Chapter 038

Chapter 038

Su Yi's face lit up with a bright smile, "Alright then, I'll wait for your return, Your Majesty."

Her tone had a bit of a forced edge to it.

'Eat, eat, eat, do you have no one else to accompany you? Do you need someone to accompany you just to have breakfast?'

Kangxi knew full well, but he simply pinched Consort Rong's cheek in good spirits, "I'm leaving now."

After Kangxi left, Su Yi's smile slowly disappeared, and she casually leaned on Yun Hua, a gesture so habitual it was clear she did this often.

Su Yi appeared weak, "Just now, with His Majesty here, I could pull myself together, but now that he's gone, as my energy wanes, I feel a bit unwell."

Su Yi looked as if all her strength had been sapped, the rapid changes left everyone in shock.

Was Consort Rong just putting on a brave front earlier in front of His Majesty?

But the maids didn't dare to speak or ask.

They could only follow the orders and attend to her properly.

Kangxi's morning court would last an hour before concluding. During this time, Su Yi couldn't go back to Yonghe Palace, but she also didn't plan to sit there idly.

Su Yi reclined on the freshly prepared soft couch, this is what a person should rest on.

The emperor sleeps on such a hard bed every day; doesn't he find it uncomfortable?

Holding Yun Hua's hand in one hand and covering her face with the other, she began to worry, "Yun Hua, do you think I look really ugly now?"

"Not at all, Your Highness, you've always been beautiful to me. The imperial physician said these will go away in a few days, please don't let this upset you."

Yun Hua comforted gently, thinking that after yesterday's ordeal, Her Highness must have been terrified, and only now could she show her worry and vulnerability, which she couldn't display in front of His Majesty earlier.

Her Highness has really been through a lot, just when His Majesty was about to show her favor, this happened.

Twists and turns, nothing goes smoothly, she almost lost her life yesterday.

Thinking this, her gaze at her Highness became even more tender.

The feeling of being cared for by a little beauty is really nice, so sweet.

Who could refuse such care?

Su Yi couldn't, especially now, with only the little beauty Yun Hua by her side in the Qianqing Palace, if she returned to Yonghe Palace, it would be many times more joyful.

"I knew it, Yun Hua, you always know what to say, hearing you say that makes me feel better now, can you say some more nice things to comfort me?"

Su Yi began to whisper coquettishly, her peach blossom eyes filled with starlight, looking at Yun Hua with anticipation.

Frankly, she just wanted to hear the little beauty comfort her, and then fall asleep beautifully.

The other maids waiting in the Qianqing Palace: ???

Something seems a bit off.

Having tricked Consort Rong, Kangxi was in an exceptionally good mood during today's morning court, a stark contrast to yesterday's low pressure, making the ministers sigh with relief that His Majesty was finally back to normal today.

After the court, Kangxi returned to the Qianqing Palace and asked what Consort Rong had done after he left, wanting to know her reaction.

Upon learning that Consort Rong had quickly fallen asleep on the daybed.

"That's it? She didn't say anything?"

Kangxi found it hard to believe that Consort Rong could be so unconcerned.

Her emotions come and go so quickly?

The palace attendants then detailed everything Consort Rong had said and done after Kangxi left, leaving nothing out.

After listening, Kangxi's expression became unreadable, and he waved his hand to dismiss them.

He decided to go check on Consort Rong himself.

Before entering, he raised his hand to stop the attendant from announcing his arrival, slowing his steps as he walked in, just in time to see Consort Rong still deeply asleep, not yet awake, her hand still holding her handmaiden's hand.

Yun Hua was fanning Consort Rong with her other hand.

Originally, Kangxi wouldn't have thought much of it, but after the attendants told him what Consort Rong had done after he left, he couldn't help but ponder further.

Does Consort Rong have a habit of holding someone's hand while sleeping?

How come he didn't know that.

Kangxi's footsteps grew heavier, and hearing the noise, Yun Hua turned her head, her face paling as she withdrew her hand and knelt, about to greet Kangxi.

