Chapter 024

Chapter 024

In the imperial harem, there's no need to worry about food or clothing. It would be even better if I didn't have to pay morning respects and could sleep in until late morning before breakfast.

I wonder how the little milk dragon's been. It's been a while since I last saw him, and I miss him a bit.

But Su Yi, who is no longer a spirit, can't easily go to see him now.

The little milk dragon lives in the Qianqing Palace with Kangxi, and it's not appropriate for the imperial concubines to have contact with him.

Kangxi strictly limits the little milk dragon's interactions with the concubines, rarely permitting any contact.

Moreover, now that the little milk dragon is the Crown Prince, the concubines dare not casually approach him. Even Lady Hesheli, the Crown Prince's aunt, treads carefully.

The three-year-old little milk dragon is already assigned daily lessons by his imperial father.

Although princes usually start attending the study hall at the age of six, his imperial father began to focus on his education when he was just three.

And the regimen is quite rigorous.

Even Su Yi, as a spirit, would weep to see this.

It's a pity that the little milk dragon, still a cute little treasure, is already dominated by his studies.

While expressing sympathy, Su Yi enjoys a shoulder massage from the beautiful Yun Hua and even eats two large bowls of food at lunch, almost to the point of hiccups.

In the afternoon, seeing the nice weather, she has a beauty couch moved outside to comfortably bask in the sun, accompanied by a eunuch with a pleasant voice specially chosen by her to read stories, who can play multiple roles, providing a very good listening experience.

She idly spends the afternoon in Kangxi's harem, undisturbed.

Until evening, when Su Yi gets ready to turn in early.

Kangxi shows up, just like that.

As if on cue, with the eunuch's sharp cry, he appears in the Yonghe Palace.

Su Yi, already in her nightgown and ready to settle in comfortably: ?!

You're not following the script?

Why didn't you send someone to inform me in advance?

Does the dog man think I would be so surprised that I'd cry?!

Oh yes, Su Yi is indeed looking at Kangxi's figure with tears in her eyes, bowing.

Feigning great surprise, she inwardly curses,

'The dog man really doesn't act human.'

"Outrageous!" Kangxi's gaze towards Consort Rong turns cold, and he suddenly scolds with a stern face.

This immediately frightens the maids into kneeling, not knowing where the Emperor's anger comes from.

Wasn't his expression fine just now when he entered?

How did it change so suddenly?

Only Su Yi, still a bit slow to react, asks puzzledly, "Your Majesty, what's wrong?"

When she said this, her face was full of concern.

Kangxi realized that his reaction was inappropriate.

Consort Rong did not know that he could read minds, so his sudden outburst of "That was out of line!" seemed completely unfounded.

"I was just in a bad mood earlier, it's nothing serious."

Kangxi softened his expression, acting as if nothing had just happened.

His mood changed in an instant—from seeming ready to explode in anger to calm again. Truly unpredictable.

Su Yi walked beside him, her face showing understanding and comfort.

"Oh, I see. It really scared me. But it's okay, Your Majesty. If venting your anger on me helps, I don't mind."

In contrast, her thoughts were quite different:

'I'm just saying this to be polite, don't take it seriously.'

'Tsk, men, always so fickle.'

'This is so hard, having to deal with a fickle man at night.'

Kangxi, who had been listening all along, really wanted to ask who was being fickle here?

And he was the Son of Heaven, not some dog man.

How dare Consort Rong call him that, thinking no one could hear her thoughts?

Kangxi really wanted to teach her a lesson.

But for now, he had to keep up the act of favoring Consort Rong, so he decided to let it slide.

When the two of them retired for the night, the maids all withdrew.

Alone together, the atmosphere grew tense, especially since Kangxi saw Su Yi as rebellious and audacious.

But she was also strikingly beautiful. In her plain white undergarments, her delicate beauty was evident, her snow-white neck impossible to ignore.

As a man, Kangxi appreciated beauty, but he wouldn't let it control him.

But at this moment, lying next to Consort Rong and remaining indifferent was impossible.

However!

