Chapter 041

Chapter 041

After Kangxi left Yonghe Palace in a rage, the maids in Yonghe Palace were all terrified. They understood the principle that when one rises, all rise, and when one falls, all fall.

If Consort Rong were to be completely abandoned by His Majesty this time, their Yonghe Palace would have no hope left.

Yun Hua and another maid, Qin Xin, hurried in to see how Consort Rong was doing after Kangxi left.

They expected to find the lady in a state of panic, weeping and in need of comfort. However, they found her leaning on a soft pillow, looking calm. "It's Yun Hua and Qin Xin. Good timing. Please clean up the mess on the floor."

If not for the mess on the floor, Yun Hua and Qin Xin might have thought His Majesty's angry departure was just an illusion, given Su Yi's usual demeanor.

"Lady, are you alright?" Yun Hua asked uncertainly, wondering if she was in shock from the incident.

"What could possibly be wrong with me?" Su Yi replied with a puzzled expression.

It wasn't her who was angry, so why would anything be wrong?

Seeing Yun Hua's stunned expression, Su Yi smiled and said, "Alright, alright, don't look so worried."

Though Yun Hua was still a bit dazed, she quickly began cleaning up. Qin Xin, who was usually quiet, silently assisted with the cleaning.

After the two finished cleaning and were about to leave, Su Yi called out to Qin Xin, "Qin Xin, stay behind."

Yun Hua quickly glanced at Qin Xin, masking her expression, and then left alone.

Qin Xin was one of the people the Niohuru family had assigned to Su Yi in the palace. Although most of the personnel had been assigned to the Imperial Noble Consort, they still remembered to leave a small portion for Su Yi.

Qin Xin was one of them, known for her calm demeanor and plain appearance, unlike Yun Hua's more charming looks.

She usually worked quietly, while Yun Hua was the one who served more frequently.

"Lady."

"Has anything noteworthy happened in the palace today?" Su Yi asked, idly playing with her nails, which seemed a bit long and in need of trimming.

"Eunuch Liang from Qianqing Palace went to Zhongcui Palace and took away a few maids and eunuchs from Rongpin. He said they hadn't been properly trained, and the Imperial Household Department sent replacements."

Removing a few maids and eunuchs to fill vacancies wasn't particularly unusual, but the fact that someone from Qianqing Palace specifically came for this made people speculate about the deeper meaning behind the move.

The ones taken away were Rongpin's trusted maids and eunuchs.

This made it difficult not to think that Rongpin might have made some mistake, and His Majesty was deliberately sending her a warning.

Coincidentally, another recent incident involved Consort Rong.

"What about the Imperial Noble Consort?" Su Yi asked, propping her head up and looking at Qin Xin with interest.

"After learning about it, the Imperial Noble Consort was very angry. Coincidentally, the Third Prince fell ill, and Rongpin had called for a physician. The Imperial Noble Consort used this as an excuse to confine Rongpin to her quarters, ordering her to take good care of the Third Prince until he recovered."

It seemed like the elder sister was standing up for the younger sister, which made Su Yi want to laugh.

"Alright, I understand. When I feel better, I'll go to Yikun Palace to chat with the Imperial Noble Consort. You may leave now," Su Yi said, waving her hand to dismiss Qin Xin.

"Yes, Lady," Qin Xin replied, bowing her head.

The room was now left with only Su Yi.

So, it was Rongpin after all.

That's why it feels so tricky, coming here to try to smooth things over.

Isn’t it hilarious? Just because Rongpin’s situation is tough, does she think her own side is still a breeze to manage?

If that jerk expects her to take the heat for him, a few sweet words and some trinkets won’t cut it.

Taking his anger out on her—does he really think she’d cower and beg for forgiveness?

Su Yi couldn’t help but laugh out loud. She found Kangxi downright ridiculous. How could he think that tossing a few favors around would make all the concubines fall in line and worship him?

