Chapter 109

Chapter 109

The maid had intended to flatter Consort Liang but ended up not gaining any favor, and while she dared not say anything openly, she felt disdain inwardly.

If Consort Liang wanted to compare herself to Consort Rong, she should have waited until she had surpassed her before raising such questions. Praising her didn’t please her, and not praising her upset her. No matter what was said, it was always wrong.

After Consort Liang had meticulously dressed up, she did not immediately go to the main hall but instead waited.

She wanted to confirm whether Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia had taken her suggestion from that day into consideration and decided to act on it during this opportunity.

That was the moment she was waiting for.

Otherwise, if she went over now and Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia did not dare to do so or had no intention of doing so, her rushing over to appear before the Emperor with Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia would nullify all her previous efforts of being subservient to her.

Ultimately, she might end up like Uya, constantly suppressed by Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia with no chance of advancement. She had witnessed Uya’s recent plight and felt a growing desire to rise.

Consort Liang was waiting, and Uya was also waiting.

Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia had been inquiring about what she had said, what she had dreamed, and what her intentions were these past few days. Could Uya not be aware of this?

Not only that, but she also blocked outside news from reaching her and had people convince her that it was all her delusions.

They said that she might be suffering from delusions, and if this got out, how could the imperial palace allow someone who spoke nonsense to continue as a concubine? She might quietly disappear.

Such deliberate or unintentional intimidation, aimed at a young noble lady plagued by nightmares, growing haggard and easily frightened, with little experience, few resources, and an untempered character.

She might indeed withdraw, too afraid to speak out or entertain other thoughts, sinking into despair.

As for Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia, she could use the information she obtained from her to curry favor with the Emperor.

If it failed, she could shift the blame onto her, making her the scapegoat and forcing her to bear the consequences of deceiving the Emperor. If the news of the earthquake was indeed true, then all the credit and benefits would go to Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia. Such a significant achievement could even lead to her coronation as Empress.

Once Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia became Empress, there would be no chance for her to rise.

Furthermore, Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia might confine her to bed to conceal the fact that she was the true recipient of the heavenly omen. Gradually, she might fall ill, suffer from prolonged illness, and pass away in pain.

By then, Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia would no longer fear her exposing the truth.

Hmph, such tactics were commonplace in the imperial palace.

It was easy to cause an unfavored concubine to succumb to illness. Even if she died, no one would investigate the true cause of death, as long as it was a dignified death. Uya, having spent many years in the palace in her previous life, was well aware of this.

Uya sat on the bed, her hair disheveled and strands covering her face, obscuring her expression.

Once Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia discovered, she began to act.

The maids attending to Uya had been reassigned for various reasons over the past few days, gradually replaced by Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia’s own. The remaining personal maids had not been transferred because they had already been bribed by Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia.

It was clear that Uya had no allies left, and her every move was closely monitored by Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia.

Currently, Uya was acting as someone tormented by nightmares, muttering to herself, growing paranoid, and seemingly losing her mind, as if the claims of those around her had convinced her she was indeed delusional.

But despite everyone around her being replaced by Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia’s people, Uya could still receive information about Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia's actions.

It was the maid who had previously held incriminating evidence against her.

The maid reported to Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia as instructed and was even rewarded. Since Uya had said she didn't need her to betray Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia, this way she could gain benefits without betraying the Imperial Noble Consort. With the evidence in her hands, Uya's demands were not excessive, so the maid agreed.

After Uya was placed under restrictions and surveillance by Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia, this maid naturally became truly valuable.

The maid would continue to report her every move to Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia.

However, correspondingly, the maid also had to inform Uya of Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia's recent actions.

The maid wanted to gain benefits from Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia, but was forced to compromise because Consort Uya had leverage over her.

Initially, she was reluctant to inform Consort Uya, since Consort Uya's current position was precarious, and there was no benefit in helping her.

But the information previously reported to Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia had indeed been orchestrated by Consort Uya. If Consort Uya were to recklessly reveal it, and it reached Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia's ears, it would imply she had colluded with Consort Uya, and Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia would definitely not spare her.

Now, Consort Uya had another piece of leverage over her, and for her, it was even more critical.

Reflecting on this, the maid realized she had fallen into Consort Uya's trap.

Luckily, Consort Uya only asked her to report on Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia's actions and did not demand anything else.

The maid figured that even if Consort Uya knew, she likely couldn't do much.

So she told her, since she wasn't asked to do anything else.

This time, Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia managed to summon the Emperor, not by feigning illness.

But by adopting Uya's method of receiving an earthquake warning, replacing it with herself, as she frequently dreamed of earthquakes that could even affect the capital, leaving her terrified and uncertain if her dreams were real, thus she requested the Emperor to make a decision.

This matter was of utmost importance, and Kangxi naturally couldn't overlook it, so he immediately headed to Jingren Palace.

Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia waited anxiously in Jingren Palace. Though she was confident the Emperor would come, she couldn't help but fret over any unforeseen changes.

"Is everything ready?" Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia couldn't help but confirm again.

"Yes, Your Highness, rest assured, everything is in order. Consort Liang hasn't noticed," the maid said.

