Chapter 049

Chapter 049

Kangxi: !!

Baocheng’s got my back!

Kangxi steadied his expression and pretended to be natural, "I just wanted to try switching hands, and it turns out using the left hand isn’t too hard."

At first, the food kept slipping off, and I had to keep picking it up to avoid a mess on the table.

The little milk dragon was still very supportive of Kangxi. He sighed, "But using the left hand is really tough."

He looked at his tiny hands, which couldn’t even hold chopsticks steady, so he had to use a small spoon. But even then, his hands would tremble, and the food would still fall!

He was a little worried, wondering when he’d learn to use his left hand like the Emperor and Consort Rong.

Su Yi couldn’t help but laugh, her eyes sparkling with genuine amusement, looking especially gentle and charming. Though Kangxi pretended not to care, he kept sneaking glances at her out of the corner of his eye.

Of course, he saw her smile, and his gaze lingered for a moment, slightly dazed, but he quickly snapped back to attention.

"It’s no big deal," Kangxi said casually, basking in Baocheng’s admiring look for a moment.

Su Yi glanced at Kangxi and finally figured out why he was acting so oddly today. She didn’t know what to say, so she just smiled and said, "As long as you’re happy."

'As long as you’re happy.' Hiss—it sounded like a thoughtful remark, and for once, Consort Rong’s words matched her thoughts, but Kangxi couldn’t shake the feeling something was off.

Then Su Yi even served him some food, adding gently, "Eat up."

'Ugh, this ridiculous competitive streak—is it an emperor thing?'

'Even this has to be a competition—what’s it doing to the poor kid?'

Kangxi had just thought Consort Rong was finally being genuinely gentle, but he was quickly proven wrong.

He shouldn’t have gotten his hopes up.

He overheard Consort Rong whispering to Baocheng, "Really, it doesn’t matter which hand you eat with—you don’t have to copy your Emperor, he..." Her voice trailed off, and Kangxi couldn’t make out the rest.

All he saw was Baocheng giggling like he’d just heard some juicy secret.

Kangxi wanted to lean in, but Consort Rong had already straightened up and shot him a weird look, as if to say, 'What are you doing?'

Kangxi quickly sat back up straight, trying to look like he hadn’t been eavesdropping, just leaning forward without thinking.

After the meal, Su Yi had already found a cozy spot to relax. After eating, the best part was lounging back, unlike Kangxi, who had to keep up his royal posture.

At first, the little milk dragon, with his full belly, tried to sit properly, but soon he couldn’t resist leaning back, and Yonghe Palace had another little lounger.

Only Kangxi kept his posture. He almost gave in and relaxed like Consort Rong, but with all the maids watching, he had to keep up his imperial image.

He didn’t scold Consort Rong, but said sternly, "Baocheng, look at you—no sense of proper posture."

Even if he scolded Consort Rong, she wouldn’t listen.

Not only would she not listen, but she would also secretly curse him in her heart, so Kangxi simply didn’t bother to pick on her.

Baocheng is the future crown prince, so his behavior and manners naturally need to be proper. It's definitely not because the older one is less pliable, while the younger one is still soft and easy to pinch.

After being reprimanded by his father, the little milk dragon couldn't help puffing out his cheeks like a bun, feeling a bit embarrassed. He stood up, his little hands fidgeting with each other, and his mouth slightly pouted. It was the classic "I'm wronged, but I won't say a word" look.

His little eyes couldn't help but glance towards Consort Rong, as if saying, "Consort Rong, look, the Emperor is always like this."

When Kangxi noticed where Baocheng's little eyes were looking, he scoffed, "Why are you looking at Consort Rong? Am I wrong?"

Consort Rong, on the other hand, was feeling drowsy after eating, and her blood had gathered in her stomach. This was her usual nap time. But since Kangxi was still there, she sat, wanting to lean back and doze off.

But the constant chatter was making her impatient.

The little milk dragon could only muster a small hum of protest, his last bit of defiance, daring to be upset but not daring to speak up.

