Chapter 116

Chapter 116

Yipin marched into Yonghe Palace again, but she did not see the Emperor or Consort Rong. Instead, she happened to encounter the imperial physician who was about to leave. She immediately stopped him and asked what was wrong with Consort Rong.

"What a coincidence. I had a meal with Consort Rong today and saw that she had a good appetite, not at all like someone feeling unwell. That’s why I thought of coming to see her again, and then I ran into you, Imperial Physician.

Have you treated Consort Rong yet? How is she? If I weren’t genuinely concerned, I wouldn’t have come at this hour. I’m just worried about Consort Rong."

Yipin spoke in a deliberately casual tone, but in reality, she wanted to find out about Consort Rong's condition from the imperial physician, while also hinting that Consort Rong's sudden discomfort had nothing to do with her.

The imperial physician, being a seasoned figure in the palace, could easily discern the underlying meaning in Yipin's words.

Consort Rong wasn’t actually unwell, but the Emperor was. The Emperor did not want this matter to be publicized, so Consort Rong naturally became the one who was "ill."

"Your Highness, Consort Rong has had a recurrence of an old illness, but her condition has stabilized now. She should be resting," the imperial physician replied, meeting Yipin's scrutinizing gaze.

It would be quite inappropriate for Yipin to visit now. The one who was unwell was the Emperor, not Consort Rong. Yipin would only be met with a closed door if she went now.

"An old illness, huh?" Yipin’s tone was loaded with meaning. "Consort Rong's health is truly concerning. The Emperor must be very worried about her, otherwise he wouldn’t have summoned you to treat her."

The imperial physician typically only attended to the Emperor, the Grand Empress Dowager, and the Empress Dowager. Yet Consort Rong had managed to have the imperial physician attend to her more than once, while Yipin could only summon a regular physician. This left Yipin feeling a pang of bitterness.

She had been taking medicine for a while to improve her health, but it hadn’t helped. Could the imperial physician have the solution?

The imperial physician simply lowered his head slightly. "I am merely following orders, Your Highness. It’s getting late, and I must take my leave. If I delay any longer, I might not make it out before the palace gates are locked."

He really had no patience for the probing of these concubines.

He would rather spend his time reading medical books.

Seeing that she couldn’t extract any more information from the imperial physician, Yipin narrowed her eyes, feeling displeased. However, she didn’t lash out. The imperial physician often met with the Emperor, and it wouldn’t do her any good to clash with him over such a trivial matter.

After realizing this, she nodded. "It’s dark, Imperial Physician. Watch your step on the way out," she reminded him.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I take my leave now." After saying this, the imperial physician bowed and followed the eunuch who was guiding him out.

Seeing that the imperial physician had left, the maid supporting Yipin cautiously asked, "Your Highness, should we still go to Yonghe Palace?" They were almost there.

Yipin turned and glared at her, annoyed. "Why go now? Didn’t you hear the imperial physician? Consort Rong is already resting! How much influence do I have to make Consort Rong get up and receive me while she’s unwell?"

That’s what she said, but if it were just Consort Rong, she would have dared to go directly, just like she did in the afternoon, regardless of whether Consort Rong was resting or not. The maids wouldn’t dare to stop her.

But the imperial physician had mentioned Consort Rong was resting, which was a hint that it would be best not to go now.

If it were just Consort Rong, she wouldn’t be afraid, but since the imperial physician said Consort Rong’s old illness had flared up and there was no indication that it was related to her, then it had nothing to do with her. She had come to stop Consort Rong from blaming her for the discomfort.

If Consort Rong had blamed her for the discomfort, she would have had every right to go. But since Consort Rong’s old illness had indeed flared up, going now would only make her appear aggressive and annoying in front of the Emperor, so Yipin had no choice but to return.

Having made this futile trip, Yipin was exhausted. As she relaxed, she felt extremely tired.

She wanted to berate the clueless maid again, but in the end, she was too tired to speak.

Consort Tongjia hadn’t slept all night, and when she went to pay her respects at Cining Palace, her haggard appearance couldn’t even be covered by makeup.

The other concubines didn’t find this unusual.

Consort Tongjia had intercepted Consort Rong yesterday but still failed to keep the Emperor. Who wouldn’t be upset about that? It was normal for her to have been so upset that she couldn’t sleep all night.

When the concubines learned that Consort Liang from Jingren Palace had suddenly fallen gravely ill and passed away last night, they were initially shocked, and then couldn't help but speculate on how Consort Liang's sudden illness had come about and whether there was any hidden reason behind it.

At this moment, Consort Tongjia, who had been looking weary, also made the other concubines wonder if she knew the inside story and whether the Emperor's decision not to stay last night was related to this matter.

Although the concubines were all speculating in their hearts, they wisely avoided discussing this matter in Cining Palace. They were not mourning Consort Liang's sudden death, but rather wanted to know what Consort Liang had done to meet such an end.

Even if they were curious to know, they understood that this was not something they could openly inquire about. If it was said to be a sudden illness and death, then that was how it had to be, and any other suspicions could not be voiced, lest they violate taboos.

Consort Tongjia clearly sensed that the Grand Empress Dowager's attitude towards her had grown much colder.

In the past, when Consort Tongjia would say a few words of flattery, the Grand Empress Dowager would reply with a few words, giving her some face, like a kind old lady.

But today, the Grand Empress Dowager was clearly somewhat dissatisfied with her.

Although it wasn't very obvious in front of the concubines, as if it were the same as before, Consort Tongjia could sense the chill in the Grand Empress Dowager's gaze upon her, making the already anxious Consort Tongjia think even more.