On one side, the beauty lay down early, her face full of shyness and nervousness, appearing so delicate and fragile that she could be overwhelmed at any moment. Yet, her thoughts were completely opposite.

'Although as a concubine, being slept with is a basic duty.'

'But I am, after all, a delicate beauty who just vomited blood yesterday.'

'I should be considered a patient now.'

'He wouldn't still be thinking of sleeping with me, would he?'

'That would be a bit too much.'

Kangxi gritted his teeth, wondering what kind of man Consort Rong thought he was.

Does she really dislike him so much?!

Does he really seem like such a lustful person?

"Consort Rong, it's time to sleep."

Kangxi had to speak up; if he didn't, he feared Consort Rong would continue her thoughts, and he would feel suffocated!

It would be better if she fell asleep quickly and quieted down, giving him some peace.

"Alright, Your Majesty." This time, her response was genuinely cheerful.

Su Yi smiled beautifully, then closed her eyes, demonstrating what could only be described as instant sleep.

Kangxi immediately felt the quietness, with only the sound of Consort Rong's steady breathing in his ears.

Kangxi turned his head, looking in disbelief at the sleeping Consort Rong beside him.

She fell asleep just like that?

He called out doubtfully, "Consort Rong?"

Su Yi didn't respond, her thoughts still calm and silent.

In sleep, she appeared even more delicate and beautiful than when awake, a stark contrast to her bold and unrestrained demeanor when conscious.

Kangxi's gaze at her was complex; Consort Rong was indeed the most unusual woman he had ever met, vibrant in a way unseen in the harem, yet full of contradictions.

During the day at the Qianqing Palace, he had heard about what Consort Rong had done that day, including her morning visit to the Cining Palace to pay respects to the Grand Empress Dowager, where the concubines would intentionally make things difficult for her, all of which Kangxi was well aware of.

He had intentionally made her a target.

The concubines in the harem, including her sister, would also stand against her.

For the time being, the Imperial Noble Consort could still maintain a deep sisterly bond with Consort Rong, though that might not last.

Su Yi turned over in her sleep, now facing Kangxi, a few strands of her raven-black hair falling onto her fair cheeks.

Kangxi stared for a moment, his gaze deep and inscrutable.

After a long while, he gently reached out and tucked those strands of hair behind her ear, accidentally brushing against her jade-like ear, pausing at her soft earlobe before withdrawing his hand, lying flat and closing his eyes to sleep.

When Kangxi got up, Su Yi was still asleep, showing no reaction at all.

What happens once will happen again; since Kangxi didn't wake her the first time, he shouldn't expect Su Yi to rise early with him in the future.

Although Kangxi was accustomed to rising early every day, before leaving, looking at Su Yi still sleeping sweetly in bed, he felt a bit unsettled.

There was a sense that she was enjoying life while he had to toil diligently, and he silently mustered his energy, ultimately deciding not to wake her.

Su Yi arrived just in time for the morning greetings. During her years as a wandering spirit, she had become quite familiar with the approximate times the concubines arrived. She wasn't early, but she definitely arrived before the greetings at the Cining Palace began.

Facing the slightly hostile gazes of the concubines, Su Yi smiled naturally at everyone, then found her spot and stood properly.

Just as she stood, she felt a gaze full of malice fixed on her, and Su Yi quickly located the source of that stare.

It was Rongpin looking at her. When Su Yi met her gaze, Rongpin looked away, as if she had only casually glanced at Su Yi.

Su Yi: .....

Su Yi didn't know what was going on, but the other concubines, who were keen-eyed and sharp-eared, could see it clearly.

Where women gather, they are accustomed to scrutinizing each other's clothing, gestures, and makeup. This is especially true in the imperial harem, where such comparisons are inevitable.

This is even more the case among those of the same rank.

Today, Rongpin was wearing a turquoise qipao (a traditional Manchu dress) embroidered with lily patterns, elegant yet charming, with fair skin that didn't look dark at all, perfectly suiting her.

She didn't go for a flamboyant style, as such qipaos couldn't highlight her elegance. Instead, she usually wore light cyan, sky blue, lilac, or turquoise—colors that suited her best.