Kangxi was about to seize the moment to speak, "Baocheng, you are..."

Suddenly, Consort Rong reached out and smacked the armrest, "Who's been yapping non-stop?" she asked irritably, her face showing her displeasure at being disturbed, her mood dark.

The maids were all taken aback, and no one expected Consort Rong to be bold enough to slam the table in front of the Emperor. Even more shocking was the armrest she had just slapped, now wobbling precariously.

Clearly, Consort Rong had put some muscle into it...

Kangxi saw the wobbling armrest and couldn't help gulping, holding back the bold words on the tip of his tongue.

The little milk dragon had already clapped his chubby hands over his slightly open mouth.

The room fell silent.

Consort Rong came to her senses and realized what she had just done. She looked at the armrest naturally, "What's this? The craftsmanship is so shoddy it broke with a mere touch."

She reached out and tugged at it.

The previously wobbling armrest came off like a piece of paper under Consort Rong's tug.

Consort Rong paused for a moment, looking at the piece of armrest in her hand, then suddenly lowered her head and said in a delicate voice, "Oh dear, you wouldn't think that I just slapped it off, would you? Hahaha, how could that be?"

She placed the armrest aside, then covered her chest and leaned back, saying with lingering fear, "That really scared me."

The contrast between her earlier irritable, low-pressure state and her current delicate, fragile state was stark.

For a moment, everyone was a bit dazed. Had they just imagined it?

Or was the armrest really poorly made and just fell off with a touch?

After all, Consort Rong looked so slender and delicate, she probably didn't have much strength. It was easier to believe that the armrest was poorly made than to believe she had done it.

The maids of Yonghe Palace had a strong filter for Consort Rong. Although it was unbelievable, they believed it.

Only Kangxi wasn't convinced that the armrest was faulty. He thought it was Consort Rong's doing.

In the palace, how could the craftsmen dare to cut corners? The craftsmanship might not be outstanding, but at least the quality was guaranteed.

Only he knew that Consort Rong was actually quite strong, not at all as fragile as she looked. When her little fists hit his chest, it was no joke. He still felt a bit panicked thinking about it.

Kangxi appeared the most composed and calm among everyone, but his hand, which was holding the teacup to drink, trembled slightly.

He decided to take a sip of tea to steady himself first.

Liang Jiugong, standing nearby, also felt like having a sip of tea to calm down—it was truly frightening.

After a sip of tea, Kangxi regained his composure. Just as he was about to say something, he saw Consort Rong looking at him, smiling innocently, "Your Majesty, surely you don’t think your humble concubine has such strength, do you?"

Kangxi was silent for a moment, "No."

He found it surprisingly easy to lie through his teeth.

"Your concubine knew Your Majesty wouldn’t misunderstand. Just now, your concubine merely tapped lightly, and it made such a loud noise—oh my, it was truly startling. Your concubine’s heart is still racing, even feeling a bit..." she exaggerated her breathing, "short of breath."

Su Yi leaned against the other intact armrest, her brows slightly furrowed, her face pale, instantly creating the atmosphere of a sick beauty. This seamless act convinced the little milk dragon, who, being young, genuinely believed her and went over to ask if she needed to rest.

It was quite the eye-opener for Kangxi.

No one could top her.

"Is that so? Just now, I thought I heard you babbling non-stop?" Kangxi deliberately brought this up, likely because his tongue slipped, and he couldn’t help but let it out.

Hmph, Kangxi couldn’t help but inwardly scoff.

"You misheard, your concubine said no such thing." Su Yi refused to admit.

She had said nothing just now.

"So I misheard?" Kangxi changed his sitting posture, leaning closer to Consort Rong. He never strayed too far from Consort Rong, lest he miss the 'dramatic' moments in her mind.

"Yes, that’s correct," Su Yi replied with utmost seriousness.

'That was the old Consort Rong who said it—what does that have to do with the current one?'