——

Zhongcui Palace

Rongpin’s emotions today were in turmoil. First, her plan worked, but it didn’t bring her the outcome she’d hoped for. Then, she believed she’d covered her tracks well enough that Consort Rong wouldn’t be able to trace anything back to her.

But she hadn’t anticipated the Emperor himself ordering an investigation. Originally, she’d been confident handling a newly arrived Consort Rong, who had little standing.

The Niohuru family belongs to one of the three highest-ranking banners, but there are two Niohuru women in the palace. Even if they left behind connections and resources, most would naturally favor the sister who’s already the Imperial Noble Consort, leaving only scraps for Consort Rong.

As long as she covered her tracks, Consort Rong’s reputation would be tarnished before she could even react—and by then, what evidence could she possibly find?

But that afternoon, someone from Qianqing Palace arrived and took away her trusted maids and eunuchs, claiming the Imperial Household Department would send replacements.

But this was no ordinary reshuffling. This was a direct blow to her dignity. Her trusted maids were taken, and the other concubines, always quick to gossip, would catch wind of it immediately.

They’d inevitably read into the move, and Rongpin could already picture the snide remarks they’d throw her way.

If it had been lesser servants, Rongpin could’ve played the high-and-mighty concubine, refusing to let them take anyone and then begging the Emperor for mercy.

But it was Liang Jiugong who arrived, and his presence signaled the Emperor’s direct involvement. Besides, Liang Jiugong was the Emperor’s favorite, and Rongpin couldn’t afford to slight him like Yipin, who had no sense of boundaries.

She forced a smile and asked, "What’s this about? These maids have served me well—why must they be retrained? Could you clarify, Eunuch Liang?"

She shot a glance at a maid, who quickly stepped forward with a fat pouch, "A token of appreciation for your trouble, Eunuch Liang."

Liang Jiugong eyed the pouch and flicked his whisk, "You’re too generous, Consort Rong, but I can’t accept this." Taking bribes now would be far too risky.

Rongpin’s smile faltered but quickly recovered, "Very well, Eunuch Liang. What about my maids and eunuchs?"

She glanced at the detained servants, a cold dread settling in her chest.

"They must all be taken. I’m merely following orders, so please don’t make this harder than it needs to be, Consort Rong. You know what this is about—no need for me to spell it out."

With a wave of his hand, he ordered, "Take them."

Rongpin’s face shifted through a range of emotions, her body numb with shock. Only when a maid gently guided her did she sink onto a stool.

Not long after Liang Jiugong left, the Imperial Household Department arrived, with the leader followed by several maids and eunuchs, exactly matching the number taken by Liang Jiugong earlier.

Just as he said, the Imperial Household Department quickly brought people to fill the vacancies, ensuring Rongpin wouldn’t be left without attendants.

But how could it be the same? Those were the ones Rongpin was used to, and having them all taken away at once was undoubtedly a heavy loss for her. The replacements matched the exact number taken, leaving Rongpin no say in who would serve her.

In the past, when the Imperial Household Department sent maids, they would always bring two or three times the number of people for selection. This time, Rongpin was not even allowed to make a selection.

Among these people, it was unclear if there were spies from others. She had to be cautious with these unfamiliar servants, and just thinking about it gave Rongpin a headache.

But for now, Rongpin had no choice but to accept them.

Her actions had come to the Emperor's attention, which is why Liang Jiugong was sent to reprimand her and make her restrain herself.

At least her dignity was spared, so what more could she ask for?

Actually, before taking action, she had considered that the Emperor might find out, but Rongpin was confident that even if the Emperor knew, his punishment would not be too severe.

Yinzhi and the Third Princess still needed the care of their birth mother. She had lost so many children, and considering past affections, the Emperor would surely be lenient.

This outcome wasn't the worst Rongpin had imagined; in fact, it was quite favorable.

At least outwardly, it was not directly stated what mistake she had made.

After this, she would restrain herself.

As for Consort Rong, she wasn't anything to write home about.

Through this move, she had gauged Consort Rong's standing in the Emperor's heart, and she had achieved her goal.

