Chapter 075

Chapter 075

Su Yi's expression remained unchanged, still appearing gentle and soft, as she spoke in a tender voice, "Why are you shouting so loudly? You didn't sound so bold earlier."

The maids who had been following the leading eunuch were stunned by the sudden turn of events, stood frozen, not daring to move.

"Ah! Your Ladyship! Ah! Spare... spare my life!"

The eunuch kneeling on the ground kept screaming in pain, as Consort Rong's hand rested on his shoulder, applying pressure. Though it seemed like she wasn't using much force, the strength was so great that it felt as if the bones in his shoulder were about to shatter. The pain caused the previously arrogant and disdainful eunuch's voice to change, and he broke out in a cold sweat.

The maids who had come with him were now terrified. The pain was unmistakable, and none dared to stay standing. They all knelt in unison, trembling, afraid they might be next.

Who spread the rumor that Consort Rong was easy to bully?!

Does she look like someone who would endure humiliation silently?!

Were they trying to get everyone killed?!

Seeing that the eunuch was in too much pain to speak, Su Yi finally released his shoulder. She then held out her hand, and Qinxin quickly handed her a wet towel from the table. Su Yi took it and calmly wiped her hands, speaking deliberately, "I didn't like what you said earlier. Take those words back, straighten your tongue, and say it again."

She tossed the towel to the ground and stepped over it.

Su Yi walked a few steps before stopping and turning to look at the eunuch, who was trembling violently on the ground. She glanced behind her, and soon someone brought over a chair.

Su Yi elegantly smoothed her qipao dress and sat down, leaning on the armrest. Her movements were graceful, radiating dignity, as if nothing had just happened.

"Your Ladyship, this lowly one misspoke earlier and offended you. These dishes were also prepared according to... according to instructions."

The eunuch, who had finally recovered from the pain, replied in a trembling voice, completely lacking his earlier arrogance. His face twisted in distress, and he stammered, not even daring to touch his shoulder.

Su Yi propped her chin on her hand, calmly observing the frightened maids. "Bring a dish over."

The maids of Yonghe Palace, who had been furious earlier, were now all nervous.

After all, they were still maids of a concubine rank. How could they endure such bullying, with some noblewoman being used to humiliate their mistress? Pah! How could they stand for this?

If they endured it, wouldn't everyone in Yonghe Palace be trampled upon?!

Now they were all fired up.

As soon as they heard Consort Rong's order, someone quickly realized what she intended to do. They swiftly picked out the greasiest dish from the recently delivered meal—a greasy, congealed pork knuckle that looked revolting.

"Your Ladyship, here it is." The maid carefully avoided Consort Rong as they brought it over, directing it toward the eunuch to prevent their mistress from being disgusted.

"Take it to this eunuch," Su Yi said, looking at the eunuch with a smile. "You said earlier that these were good dishes, prepared with care by the imperial kitchen. So I'll reward you with this. Eat up, don't let it go to waste." She urged him with a smile.

The eunuch looked at the greasy pork knuckle in front of him, and his stomach churned.

Hearing Consort Rong's words, he glanced at her. She was smiling at him, but now the eunuch no longer dared to think of her as a soft, easy target. He nervously swallowed and tried to say something.

"Hmm?" Consort Rong's tone shifted slightly, as if she was growing impatient. The eunuch immediately swallowed his words, closed his eyes, and grabbed the cold, greasy pork knuckle. He began to gnaw on it, barely chewing before swallowing, afraid that if he kept it in his mouth any longer, he would vomit from the disgust.

Su Yi then let out a light cough, appearing fragile and delicate, like a sickly beauty. But at this moment, none of the maids dared to act out of line.

Su Yi took a moment to compose herself. "Yun Hua."

"Yes, Your Ladyship. I'm here." Yun Hua quickly stepped forward, looking at Consort Rong with anticipation.

"For today's lunch, does anyone know which chef from the imperial kitchen prepared these specialty dishes? You, the ones who delivered the meal, should know, right?" Su Yi looked at the neatly kneeling maids and asked with a kind smile.