'If there’s an issue, take it up with her.'

"Hmph," Kangxi snorted, shooting her a displeased glance. Consort Rong’s ability to talk her way out of things was second to none.

"Hmph," Su Yi replied with a smile, echoing his tone.

'You can snort—so can I.'

The little milk dragon watched from the side, noticing that Consort Rong’s smile seemed off—different from her usual warm expression.

The Emperor, too, seemed different—his expressions had grown far more animated. Before, he’d only scold with a stern face. Hmph, he even secretly snorted on the side, his demeanor mirroring Kangxi’s perfectly.

——

"Your Highness, the Imperial Noble Consort’s birthday is just a few days away." Yun Hua reminded from the side. The other ladies in the palace were already preparing gifts for the Imperial Noble Consort's birthday, but she had not seen her Highness prepare anything.

If she doesn’t start preparing soon, it’ll be too late.

"Isn’t the storeroom already packed with things?" Su Yi indicated that there was no need to rush. Recently, Kangxi had been giving her things under various pretexts, and the storeroom was already quite full. When the time comes, just pick some things from there that can make a good impression, isn’t that enough?

Why bother thinking?

Yun Hua was a bit worried, "I heard that some of the ladies in the palace are preparing gifts by hand. If Your Highness just picks some things casually, I'm afraid it might..."

As the sister of the Imperial Noble Consort, she hadn't even prepared anything by hand, copied Buddhist scriptures, embroidered a piece, or made some small pouches, sachets, or handkerchiefs.

Otherwise, it might come off as insincere.

Would Su Yi really go through the trouble of making gifts herself?

Instead of just picking a few items from the pile to send, she’d have to go through the hassle of preparing something herself—something Su Yi, being lazy and laid-back, would never do.

But she couldn’t just brush off Yun Hua’s worries. After some thought, she said,

"How could that be? The Imperial Noble Consort knows I’m not exactly full of energy—she wouldn’t want me wearing myself out over this. If I were to force myself and ended up falling ill, the Imperial Noble Consort would end up worrying about me instead. Sending gifts straight from the storeroom still shows I care, silly Yun Hua. Sisters don’t need to stand on ceremony."

Besides, they’re more like fake friends anyway.

Su Yi, with her usual ‘I-can’t-be-bothered’ attitude, easily talked Yun Hua around. After thinking it over, Yun Hua realized the lady had a point. If the lady were to fall ill from overexertion before the Imperial Noble Consort's birthday, it would only cause more trouble. These little formalities didn’t really matter.

The storeroom was packed with plenty of things. "Then, my lady, I’ll head to the storeroom and pick out some items, then make a list for you to look over. We can then send these as gifts for the Imperial Noble Consort's birthday."

Su Yi nodded in agreement and sweetly added, "Thanks for all your hard work, Yun Hua. I’d be lost without you—I’m so lucky to have you around."

Yun Hua blushed at the praise, her smile spreading across her face. "My lady, you always know just what to say to make me feel special." Then, with a beaming smile, she left, feeling as if she were floating on air.

Qinxin sighed to herself. Not long ago, the lady had said almost the same thing to her.

"Qinxin, I feel very reassured leaving things to you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know what to do."

It was almost word-for-word what she’d just told Yun Hua.

But her reaction at the time had been quite similar to Yun Hua's...

At first, Qinxin had been a little flustered, but after hearing it a few times, she realized the lady had a soft spot for pretty faces. Nearly all the maids in Yonghe Palace who were even a little good-looking got gifts from the lady now and then—rouge, powder, silk flowers, velvet hairpins, and sometimes even clothes made from fine fabrics as rewards. Even the eunuchs got their share.

In other palaces, the prettier maids were often targets of their mistresses’ jealousy, who’d go out of their way to make life hard for them, afraid they might one day outshine them.

But in Yonghe Palace, as long as they stayed within the rules, the maids were all stunning.

Sometimes, the other concubines couldn’t figure out what Consort Rong was thinking. How could she be so relaxed with all these gorgeous maids around? Didn’t she worry?