But Rongpin was still unwilling to just sit back and wait for the Emperor's anger to fade.

She knew that once Consort Rong found out, she would connect it to her, but Rongpin felt she had already been cleared in the Emperor's eyes.

Yet she couldn't help but want to provoke Consort Rong.

It was that kind of attitude—so what if she did it? She was still fine and wouldn't easily fall because she had the Third Prince and the Third Princess.

As long as she had the Third Prince and the Third Princess, the Emperor would not harm her.

Rongpin then sent someone to summon the imperial physician, claiming the Third Prince was ill again.

Firstly, to annoy Consort Rong, and secondly, to leave an impression of a devoted mother tirelessly caring for her child in the Emperor's eyes. Even if she had made a mistake, her love for her children was genuine, and no one could care for the Third Prince as attentively as his birth mother.

As long as she stayed with her child for a while, over time, this matter would naturally pass.

She no longer sought the Emperor's affection. Having given birth to so many children, her body was already worn out. It was just Consort Rong's title that she couldn't stomach.

Having figured this out, Rongpin quickly composed herself, returning to her usual demeanor. She then briefed the new maids and eunuchs on the rules, offered a few words of caution, and sent them on their way.

She appointed someone to take over as head maid, removed her hairpins, changed into plain clothes, and went to see the Third Prince, waiting for the imperial physician.

To her surprise, someone from the Imperial Noble Consort's palace arrived with the physician.

It was Yuzhi, the head maid from Yikun Palace, who arrived just after the physician.

Yuzhi conveyed the Imperial Noble Consort's message in a few words: The Third Prince was frequently falling ill, and she, as his noble mother, was very concerned. The Third Prince was still young and needed his mother's care. To let Rongpin focus on caring for the Third Prince without any distractions, she was excused from paying respects to the Grand Empress Dowager for a few days, until the Third Prince recovered.

The Grand Empress Dowager would be informed, and surely, for the sake of the Third Prince's health, she'd let Rongpin take good care of him.

Was this a way to confine her?

Not letting her use the Third Prince to play the victim?!

Otherwise, she'd have to keep tending to the Third Prince without being allowed to step out, not even to pay her respects!?

What an impressive Imperial Noble Consort!

No surprise she’s from the Niohuru family. Right after she plotted against Consort Rong, the Imperial Noble Consort wasted no time finding an excuse to scold her.

After delivering the Imperial Noble Consort’s message, Yuzhi didn’t wait for Rongpin’s response—she just bowed and left. That dismissive attitude really got under Rongpin’s skin. How dare a lowly maid show her such disrespect? The Imperial Noble Consort sure knows how to throw her weight around.

It’s like the harem has turned into the Niohuru family’s playground.

One wields palace authority, while the other is young, beautiful, and at the peak of her charm.

Even the Guoluoluo sisters pale in comparison.

Rongpin’s anger was still simmering when she heard that His Majesty had stormed out of Yonghe Palace. The news instantly brought a smile to Rongpin’s face.

What a rollercoaster of a day.

Rongpin had managed to anger His Majesty, but knowing why, she couldn’t help but chuckle.

Consort Rong must have figured out it was her and made a fuss, demanding His Majesty take revenge. But since His Majesty only gave her a slap on the wrist, it was clear he didn’t want to blow things out of proportion.

His Majesty’s evening visit to Yonghe Palace was probably meant as a peace offering, but Consort Rong blew it by foolishly provoking him.

The more Rongpin mulled it over, the more convinced she became.

The good news lifted the day’s gloom. So what if His Majesty had scolded her? The harem women were too busy laughing at Consort Rong’s blunder to bother with her.

She figured Yonghe Palace would be tossing and turning all night.

——

At this moment, Su Yi was indeed not sleeping.

After sending all the maids away, she sat up in bed, crossed her legs, and opened her palms. A few wisps of purple energy swirled in her pale palms.

Su Yi cradled the strands of purple energy, holding them aloft before her.