But Kangxi raised his hand to stop her, signaling her to stay quiet for the moment.

However, he didn't indicate for her to rise, instead sitting down on the side of the daybed, looking at the still sleeping Consort Rong.

Perhaps the movement of Yun Hua withdrawing her hand had roused her slightly, as Consort Rong showed signs of waking up, her eyes still closed, her hand moving as if searching for something, not finding it.

She wasn't fully awake yet, still groggy.

Kangxi extended his hand, and Consort Rong's hand reached out until it found his, gripping it with familiarity, and after a while, she gradually began to wake up, carefully feeling it, sensing something was off.

'Why does the maid's hand feel a bit different, a bit rough.'

Su Yi's first reaction when she opened her eyes was to look down.

Upon closer inspection, indeed,

'I knew it, clearly before sleeping I was holding a delicate hand, but upon waking it turned into a rough palm.'

Kangxi looked at her expressionlessly, his gaze icy.

Sensing that Kangxi might be in a bad mood.

Su Yi quickly reacted, showing a delighted smile to Kangxi, "Your Majesty, you're back, how wonderful, as soon as I woke up I saw Your Majesty, I am absolutely thrilled."

'Better to smile first, a smile can disarm anyone.'

What a phrase, a smile can disarm anyone.

Consort Rong's words, truly deceptive.

"Yes, I just came back from court to see you, and you woke up, it almost seems you dislike my hand, finding it uncomfortable, and that's why you woke up." Kangxi spoke with a half-smile.

His sharp gaze looked at her, as if trying to see through her.

Su Yi's eyes wandered for a moment, but she quickly reacted and responded,

"Nonsense, how could I ever disdain Your Majesty? I woke up precisely because I touched your hand, that familiar and reassuring touch, which immediately made me realize it was Your Majesty, and that's why I woke up."

'Help, the will to survive really thickens one's skin.'

'I can't believe this doesn't disgust you.'

In truth, Kangxi was indeed a bit repelled by her deliberately cloying words, but he could endure it.

He had endured when Consort Rong called him a dog of a man, so what's a little cloying now?

What couldn't he endure?

Kangxi finally showed a satisfied smile, as if he had been mollified. Just as Su Yi's heart was about to calm, she realized in the next moment that it was a mirage.

"Consort Rong, I truly relish hearing these words from you. Speak a few more for me."

Su Yi's smile stiffened.

'What's up with this guy?'

'A few more words, and I'll skip breakfast!'

It would spoil my appetite.

Kangxi pondered for a moment and conceded, after all, they hadn't breakfasted yet. It wouldn't do to harm the enemy a thousand at the cost of eight hundred of his own.

Su Yi covered her face with one hand, massaging her stiffened cheeks, and spoke with a touch of bashfulness,

"Your Majesty, you're quite something. I am a lady, even if I am joyous at heart, how can I always utter such things?" She made one last effort.

'If you insist, then I'll just throw caution to the wind.'

'Between you and me, one of us has to be the first to recoil.'

Kangxi, still keen on enjoying breakfast, decided to postpone it for another occasion.

"In that case, I won't press you," he swiftly altered his tone.

Su Yi soon noticed Yun Hua, still kneeling in silence without a word, and felt a twinge of heartache. She seldom allowed her little beauty to kneel much in Yonghe Palace, but visits to Qianqing Palace were always a hassle.

"Yun Hua, don't kneel anymore, come and help me up," she said with a smile, extending her hand towards Yun Hua.

Yun Hua looked up at her mistress, her eyes scanning to see if His Majesty had any objections. Seeing that he remained silent, she cautiously stood up and was about to step forward to assist her mistress when she was intercepted.

Kangxi's gaze swept over Yun Hua, sending a chill down her spine, and she immediately lowered her head, not daring to meet his eyes.

He reached out and took Su Yi's extended hand, speaking with a tone of consideration, "Let me do it. In case you trip like you did this morning, I can catch you."

Better not to have another crack on the floor.

After all, Consort Rong has a hard head. Her forehead was still a bit red this morning, but now it's completely gone.

