fruits and snacks, and the seating arrangements were in order. All they needed to do was sit according to the arrangement.

Long Yue and Princess Consort Jing held positions just below the Empress, so their seats were arranged at the front, sitting to each side of Empress Nianxi, quite close to Li Qingmu.

Rong Si, who wore ceremonial attire during the day, had changed into a bright red gown adorned with rouge, as vivid as fire for the evening.

Long Yue found it hard to imagine that Rong Si must be in her thirties, approaching forty, and yet time seemed to leave no mark on her face?

Could it be because she’s well maintained?

Actually, Li Qingmu had the same question, often feeling his mother appeared too youthful, and couldn’t quite grasp the feeling.

He’d even suspected several times if he was truly her biological son.

The young couple exchanged glances, and then the music and dance began.

Wine and dishes were served one by one to the concubines, for them to enjoy.

Li Qingmu didn’t even realize he had so many concubines in his harem.

At least thirty-something, and that didn’t include those of lower status who couldn’t attend the feast, so how many women did his mother stuff in for him?

He felt embarrassed, especially when he caught his small wife’s disapproving gaze.

"Come, come, tonight is the family feast, eat freely, no need to be formal!"

Rong Si said with a smile.