Chapter 085

Chapter 085

Su Yi was lying on her stomach, somewhat domineeringly taking up most of the bed. Kangxi sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her. His voice was very light, "Your sleeping posture is quite domineering."

This kind of sleeping posture was probably rare in the rear palace. Most would sleep obediently on their backs.

A domineering sleeping posture.

But how is it that...

Kangxi couldn't help but sigh and shook his head, feeling somewhat amused. Apart from the early days of his ascension to the throne, when he would still face setbacks, in recent years, there were few things that could give him that feeling of frustration.

Kangxi had come secretly and left early in the morning just as quietly.

As for the cat, after waking up and finding itself in the cat bed, it was a little confused. Then it got up and, with light, cat-like steps, quickly ran back to the bed, repositioning itself on the human’s shoulder to continue sleeping. This was the right place for the cat to sleep!

——

Yipin's palace has been quite lively recently, with junior concubines or those of similar rank inviting each other to enjoy the scenery and chat idly.

This was how time was passed in the rear palace. After morning greetings, the rest of the day was theirs to spend as they pleased. Although everyone had their thoughts, when they gathered, they engaged in sisterly conversations. In such circumstances, they got along quite well.

As long as they didn’t bring up the Emperor, they could laugh and chat freely. However, if someone had been favored recently, there would inevitably be some snide comments. Previously, it was Yipin who, with her strong and rather domineering personality, wouldn’t hesitate to retort against those who made snide remarks in her presence.

But recently, Yipin had become more like them. Now, they could chat with her, feeling a sense of "I thought you would shine like a bright begonia, but look at you now, just like us, especially those of concubine rank."

They, who were now sitting in this position, had all been glorious at some point. Now, they had become the palace elders.

Yipin used to look down on them, thinking she was different. Realizing this, Yipin was almost fuming.

How could she be like them?!

But Yipin also reckoned that it had been some time since the Emperor visited Yikun Palace.

Like a punctured balloon, she felt a bit lost and didn’t know what to do.

Indeed, she thought Consort Rong was her rival, but after Consort Rong was confined, she felt no one could compete with her. Yet, she found that the Emperor hadn’t increased his visits to her; instead, she hadn’t seen him in a while.

This this?

When they gathered, there was a face that seemed familiar yet unknown.

They hadn’t seen her before, but Consort Rong had seen her a few times. Although not many times, those who had seen her were deeply impressed. She was a delicate beauty, and even illness couldn’t diminish her looks.

They had been jealous because of this. After all, in the rear palace, who wouldn’t want such a face?

Looking at Yipin, with her bright and flamboyant appearance, no one had overshadowed her before Consort Rong.

This new face resembled Consort Rong. It should be Consort Liang, who came from the Xinzi Ku. She was well-known even before they met.

After recognizing her, someone said, "Oh, this sister is new. I wonder which sister this is. Could she be the newly promoted Consort Liang?"

Though it was phrased as a question, the tone was certain.

This was deliberately said to make the other sisters notice this Consort Liang.

After all, this lady is the center of their conversations. Her occasional appearances are because Consort Liang has been in the spotlight recently, yet they can't seem to catch her. This Consort Liang frequently hides in the Palace of Eternal Harmony.

It's quite rare to see Consort Liang out and about today.

Previously, Consort Liang was so timid, hiding like a coward, and wouldn't accept invitations, saying she had to accompany Consort Rong and couldn't leave.

A few days ago, for some reason, she gained Consort Tongjia's favor, and now she's moving around. Could it be that she feels safe now that she has Consort Tongjia to back her?

"Oh, it's Consort Liang. We've never met this sister before, but today we finally meet the real Consort Liang. Upon seeing her, she's truly a beautiful embryo; even I can't help but feel fond of her."

This speech, though seemingly warm and trying to build rapport while complimenting Consort Liang's beauty, was actually meant to stir up enmity against Consort Liang.

"We heard that a few days ago in the imperial garden, Consort Liang was stung by a bee. We were really worried. Fortunately, it didn't injure her face. If it had injured her face, what would we have done?"

The speaker was also a noble lady, but she had been in the palace longer than Consort Liang, so she could address her as 'younger sister'.

The others listened, covering their mouths in shock.

"Exactly! We heard that a maid was stung, and her face swelled up terribly. It was terrifying. We didn't dare go to the imperial garden for several days, afraid of being stung by bees."

The person exaggerated.

But everyone knew that it was Consort Liang who had made herself a laughingstock. Her sachet didn't attract anything but a swarm of bees. They were disappointed that the bees hadn't stung Consort Liang's face, leaving it swollen and unviewable.