The maids exchanged glances, unsure whether to speak. Su Yi spoke calmly and unhurriedly, "I'll count to three. If no one answers me..." She didn't finish her sentence and instead began counting directly, "One."

Her eyes scanned the line of maids, "Three." She skipped two and went straight to three.

"It was Chef Wang!" one of the maids hastily blurted out, relieved to have spoken quickly. Why did Consort Rong skip straight to three? There was supposed to be a two in between!

They almost didn't react in time.

Su Yi turned to Yun Hua and said, "Very well, Yun Hua, take some people and follow this maid to the imperial kitchen. 'Invite' Chef Wang over."

Su Yi stressed the word "invite," and it was clear to everyone that this "invite" was more than a simple request.

Qinxin interjected from the side, "Your Highness, perhaps it would be better if I went."

Yun Hua's soft-spoken nature might not be able to deal with the cunning veterans in the imperial kitchen. Those top chefs are seasoned veterans and not easily "invited."

"Qinxin, I have something else for you to do later. This matter will be left to Yun Hua."

Su Yi gently pulled Yun Hua closer, adjusting her clothes with a gentle and expectant gaze. "Yun Hua, you'll do it, won't you?"

"Yes, Your Highness, rest assured. I will definitely bring Chef Wang over properly," Yun Hua responded confidently.

"Go ahead."

Yun Hua gathered a few maids, including the one who had identified Chef Wang, and set off.

Su Yi glanced at the eunuch who had slowed down his eating, now reluctantly picking at the food, and asked softly, "Why are you eating so slowly? Does this dish not suit your taste?"

She seemed to recall him, her tone accommodating as she continued, "If it doesn't suit your taste, just say so. I won't force you."

The eunuch, nearly gagging, perked up at her words and was about to speak when Consort Rong added, "I'll have someone bring you another dish. How about that?"

The eunuch shook his head vigorously, swallowing the chunk of pork in his mouth with effort. "Your Highness, Your Highness! This servant truly enjoys this dish. No forcing at all. This servant loves it. Thank you, Your Highness, for the reward!"

He then seized another large piece of pork and began wolfing it down, as if he hadn't eaten for days, fearing that Consort Rong might indeed order another dish for him.

"That's good. I'm always very accommodating. If you have any issues, just let me know. I'll take care of it," Su Yi said with a smile, appearing genuinely amiable.

Very kind indeed!

"My health hasn't been the best. The imperial kitchen is a place full of talent. The meals they prepare are very targeted. Even someone in my condition can eat such rich and greasy food. It must be the legendary 'fighting poison with poison.'"

The maids didn't understand what Consort Rong meant by this, but then they heard her change the subject.

"Since I entered the palace, my health has been poor, and I haven't been able to pay my respects to the Grand Empress Dowager at Cining Palace many times. Thinking about it now, I feel truly ashamed."

Su Yi furrowed her brows slightly, her face filled with regret as she brought this up, leaving everyone somewhat confused about what Consort Rong was trying to achieve.

"The Grand Empress Dowager is advanced in years and often has stomach troubles. But perhaps the food sent to me from the imperial kitchen could also be used as a 'fighting poison with poison' remedy for her.

How could I be so selfish as to enjoy this alone and forget about the Grand Empress Dowager? This is the imperial kitchen's goodwill, and not only should I appreciate it, but we must not forget the Grand Empress Dowager."

Qinxin slowly began to understand what Consort Rong was planning.

"Fetch a food box and pack some of the good dishes. Qinxin, take it to Cining Palace on my behalf and present it to the Grand Empress Dowager. It will express my gratitude. With such a good remedy, how could I enjoy it alone and forget the Grand Empress Dowager?"

At these words, not only were the maids of Yonghe Palace shocked, but even those who had delivered the food felt uneasy.

If Consort Rong had simply dealt with them here today, the matter might have ended there. Whatever awaited Consort Rong later would be a separate issue. But now, it seemed Consort Rong intended to take this matter before the Grand Empress Dowager?

This is going to be quite the spectacle!

"Whether it's accepted is up to Cining Palace, but sending it is a gesture of my sincerity," Su Yi said, looking at Qinxin. "If I weren't confined and unable to come, I would have personally delivered it to the Grand Empress Dowager to express my heartfelt sincerity."

