Chapter 097

Chapter 097

Recently, Yipin's palace has also started frequently summoning the imperial physician, and the smell of traditional Chinese medicine wafting from the palace has become stronger. It is publicly stated that the prescriptions are for body conditioning.

Le Guiren, who is in the same palace and is Yipin's sister, is not entirely convinced.

She has asked more than once if her sister is hiding something from her, not wanting to tell her, but Yipin has always brushed her off.

If Le Guiren asks too many times, Yipin even gets impatient and angry, "Didn't I already say it's just a minor issue? Taking some medicine for conditioning will be fine. Why do you keep asking? Don't you trust your sister?!"

Le Guiren was originally concerned about Yipin, fearing that she might have some illness but was keeping it secret. Others might hide it, but why not tell her own sister? Doesn't she trust her?

The two ended up parting on bad terms.

Yipin certainly couldn't let her sister know that she had been secretly harmed, and that it would be very difficult for her to have children in the future. She threatened the imperial physician to keep it confidential, not to leak the information, and only to do their best to condition her body, hoping to restore her health.

But thinking about what the imperial physician said, because it had been delayed for so long, if it had been discovered earlier and treated in time, her body could have been restored.

But ever since she entered the palace, she had been using that dressing table, which means it was set up for her from the beginning, specifically using sandalwood to mask the smell with its natural fragrance. She had been with that thing day and night.

No wonder she had never shown signs of pregnancy!

That thing, apart from preventing pregnancy, had no other harmful effects, and it wouldn't be detected during routine health checks.

If it hadn't been for the day she fell and broke so many things, causing the powder inside to spill out, and she immediately dismissed the servants and called the imperial physician to identify it, she might still be in the dark.

Yipin hated the person who had secretly harmed her, but because she couldn't make a big deal out of it, she could only investigate secretly.

When that dressing table was made, who was responsible, and how many people handled it before it reached her, but it had been too long, and the other party had likely already covered their tracks. It wasn't something that could be figured out in a day or two.

Moreover, the actions couldn't be too big, or it would attract attention from others.

Yipin thought she could keep it hidden, but somehow, rumors still spread in the palace, saying that she was so anxious to summon the imperial physician for conditioning, probably because she had some unspeakable hidden illness.

The leftover medicinal residue after decoction was also for body conditioning, as if Yipin had been secretly harmed, and her lack of signs of pregnancy since entering the palace was related to this.

Everyone was speculating, and the women in the harem, like they had caught a whiff of something, had already started to act, eager to catch the other party's weakness, one by one coming to Yipin to probe.

Yipin was extremely annoyed, holding back her anger and having to dismiss all these people who came to pry for information, because if she got too agitated and angry, it would seem like she was guilty.

Before she could catch her breath, her sister came, opening her mouth with, "Sister, is it true that you... hurt your body, can't you anymore..." Before she could finish, Yipin slapped her.

Before Le Guiren could feel wronged, Yipin spoke with anger, "Others can speculate wildly, but now even you are going to make up stories about your sister?! If I really hurt my body, would that make you happy? You must be wishing that what those people said was true!"

The anger she had been holding back for so long finally couldn't be contained. She didn't want to admit that she was now jealous of her sister, even darkly thinking, why her, and not her sister!

Originally, Yipin had always prided herself on being more outstanding than her sister, and her appearance was much more striking than her sister's. The family had allocated most of the resources to her, not her sister.

As long as she was around, her sister's status would always be beneath her, giving her a secret sense of superiority.

Now, even this less favored sister could have her own child, but she couldn't, and might never have one in the future. How could the always proud Yipin accept this?

She must find out which wretch secretly harmed her.

"Sister, I didn't mean it, I was just concerned about you," Le Guiren said, covering her slapped face, looking somewhat sad.

She was truly worried about her sister. Recently, her sister's condition had not been good, and she had become somewhat sensitive, suspicious. She was worried that her sister was keeping it to herself, bearing it alone, so she came to ask. They were sisters, could she also be kept in the dark?

