Chapter 044

Chapter 044

Despite Qinxin's excitement, her hands remained steady. The makeup she applied for Su Yi was understated yet subtly striking, appearing effortless yet exquisitely detailed.

The eyebrows were not the currently popular curved willow-leaf shape but slightly arched at the ends, accentuating her peach-blossom eyes. The lip color was a deep red, transforming Su Yi from a delicate beauty to a radiant and dazzling one.

Her bright eyes sparkled, radiant and alluring.

On her head, a beautifully styled hairpin and a velvet flower adorned her hair, light yet refined. A string of beige beads dangled on one side, swaying gently with her movements.

She changed into a rose-colored Shu brocade robe with intricate branch patterns, a color that made her skin appear even fairer, almost glowing.

Her hands were adorned with long, gold-filigreed and kingfisher-feather nail guards, enhancing her slender, jade-like fingers.

The flower-pot shoes she wore had a string of beaded tassels at the toe, swaying with each step, adding to her allure.

As the makeup was finished, Xiao Tianzi came running back.

Yipin was currently in her quarters. She had earlier taken someone to the Qianqing Palace to deliver stew but returned promptly.

Su Yi, leaning on Qinxin, stood up, thinking how cumbersome it was to go out. Though she looked beautiful, she was already dreading the thought of removing the makeup later.

"Your Highness, you look absolutely stunning," the other maids said. Although they knew Consort Rong was indeed beautiful, seeing her often had made them somewhat immune, at least not to the point of being awestruck.

But today, with such a formal attire, she looked even more stunning, and several of them took a while to regain their composure.

Su Yi smiled slightly; those who could speak eloquently were always pleasing.

"Let's go for a stroll," Su Yi said with a smile, her face full of anticipation as if she were genuinely going to bond with Yipin.

But after the incident with Yun Hua, it didn't seem like a friendly visit but rather a confrontation.

Su Yi rarely left Yonghe Palace, which was more unusual than anything else, especially since even after being ill for so long, she didn't look emaciated or haggard but remained as radiant as ever.

But the direction Consort Rong was heading seemed to be towards Yipin's quarters.

Although the harem was vast, it could also be said to be small. Any movement was quickly noticed, and news spread rapidly.

The conflict between Yipin's maid and Consort Rong's maid in the imperial kitchen had everyone waiting to see Consort Rong's reaction, as it was clear that Yipin had intentionally provoked.

If Consort Rong remained indifferent, she would indeed be seen as weak and looked down upon.

But Consort Rong was sickly, while Yipin was known for her sharp tongue, never backing down even when in the right, and her arrogance could be infuriating.

Would Consort Rong be able to match Yipin's presence?

But that didn't stop them from eagerly anticipating the drama. As soon as Consort Rong left Yonghe Palace, other concubines were already informed.

If it weren't for their status, they would have wanted to see the scene themselves.

Yipin was no exception.

She had Wanbi deliberately provoke to humiliate Consort Rong, as hitting a servant was like hitting the master's face.

If the other party wanted to come and settle the score, that would be even better. Yipin wasn't afraid; she was afraid Consort Rong wouldn't dare to come.

When she learned that Consort Rong was heading her way, Yipin sat waiting confidently. But as time passed, her certainty wavered.

From Yonghe Palace to here, even by sedan chair, it should take no more than half an hour. Why had almost an hour passed, and Consort Rong still hadn't arrived?

Why is Consort Rong taking so long? Didn't they say she had already left the Yonghe Palace?

After some thought, Yipin couldn't resist sending a maid to check on Consort Rong's whereabouts and the reason for her delay.

But then she stopped the maid, "Never mind, it would make me seem too eager for Consort Rong's arrival." Yipin sat there with an air of arrogance.

Since Consort Rong hadn't arrived yet, "Wanbi, how is my makeup?" The hot weather made her makeup prone to smudging. Yipin had been sitting for a while and felt a bit restless, thinking that if her makeup smudged, Consort Rong would laugh at her when she arrived.

Without waiting for Wanbi's response, Yipin commanded, "Touch up my makeup again." After some thought, she changed into an even more luxurious outfit.

She intended to outshine Consort Rong with her presence when they met.