This was even harder than 'summoning' Chef Wang from the imperial kitchen. Qinxin looked at her mistress, realizing this was her chance. If she didn't accept it now, her mistress would replace her with someone else, in every sense.

Recently, Consort Rong had not commented on her performance, but now that Consort Rong was willing to assign her a task, Qinxin naturally had to accept it, no matter how difficult it was. "Yes, Your Highness, I will definitely convey your message."

Then Qinxin packed a food box with some dishes and set off for the Cining Palace.

Now, no one dared to underestimate Consort Rong. She was someone who could even make a scene in front of the Grand Empress Dowager.

The maids who had come to deliver the meal earlier huddled together, not daring to make any other moves, fearing that Consort Rong might remember them. They saw the leader still forcing down the cold, greasy pork knuckle bite by bite, not daring to stop even though he was about to vomit.

They were relieved they had only silently served the meal earlier, and it was only the leading eunuch who had spoken disrespectfully.

Now, they were just kneeling. Although the ground was cold and their knees were freezing, making them very uncomfortable, compared to that eunuch, they counted themselves lucky to only be kneeling and not 'rewarded' with those dishes.

At the same time, they were all wondering what Consort Rong was thinking. How could she dare send such dishes to Cining Palace? Wasn't she afraid of the Grand Empress Dowager's wrath and punishment?

Cining Palace

"Reporting to the Grand Empress Dowager, a maid from Yonghe Palace is here to see you, saying she has brought something to express her mistress's sincerity."

Suma Lagu, overhearing, chimed in, "It's someone from Consort Rong's palace."

The Grand Empress Dowager realized it was Consort Rong, another daughter of the Niohuru clan.

Since entering the palace, she had always been in poor health. Not long ago, an Imperial Noble Consort had fallen and was sent to the cold palace, where she soon passed away. Now, only one Niohuru remained in the harem.

But wasn't she currently under house arrest in Yonghe Palace?

Why wasn't she staying put in Yonghe Palace instead of sending something?

"Suma, go and see what Consort Rong is sending to me."

Suma Lagu nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty," and then went out.

When Qinxin saw that it was Suma Lagu who came out, she first performed a proper courtesy. Suma nodded, "Her Majesty sent me out to find out what Consort Rong has sent you to deliver. You can just hand it over to me."

Suma Lagu saw the food box in Qinxin's hand and guessed it might be some pastries or something, wondering what could possibly be worth sending.

Qinxin handed over the food box with both hands, and Suma Lagu took it, naturally wanting to inspect it. When she opened it, she was met with greasy, fatty dishes, and because they had cooled, large chunks of solidified fat mixed with the food, making it look nauseating.

Suma Lagu's expression instantly darkened, and she said sternly, "How dare Consort Rong send such filth to Her Majesty! Her Majesty has a weak stomach; how can she eat these things!" She snapped the lid shut, her voice seething with anger.

Qinxin calmly recounted the events in Yonghe Palace and finally relayed Consort Rong's message.

Suma Lagu was no fool and naturally understood that someone was setting Yonghe Palace up for trouble. Consort Rong clearly knew but was pretending to be ignorant and making a scene in front of Her Majesty.

"Since this is Consort Rong's sincerity towards the Grand Empress Dowager, I wouldn't dare decide on my own. I will first report back to Her Majesty." This matter of Consort Rong's still needed to be reported to the Grand Empress Dowager.

Qinxin bowed her head respectfully, indicating that she would wait here. She appeared calm, but in reality, her back was drenched in sweat.

Suma Lagu took the food box back to the Cining Palace and reported the matter to the Grand Empress Dowager. After presenting the dishes to the Grand Empress Dowager, she closed the lid and stood aside, waiting for Her Majesty's response.

The Grand Empress Dowager, calm as ever, twirled her prayer beads and suddenly smiled, "I never expected Consort Rong to still carry the 'wolf clan's' spirit."

Niohuru, in Manchu, means wolf.