The purple energy drifted from her hands, swirling until it slowly dissipated.

As Su Yi meditated, her skin took on a faint glow, and the red marks from earlier in the day vanished completely.

After a moment, Su Yi’s serene expression twisted into a slight grimace, and she furrowed her brow. At the same time, a thin line of blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.

Su Yi quickly stopped her cultivation, calmed her breathing, and after a moment, opened her eyes, her gaze as cold as the moon. She wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth.

She sighed softly, staring at the bloodstain on her handkerchief, and murmured, "Still not enough." It was like a bottomless pit.

Three years had only allowed her to stabilize in this body, but returning to the cultivation world remained a distant dream. Any slight movement would cause this body to collapse.

——

Yikun Palace

"Your Highness, it's late. You should rest soon," Yuzhi gently reminded.

The Imperial Noble Consort was playing a game of black and white chess alone, still staring at the board late into the night.

"I'm not tired yet," the Imperial Noble Consort said, holding a black piece, slowly cornering the white pieces.

Yuzhi dared not speak further and quietly stood by.

"You see the white pieces, from the initially open board, gradually being surrounded by the black pieces, forcing them into a dire situation. The white pieces have no choice but to either beg for mercy from the black pieces or struggle to break free from the encirclement," the Imperial Noble Consort said, holding a black piece with a meaningful tone.

"Yuzhi, if you were the white pieces, what would you do? Surrender to the black pieces, or fight to break free?" The Imperial Noble Consort looked at Yuzhi, picked up a handful of white pieces, and handed them to her.

Yuzhi dared not take them and immediately knelt down, trembling with fear. "Your Highness, this servant knows nothing about the game of Go and dares not speak nonsense."

"Why are you kneeling? I am merely asking for your thoughts," the Imperial Noble Consort said coldly, visibly annoyed by Yuzhi's fearful demeanor. She threw the white pieces back onto the board.

"Speak up. I won't blame you," the Imperial Noble Consort insisted, her tone firm, leaving no room for evasion.

Yuzhi had no choice but to carefully consider the Imperial Noble Consort's words and cautiously respond, "If it is as Your Highness says, this servant would... would beg for mercy from the black pieces, hoping to preserve a sliver of hope. This servant is foolish and lacks the ability to break through the black pieces' encirclement, so this is the only option."

This was likely what the Imperial Noble Consort wanted to hear.

The news that Consort Rong could not touch acacia flowers was deliberately leaked to Rongpin by the Imperial Noble Consort, precisely so that Rongpin could seize this opportunity to act against Consort Rong.

Later, under the pretext of avenging Consort Rong, Rongpin was placed under house arrest, a move that seemed to protect Consort Rong but actually cleared the Imperial Noble Consort of suspicion.

After all, Consort Rong was her younger sister. How could she not know that Consort Rong could not touch acacia flowers? Rongpin, who was previously unfamiliar with Consort Rong, had somehow obtained this information—all thanks to the Imperial Noble Consort's behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

But Yuzhi couldn't understand: wasn't Consort Rong the Imperial Noble Consort's own sister? Why would she scheme against her own flesh and blood?

In this game of Go, the black pieces symbolized the Imperial Noble Consort, while the white pieces represented Consort Rong.

The Imperial Noble Consort wanted Consort Rong to submit and seek her protection, so she had to trap Consort Rong in a predicament. Tonight, when the Emperor angrily left Yonghe Palace, the palace servants, who were always quick to fawn over the powerful and trample the weak, would make Consort Rong's situation even more precarious.

Only by aligning herself with her elder sister, the Imperial Noble Consort, could Consort Rong hope to secure her place in the harem.

This response must be correct.

Indeed.

The Imperial Noble Consort reached out, pinching Yuzhi's cheek gently, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Yuzhi, you are very astute. That's why I like you so much."

"However, it's a pity that you made one mistake," she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "Once the black pieces have trapped the white pieces, even if the white pieces beg for mercy and cling to a sliver of hope, it is futile. There can only be one victor. This game of Go mirrors life itself, with the black and white pieces representing people. Do you understand?"