Coincidentally, Consort Rong was also wearing a turquoise qipao with subtle patterns, adorned with a single epiphyllum at the bottom, with no other designs. The two qipaos looked quite similar.

However, Consort Rong's features were naturally stunning, few in the harem could compare, and her skin appeared even fairer and more delicate. The turquoise color made her look even more beautiful; it wasn't her complementing the dress, but the dress complementing her.

People fear comparisons the most, and Rongpin, who looked good in the turquoise qipao, was overshadowed by Consort Rong, who wore the same color.

In the harem, the worst fear isn't wearing the same outfit, but being outshined, which leads to a loss of face.

What's more subtle is that the titles of these two women sound the same when spoken.

Rongpin didn't say anything on the surface, but everyone knew she was uncomfortable inside.

Now that Consort Rong had worn the same color as her, it was no surprise she wasn't happy.

Rongpin had always been dissatisfied with Consort Rong's title, but she couldn't show it, as it was bestowed by the Emperor. If she expressed dissatisfaction with Consort Rong's title, it would be seen as disrespectful to the Emperor.

Just yesterday, the Emperor had visited Consort Rong again, and the concubines couldn't help but feel envious when they saw her.

However, they wouldn't confront Consort Rong at this time. After all, Consort Rong had just entered the palace, and the Emperor was still fascinated by her novelty. In time, she would be just like them. Everyone has their moment of favor, and after that, it's all the same.

Consort Rong had the Imperial Noble Consort as her sister, and even the Noble Consort had to tread carefully around her, let alone the others. Those below the rank of Consort didn't dare to act out, and those of the same rank were equal in status. At most, they could exchange a few words, but they couldn't discipline her like they could with lower-ranking concubines.

So, no one approached Su Yi, and the other concubines seemed to stick together, not engaging with her. They chatted and laughed among themselves, deliberately excluding Su Yi, as if using this method to express their dislike for Consort Rong.

They hoped to make Consort Rong feel uncomfortable and awkward.

However, Su Yi looked around, observing the group of beauties, which made time pass quite pleasantly.

Staring at handsome men for a few minutes each day can extend the average lifespan by 4 to 5 years.

There weren't many strikingly handsome guards in the palace, and it wasn't appropriate to stare at them openly, as it could lead to trouble.

But there were plenty of beauties in the harem.

Not just the imperial concubines, even the palace maids were all delicate and charming, with no unattractive ones.

Even the young eunuchs were quite handsome and had a way with words!

Actually, whether they were male or female didn't matter; she just liked good-looking people.

Looking at beautiful people every day was like admiring a beautiful landscape painting. It was beneficial for both physical and mental health.

Staring for 10 minutes had a fitness effect roughly equivalent to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise.

Was there anything more suitable for Su Yi, who aspired to be a carefree slacker?

No!

Thinking about how easily she could achieve health benefits, Su Yi's smile grew even wider, her peach-blossom eyes curving like crescent moons, which made the concubines around her feel quite uncomfortable.

How can she still smile? What kind of attitude does Consort Rong have? They really don't want to deal with her. Doesn't Consort Rong feel like she's losing face?

Su Yi has already thought about what position she will use to take a nap after returning to Yonghe Palace later.

The eunuch serving beside her whispered that the scenery in the imperial garden is quite nice, and after paying respects, she could take a walk and enjoy the flowers if she wished.

Su Yi remained unmoved. There's no rush to enjoy the flowers; she just wants to go back and take a nap.

Moreover, she has already completed her daily health routine.

Qianqing Palace

After finishing his morning court session and having breakfast, Kangxi handled official duties, during which he took half an hour to check on Baocheng's studies.

Although Baocheng is only three years old, as the crown prince, Kangxi is even stricter in this regard.

Despite his young age, the little prince is quite obedient and completes the tasks assigned by his imperial father every day.

After checking Baocheng's studies, Kangxi relaxed his expression and said, "Hmm."

"Your imperial grandmother misses you too. Later, you will accompany me to Cining Palace to pay respects to her."