In the past, the Niohuru family produced Eidu, who followed Emperor Taizu of the Qing Dynasty in conquering the world and made great military achievements, becoming one of the five founding heroes.

Eidu chose Ebilun as his successor, but Ebilun did not inherit even a fraction of his father's bravery and loyalty, leading the Niohuru family to its current state of decline.

It is truly lamentable.

However, no matter what, the Niohuru family, even without its former glory, still deserves respect.

"The gifts have been accepted. Let that maid return," said the Grand Empress Dowager.

"Yes, Your Highness."

When Qinxin returned, her steps were unsteady, as if she were walking on air. She thought she would be punished, but she wasn't.

Suma Lagu emerged with a stern expression and said, "The Grand Empress Dowager has accepted the gifts. You may return and report back." Then she turned and went back inside.

On her way back, Qinxin felt as if she were in a dream, her heart still pounding.

Only Suma Lagu remained by the Grand Empress Dowager's side. Following the Grand Empress Dowager's instructions, Suma had the food box sent to the Jingren Palace.

Upon seeing the food box, Consort Tongjia would surely grasp the situation.

At that moment, Suma Lagu was massaging the Grand Empress Dowager's shoulders, softly reporting on the recent activities in Yonghe Palace.

Consort Rong not only reprimanded the maids who delivered meals to Yonghe Palace but also had the chefs from the imperial kitchen "invited" to Yonghe Palace. The people of Yonghe Palace were so aggressive that they left the imperial kitchen staff utterly bewildered.

Consort Rong's actions were indeed quite audacious.

Although Suma Lagu was puzzled as to why the Grand Empress Dowager would back Consort Rong, she did not voice her thoughts.

The Grand Empress Dowager, seeing through her confusion, explained, "Although the Niohuru family is not what it used to be, the Bordered Yellow Banner's influence is now weaker than the Plain Yellow Banner. Without the Niohuru family, the situation could become uncontrollable.

The Emperor has already punished one member of the Niohuru family and left another in the palace to appease the Niohuru family. If Consort Rong had endured in silence, I would have feigned ignorance.

But now that Consort Rong has brought this matter to my attention, how can I continue to feign ignorance? Consort Rong is now the mainstay of the Niohuru family in the palace. If this matter escalates to the Niohuru family, the situation will become even more complicated."

Consort Rong's predicament in the palace has struck a sensitive chord with the Niohuru family. The house arrest has already unsettled the Niohuru family, and if this matter escalates further, the Niohuru family might not know how to react.

A major scandal would also sully the royal family's reputation.

Consort Tongjia has truly blundered this time. Why stir up trouble when Consort Rong was quietly residing in Yonghe Palace?

The Grand Empress Dowager didn't need to ponder long to discern who was behind these tactics. Consort Rong holds the rank of concubine, and there are only a handful of concubines in the palace. How could the imperial kitchen be so reckless?

Lower-ranking concubines couldn't possibly command the imperial kitchen to suppress Consort Rong, and those of the same rank wouldn't dare to act so brazenly. It had to be Consort Tongjia.

Who else could it be but Consort Tongjia?

"Consort Tongjia is still not steady enough. Such tactics might work against someone timid, but against someone like Consort Rong, who is willing to go all out, it's like hitting a nail."

The Grand Empress Dowager shook her head. She also disapproved of such foolish methods. Consort Tongjia had just gained some authority in the palace and was already getting carried away.

"Your Highness is right."

Yonghe Palace

Chef Wang from the imperial kitchen was forcibly "escorted" over, still wearing his apron, with a rag stuffed in his mouth. He couldn't even shout, his eyes wide with disbelief that the people of Yonghe Palace would do such a thing.

When the people from Yonghe Palace arrived earlier, Chef Wang wasn't the least bit surprised. He could guess what they were here for—it was undoubtedly about the lunch incident. Chef Wang wasn't worried in the slightest. After all, Consort Rong of Yonghe Palace was under house arrest, so what kind of leverage did the servants of Yonghe Palace have to come and demand an explanation from him?

He had prepared lavish dishes, with plenty of meat and fish. It was just that the delivery was a bit late, and the food had cooled down. How was that his fault? He had been working in the imperial kitchen for so many years and had plenty of experience. He was ready to argue with the people from Yonghe Palace.