As she leaned in close to Yuzhi, her soft voice and the breath she exhaled made Yuzhi feel as if she were enveloped by a venomous snake, its forked tongue flickering before her eyes. Everything she said filled Yuzhi with immense fear.

But Yuzhi could not resist. Her face pale, she could only nod in agreement, her fear palpable.

Seeing Yuzhi so frightened, stripped of her usual composure, filled the Imperial Noble Consort with a twisted sense of satisfaction. She had changed so much in this era, a shadow of her former self.

"Yuzhi, did I scare you?" She released Yuzhi and picked up a handkerchief to wipe her hands.

It was as if she were teasing a monkey, deriving perverse pleasure from Yuzhi's terrified expression.

After all, her daily life was one of constant repression. In front of Kangxi, she dared not make the slightest misstep, always striving to appear gentle and dignified, yet never managing to win his favor.

"No, Your Highness, it is this servant who is timid. It is not Your Highness's fault."

Yuzhi remained kneeling, not daring to move, as the Imperial Noble Consort picked up the black and white pieces and resumed the game, her focus unwavering.

Only when Yuzhi's knees began to ache from prolonged kneeling did the Imperial Noble Consort finally finish the game.

As she had said, the white pieces first pleaded for leniency and yielded to the black pieces, buying some time, but ultimately could not escape being utterly defeated by the black pieces. Initially, it was just a siege, but now it had turned into a hopeless situation, with no chance of recovery.

The Imperial Noble Consort looked at the result with a satisfied smile, as though she suddenly remembered that Yuzhi was still kneeling on the ground. "Look at me, I got so engrossed in the game that I forgot about you. I even forgot you were kneeling. Get up now."

By now, Yuzhi's knees had gone numb. She understood that the Imperial Noble Consort's claim of forgetting was actually deliberate, but she didn’t dare show any resentment.

Instead, she had to say, "Thank you, Your Highness. I didn’t want to interrupt Your Highness while playing. I haven’t been kneeling for long, so please don’t worry about it."

Then, she pretended to get up as if nothing was wrong, not daring to show any sign of the numbness in her knees.

The Imperial Noble Consort had Yuzhi clean up the items while she watched Yuzhi act as if nothing was wrong, enduring the discomfort in her legs. She couldn’t help feeling a bit smug.

Fortunately, she had been born into the Niohuru family, one of the elite upper three banners of the Eight Banners, a noblewoman who entered the palace as a concubine, living a life of privilege, served by others.

Those from the lower three banners could only enter the palace as servants, and rising through the ranks was nearly impossible. Thinking of this, the Imperial Noble Consort felt a smug sense of superiority.

After toying with Yuzhi long enough, the Imperial Noble Consort finally let her go.

After Yuzhi respectfully bowed and left, she shuffled slowly back. Only when she returned to her small room did her steps grow unsteady. She sat down and slowly pulled up her pant legs. As expected, her knees were already bruised.

She felt a deep bitterness. The Imperial Noble Consort was kind in appearance but cruel in reality. To outsiders, she seemed to live in glory as the chief maid of Yikun Palace, but they did not know that she bore her own hidden struggles. She wished she could have stayed a second-class maid as before.

——

Qianqing Palace

Liang Jiugong nervously waited for His Majesty to retire, thinking that he could finally breathe easy.

Tonight, the Office of Imperial Household Affairs, seeing that His Majesty had returned, thought of bringing the green head plaques to him. But given His Majesty's mood, how could he possibly be in the mood? Afraid that His Majesty's anger might spill over to him, Liang Jiugong reminded them a few times.

The people from the Office of Imperial Household Affairs then took the green head plaques back, not wanting to risk His Majesty’s wrath.

Just as he stood outside, wanting to relax his shoulders, he heard His Majesty roar from inside, "Liang Jiugong!"

Liang Jiugong froze in place: ?!