"Good. Isn't Consort Liang always eager to serve me? This time, I'll indulge her," Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia's expression turned somewhat cold.

After suffering a loss with Uya, Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia, even if she despised her, had to be more cautious.

Even though Consort Liang had been extremely subservient in front of her lately, what did it matter?

Consort Liang had also received many benefits from her recently, and these benefits weren't for nothing.

At this thought, Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia smiled, looking somewhat sinister, unlike her usual self, who openly flaunted her arrogance for all to see.

The maid served even more carefully, as since nanny Wang's death, Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia had become increasingly ruthless.

"The Emperor has arrived—" the sharp voice of the eunuch outside announced.

Hearing this, Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia's expression suddenly changed, showing joy. Without waiting for the maid to assist her, she eagerly stood up.

In her haste, she swayed and almost lost her balance. If the maid hadn't quickly come to support her, she might have fallen.

Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia had no time to scold the maid for being slow. She took the maid's hand and hurried out to greet the Emperor.

Upon seeing the familiar, tall figure, she suppressed her excitement, but her eyes still betrayed a hint of it, "Your servant greets the Emperor."

Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia, who could have worn exquisite makeup, chose instead to depict a somewhat haggard appearance due to sleepless nights.

At this moment, Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia's face was pale, with faint dark circles under her eyes. She wore a plain qipao dress, looking thin and with a trace of worry between her brows.

Consort Tongjia, typically proud and spirited, now seemed much more delicate, a stark contrast to her usual self, and it was not the deliberate imitation of Consort Rong as before.

Consort Tongjia crafted this contrast to evoke even a hint of pity from the Emperor.

Kangxi gestured to help her up, his expression softening. "Rise," he said.

This simple gesture nearly moved Consort Tongjia to tears. Her voice wavered with emotion, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

After rising, she trailed two steps behind the Emperor.

It had been a while since she last saw the Emperor. Since her mistake, the Emperor had grown cold towards her.

If she weren't still managing palace affairs, her position as Consort might have been at risk.

She had privately resented the Emperor for his harshness, wondering why he treated her this way. Not only did he silently permit the Grand Empress Dowager to take the Fourth Prince from her, but he also executed Nanny Wang, her childhood caretaker, without mercy.

Even afterward, he didn't come to console her and instead sent Consort Liang to Jingren Palace to humiliate her, focusing all his attention on that woman in Yonghe Palace.

But today, the Emperor had come, and Consort Tongjia couldn't help feeling joy and triumph. This time, she had finally outdone Consort Rong, even though the Emperor had come for other reasons, unknown to Consort Rong.

What she didn't notice was that Kangxi's softened expression was just a facade, his eyes lacking warmth.

Kangxi sat on the main throne and looked across at Consort Tongjia. Liang Jiugong had already started clearing the room, dismissing the servants. The Emperor had important matters to discuss, and the servants naturally couldn't stay to interfere.

"Consort, you seem to have slimmed down," Kangxi remarked.

Consort Tongjia touched her face, her tone tinged with sadness. "Do I look very haggard, Your Majesty? I haven't been sleeping well, and now you see me like this."

"If you're unwell, call the imperial physician. Your health matters," Kangxi said, though his tone, while concerned, was calm to the point of indifference.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. With your busy schedule, I wouldn't dare trouble you with such matters."

Hearing the Emperor's concern, Consort Tongjia's worry eased, and she seemed more lively, her eyes bright with joy as she looked at the Emperor.

"Mm," Kangxi acknowledged, then got to the main point. "Consort, you mentioned something important. What is it?"

Clearly, this was his primary concern.

Hearing this, the excitement in Consort Tongjia's heart cooled slightly. The Emperor had come for this matter.

If it were not for the importance of this issue, the Emperor would not have come personally. Although Consort Tongjia had anticipated this, she could not help but feel disappointed, though she dared not show it.

"Your Majesty, I was just about to discuss this with you. This matter is of great importance, and I dare not speak carelessly, nor can I ignore it. I had to ask for your decision," Consort Tongjia began carefully.

This matter could easily backfire, so she had to tread carefully.

Kangxi nodded, his expression patient. "Consort, do not be afraid. Speak freely."

Seeing the Emperor's patient and attentive demeanor gave Consort Tongjia great confidence.

Then Consort Tongjia began to speak slowly, "I am not entirely certain, but recently I have been..."

She recounted the information she had obtained from Uya, of course, using Uya's prophetic dreams as a pretext.

As the Emperor's expression grew more serious, the pressure on Consort Tongjia increased. She felt somewhat uneasy but did not speak definitively, leaving room for interpretation.

But seeing that the Emperor was listening intently, Consort Tongjia, who had initially been unsure, grew more confident as she continued. She even mentioned the exact time of the earthquake in the capital to further enhance the credibility of her story.

After all, this information had been painstakingly extracted from Uya.

"Your Majesty, this is all I know. I dare not lie to you. I fear that if I do not speak, the consequences could be dire.

If my dreams are false, then it is a good thing. But if they are true, and I remain silent out of fear, the consequences could be severe. I am more afraid of that," Consort Tongjia said, her face filled with fear and anxiety as she waited.