"You really don't need to worry so much, sister. If you're afraid, just don't carry scented pouches and sachets. That way, the bees won't mistake you for a flower because of your fragrance."

Another chimed in, unable to suppress her laughter towards the end.

The others also had smiles on their faces.

"Why talk like that? It's not like everyone is so unlucky. Right, Consort Liang?"

Someone deliberately mentioned Consort Liang's name. Now that they had finally seen her, even if she stayed quiet and didn't speak, they wouldn't let her be at peace.

This was a joke made at Consort Liang's expense. She had prepared herself mentally for the ridicule when she came over, so even though so many were mocking and targeting her, she didn't feel too bad. However, she put on a face of having been wronged. "Sisters, please don't make fun of me."

Her tone was a little timid, not sounding very confident.

The higher-ranking concubines sat there, watching coldly as the lower-ranking concubines mocked Consort Liang, waiting to see how she would respond.

Seeing Consort Liang looking timid and wronged, they felt a bit disdainful. She seemed like a mere pretty face, and now she looked like a helpless victim, which was quite annoying.

For someone like this to have recently been frequented by the emperor—Consort Rong was relatively unbothered. She had suffered losses when dealing with Consort Rong before, so she was actually happy to see Consort Liang rise, hoping she would step over Consort Rong. As for Consort Liang's personality, she didn't care and was content to watch the drama unfold.

Concubine Duan and the others didn't think like Consort Rong. They had thought Consort Liang was some sort of celestial beauty, but this was it?

Especially Yipin, who was the most angered. She had dealt with Consort Rong, but now even this Consort Liang, some random nobody, was rising in the palace?

"Who dares mock Consort Liang? We're all just worried about you, which is why we said a few more words. Consort Liang shouldn't misinterpret the words of your sisters." Yipin said with a smile, her eyes hiding a dagger as she glanced at Consort Liang, then quickly shifted her gaze away.

It was as if looking at her for too long would dirty her eyes. Though she was smiling, it was clear that Yipin had contempt for Consort Liang.

"I wouldn't dare." Consort Liang replied hurriedly, her face flushing red with embarrassment.

There was absolutely none of the radiance that usually comes with being favored by the emperor during this time; instead, she appeared more timid and lacking in confidence.

Everyone present knew full well that those who had recently gained some favor, even if they were of lower rank, would have an unmistakable look of pride that could not be hidden.

Yet, how was it that Consort Liang appeared so lacking in confidence? After all, she had been in the spotlight recently, seeing the emperor far more often than the others. And yet, here she was, putting up with ridicule right to her face without any rebuttal.

At first, they thought Consort Liang was just pretending, but after a casual gathering, those more perceptive began to sense that something was off, though they couldn’t quite say what it was.

If she were in Consort Liang's position, she'd have her nose in the air. More so, even a concubine of lower status could chime in with some sarcastic remarks, and Consort Liang would just endure it without saying a word.

This didn’t seem like someone truly favored by the emperor.

When Consort Rong was at the height of her favor, she was domineering and fearless, so much so that she even dared to confront Consort Tongjia. She would shut down anyone who dared to mock her. Now she seemed much more restrained, her arrogance gone.

So why was Consort Liang reacting like this?

Some of those more prone to suspicion couldn’t help but overthink because of Consort Liang's reaction.

Consort Tongjia had been keeping a close eye on the concubines. She had arranged for Consort Liang to show her face to stir suspicion among these concubines.

"Consort Liang is quite the actress; this saves me some trouble," Consort Tongjia said with a smile, her tone dripping with contempt. In her eyes, Consort Liang was nothing but a worthless pawn, and it was already a favor to use her as a pawn.

"She knows how to read the room and take in people's expressions," added nanny Wang in cooperation.

Given the precedent set by Uya, these servants who had risen in rank had more going on beneath the surface. If they were truly honest and straightforward, they would never have risen to higher positions. Consort Liang's current obedience was simply that she lacked any real confidence and was willing to follow Consort Tongjia's lead. If Consort Rong were no longer a threat, Consort Liang might have a completely different attitude.

"Rest assured, Consort Liang won't be able to escape. She wants to use me to eliminate Consort Rong and rise in status. Hmph, we'll see if she has the fortune for that," Consort Tongjia thought to herself.

Consort Tongjia wasn't naive. Consort Liang's current obedience and willingness to work with her against Consort Rong meant that once Consort Rong was no longer a threat, Consort Liang might turn against her. She wasn’t about to let Consort Liang have her way and ultimately benefit from the situation.