Did even the Grand Empress Dowager know?

Previously, even after the incident with the Fourth Prince, the Grand Empress Dowager's attitude towards her had not changed.

But today's dissatisfaction made Consort Tongjia feel as if she were sitting on pins and needles.

Even though they were indoors, with an ice basin placed not far away, Consort Tongjia's back was drenched in sweat, and even her forehead was sweating, causing her heavy makeup to smudge.

"Consort, are you unwell? You're sweating so much. In my presence, you don't need to force yourself," the Grand Empress Dowager seemed to notice Consort Tongjia's discomfort, her words laced with concern but her eyes devoid of warmth.

"Thank you for your concern, Grand Empress Dowager. I'm fine, I just sweat more when I'm hot," Consort Tongjia replied with a smile, as her maid carefully wiped the fine sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief.

"I'm getting old, and too much ice makes my body ache, so I'm making you all endure the heat with me," the Grand Empress Dowager said with a smile, twirling her prayer beads.

Immediately, a concubine fawned, "I don't mind the heat; Your Majesty's health is the most important."

"Yes, I agree," another chimed in, each one competing to say something pleasing.

Since they couldn't see the Emperor now, they naturally wanted to curry favor with the Grand Empress Dowager.

...

Perhaps, if they gained the Grand Empress Dowager's favor, she might mention them to the Emperor when he came to pay his respects.

Listening to these concubines, Consort Tongjia felt slightly annoyed. Were these concubines intentionally trying to make her uncomfortable?

As if none of them were afraid of the heat, and only she had just mentioned being hot.

Coupled with what the Grand Empress Dowager had said, it made her appear as if she couldn't endure any hardship, and because the Grand Empress Dowager used less ice, she felt wronged, while the other concubines didn't feel any discomfort, making her the only one who was special and afraid of the heat.

At this thought, Consort Tongjia's face turned even paler, but she quickly composed herself and steadied her mind.

"I heard that Consort Rong has fallen ill again. Her health seems even more fragile than mine. If Consort Rong were to come to pay her respects to the Grand Empress Dowager on such a hot day, she might faint before even seeing Your Majesty," Consort Tongjia deliberately brought up Consort Rong.

She wanted to shift the focus onto Consort Rong.

After all, Consort Rong wasn't here, and this was a fact.

Consort Rong's reputation as a sickly beauty was well-known throughout the palace.

She wanted to point out to the Grand Empress Dowager that Consort Rong often missed paying her respects in Cining Palace, even when she wasn't bedridden. There were times when she was well, but she still didn't come to pay her respects.

Immediately, a concubine chimed in with the same sentiment.

"I’ve heard that Consort Rong isn’t always ill. There are times when she’s in good health. It makes sense that she doesn’t come to pay her respects to the Grand Empress Dowager when she’s sick, as it would be inappropriate to spread illness to others. But if she were feeling better, if it were me, I’d certainly come to pay my respects to the Grand Empress Dowager right away."

This implied that even when Consort Rong was in good health, she didn’t come to pay her respects, which shows she doesn’t seem to care much about the Grand Empress Dowager.

"I wonder what Consort Rong is thinking. Usually, when I want to talk to her, I can never find a good opportunity. We hardly ever meet. We’re all supposed to be close since we entered the palace together, yet I barely get to see her."

"Consort Rong naturally has no time for us. The Emperor pities her and often visits her. How could Consort Rong have free time to chat with us? You’re something else."

Another junior concubine spoke in a teasing tone, but the underlying envy was unmistakable.

They were clearly working together.

Everyone there was seething with jealousy.

Yesterday, they thought they might finally break Consort Rong’s current monopoly on favor, only to realize it was pointless. How could anyone feel okay about that? It was just that Consort Tongjia was probably the most upset.

Bringing up Consort Rong in front of Consort Tongjia could come off as mocking her, leading to resentment and future retaliation, so they had avoided mentioning it.

But now that Consort Tongjia had brought up Consort Rong herself, it gave the concubines a chance to vent their frustrations, and they couldn’t help but say a few words.

They spoke at length about Consort Rong in front of the Grand Empress Dowager, motivated by their own selfish reasons, hoping to make the Grand Empress Dowager think less of Consort Rong and dislike her even more.

Seeing that the concubines had shifted their attention to Consort Rong, Consort Tongjia couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief, hoping it would divert the Grand Empress Dowager’s attention as well.

But she was suddenly met with the Grand Empress Dowager’s cold gaze, making her heart race. Although the Grand Empress Dowager quickly returned to her usual expression, Consort Tongjia was still overcome with anxiety.

Right then, Consort Tongjia was on edge, easily alarmed by the slightest irregularity, yet she still clung to a sliver of hope. It’s too soon for anyone to have found out.

The concubines spoke on, seemingly to themselves, but in reality, they were all secretly observing the Grand Empress Dowager’s reaction.

Unfortunately, to their disappointment, the Grand Empress Dowager merely sat at the head, listening without even lifting her eyelids, showing no sign of a reaction.

As usual, Suma Lagu would remind them when it was time to leave, as the Grand Empress Dowager was tired.

Consort Tongjia was the last to leave, as was customary. But today, as the concubines had mostly left, she began to feel nervous, fearing that the Grand Empress Dowager might ask her to stay behind for a private conversation.

The Grand Empress Dowager’s dissatisfaction with her today had left Consort Tongjia terrified, and she dared not be alone with her, so she wanted to rise and take her leave.

The Grand Empress Dowager, who had been fingering her prayer beads, spoke up, "Consort Tongjia, I still have a few things to discuss with you."