Chapter 23

Chapter 23

"Speaking of complexion, when I first came over, I saw the newly appointed Consort Rong, and her appearance was truly remarkable—fair with a rosy glow. Just standing there, she made all the other sisters pale in comparison."

Consort Tongjia said this with a smile, but no matter how much she tried to control herself, a hint of jealousy crept into her voice.

The Imperial Noble Consort smiled gently beside her, saying nothing.

"Consort Rong?"

If it were any of the lesser consorts, their numbers being so many, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang might not know each one.

But this Consort Rong was indeed more conspicuous, and the emperor's favor towards her was quite noticeable.

What did Consort Tongjia mean by bringing up Consort Rong?

She wanted the old empress dowager to step in and give this new consort a taste of her own medicine, to curb her arrogance.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, wise from years of experience, understood the dynamics of the harem well. However, as long as there wasn't another consort like Dong E, she didn't have the energy to deal with these petty squabbles.

"Perhaps you don't know, Old Ancestor, but this Consort Rong is a recent addition from the latest selection. She is exceptionally beautiful and happens to be the younger sister of the Imperial Noble Consort. The Emperor dotes on her greatly. When she claimed to be unwell and requested a physician, the Emperor himself went to see her before he could rest easy."

Consort Tongjia glanced at the Imperial Noble Consort, who sat composed like an old clock, and sneered inwardly. She was putting on quite a show, but who knew if she was tossing and turning at night.

Feeling humiliated by Consort Rong the previous evening, Consort Tongjia also didn't want to see the Niohuru sisters too comfortable.

"Is that so? Imperial Noble Consort." Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang turned to look at the Imperial Noble Consort sitting beside her.

Now older, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang appeared more serene and benevolent than before, but everyone knew that this old matriarch was a formidable figure.

Seeing that Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang had asked her, the Imperial Noble Consort, who had been as still as a painting, finally replied unhurriedly,

"Your Highness, Consort Rong is indeed my younger sister.

When I first entered the palace, my sister was still a little girl.

It has been many years since we last met, and I missed her dearly. Now that we can meet frequently and share our thoughts, I am very happy."

She was well aware of how much she was embellishing her words.

She had initially wanted to change her plans, but with the person already here, she had no choice but to proceed as planned.

Before Consort Rong became pregnant, she had to take care of her.

Only if she gave birth to a male heir could she continue to plan for the future, as a child with the bloodline of the Niohuru family would ensure the full support of the Niohuru clan.

Seeing that Consort Tongjia still wanted to target Consort Rong in front of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang,

"I heard that the maid in Consort Tongjia's palace is four months pregnant. This is also good news. Consort Tongjia, considering the bond between mistress and servant, you should take care of her."

The Imperial Noble Consort shifted the topic away from Consort Rong and began to press on Consort Tongjia's weak point.

A maid in her palace quietly revealing a four-month pregnancy was a direct insult to the Tongjia family.

In any palace, if there was an inconvenience, even if a maid was allowed to serve the Emperor, they would make sure she drank the morning-after medicine thoroughly.

But Consort Tongjia, not only did someone under her nose get pregnant, but it was also concealed for four months, and the pregnancy was already well-established before she found out. What else could this be if not sheer stupidity?

When the Imperial Noble Consort received the news, she couldn't help but mutter, "Fool."

She had been searching for Uya Shi for so long, never expecting her to be in the Jingren Palace.

She had always thought that the historical Consort De should have been a maid in the Qianqing Palace. She had investigated there several times, but due to the significance of the Qianqing Palace, she had to be cautious and avoid any major actions.

Who would have thought she was actually at the Jingren Palace!

As soon as the issue of heirs was mentioned, the Grand Empress Dowager's attention shifted away from Consort Rong. Clearly, a minor concubine like her couldn't hold a candle to the noble princes.

"The Emperor's heirs are still too few. It's good news that someone in the harem has conceived. Has the Emperor said where to arrange Uya Changzai?"

Too many children in the harem have died in infancy. Even though the Emperor is currently at odds with the three feudatories, the Grand Empress Dowager still cares deeply about the Emperor's heirs.

"His Majesty said yesterday that he wants me to ensure she receives extra care."

Consort Tongjia's smile was strained; she was genuinely uneasy about Uya Shi!

This meant that the person was to be placed in the Jingren Palace. The Grand Empress Dowager understood this upon hearing it.

"Yes, you must take extra care."

Uya Changzai, being just a low-ranking concubine, if she were to become pregnant without anyone to look after her, the child might not even survive birth.

The Emperor had Consort Tongjia take care of Uya Shi's pregnancy to ensure the safe birth of the royal child. To avoid criticism, Consort Tongjia had to give her best effort, despite her reluctance.

Soon after, the Grand Empress Dowager showed signs of fatigue.

The Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Tongjia understood that the Grand Empress Dowager was hinting for them to leave.

They promptly and tactfully rose to take their leave, not wanting to disturb the Grand Empress Dowager further.

After the two left, the Grand Empress Dowager's fatigue disappeared. "The Emperor's harem is always in turmoil, and now they're dragging me into their mess."

The Grand Empress Dowager shook her head, somewhat helpless. "What use is it to come to me? They should be directing their efforts towards the Emperor."