With Consort Tongjia's careful guidance, some spies began to subtly spread provocative words and half-truths among the lower ranks. These whispers would eventually reach the ears of the trusted confidants in each palace, who would then report back to their respective mistresses.

It would be up to them to draw their own conclusions. All Consort Tongjia needed to do was sit back and watch as the concubines began to speculate and mistrust one another.

Fearing that they wouldn't gather and chat casually on their own, Consort Tongjia even took the initiative to suggest they gather in her palace. She deliberately took her time with her makeup and delayed her appearance, letting the maids serve tea and snacks while the others waited and exchanged conversations among themselves.

As long as someone brought up the topic, there would be no shortage of people joining in.

Consort Tongjia calculated the timing. By the time the concubines might have started discussing recent events, she sent word that she was feeling unwell and told everyone to leave, suggesting they pick another time to visit her in the Jingren Palace.

Just as someone had started to bring up their observations, Consort Tongjia interrupted them and sent them on their way.

But the conversation had already been opened, and none of them wanted to leave just yet. So, they simply moved the gathering to the Imperial Garden.

Along the way, there was no shortage of conversation.

Most of the chatter came from the lower-ranking concubines, while the leading concubines remained relatively quiet.

Consort Hui and Consort An had remained quiet throughout, listening but not speaking much. What they were thinking, no one knew.

Their silence didn't mean that everyone of concubine rank was the same.

Concubine Duan couldn't hold back. As she listened, she felt that something was off. At first, she thought she was overthinking it, but it turned out she wasn't the only one who felt that way.

"Sisters, I'm sure you've all heard by now. At first, I thought I was overthinking it too, but the rumors seem so credible. I don't mind telling you all this, even though it might sound like a joke. In the past month, I would see the emperor at least once or twice, but lately, it's been months since I've seen him. I thought maybe he had gone to some of the other sisters," said Concubine Duan.

"She looked again at Consort Yi beside her, 'Consort Yi, sister, what about you?'

This one had always been proud and ostentatious among us.

Consort An glanced over and, before Consort Yi could speak, gently said, 'Consort Yi sister is surely different from us, isn’t she? She’s not like us, you know.'

When she was first named to the position of concubine, Consort Yi was in the Emperor’s favor at that time and didn’t hold back from indirectly criticizing her position. If it weren’t for the Emperor’s old favor, how could she have been named the first concubine? Without favor, all that was left was this position for comfort.

All she had was this small bit of favor. People are just different from each other. Some are destined to sleep alone in an empty room.

On the surface, she didn’t care, but these words had left her feeling upset for a long time.

Now, she finally had the chance to throw those words back at Consort Yi.

'Sister An, are you making fun of me?' Consort Yi wasn’t someone you mess with. How could Consort An be so sarcastic, and was she, Consort Yi, supposed to just put up with it?

Consort An just smiled faintly, her expression calm. 'These were the words you said before, sister. I didn’t get angry back then, so why are you getting angry now?'

In the rear palace, even when you’re in favor, you shouldn’t get too cocky. Thinking you could stay favored forever and remain in bloom forever.

In the end, a flower never stays red for long.

As soon as she lost a bit of her favor, people were already waiting to make fun of her.

Consort Yi snapped, 'You!' Just as she was about to continue, Consort Duan quickly pulled her back and urged her to stay. 'Enough, enough, sisters. Why are we quarreling? This isn’t the time to argue, is it?'

Is now the time to bring up old grudges?

We should be thinking about how to deal with Consort Rong.

Everyone is still here because of this matter and hasn’t returned to their own palaces yet. This isn’t the time for bickering.

'Indeed, while we argue here, someone might be watching from behind, thinking we’re complete idiots, while they grab all the good stuff and leave us with nothing,' Consort Rong spoke up at this point.

It was obvious who Consort Rong was referring to. She had never liked Consort Rong from the start.

As they spoke, Consort Hui suddenly mentioned she had matters to attend to in the palace and would have to leave. She said she would join the others for a chat another time and then, with the support of her maid, left first.

Consort An also said she would leave. Consort Duan quickly pulled her back and urged her to stay, but Consort An only smiled and declined. She then followed Consort Hui’s departure.

Soon, she caught up with Consort Hui, and the two exchanged a few polite words, avoiding any mention of what had just transpired. In reality, they both understood what had happened. They walked together for a bit before parting ways.

On her way back, a maid supporting Consort Hui asked, 'Your Highness, why did Consort An leave as well?'