"I'm perfectly fine, it's just some minor issues. Originally, it was nothing, but it's been spread around with such detail. Everyone must be wishing for my downfall?! I didn't expect you to speculate along with outsiders, you're my own sister!"

Yipin was the first to shift all the blame onto Le Guiren.

It should have been Le Guiren who was angry that her sister had actually hit her, but now it turned out to be Le Guiren's fault.

Le Guiren was still flustered and hurriedly trying to explain that it wasn't like that, but Yipin angrily drove her out, saying she didn't want to see her for a while.

Le Guiren didn't even have time to care about the pain on her face, as she was frightened by her sister's seemingly heartless demeanor. She waited outside for a long time until she could barely stand, and then she was helped back by the maids.

However, before leaving, she sent a message saying she hoped her sister wouldn't be angry with her and that she would never ask such questions again.

But the next day when Le Guiren went again, her sister still showed no signs of calming down and refused to see her. She had expected this, but what she didn't expect was that her sister actually had people block her from seeing the Sixth Princess!

This news struck Le Guiren like a thunderbolt, and she nearly fainted on the spot. Fortunately, the maids quickly supported her, preventing her from falling.

Originally, Yipin was raising the Sixth Princess, but Le Guiren, being her sister and living in the same palace, was also the Sixth Princess's aunt.

So Yipin had never stopped Le Guiren from seeing the Sixth Princess and had even allowed her to help with the care.

But that was before. Yipin had previously thought she would have her own children in the future, so she didn't need to cling tightly to the Sixth Princess, as she would have her own child later.

But now it was different. She might never be able to have her own child again, so she had to hold onto the Sixth Princess.

Taking advantage of the fact that the Sixth Princess was still young and not very familiar with people, Yipin had the maids block Le Guiren from seeing her.

The once close-knit sisters of the Guoluoluo clan began to sow deep-seated estrangement from this moment.

Cining Palace

The Empress Dowager was chatting with the Grand Empress Dowager, "Recently, several concubines in the palace have fallen ill one after another." The Empress Dowager didn't remember all the concubines in the harem clearly.

But recently, those who fell ill were all of concubine rank. Consort Rong was one, and the Empress Dowager had almost only heard of her name—she was the famous sick beauty in the harem.

Then there was Rongpin, who was also taking care of the Third Prince. Rongpin flaunted her sickly appearance every day, as if she wanted everyone to see that she was a pitiful person who would do anything for her child, making the Empress Dowager feel like she had stolen her child.

This immediately reminded the Empress Dowager of how Dong E Shi used to put on such pretentious airs, which was somewhat off-putting, and she had initially felt a bit of sympathy.

The Fourth Prince was much more well-behaved than the Third Prince. The Third Prince was older than the Fourth Prince but cried and made a fuss all day, not as easy to take care of as the Fourth Prince. The Empress Dowager was getting older and couldn't handle the noise.

Even though the Empress Dowager wanted to treat them equally, she couldn't help but favor the Fourth Prince more.

There was also Yipin, who was rumored to have injured her body and would have difficulty having children in the future, which was why she suddenly started to recuperate. The rumors were vivid, but Yipin had never admitted to it.

"And then there's Consort Hui, who seems to have been ill for a long time."

So it was a series of concubines of concubine rank who were having issues. The Empress Dowager might not remember all the concubines, but she could at least remember those of concubine rank.

"Whether they are really ill or not is still unknown."

The Grand Empress Dowager smiled meaningfully, and seeing that Qiqige didn't understand, she said,

"They are afraid that I will think of her eldest son, fearing that if they appear in front of me, I will remember that besides the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince, the eldest son is the healthiest, and I might suggest to the emperor to bring the eldest son back to be raised under your care. That's why they conveniently 'fell ill'."

The Grand Empress Dowager knew exactly why Consort Hui had conveniently fallen ill at this time.

"This Consort Hui." The Empress Dowager didn't say much more, as she was now raising the Fourth Prince, and there was really no need to think about the eldest son.