It was just a matter of Consort Rong, and they were already so anxious. Consort Tongjia, being a high-ranking consort, still couldn't keep her composure.

Su Ma La Gu, standing behind the Grand Empress Dowager, massaged her shoulders. "After all, she is still young."

This was not wrong. If it weren't for the Tongjia family.

The Emperor, out of respect for his maternal relatives, intended to elevate the Tongjia family. How else could Consort Tongjia have been made a consort in less than a year?

As a young, high-ranking consort with only the Imperial Noble Consort above her, she naturally became somewhat arrogant.

In comparison, the Imperial Noble Consort was more composed, handling palace affairs properly. As the daughter of Ebilun, she could well hold the position of Empress.

But the Emperor refused to let the Imperial Noble Consort have her way.

Instead, he made her the Imperial Noble Consort, a deputy to the Empress, always second to the rightful Empress.

Outside the Cining Palace,

After paying respects to the Grand Empress Dowager, the concubines could have dispersed.

But since the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Tongjia had not yet left, the other concubines naturally could not leave before them.

Having not gotten her way with the Grand Empress Dowager and having been hit where it hurt by the Imperial Noble Consort, Consort Tongjia immediately spotted Consort Rong upon exiting.

Now, the other concubines were even more eager to stay, hoping to catch some juicy drama.

Feeling the deep malice from everyone.

Su Yi, composed and neither submissive nor arrogant: It's so tough for me; it's all that dog man's fault.

"Consort Rong, right? I find you quite endearing. Feel free to visit my palace more often. Why not today? Let me see what kind of wonderful person you are."

Consort Tongjia spoke with arrogance, not intending to give Consort Rong any chance to refuse.

As a noble consort now, if Consort Rong dared to offend her, she would immediately teach her what it means to disrespect a higher-ranking concubine.

The other concubines were secretly delighted.

Consort Tongjia was not easy to get along with, especially since Consort Rong had somewhat slighted her yesterday.

Although the Emperor could go wherever he pleased, it was ultimately his own will.

But Consort Tongjia couldn't argue with the Emperor, so it had to be Consort Rong's fault.

Su Yi wasn't that scared and was about to agree.

Then she heard her so-called sister say, "Why not invite me as well?"

"Consort Tongjia, you might not know, but since my sister entered the palace, I haven't had the chance to talk to her much. This is a good opportunity for us sisters to chat and bond."

Imperial Noble Consort gave a look that said, "We're good sisters sharing feelings."

Now, the only one who could join the conversation and suppress Consort Tongjia was the Imperial Noble Consort.

Once she spoke, even if Consort Tongjia was unwilling, they were real sisters, so how could she possibly stop them?

Imperial Noble Consort looked at Consort Rong with a gentle and affectionate smile, like an elder sister at home, beckoning her over and calling her by her maiden name, "Min Yi, come to your sister."

At this point, Su Yi had no choice but to go over. She walked up to the Imperial Noble Consort.

The other woman warmly took her hand, gently examining her face, "I didn't get a good look during the selection. Now is better, let your sister take a good look at you."

Like a caring older sister, she reached out to smooth Su Yi's already tidy hair, her long fingernails making Su Yi worry she might accidentally scratch her face.

"You've grown up, and you're beautiful. Your sister is very pleased." The Imperial Noble Consort's face showed satisfaction, her eyes glistening, looking like a sister who dearly loved her sibling.

This show of sisterly affection nearly made Consort Tongjia sick.

She immediately gave up on the idea of having them visit her Jingren Palace.

"Since the Imperial Noble Consort wants to bond with Consort Rong, I won't disturb. Feel free to visit Jingren Palace another day." After saying this, she left on her sedan chair.

The other concubines who wanted to watch the drama couldn't help but feel disappointed that there was no fight.

Logically, the Imperial Noble Consort didn't seem to want Consort Rong in the palace that day.

And Consort Rong seemed to have gained the Emperor's favor, so how could her sister not be jealous at all?

Why did they seem so close?

Seeing there was no show to watch, the concubines began to scatter.

Su Yi didn't make it to Jingren Palace but ended up going to Yikun Palace with the Imperial Noble Consort.

As the Imperial Noble Consort had mentioned, they chatted like sisters, inquiring about the Niuhuru household and how their mother, Lady Shushujueluo, was faring.

These things were bearable, but during the conversation, the Imperial Noble Consort casually probed, testing whether she was truly the original Niohuru Min Yi.

Since she herself was a transmigrator, and considering Su Yi's sudden illness and equally sudden recovery, the Imperial Noble Consort couldn't help but suspect whether this was the original Su Yi.

In this era, she was the only one with such uniqueness. If someone else also possessed this uniqueness, she would lose her sole advantage.

So, the Imperial Noble Consort had no choice but to test her.

The results were satisfactory enough for the Imperial Noble Consort, who then let Su Yi leave. Before she left, the Imperial Noble Consort said, "If you suffer any grievances in the palace, feel free to come to your sister. Don't keep it to yourself; your sister will stand up for you."

These words were spoken casually, but Su Yi didn't take them seriously. The original Su Yi had believed such lies and thus met an early end.

She just nodded in acknowledgment and left.

Back at Yonghe Palace at last, Su Yi could finally lie down properly.

She lay on the couch like a salted fish, completely drained of ambition.