This maid was a personal attendant to Consort Hui and was greatly trusted. Consort Hui replied, 'Consort An, even if she gets involved, won’t gain anything. She’s good at protecting herself. She wouldn’t involve herself deeply in such matters.'

With Consort An’s background, she could only rise to this point because of her family. Consort Hui assumed that Consort An understood that as long as she remained compliant, she would retain her position as a concubine. There was no need to hope for more.

Consort Hui didn’t elaborate further, and the maid, though confused, wisely didn’t ask any more questions.

Meanwhile, Consort An was also speaking, 'Now that the eldest prince is being raised outside, how could Consort Hui have the energy to get involved in these matters?'

Moreover, Consort Hui was no longer young. Her hopes were all pinned on the eldest prince. At this point, she wouldn’t involve herself in these matters. Even if she succeeded, there would be no benefit, and the Emperor wouldn’t visit her more often.

With the eldest prince by her side, Consort Hui’s position was secure.

As for herself, she needed to stay compliant and keep her concubine rank. Other matters weren’t her concern. Even if she got involved, she might just be lifting others like Consort Yi. Compared to Consort Yi, she actually thought better of Consort Rong. Consort Yi had been so arrogant before, truly a petty person.

She’d like to see how things would play out. The commotion in the rear palace never seemed to end. 'They left pretty quickly. How aloof of them!' Consort Yi said angrily."

They left so quickly, as if they didn't care, trying to show just how aloof and superior they were to associate with us?

Seeing that two had left, Concubine Duan thought that they had managed to escape without being dragged down. She couldn't let the others slip away too. Seeing that Imperial Concubine Yi was angry, she feared Imperial Concubine Yi might also leave in a huff. If everyone left, what would they do?

She hastened to comfort her, "Don’t ruin your health by getting upset over this. The fact that Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Hui are ignoring this just shows they lack awareness and don’t grasp the seriousness of the situation. Besides, right now, there’s someone even more threatening. If we all ignored it like they did, what future would we have, sisters?"

Then she lowered her voice, "The late emperor’s Consort Donggo..." but didn't dare to continue. Just mentioning it was enough to put everyone on alert.

They were afraid another Consort Donggo might emerge. If that happened, what future would they have? It was said that during her time, the late emperor didn't even notice other concubines. If the current emperor hadn’t been fortunate enough to survive smallpox and if the Rong Prince hadn’t died young, it’s uncertain who would have taken the throne.

"These low-ranking daying and gui are useless. We still need to..." Concubine Duan looked in a distant direction, speaking vaguely but making everything clear to those present.

Isn't it still necessary to count on the elder ancestor?

"However, before that, it's best to involve the one from Jingren Palace," said Rongpin.

If Consort Tongjia took the lead, they could follow and lend their support. That would be even better. Since Consort Tongjia knew about it, she wouldn’t just stand by and watch. Being the highest-ranking, it was best for Consort Tongjia to take the lead.

"Sister Rong is right. How could we leave out the Imperial Noble Consort?" Concubine Duan said with a satisfied smile, finally making everyone nervous and start calculating.

First, they would take care of Imperial Concubine Rong, and then it would be every woman for herself.

They assumed Consort Tongjia was unaware, so they deliberately picked a time to visit her. After talking for a long time, Consort Tongjia didn’t fall for their trick, looking unconvinced and saying it was their overthinking. This reaction puzzled them.

This wasn’t like Consort Tongjia’s usual style. Previously, Consort Tongjia and Imperial Concubine Rong weren’t on good terms, right?

When they previously caused trouble for Imperial Concubine Rong, it even reached the Grand Empress Dowager’s ears. Consort Tongjia suffered a loss and later tried to get revenge but failed. Logically, she should hold a grudge against Imperial Concubine Rong. So why wasn’t she eager to deal with her when given the chance?

After being seen off by Jingren Palace, Concubine Duan's plan to have Consort Tongjia take the lead failed.

Meanwhile, Consort Tongjia was saying to Nanny Wang, "Nanny Wang is thoughtful. These people have a clever plan, wanting me to take the lead and rush to the front while they follow behind, reaping the benefits. They want me to bear the risks. How could there be such a good deal? If they want to go, let them go. I won't be the one to take the lead."

If Nanny Wang hadn’t analyzed it for her beforehand, she might have rushed to the Grand Empress Dowager immediately after finding out.

"Imperial Noble Consort, rest assured. Even if you don’t take the lead, these lower-ranking concubines won’t be able to stay still." Nanny Wang said with a meaningful smile. These lower-ranking concubines have to fight for their futures. As a high-ranking imperial noble consort, you naturally don’t need to compete like them.