"But, Mother Empress, are we really going to ignore Consort Rong?"

Apart from being known as the sick beauty, wasn't the previous commotion in Cining Palace by the concubines all about suppressing this Consort Rong?

Moreover, it was also because of Consort Rong that the Emperor and the Empress Dowager had a long conversation, after which the Empress Dowager informed her that the Fourth Prince would be raised in her palace, and there was no sign of any action from the Empress Dowager regarding Consort Rong.

Mentioning this, the Grand Empress Dowager's smile faded slightly, "Wait until this matter is settled, then we'll see. For now, the Emperor is protecting Consort Rong, and he is very attentive. If I insist on causing a dispute with the Emperor over Consort Rong, I'm afraid the Emperor will drift further away from me."

This was also a lesson from Fu Lin's experience. She did not like Dong E Shi, but Fu Lin still insisted on making Dong E Shi a concubine, and the relationship between mother and son became very strained.

From that time on, she knew that direct confrontation would not work. The more you try to stop it, the less they will listen.

Moreover, Xuan Ye's temperament is much stronger than Fu Lin's.

It's better to temporarily follow Xuan Ye's wishes for now. Currently, there are no concubines in the harem that he favors. In two or three years, as new concubines gradually enter the harem, one outstanding beauty cannot compare to a hundred flowers in full bloom.

At that time, there will be no fear of Consort Rong monopolizing the Emperor's favor.

Even though Fu Lin liked Dong E Shi so much, he still favored other concubines.

Even if the Emperor temporarily stays with Consort Rong, he won't stay with her for a lifetime, because the Emperor possesses the world, and there is nothing he cannot obtain.

Furthermore, no man is indifferent to beauty. Even if Consort Rong is exceptionally beautiful, there will come a day when her beauty fades, and with it, the Emperor's favor. By then, even without this old woman's intervention, there will be another Consort Rong.

The harem will never lack beautiful women.

Moreover, with Consort Rong's frail health, it's uncertain how long this flower will bloom in the harem.

The Grand Empress Dowager has thought all these things through clearly, which is why she gave in so quickly. Even if part of the reason was to get her way, it was mostly because she firmly believes in the old saying: no flower stays red for a hundred days.

"Empress Dowager, no matter what, you will always be the Emperor's closest grandmother. How could he become distant from you?" the Empress Dowager said, clearly not agreeing.

The Empress Dowager is now the Emperor's only closest relative. She, as the adoptive mother, is not the Emperor's real birth mother. Even though she is now the Empress Dowager, there are many things she dares not interfere with regarding the Emperor's affairs.

The Grand Empress Dowager smiled without speaking. Qi Qi Ge is still too naive.

The imperial family has always been ruthless since ancient times. Even sibling affection can turn into mutual strife in the struggle for the throne, sometimes to the point of life and death.

When one finally ascends to the throne, how can there be no blood and bones beneath their feet?

Even fathers and sons can turn against each other, let alone her, who is merely the Emperor's grandmother.

It's just that the Qing dynasty now emphasizes filial piety in governance. The Emperor, to be a wise ruler, must personally demonstrate respect for her, his grandmother.

Yonghe Palace

Just after sending away Consort Liang, the servants felt the air was much fresher.

Moreover, their mistress has finally been released from house arrest!!

Although the mistress still does not leave Yonghe Palace, it seems no different from before, but it is still very different. The mistress not wanting to go out is not the same as not being allowed to go out!

It's different!

However, Rongpin was the first to visit.

This is the downside.

As soon as the ban was lifted, someone came to visit, but it happened to be Rongpin, who has a very delicate and somewhat strained relationship with the mistress.

Upon hearing this, Su Yi very kindly asked someone to invite Rongpin in.

She received a hesitant look from Qinxin, but Qinxin still said nothing and went to invite Rongpin in.

Is Rongpin not resorting to desperate measures in her illness at this time?

Coming to Yonghe Palace at this moment, could it be for the sake of the Third Prince?