Even though Consort Rong was beautiful, didn’t men always crave something new?

Who knows? After a steady diet of fancy dishes, they might start hankering for plain rice and veggies. Consort Rong was truly overconfident.

No matter what others thought, Qinxin had felt the same way at first. But over time, she realized the lady just had a thing for pretty faces.

And even though the Emperor often dropped by Yonghe Palace, sometimes staying overnight, and the other concubines were green with envy, the lady was clearly the Emperor’s favorite. When the Emperor was swamped, he’d disappear, but as soon as he had free time, he’d head straight to Yonghe Palace, skipping the others.

Yet, the lady and the Emperor had never...

Every time he stayed, no water was requested, and the bed was always spotless in the morning.

But when the lady and the Emperor were together, they seemed so cozy and affectionate.

How could that be...

But if this were to leak out, it would cause trouble. Those concubines who were already seething with jealousy would surely mock the lady without mercy.

Qinxin couldn't help but subtly hint at this to the lady, but at the time, the lady didn't say anything. She just looked at Qinxin calmly, and Qinxin felt her heart stop. An invisible pressure washed over her, and she broke out in a cold sweat.

Then the lady smiled, as usual, "Qinxin."

Qinxin felt as if she had come back to life, gasping for breath like someone emerging from water. She immediately knelt down and apologized, "This servant spoke out of turn and overstepped. Please punish me, my lady."

Afterwards, Consort Tongjia did not punish her, but Qinxin no longer dared to assume that Consort Tongjia, who usually seemed kind and approachable, would overlook her status and meddle in affairs.

——

Consort Tongjia has been quite troubled recently. Uya's pregnancy is becoming more noticeable, and as her belly grows, she often mentions during her visits, asking the Emperor to come and see the child she is carrying.

Consort Tongjia herself hasn't even seen Emperor Kangxi, yet she has to manage whether Uya, a mere attendant, gets to see the Emperor.

If it weren't for the time when Uya requested a doctor and the Emperor came to see her, Consort Tongjia had hoped to use the opportunity to ask the Emperor to stay overnight.

However, this is easier said than done. Sometimes the Emperor is so busy with state affairs that he doesn't visit the harem for ten days or even half a month. Even when he occasionally has free time, he visits Yonghe Palace to see Consort Rong.

Sometimes he not only goes himself but also takes the Crown Prince with him. It's unclear what the Emperor intends by this, making it difficult to claim that Consort Rong is being exclusively favored, especially since the Crown Prince is often present. The number of overnight stays isn't particularly high, but compared to other palaces, it appears more frequent.

With the Imperial Noble Consort in a higher position, even Consort Tongjia can only make a few bitter remarks, while others are unable to voice their opinions.

Uya keeps coming to her with her prominent belly, which greatly annoys Consort Tongjia. In a few days, it will be the Imperial Noble Consort's birthday, and Consort Tongjia must bring gifts. It's another thing she dislikes, and nothing seems to be going in her favor.

Uya, with her prominent belly, is hesitant, fearing that something might go wrong at the Imperial Noble Consort's birthday banquet, especially since she is nearing her delivery date.

She considered discussing with Consort Tongjia to see if she could be excused and stay in the side hall to rest.

"Who do you think you are? Even I must attend the Imperial Noble Consort's birthday banquet to offer congratulations. Don't think that just because you're carrying the royal child, you can be presumptuous and expect me to arrange things for you! You, Uya!"

Consort Tongjia has been in a bad mood lately, and encountering Uya seeking a scolding, she naturally took the opportunity to vent her anger.

Uya was left embarrassed by the reprimand. Over the past few months, she has been eating well, using fine things, and being attended to by others. The royal child in her belly reminds her that she is no longer the same Uya she once was.

But in front of Consort Tongjia, she is still someone who can be casually scolded. Consort Tongjia remains high and mighty, even though Uya is now also a member of the harem, her status and position still firmly overshadow Uya.