With this goal, Yipin had her makeup applied more heavily than usual, with the corners of her eyes slightly curved to create a sharp, imposing look. Her lips were painted a vivid red, as bright as blood, and she donned a cloud-patterned brocade dress adorned with crabapple blossoms, making her as radiant as the flowers themselves.

She also wore a pearl-embroidered cloud shoulder, enhancing her noble and imposing demeanor.

After this meticulous preparation, Yipin sat down once more, anticipating Consort Rong's arrival and planning how she would dominate the conversation immediately.

Another hour passed, and Consort Rong was still nowhere to be seen. Yipin's composure was barely intact, and she couldn't help but inwardly curse, "Has Consort Rong perished on the way?"

"You, go and find out where Consort Rong is!"

Yipin couldn't help but send someone to check what was going on.

Soon, a eunuch returned, stammering, "Consort Rong has gone to Yikun Palace."

Thus, Yipin had been waiting for Consort Rong to arrive within half an hour, only to find out she had gone to Yikun Palace instead. No wonder she had waited nearly two hours without a trace of her.

Yipin was so furious that she grabbed a cup and hurled it to the ground. The pearl-embroidered cloud shoulder, though exquisite, was exhausting. Having sat for an hour, her shoulders were already aching. The prolonged wait made her restless, and her makeup felt sticky and unbearable.

"What a coward Consort Rong is, hiding like a turtle in its shell!"

She had been waiting like an idiot!

Yipin was livid, "Quickly, help me change out of these clothes!"

This attire was wearing her out. Had she known Consort Rong wasn't coming, she wouldn't have gone to such lengths and exhausted herself.

Just as Yipin was changing her clothes and preparing to remove her makeup, Consort Rong arrived.

Yipin: What the—?!

Her makeup was halfway off!

Is Consort Rong deliberately opposing her?

She didn't come earlier, and now that Yipin thought she wasn't coming, she shows up.

Yipin was so frustrated that she had someone deal with Consort Rong first while she reapplied her makeup.

She had someone entertain Consort Rong while she prepared to go out.

Consort Rong waited outside for a while, still looking fresh and composed. When she arrived, she seemed as comfortable as if she were in her own palace.

Su Yi gracefully sat down in the seat Yikun had just occupied.

Wanbi, seeing this, had to remind her, "Consort Rong, you're sitting in the wrong seat. This is the host's seat; as a guest, you should sit here."

After speaking, she pointed to a seat beside her, which was originally prepared for Consort Yipin, slightly lower than the main seat, and had not yet been removed.

Though her tone was respectful, her attitude was somewhat firm.

Su Yi glanced at it, not only didn't she get up, but she casually leaned against a soft pillow, "Who are you?"

"This servant is Wanbi, the chief maid serving Consort Yipin."

Wanbi spoke with an air of authority, resembling Consort Yipin's demeanor.

"So you're just a maid, then why didn't you bow when you saw me, Consort Rong? If it weren't for your maid's uniform, I would have thought you were the consort, able to see me without bowing," Su Yi said slowly.

Wanbi stiffened; she indeed had not bowed when she came out.

"This servant greets Consort Rong, I was in a hurry when I came out and forgot for a moment, I hope Consort Rong will not blame me." She then performed a bow, originally intending to be perfunctory, but fearing that Consort Rong might catch her words, she did it properly.

"Looking at Wanbi's demeanor, it seems the maids around Consort Yipin are more imposing than those of the Imperial Noble Consort," she added with a smile.

She tapped on the table, smiling, "I'm here, and not even a cup of tea is offered? Is it because Consort Yipin is too busy to care, and the palace staff can't even manage to serve?"

"Later, I must discuss with Consort Yipin how to manage the maids properly, after all, Consort Yipin is the mistress of the palace, she can't even manage the maids well, it would be a joke if it got out."

These words were truly infuriating; Wanbi was indignant but dared not confront Consort Rong, only thinking to herself that when the mistress comes out, she will see how long Consort Rong can remain arrogant.

She could only suppress her anger and say, "Consort Rong, why say such things? This servant will have someone bring tea, please wait a moment."

After speaking, she led the people down to prepare the tea.

At this time, Su Yi also stood up, "What's wrong with Consort Yipin, I rarely come, is she hiding from me?" The maids around wanted to stop Su Yi from entering the inner chamber, but Su Yi's people stood their ground, confronting them.