After all, it's widely rumored in the harem that Rongpin has been shuttling between Cining Palace and Qianqing Palace, all in an effort to have the Third Prince returned to her side.

But it's all been in vain.

Rongpin has been frustrated on both sides and is now overwhelmed.

Is she coming to see their lady in a state of desperation?

Indeed, Rongpin is desperate, but she hasn't lost her reason. Seeking out Consort Rong is her last resort.

The Emperor currently refuses to see her but will find time to visit Consort Rong.

Yonghe Palace is the most likely place to encounter the Emperor.

That's why Rongpin has come to Yonghe Palace, fully prepared to be left waiting outside by Consort Rong for a while, given the existing rift between them, which both are well aware of.

If she were to encounter Consort Rong coming to her for help, she would surely first assert her dominance, dampen Consort Rong's spirits, and then graciously allow her in, maintaining the upper hand.

However, Rongpin didn't have to wait long before the eunuch who went to announce her return, inviting her in.

Rongpin swallowed nervously, then walked in with the support of her maids.

Soon, they arrived at the main hall. Along the way, Rongpin subtly observed the layout and furnishings of Yonghe Palace. Such a large palace, yet it housed only Consort Rong.

Previously, there was also Consort Liang, but now Consort Liang is no longer an eyesore in Yonghe Palace.

Meanwhile, her Zhongcui Palace still houses several dayings.

Upon meeting Consort Rong, Rongpin put on a smile and walked over calmly.

Being of the same rank, their greeting only required a slight touch of the temple hair. Rongpin did so, while Consort Rong returned the gesture slowly and lazily, sitting down without even getting up, very perfunctory.

Rongpin was displeased; such disrespect, not even bothering to maintain appearances.

But considering she had come to Yonghe Palace seeking Consort Rong's help, she decided to let it go.

"Has your health improved, sister? I heard you were ill some time ago and didn't get a chance to visit. Now I've brought some things to see you. I hope you don't mind my late visit."

Rongpin smiled and chatted with Consort Rong across from her, while instructing her maids to set down the items they had brought.

The maids unveiled the items, which were not medicinal or edible, but rather accessories and small trinkets like fans.

These are items that are hard to tamper with. Rongpin feared that if she brought supplements or food, and Consort Rong fell ill again and called for the imperial physician, blaming it on the food she brought, it would be infuriating.

At that point, even if she denied it, it would be hard to clear her name.

So, for safety's sake, Rongpin chose items that were hard to tamper with, even picking up a fan herself to fan,

"The patterns on this fan are quite unique, perfect for use in the imperial garden during spring." She then explained further,

"It's not that I'm stingy and didn't bring supplements or food, but considering your delicate health, it's probably not advisable to take supplements indiscriminately. It's best to follow the imperial physician's advice. Since you're on a restricted diet due to illness, I didn't bring any food to tempt you."

"That's why I brought these items for you. If you're not confident in my gifts, you can have the maids inspect them."

This statement preemptively cleared her of any blame, implying that if the maids found no issues with these items, any subsequent problems should not be attributed to her.

It was enough to show Rongpin's caution.

"Alright, since you've said so, Yun Hua, please check it out to put Rongpin's mind at ease," Su Yi replied with a smile.

Although the other party kept calling her 'sister' to avoid addressing her as Consort Rong, she couldn't bring herself to call the other 'sister' in return.

As for how the other party would react to her calling them that, she had no idea.

Rongpin had been observing Consort Rong's reaction all along. Seeing that she didn't show obvious hostility, Rongpin didn't feel relieved but instead became even more alert.

Previously, the rash on Consort Rong's body was her doing. After the incident, the Emperor punished her with house arrest but didn't severely punish her. Consort Rong couldn't possibly let go of this matter.

If it were her, even if she could keep her composure, she should still reveal some hostility towards the other party.

Yun Hua stepped forward to inspect the items and found nothing wrong, then said, "Your Highness, it's fine."

In fact, Rongpin would be a fool to tamper with these items at this moment.