Baocheng nodded without objection, appearing very well-behaved. He has been obedient and sensible since childhood, rarely causing any trouble.

Little Baocheng, still a small child, is fair and tender, at his most adorable age. Kangxi couldn't help but reach out and pat his little head.

"Recently, your wet nurse said you don't want to sleep at night?"

Then in the morning, he lacks energy. The wet nurse recently noticed that he often lies there for a long time without sleeping, only closing his eyes when he can't hold on any longer. Sometimes, even when extremely tired, he struggles to keep his eyes open, refusing to sleep despite the wet nurse's coaxing.

But he doesn't like to cause trouble, just lying there quietly, refusing to close his eyes and sleep properly.

The wet nurse, worried that this would harm the prince's health, had no choice but to inform Liang Jiugong and let the emperor know.

Little Baocheng stiffened, his short fingers unconsciously fidgeting, and he whispered, "I have a little trouble sleeping."

"Then later, I will have the imperial physician come to see you and prescribe some sleeping potion," Kangxi said with a straight face.

Of course, children shouldn't take medicine casually unless necessary. Kangxi was just scaring the child.

Hearing that he would have to drink bitter medicine, the little milk dragon's face puffed up as he tried to hide his unhappiness, but it was useless; the adults saw through him clearly.

Kangxi continued with a stern face, "No more staying up late. If the wet nurse says you're not sleeping well again, I will have someone watch you recite books."

If you're going to stay up, you might as well recite more books. When you're tired from reciting, you won't be able to stay up.

The little milk dragon looked dejected, not daring to say no, and could only pout and say, "Your son understands."

But in his heart, he couldn't help but curse a little, "Imperial father is bad!"

Without a hint of expression, Kangxi didn't hesitate to give the little rascal a pat. He's getting bold, daring to secretly curse his imperial father in his heart.

The little milk dragon really wanted to cry, but his imperial father always told him that a real man shouldn't shed tears easily, or others would laugh at him.

He felt that his imperial father was lying to him, but he had no evidence.

After a while of father-son bonding, they went to Cining Palace to pay respects to the imperial grandmother.

Previously, Kangxi not only paid daily respects to the imperial grandmother but also often stayed for lunch. However, since the conflict over the Three Feudatories, Kangxi rarely stayed for meals, only making regular visits to Cining Palace to pay respects.

For the concubines who came to pay their respects, visiting the Grand Empress Dowager at Cining Palace, although it might be rather dull and the Grand Empress Dowager might not even see them, many concubines still took great care to dress up and apply exquisite makeup before paying their respects.

This was because when paying respects to the Grand Empress Dowager, they occasionally had the chance to encounter the Emperor at Cining Palace.

The Emperor highly valued filial piety, and sometimes they would say that the Emperor visited the Grand Empress Dowager at Cining Palace more frequently than he visited the concubines.

The concubines might not often see Kangxi, but at Cining Palace, they could occasionally run into him when he came to visit the Grand Empress Dowager.

Thus, each concubine, hoping to see Kangxi every day, would dress up meticulously, just in case they encountered him. If they did, they hoped to leave an impression on Kangxi, so that when it came time to choose a concubine for the night, he might remember them.

Indeed, after the Grand Empress Dowager was tired and the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Tongjia had left, the concubines were finally able to depart.

Just as they were about to leave, they saw the Emperor's imperial carriage approaching from a distance.

Immediately, the concubines who had been about to disperse stopped in their tracks. Those who walked slowly were fortunate enough to encounter the Emperor, while Consort Tongjia, who had left earlier, would probably regret it.

Some adjusted their clothes, some tidied their hair ornaments, and some struck graceful poses, all looking in the direction of the Emperor.

When the imperial carriage arrived in front of them, they all began to bow in unison. Each of these beauties presented their most charming appearance, hoping to catch the eye of Kangxi, who was seated in the carriage.

Su Yi had originally planned to slip away quietly before the carriage arrived, thinking that in the midst of all the concubines, no one would notice if one was missing.

But Yun Hua beside her whispered, "Your Highness, this is not appropriate."