"Our mistress just wants to talk to Consort Yipin; the mistresses want to catch up. Can you stop them?!" Both are consorts, who is afraid of whom.

Consort Yipin was drawing her eyebrows when suddenly a reflection appeared in the mirror, startling her so much that her hand shook, and her eyebrow was drawn crooked.

"Bold! Who...?! Consort Rong" Behind her was Consort Rong, Consort Yipin did not expect Consort Rong to come in directly, what were those maids doing?

Her eyebrow was drawn crooked, and Consort Rong saw everything.

"Consort Rong, why did you come in? Didn't I have the maids entertain you, and I would come out after dressing?" Consort Yipin, embarrassed by Consort Rong seeing her in disarray, spoke not very kindly.

"Of course, because no one entertained me, I was bored waiting alone, so I came in to find you, waiting outside is also waiting, why not come in and chat with you, it's not forbidden, we are both women, sisters in the harem, there's no taboo."

Su Yi ignored Consort Yipin's displeasure, sat down, propped her chin, and watched Consort Yipin, intending to watch her dress up.

Consort Yipin cursed in her heart, where did Wanbi go?! And those serving maids, why didn't they stop Consort Rong!

All of them useless.

Just as Consort Yipin wiped the crooked eyebrow and was about to redraw it, Consort Rong suddenly said, "Eh, your powder doesn't seem to be evenly applied."

Those who wear makeup know, the worst is when others see your uneven foundation, dry lines, and caked powder.

Consort Yipin thought she had just removed her makeup and hastily applied powder; she couldn't help but suspect if it really wasn't evenly applied. Wasn't she being laughed at by Consort Rong?

"Is it?" she asked, uncertain.

"Here, it's caked," Su Yi affirmed seriously.

The maid serving Consort Yipin wanted to argue, saying it wasn't, that Consort Rong was talking nonsense, but Consort Yipin, who always loved beauty, couldn't tolerate any imperfection, especially when seen by her rival, making her even more unbearable.

Consort Yi slapped the maid beside her in irritation, "How did you apply my makeup? Are you trying to make a fool of me by being so careless?"

And in front of Consort Rong, of all people!

Consort Yi felt her temper flaring just thinking about it.

The maid, who had been scolded and slapped by Consort Yi, dared not argue back and only whispered, "Please forgive me, Your Ladyship."

Just as she was about to wash off and reapply Consort Yi's makeup, Consort Yi, who had repeatedly applied makeup today, found her face a bit irritated. But there was no choice; she couldn't possibly sit with Consort Rong bare-faced. She had just seen that Consort Rong's makeup was extremely refined today, not a smudge in sight, still clean and fresh.

If Consort Yi were to sit with Consort Rong without makeup, wouldn't she be outshone by Consort Rong?

After hurriedly washing her face, Consort Yi had someone apply the powder again. Su Yi suddenly came over and took the powder box, smiling as she said, "Why don't I help you with your makeup, Consort Yi?"

"What?" Consort Yi frowned. What was Consort Rong up to?

Just as she was about to grab the box back, Consort Rong caught her hand, moved behind her, and leaned close to her ear, looking into the mirror, "Don't be shy. In the harem, we often call each other sisters, so it's nothing out of the ordinary for us to help each other with makeup."

Su Yi's hand rested on Consort Yi's shoulder, seemingly lightly placed, but it kept Consort Yi from standing up, "You!" How could Consort Rong be so strong?!

Su Yi had already picked up the tools and started applying the powder. Whenever Consort Yi tried to move, Su Yi would say, "Stay still." This left Consort Yi feeling quite uncomfortable.

But then she thought, if Consort Rong made her look bad, wouldn't she have a reason to lash out at Consort Rong?

With this thought, Consort Yi relaxed and looked at Consort Rong, saying, "Then, Sister Consort Rong, you must do a good job. Don't play tricks on me because of what happened with the maids at noon."

Consort Yi began to try to take control of the situation.

"How could I? How could you think that of me?" Su Yi said with a smile, her eyes also very gentle.

She really didn't seem the least bit angry.

Being so close, Consort Yi stared intently at Consort Rong's expression, trying to see if she was just putting on a brave front, but she couldn't detect any forced indifference in Consort Rong.