Su Yi nodded indifferently, not really caring about these things. She had a pile of similar items in her dressing room, all left to gather dust, and the ones Rongpin sent were no exception.

"My health has improved recently, thank you for your concern. If there's nothing else, this visit can be considered over," Su Yi said, boredly stroking the fur of her cat.

She had already said this countless times.

It was almost as if she had written on her forehead: I'm fine, still breathing, not dead, doing well, no need to offer incense for me.

Of course, she knew Rongpin wasn't just here for a visit, but the other party seemed intent on playing a long game of Tai Chi. Su Yi didn't want to waste time circling around, so she spoke directly.

Either get to the point now or leave. What was the situation between them? Didn't the other party have any idea?

Why do they keep calling each other 'sister' non-stop? Before entering the palace, there might have been only a few sisters, but after entering, the harem is filled with three thousand beauties, all my sisters.

This is really, ugh.

Seeing this, Rongpin remained calm. Consort Rong's reaction was normal. "Actually, sister came today not only to see you but also to ask for a favor. I wonder if you would be willing to listen to my request. Sister is really at her wit's end."

As she spoke, her tone gradually lowered, and her dignified and beautiful expression slowly turned sorrowful.

Su Yi looked at Rongpin across from her, adopting a gentle expression, and slowly said under Rongpin's gaze, "Not really willing to listen."

This made Rongpin's heart skip a beat.

Forcing a smile, she said, "Sister knows that she did some foolish things to you before, which made you angry with her now. It's normal for you to feel uncomfortable in your heart.

But this matter has already passed. Can't you forgive sister for her previous mistakes? We are sisters in the harem, and we will have a long time to get along. Why hold grudges over past events?"

Rongpin spoke pitifully, actively bringing up the previous conflict between them, laying it all out openly.

"If you can forgive sister, sister is willing to do anything," Rongpin continued.

Su Yi looked at her and sighed, "Really?"

Seeing this, Rongpin's eyes couldn't help but light up. Was Consort Rong relenting? No matter what, she should agree first.

"Of course it's true, sister!" Then she leaned forward, reaching out to grab Consort Rong's hand, trying to show deep sisterly affection.

But this time, the cat was very alert. Noticing that the two-legged creature had stopped petting it, and smelling an unfamiliar scent approaching, it immediately swung its tail and turned sharply towards the direction of the unfamiliar scent, hissing fiercely.

Its expression was unusually fierce, and its meow was no longer as soft as before. The cat had grown a bit, and its meow wasn't as babyish as it used to be.

Rongpin was also startled by the suddenly aggressive cat and quickly withdrew her hand, exclaiming, "Ah!" She even nearly lost her balance and fell backward due to the abruptness of her movement.

Fortunately, she managed to steady herself in time, avoiding the embarrassment of falling in front of Consort Rong and the maids.

However, even though she didn't fall, Rongpin was visibly flustered.

At this moment, Rongpin was clutching her chest, trying to calm herself, and looked at the fiercely glaring cat in Consort Rong's arms. She felt a surge of anger; this cat had almost caused her great embarrassment.

This damned cat, truly as detestable as Consort Rong.

"Dear sister, isn't your cat a bit too aggressive? If I hadn't dodged quickly just now, I might have been injured by it.

Of course, I'm not blaming you, but keeping such a fierce cat isn't good for you.

If the cat gets aggressive and accidentally scratches or bites you, leaving a scar, it would be unfortunate. And if, heaven forbid, it injures your face, you, with your delicate beauty, should be even more careful.

Isn't there a place with many gentle cats? Why not exchange it for a more docile one?"

Rongpin forced a smile, but her gaze at the cat still revealed a hint of malice.

This damned cat, if it ever fell into her hands, she would surely torment it thoroughly, pulling out all its claws, smashing its sharp teeth one by one, and see if it would dare to extend its claws or bare its fangs at her again!

Perhaps sensing Rongpin's malice, the cat even seemed ready to pounce on her, showing even more hostility. If Su Yi's hand hadn't been firmly resting on it, it might have indeed lunged forward.