The leader of the Yonghe Palace servants was a young maid, which made Chef Wang even less concerned. As soon as the maid started speaking to him, Chef Wang immediately began deflecting responsibility, playing the victim, and standing his ground, acting as if there was nothing they could do to him. He had no intention of going to Yonghe Palace, but he didn't outright refuse either.

He thought a young maid was no match for him, but then he saw the maid smile and say, "Since Chef Wang is not cooperating, this servant has no choice but to act accordingly. This servant is only following orders from her mistress. Please forgive the offense." She then grabbed a rag and stuffed it into Chef Wang's mouth.

This action seemed to be a signal, as the other servants immediately surrounded Chef Wang and lifted him up. Chef Wang, being a large and strong man, tried to use brute force to break free from the thin and frail servants, but something hit him, striking a pressure point, and his entire body went numb. He lost all strength and was half-dragged, half-carried away by the servants.

Yun Hua then bowed slightly to the other people in the imperial kitchen and said, "Apologies for the disturbance. Since Chef Wang has been taken away, this servant will now return to Yonghe Palace to report back." With that, she left, leaving the imperial kitchen in chaos.

The people from Yonghe Palace were quite bold.

Chef Wang was clearly not going willingly—he was practically dragged there.

But everyone knew what Chef Wang had done.

The food prepared for Consort Rong had been left to cool before being delivered, while the food for Consort Liang of Yonghe Palace had been sent over early. This was clearly a deliberate slight against Consort Rong.

They thought that since Consort Rong was under house arrest, she would have no choice but to endure it.

Tsk, tsk. Looking at the current situation, it seemed Consort Rong had no intention of enduring it.

After all, she was still a high-ranking consort and had some pride.

Qinxin had returned to Yonghe Palace earlier to report that the Grand Empress Dowager had accepted the items. Seeing Consort Rong nod in acknowledgment, Qinxin stepped back and stood to the side.

After the little eunuch finished eating the large pork knuckle, Su Yi ignored him. The eunuch knelt there, shrinking back, not daring to make a sound. He felt nauseous and wanted to vomit, but he forced himself to hold it in.

He was afraid that if Chef Wang hadn't arrived yet and he vomited, Consort Rong might make him eat it again.

He believed Consort Rong was capable of doing just that.

Su Yi was leaning back in her chair, eyes closed, resting. She held a black cat with a bowl-cut hairstyle in her arms. Because of its bowl-cut bangs, she had simply named it "Bowl-Cut."

Bowl-Cut was lying quietly in Su Yi's arms, not moving or making any meowing sounds, behaving very well.

Not having eaten anything at noon was gradually worsening her mood. Though she sat still with her eyes closed, the aura of displeasure emanating from her made the maids increasingly cautious, even lowering their breathing sounds.

Consort Liang had originally wanted to come and see how Consort Rong would react to the lunch incident. She had heard about it and wanted to see Consort Rong's response. In fact, Consort Liang was secretly gleeful, seeing Consort Rong being slighted by the imperial kitchen.

But sensing that the situation was not favorable, Consort Liang retreated, afraid that Consort Rong might use the fact that she had eaten earlier as an excuse to trouble her.

Fortunately, they didn't have to wait much longer. Yun Hua finally returned with Chef Wang.

The maids collectively breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, Chef Wang had arrived! Everyone had been waiting anxiously!

By the time Chef Wang was brought to the ground, the numbness had worn off, and he was still somewhat uncooperative. Seeing Consort Rong, who looked young and delicate, he wasn't intimidated at all. After removing the rag from his mouth, he said angrily,

"Consort Rong, what is the meaning of this? The imperial kitchen is very busy, and this servant still needs to return to prepare dinner for the other mistresses. I cannot afford to waste too much time in Yonghe Palace.

Delaying dinner for the other mistresses is one thing, but there is a dish for His Majesty's dinner that requires this servant's personal attention. If His Majesty's meal is delayed and he becomes displeased, it would not be good. Please, Consort Rong, show some understanding."