Instead, at such a close distance, she could see how flawless Consort Rong's complexion was. Consort Yi wanted to find fault with Consort Rong, but after looking, she only felt more annoyed.

Her skin wasn't oily at all!

It had been some time, yet she looked as fresh as if she had just done her makeup. Consort Yi couldn't help but wonder which maid had done Consort Rong's makeup, as the skill was so impressive.

She didn't want to admit that Consort Rong's skills were good, nor that her complexion was good, thinking it must be her own makeup maid who was exceptionally skilled.

Consort Yi had thought Consort Rong was trying to play a trick on her, but glancing at the mirror, she saw that the makeup Consort Rong was applying was quite refined and different from her usual style. She usually went for a bright and vibrant look to highlight her beauty.

But the makeup Consort Rong was applying softened her allure a bit, adding more of a heroic air, which surprisingly looked very good and had a unique charm. Consort Yi refused to admit she was quite pleased.

Su Yi worked quickly, and Qinxin, watching from the side, felt something was off. This, this was the same procedure she had used when applying Consort Rong's makeup before they left.

Consort Yi looked quite satisfied, but she planned to wait until Consort Rong finished and then say she had done well.

She thought Consort Rong was foolish. She had had her people embarrass Consort Rong at noon, and now Consort Rong was here applying her makeup. She had thought Consort Rong would try to make her look bad, but instead, she was doing it so meticulously.

It was really laughable, and she wasn't afraid of being mocked for it.

After preparing the tea, Wanbi didn't see Consort Rong and found out she had gone into the inner chamber. "A whole group of you couldn't stop Consort Rong? Really, wait until Her Highness scolds you!"

With that, she rushed in, raising her voice as she walked, "Consort Rong! You can't just go in there, it's against the rules!"

She intended to assert her authority first.

Before Wanbi even entered the room, her loud voice had already carried into the room.

Su Yi's hand trembled slightly, causing the last stroke of the nearly finished eyebrow to extend too far, reaching out towards the temple.

The nearly perfect makeup was completely ruined, which pained Yipin immensely. She was about to angrily blame Consort Rong for ruining her makeup.

But then she saw Consort Rong's hand, holding the eyebrow pencil, trembling slightly before it fell to the ground. Consort Rong clutched her chest, looking distressed, and said, "Yipin, why is your maid so loud and disruptive? She startled me, and my heart is beating so fast now."

Qinxin quickly stepped forward to support Su Yi, who looked genuinely frightened, which stunned Yipin.

Yipin was stunned.

By this time, Wanbi had already entered the room. She was about to speak when Yipin turned and berated her, "You foolish girl! Why are you shouting so loudly? Look at what you've done to my face!"

Unable to vent her anger on Consort Rong, Yipin directed her frustration at Wanbi. Although she suspected that Consort Rong had done it on purpose, if it weren't for Wanbi's loud outburst, Consort Rong wouldn't have had an excuse to act up!

Especially since Consort Rong had been carefully applying her makeup without any mischief. If it weren't for Wanbi's shout, Consort Rong wouldn't have had the chance to cause trouble!

Wanbi hadn't seen Consort Rong applying makeup to Yipin, but seeing Yipin's eyebrow drawn out of place, she realized it must have been due to the person's hand trembling, likely because of her loud voice.

The makeup that Yipin had almost finished was ruined, and Yipin scolded Wanbi harshly. Wanbi felt both wronged and resentful but dared not retort.

Su Yi, with a sorrowful tone, said,

"Yipin, you really should discipline your maids better. Earlier, when I encountered them outside, they didn't even bow properly. I had to remind them before they reluctantly bowed. They didn't serve me tea unless I asked. If word gets out, people might think you have a grudge against me, deliberately letting your maids treat me with such disrespect to put me in my place."

She held a handkerchief, dabbing at her eyes, and continued with a pitiful tone, "Just now, we were so close, applying makeup together, getting along so well. It didn't seem like you had any issues with me. Why do your maids seem to have such a problem with me?"

Her tone was that of someone deeply wronged, causing Qinxin's lips to twitch slightly as she struggled to maintain a cold expression.

Yipin was completely speechless. What was this tone of being wronged?!