Feeling the implied jab, Su Yi reluctantly accepted Kangxi's assistance.

——

"Any news from Yonghe Palace?"

The person asking this question was clearly in a good mood.

She went to bed early last night, hoping time would pass quickly so she could wake up early and hear some good news.

"Our people reported that Consort Rong was not sent back to Yonghe Palace last night."

"What?" The person looked over in disbelief. "Could the earlier news about Consort Rong being allergic to acacia flowers be false?"

How dare they play her for a fool!

"But the Qianqing Palace called for an imperial physician last night."

"Why an imperial physician? Is His Majesty unwell again?" she asked, her voice tinged with nervousness.

"His Majesty attended the morning court as usual today and appeared perfectly fine."

This meant the imperial physician wasn’t called for His Majesty, but for... Consort Rong!

Concubines are only permitted to call for court physicians. What gives Consort Rong the right to summon an imperial physician?

"If Consort Rong really fell ill, she wouldn’t be fit to serve in the bedchamber. How could she still remain?" She instinctively pushed the thought away, refusing to dwell on the reason.

The other person didn’t dare to respond.

Why else, unless His Majesty wanted her to stay? That’s why Consort Rong wasn’t sent back to Yonghe Palace.

But this couldn’t be spoken aloud, so silence fell between them.

To make His Majesty despise Consort Rong, she had sacrificed many people. Her plan was to make Consort Rong fall ill while serving in the bedchamber, causing her body to break out in red rashes—ideally, even her face wouldn’t be spared.

She aimed to shock His Majesty with this sight, ensuring he’d be left with a lasting bad impression of Consort Rong.

Even if Consort Rong recovered, His Majesty would remember her disgraceful state during her illness, and his desire for her would be ruined.

With such a tarnished image, no matter how beautiful Consort Rong was, regaining favor would be nearly impossible.

Consort Rong made her deeply uneasy, which is why she had to act while Consort Rong’s position was still precarious.

Her eyes filled with dissatisfaction as she glanced at the silent maids. "Go and investigate again," she ordered.

——

Every day, the concubines gather at Cining Palace to pay their respects.

It was a routine affair, but someone quipped, "It’s been a while since we’ve seen Consort Rong. She fell ill recently, and as soon as she recovered, His Majesty summoned her. I can’t help but feel inadequate."

Though her tone was light, the underlying jealousy was unmistakable.

"Sister, why say such things? Consort Rong’s health is fragile, always plagued by one ailment or another. But you—you’re in good health, with many days ahead of you."

This implied that no matter how much favor Consort Rong enjoyed, her poor health would be her undoing. She might even be destined for an early grave.

But with good health, if one could conceive a royal child, wouldn’t it surely lead to a healthy little prince?

The others listened, their expressions neutral, but inwardly, they couldn’t help but agree.

Someone who’s always sickly will never rise to greatness.

"You have a point, sister. I heard that Consort Rong fell ill again last night. She really is unlucky."

"Yes, it's such a pity for Consort Rong."

"I heard she broke out in rashes all over her body!"

"Ah," someone exclaimed, covering her mouth with a hand, her eyes glinting with schadenfreude, and said in an exaggerated tone, "That must have scared the Emperor."

This news had already spread among those in the palace who were in the know.

On normal days, if they had a pimple or a blemish on their faces, they would never dare to show themselves in front of the Emperor. No matter what, they had to find a way to fix or cover it up.

Each of them took great care of their looks, absolutely not allowing any imperfection, especially on their faces. If they were to appear ugly in front of the Emperor, they would be devastated.

Didn't you see how Yipin, after falling flat on her back near the Qianqing Palace, hid in her quarters until her foot injury healed before showing her face again? Wasn't it because she was afraid of being ridiculed?

Consort Rong was at the critical moment of serving the Emperor, and yet she fell ill again, breaking out in rashes all over her body.

Just imagining the scene was horrifying, and it showed that some people just weren't destined for such fortune.

Now, the concubines were all saying how unfortunate Consort Rong was, but deep down, each of them was secretly rejoicing at having one less formidable competitor.