She added even more softly, "If someone sees, it would be disrespectful to the Emperor..."

The mistress might not notice, but the servants and maids around the mistresses would see, and in such a crowded place, if someone reported it, it could cause trouble.

Su Yi fell silent. Although she thought otherwise, she decided to stay.

She mixed in with the concubines and bowed.

"Your servant pays respects to the Emperor and to the Crown Prince."

With so many people together, it was impossible to see everyone at a glance.

After standing up, she would retreat!

Unbeknownst to her, after Kangxi descended, he looked at the bowing concubines and immediately noticed the one who didn't quite fit in.

While others bowed with grace and elegance, their curtsies were deep and respectful, with smiling eyes.

She, on the other hand, tried to blend in with the crowd, thinking it would be easier to hide, her curtsy only half-hearted, somewhat lazy, with a hint of indifference in her eyes. Her lips moved, but it seemed she didn't actually say anything, and Kangxi didn't know what to make of her.

"Rise."

Then Kangxi coldly watched as Consort Rong rose more briskly than all the other concubines, with a smile on her face but her steps slowly moving backward. While others tried to move closer, she moved back, and immediately other concubines filled her spot. In a moment, Consort Rong was nowhere to be seen.

After watching the entire scene with a straight face, Kangxi was almost amused by Consort Rong.

The Crown Prince, holding the wet nurse's hand, stood obediently, also watching the concubines. But after a few glances, he looked down at the patterns on his clothes and said nothing.

The concubines hadn't seen Kangxi for a long time, and their gazes, though restrained, were intense, especially in such a large group.

Kangxi didn't linger and took Baocheng with him to Cining Palace.

The concubines watched Kangxi's retreating figure with reluctance. Although it was good to encounter the Emperor outside Cining Palace, they dared not delay him from visiting the Grand Empress Dowager.

Su Mala Gu was already waiting and, after bowing to Kangxi, led him inside with a kind smile.

Having served the Grand Empress Dowager for so long, she understood her thoughts best. Although the relationship between the two was somewhat strained, the Grand Empress Dowager still wished for the Emperor to visit more often.

When Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang saw Kangxi, her fatigue vanished, and she was even more delighted to see Kangxi bringing Baocheng along, beckoning Baocheng closer and doting on him for a good while.

Kangxi sat to the side, occasionally speaking a word or two, and the atmosphere between the grandmother and grandson was not overly tense.

However, when it was time to eat, Kangxi did not stay to dine with them and instead left with Baocheng.

The Grand Empress Dowager seemed unbothered, but after Kangxi and Baocheng left, her smile faded slightly, and she sighed, "The Emperor has grown distant from me."

The Emperor's political acumen was evident, and even his grandmother was no longer as close and dependent as before.

Previously, the relationship between the grandmother and grandson was decent, but the issue of reducing the power of the feudal lords caused a complete eruption.

Now, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang wanted to ease the relationship between the two, but to no avail.

Already aged, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang now looked even more elderly, truly showing her years.

"Grand Empress Dowager, the Emperor still values you the most," Su Yi offered comfort from the sidelines, but the matter between the grandmother and grandson was not something anyone could intervene in.

This would take time; it couldn't be rushed.

"I am getting older, and I fear that when the time comes, the relationship between Khorchin and the Qing Dynasty will..."

The relationship between Khorchin and the Qing Dynasty had grown distant, and once Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang was gone...

Su Yi was well aware of the Grand Empress Dowager's concerns, but while the Grand Empress Dowager could voice them, Su Yi could not, as it was taboo.

Now, the Emperor was cautious about Mongolia. The Grand Empress Dowager had mentioned several times about bringing some Khorchin-born consorts into the Emperor's harem, but the Emperor had always refused, not relenting.

After leaving the Cining Palace with Baocheng, Kangxi returned to the Qianqing Palace, thought for a moment, and then sent someone to the Yonghe Palace to summon Consort Rong to dine with him at the Qianqing Palace.

When Su Yi received Kangxi's summons and saw the smiling eunuch from the Qianqing Palace before her, her smile faltered.

She had already started eating!