Chapter 039

Chapter 039

Originally, it was only her and Kangxi having breakfast.

Because of Consort Rong, the breakfast was light, with no greasy dishes in sight.

Su Yi sipped the bland white porridge, feeling utterly lifeless.

After just one bowl, she set it down, propping her chin on her hand as she gazed at the furnishings of the Qianqing Palace, even eyeing the carpet on the floor.

"Are you done already?" Kangxi asked her from the side.

Kangxi had planned to stick to the 'no talking during meals' rule, but Consort Rong had only eaten one bowl of white porridge and nothing else, appearing as if she was already full.

Kangxi didn’t believe Consort Rong was full for a second; it seemed more like she was being picky.

"Have another bowl; I’ve never seen you eat so little," Kangxi implied, meaning that she used to eat quite a lot.

"No, I’m really full. Maybe I could serve you..." Consort Rong began.

Almost instantly, Kangxi blurted, "No need, Consort Rong."

He was terrified Consort Rong might offer to serve him breakfast again, given the last time had left him scarred. He couldn’t let her act recklessly again.

"Your Majesty, I wasn’t done talking. Why the rush to refuse?" Su Yi said slowly, propping her chin on her hand.

Kangxi realized he’d jumped the gun and explained, "I thought you were sick, so let the maids handle serving."

"I never said I wanted to serve you, Your Majesty. What are you on about?" Su Yi looked exasperated.

'Tsk tsk, I was about to ask if you wanted to hear a joke, and here you are imagining me serving you? Dream on.'

"Then I must’ve misheard," Kangxi said, trying to save face and act like nothing happened.

Suddenly, a small apricot-yellow figure squeezed between them, knocking the spoon from Kangxi’s hand back into the bowl.

As he was about to demand who dared, he spotted the familiar apricot-yellow figure from the corner of his eye. "Baocheng? What are you doing here?"

Kangxi usually checked Baocheng’s homework after breakfast, so why was he here now?

The little milk dragon was well-fed, small but solid. He thought he could slip through the gap between Su Yi and Kangxi.

But instead, he ended up shoving Su Yi and Kangxi apart.

Kangxi’s waist took a hit, and it wasn’t gentle—like a little bull charging around. He always taught his son to maintain proper decorum, especially as the crown prince.

The little troublemaker even flashed a big grin, "Imperial Father!"

The ache in his lower back made Kangxi want to give his son a good smack on his chubby behind.

The little milk dragon was thrilled, not just to see his Imperial Father but also Consort Rong.

He’d heard from the maids that Consort Rong was still in the Qianqing Palace and hadn’t left.

This time, he rushed over, eager to see Consort Rong before she left.

He really missed the scent of her.

Thinking this, he pushed even harder towards his Imperial Father, as Consort Rong was just a girl, and he didn’t want to squeeze her too much.

Kangxi: What the...?

"Baocheng, what are you doing?" Kangxi looked at him with a stern gaze, acting like a strict father.

The strict father act worked like a charm; at least the previously bold little milk dragon was immediately intimidated by his father's cold expression.

"I want to have dinner with you, Father," he said.

And with Consort Rong too, he thought to himself.

Kangxi was about to continue lecturing him, as running over like that wasn't okay.

But Su Yi was already signaling the maids to bring a stool.

The maids quickly brought a stool, and Su Yi gestured for it to be placed in the middle.

She had already scooted over to make space.

Spotting the stool, the little milk dragon plopped down without a second thought.

However, the stool was a bit high for him. Just as he was about to push himself up, he felt a hand grab his collar, and suddenly he was airborne.

The little milk dragon froze, eyes wide, too scared to move or kick, like a kitten caught by a big cat.

It wasn't until he was sitting on the stool that he realized he'd just been lifted into the air!

He saw Su Yi's hand retracting, and at that moment, his eyes lit up with excitement. At first, he'd been all princely pride, but now he was all starry-eyed for Su Yi, clearly wanting to fly again.

Kids his age love being tossed around like that—a little scared at first, but once they get the hang of it, they can't get enough.

Kangxi usually kept tabs on his meals and homework, but they hardly ever played like this, so it was all new to him.

But that little taste had the little milk dragon buzzing with excitement.

Su Yi, chin in hand, smiled gently and said, "We'll do it again sometime."

She looked so delicate, but she'd just lifted him like he was nothing.

He might be small, but he wasn't light.

"Yes, Consort Rong," the little milk dragon blurted, forgetting all about acting proper. He loved the flying feeling, but it was over too fast, leaving him wanting more.

The little milk dragon had all but forgotten his dad was even there.

Kangxi squinted and coughed, trying to get their attention.

But one was a clueless little milk dragon, and the other, sweet as she seemed, was sharp as a tack.

Kangxi coughed again, but they were too busy whispering. Finally, he spoke up, "Baocheng, didn't you want to dine with the Emperor?"

The little milk dragon then remembered his father and turned to him, "Yes, Emperor."

"Then sit properly, and don't move around while eating."

Kangxi looked at the wet nurse behind Baocheng, signaling her to keep an eye on him to prevent the crown prince from falling.

The stool was fine for adults, but it was a bit high for a child, who usually needed to be held.

The wet nurse quickly stepped forward to support him from behind. She hadn't known that Consort Rong was also here; this morning, after the little crown prince had reviewed his homework, he wanted to come see the Emperor.

Seeing that the little prince wanted to go see His Majesty, the wet nurse did not stop him and simply followed behind. Since the little prince did not want to be carried, she could only follow carefully from behind. When she noticed Consort Rong was also there, the wet nurse hid her surprise and didn’t let it show.

Consort Rong was still here?

She was even having breakfast with His Majesty.

Consort Rong’s exposed skin showed red marks, which marred her appearance. Even after yesterday’s sudden incident, where His Majesty had her stay for treatment, she was still asked to join him for breakfast?

The little prince also seemed quite close to Consort Rong and fond of her.

This needs to be reported to Lord Suo ASAP.