"Consort Rong, what nonsense are you talking about? I have no such intentions," Yipin retorted. Even if they were mocking each other, they couldn't be so blatant about it.

She glared fiercely at Wanbi, thinking how foolish she was, forcing her to clean up the mess!

Wanbi felt even more wronged under Yipin's glare. It was clearly Consort Rong's fault. Consort Rong was deliberately targeting her, probably because of the incident at noon!

When she first arrived, Consort Rong had subtly targeted her, and then sent her away to make tea. When she returned, she was scolded harshly by Yipin. She couldn't help but suspect that Consort Rong had orchestrated this all along.

Yipin looked at the ruined makeup, holding back her anger. Seeing Consort Rong still clutching her chest and complaining of discomfort, she felt even more furious. She gritted her teeth and asked, "Consort Rong, are you alright? Should I call a physician for you?"

"No need, I was just startled, and my heart is beating a bit fast. I'll be fine after drinking some tea," Su Yi replied with a weak smile, sitting still as if she couldn't move.

"Why are you still standing there? Hurry up and bring the tea!" Yipin was seething with frustration, thinking how dramatic Consort Rong was being!

"Yes, Your Highness," Wanbi reluctantly went out and soon returned with the freshly brewed tea. She set the tray on the table, suppressing her resentment, and handed the teacup to Consort Rong.

Su Yi looked up at her, and Wanbi met her gaze. Su Yi's smile was frozen, her gaze locked onto Wanbi, sending a chill down her spine. As Su Yi reached out her hand, Wanbi felt as if she wasn't reaching for the teacup but to strangle her.

Wanbi's hand holding the teacup trembled, spilling some hot tea onto her hand. The burn caused her to reflexively drop the cup, and the scalding tea splashed onto Consort Rong's robe, dampening a small part of the hem.

Su Yi's hand remained suspended in mid-air, ignoring the wet robe.

"Yipin, your maid can't even hold a teacup steady. Wouldn't people think that everyone in your palace is so inept?"

Yipin, who had been washing her face, heard the sound of the teacup shattering and looked over. She heard Consort Rong's words and saw Wanbi standing there, flustered, and Consort Rong's damp robe.

Yipin, who always valued her dignity above all, felt that Wanbi had humiliated her in front of Consort Rong, giving Consort Rong an opportunity to criticize her. She was furious with Wanbi but couldn't reprimand her in front of Consort Rong, as that would only make Consort Rong look better.

"Useless! Can't even serve tea properly. Just wait till I get my hands on you. Now get out of here!"

Wanbi thought to herself that as long as she wasn't in front of Consort Rong, she could just wait until Consort Rong left and then sweet-talk Yipin, and the matter would blow over. She was about to bow her head and back away.

"Wait, instead of punishing her, why not let Wanbi practice how to hold a cup of tea steadily?" Su Yi said, then turned to Qinxin, "Qinxin, go brew a fresh pot of tea."

Qinxin caught on immediately and quickly went to fetch a pot of scalding hot tea, bringing several teacups along. She moved so quickly, as if she were in the Yonghe Palace. Yipin was on the verge of speaking.

"Yipin, I'm doing this for your own good. If your servant is so incompetent, it's your reputation on the line," Su Yi said, casually touching her damp traditional Manchu dress.

Yipin glanced over, silently cursing Consort Rong for stirring up trouble. That clumsy Wanbi couldn't even hold a cup of tea steady, and now Consort Rong had an excuse to make a scene. But Consort Rong didn't outright suggest punishing Wanbi, and if Yipin didn't allow it, it would seem like she was favoring her servant!

"Then I'll trouble you, Consort Rong," Yipin said, her teeth clenched.

Seeing Yipin fall silent, Su Yi picked up a teacup and poured a full cup of scalding hot tea. She skipped the saucer and held the cup directly.

The steaming tea filled Wanbi with dread, but Su Yi held the cup as if it were no big deal. Qinxin, watching from the side, felt her heart skip a beat. "My Lady!"

Su Yi raised her hand, indicating it was nothing.

"Wanbi, aren't you going to reach out and take it?" Su Yi passed the cup of scalding tea to Wanbi, she said with a smile. "If I can hold this cup, surely you can manage it, right?"