Uya's heart is bitter, but her ambition continues to grow.

But as long as she is in Jingren Palace, she can only painfully suppress her thoughts.

"Yes, Consort is right. This servant spoke out of turn," Uya forced a smile and replied, not daring to show any dissatisfaction.

Only then did Consort Tongjia relent, waving her hand to dismiss Uya. After Uya left, she disdainfully said, "What a lowly creature."

She didn't deliberately lower her voice, and the lingering sound reached Uya, who hadn't gone far. She lowered her eyelids to hide the resentment in her eyes and had her maid support her as she slowly walked back.

——

Yikun Palace

"Is everything ready?" The Imperial Noble Consort was in a good mood, taking care of her face. She had waited so long and finally, Uya was about to give birth.

Previously, she had failed with Empress Hesheli, which made her secretly hateful. Missing that opportunity, she could only watch helplessly as Hesheli's son was crowned the Crown Prince.

Now Uya is about to give birth again, and this time she must not fail.

The child in her belly, the Fourth Prince, Yinzhen, is the future Emperor Yongzheng.

If Uya gives birth to that child, in the future struggle for the throne, the final victor might still be Yinzhen. To prevent this possibility, the best way is to ensure that Uya does not give birth.

Thinking of this, a deep shadow passed over the Imperial Noble Consort's eyes. A lowly banner woman giving birth to the future Emperor, what an irony.

She has been holding back from acting again, wanting the other party to let down their guard, and then strike at the moment of birth.

That is when a pregnant woman is at her most vulnerable, and also the easiest time to act against her.

"I'm sorry, she had no choice," a flicker of pity flashed in the Imperial Noble Consort's eyes. In truth, she didn't want to harm the child, but who made them all royal children?

There really is a throne to inherit at home, which means you have to do whatever it takes.

——

Soon it was the day of the Imperial Noble Consort's birthday celebration.

Yun Hua had already arranged for the congratulatory gifts to be sent early.

Now she was helping her mistress with her makeup.

Usually, her mistress doesn't use much makeup, and many of her accessories are rarely worn, but today she could finally dress up in full regalia.

Although she really wanted her mistress to make a grand impression, today wasn't the day to outshine the Imperial Noble Consort, so she chose some understated sky-blue patterned qipao, adorned with only velvet flowers and a few hairpins.

Her makeup was subtle, but her lips were painted a vibrant rose color, to keep the sky-blue qipao from looking too plain.

Seeing that the time was almost right, it was time to set off for the Jiaotai Hall.

The ladies from the various palaces emerged around the same time, occasionally crossing paths, pausing and moving on, so they arrived at the Jiaotai Hall at just the right time.

It was clear they had timed their arrival perfectly.

Su Yi arrived right on time, and along the way, she encountered Yipin. Su Yi yielded the way to her, and Yipin, who was ready with a few cutting comments, found that Consort Rong didn't compete with her for the way and directly let her go first, leaving her without a reason to cause a fuss. As she walked away, her face was flushed with anger.

After Su Yi arrived, she had to go and pay her respects to the Imperial Noble Consort first. Perhaps due to the birthday festivities, the Imperial Noble Consort looked radiant, more joyful than usual. After some sisterly chit-chat, the Imperial Noble Consort had other guests to greet and couldn't linger with Su Yi, so she let Su Yi go to find her seat.

The concubines from the harem all came dressed in their finest, and the Jiaotai Hall gradually filled with elegantly dressed concubines.

Seeing that almost everyone had arrived, Consort Tongjia arrived late, accompanied by the heavily pregnant Uya Changzai.

After paying her respects to the Imperial Noble Consort, she smiled and explained, "Sister Imperial Noble Consort, it's not that I deliberately came late, but Uya Changzai is heavily pregnant, and I wanted to take extra care of the royal child in her belly, so we walked slower and more steadily, which delayed us on the way. I hope Sister Imperial Noble Consort won't blame me?"