The Emperor's favor was limited, and the harem was crowded. Losing any strong competitor was a cause for celebration.

It wasn't until the Imperial Noble Consort arrived that they reluctantly fell silent.

After all, Consort Rong was her younger sister. In front of the Imperial Noble Consort, they didn't dare to be so brazen.

The Imperial Noble Consort had seen from afar that these concubines were chatting, but as soon as she arrived, they composed themselves and stopped talking. After paying their respects, they all stood properly.

The Imperial Noble Consort, who had received the news faster than anyone else, surely knew what they had been discussing.

It was nothing but gossip about Consort Rong.

These women were laughing at Consort Rong's misfortune, unaware that last night, Kangxi had swiftly summoned an imperial physician to treat her.

Even though Consort Rong had broken out in rashes and her condition was frightening, making her unable to serve the Emperor, Kangxi still didn't send her back to Yonghe Palace. Instead, he allowed her to stay and share his bed.

He even had breakfast with her.

Could these concubines still laugh now?

Previously, due to Consort Rong's frail health, the Imperial Noble Consort had been indecisive.

Should she pin her hopes on Consort Rong, or should she make other plans? She had no choice but to prepare for both possibilities.

With such thoughts in mind, the Imperial Noble Consort's attention was somewhat divided, and she almost missed Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's words.

The Imperial Noble Consort quickly responded, maintaining her usual grace and composure.

But today's morning greetings, which were supposed to be casual, took an unexpected turn when Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang suddenly brought up Consort Rong.

"I heard that your younger sister, Consort Rong, has always been in poor health. Has she shown any improvement recently?"

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang was dressed simply, looking almost like an ordinary elderly woman, but her slightly clouded eyes still flashed with sharpness.

The Imperial Noble Consort felt a slight tension in her heart. "Your Majesty, my younger sister has always been frail, but she has been improving recently."

She wasn't wrong, otherwise Consort Rong's name wouldn't have been put back on the roster.

"Although there has been some improvement, it is still necessary to recuperate slowly and not rush things. As the Imperial Noble Consort, you should advise her more often," Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang said with implied meaning.

"Your words are wise, Grand Empress Dowager. I will take them to heart," the Imperial Noble Consort responded gently.

Consort Tongjia watched the scene with amusement, choosing not to interrupt.

After some more conversation, the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Tongjia tactfully excused themselves.

As they left, Consort Tongjia glanced at the Imperial Noble Consort and said, "Imperial Noble Consort, do not forget the words of the Grand Empress Dowager."

"No need for your concern, Consort Tongjia. I know what I'm doing," the Imperial Noble Consort replied coolly. Having just left Cining Palace, she didn't dare relax until she returned to Yikun Palace, where she finally let her true feelings show.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang is such a meddlesome old woman. The affairs of the harem are under my control, yet she constantly feels the need to step in and reprimand me.

Every day, I have to be on high alert during the morning greetings to handle Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang. How much longer do I have to put up with this?

Today, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang deliberately brought up Consort Rong, clearly wanting me, as her elder sister, to talk to her and advise her to focus on her health, leaving the matter of serving Kangxi for later.

She also reminded me that as the Imperial Noble Consort, I not only manage the harem but also have the duty to advise the Emperor to distribute his favor equally, and not to favor Consort Rong just because she is my sister.

Moreover, she's afraid that I might use Consort Rong's potential child to threaten the Crown Prince's position.

This old woman is such a nuisance. If it weren't for the conflict with Kangxi over the Three Feudatories, which forced Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang to retreat to the harem and reduce Kangxi's suspicion of her, she would still be meddling in all my affairs as the Imperial Noble Consort.

I wish she would just die already, but Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang is cunning and old. I don't dare act rashly, fearing failure and risking my own downfall.

——

Qianqing Palace

Breakfast

The little milk dragon sat between Kangxi and Consort Rong, turning his head to look at Kangxi one moment and then at Consort Rong the next.

This prime central position was perfectly handled by the little milk dragon.