Chapter 120

Chapter 120

One side of the wooden plaque was carved with an intricate and beautiful pattern, even adding decorative motifs to make it more deceptive.

The other side was still smooth, without any pattern. There was no need to carve the same design on this side, but leaving it blank felt incomplete.

After pondering for a moment, Su Yi lowered her head and focused on carving again.

This time, instead of the mysterious patterns on the back, she carved a cute little figure with a big head and a small body, currently in a coquettish pose.

The style looked strange to those who saw it, but the figure was unmistakably the little milk dragon, appearing vivid and lifelike.

Meanwhile, Kangxi, who had appeared to be sound asleep, had unknowingly woken up.

The spot beside him where someone had been lying was now empty. Hearing the faint rustling sounds from the outer room, Kangxi's expression was unreadable, neither good nor bad, and he closed his eyes once more.

Su Yi had stayed up most of the night, and as Kangxi's waking time approached, she finally finished the wooden plaque just in time.

She didn’t even have time to find a nice string to make it into a necklace. Instead, she quickly swept the wood shavings on the table into a handkerchief, wrapped them up, and stuffed the bundle under the stool.

She even kicked it further in with her foot to ensure it was out of sight.

Originally, Su Yi had wanted to sweep the shavings directly to avoid the trouble of wrapping them, but that would have caused them to scatter everywhere, making it easy to be discovered. So she chose to wrap them in the handkerchief and have the maids dispose of it later.

Su Yi tiptoed back to the inner chamber, gently returned the hairpin to the dressing box, and was about to hurry back to bed to pretend to be asleep.

But then she heard Kangxi, lying on the bed, suddenly turn over, as if he was about to wake up. Su Yi froze for a moment, then quickly sat down on the stool in front of the dressing table, picked up the wooden comb, and began combing her hair.

In her haste, she accidentally pulled her hair, letting out a soft "ah," careful to keep her voice down. She was heartbroken to see the strands of hair she had pulled out.

But she didn’t have time to dwell on it. Su Yi pretended to sit in front of the bronze mirror, combing her hair, thinking that if Kangxi asked her when he woke up, she would say she had slept enough and woke up early that day.

However, after Kangxi turned over, there was no further movement from the bed. It seemed he had just turned to sleep in a different position.

Su Yi cautiously glanced over and saw that Kangxi had turned his back to her.

She was so scared, thinking he was about to wake up, but it turned out he was just shifting positions to continue sleeping.

What a false alarm.

Why did he have to turn over? It really scared her!

Su Yi shook her fist at Kangxi's back.

Then she put the comb back, got up, and walked over to the bed. Just like when she had gotten down earlier, she lifted her leg and stepped over, lying down gently and pulling the blanket over herself.

Finally back in bed, she turned her head to look. Kangxi, now facing her direction, still showed no signs of waking up.

Su Yi let out a sigh of relief, turned over, and hugged the soft pillow placed against the wall, closing her eyes with a satisfied look.

After staying up all night, her body was exhausted. While she had been busy and focused, she hadn’t felt the fatigue, but once she relaxed, she couldn’t hold on any longer. As soon as Su Yi closed her eyes, she fell into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile, Kangxi had already opened his eyes, his gaze clear and alert, not at all like someone who had just woken up.

He quietly watched Consort Rong, who was sleeping soundly with her back to him, and gently stroked her smooth, soft hair. Then it was his turn to get up.

Liang Jiugong, who was outside keeping track of the time, was about to wake the Emperor. But before he could make a sound, the door opened.

It was the Emperor himself who opened the door. Liang Jiugong was about to say something, wondering why the Emperor had woken up without letting the servants in to attend to him, but Kangxi signaled for him to be quiet, and he immediately closed his mouth.

Kangxi went to the side hall to wash and change into his court attire for the morning audience. Su Yi, undisturbed, slept deeply and peacefully.

After lunch, as the afternoon approached, Su Yi finally woke up. During this time, Yun Hua and Qinxin did not disturb her sleep.

Having finally slept enough, Su Yi washed up and sat down, sipping warm porridge here and there.

The porridge had been prepared in advance, so as soon as Su Yi woke up, it could be served without much delay. Even though it had ground meat added, it was still quite bland and did not suit Su Yi's taste. After finishing one bowl, she refused to eat more.

She ate much less than usual.

Yun Hua wanted to persuade her, but Su Yi shook her head, clearly not hungry.

Su Yi had someone prepare sweet dessert soup, saying she would take it to Qianqing Palace to deliver it to Kangxi.

It was shocking to hear—Consort Rong was actually taking the initiative to deliver food to Qianqing Palace!

Before heading out, Su Yi had her hand re-bandaged, which was done by Yun Hua.

Yun Hua said she had memorized how the imperial physician had bandaged it before, asked about the precautions, and even practiced on another person. She quickly got the hang of it, so she was trusted with the task without issue.

"Wrap it higher so the sleeve hides it completely," Su Yi said during the re-bandaging process.

"Yes," Yun Hua, being skilled, easily followed the instructions and bandaged it correctly. She used the imperial physician’s method as a handy excuse.

Yun Hua was very skilled at bandaging, and she quickly completed the task as per Su Yi's request.

Su Yi let her sleeve naturally cover the white bandage, seeming pleased with the result.

Qianqing Palace

Kangxi was intently reading a report submitted by the Imperial Observatory. He had asked for reports on any recent unusual events, and the news came quickly.

Some animals had exhibited unusual behavior: fish were floating in groups, darting around, and leaping out of the water.

The horses in the palace stables refused to enter their stalls, all agitated and refusing to eat. Even when whipped, they refused to enter the stables; some were fighting, and others were trying to break free from their reins to escape.

Besides fish and horses, other animals also showed unusual behavior.

These animal anomalies appeared almost simultaneously, which was highly unusual if nothing was going on.

Kangxi had some understanding of earthquakes, and these animal signs matched the precursors.

Given the timeframe the imperial concubine mentioned for the earthquake, these animal anomalies were likely the precursors to an impending earthquake.

Could the signs really appear this early?

As he pondered, Kangxi's expression grew increasingly grim.

"Use any means necessary to get Uya to talk quickly."

The future is not set in stone. He tried to change it, but some events might still deviate. An earthquake is inevitable, but what if... it happens earlier?

Originally, Kangxi was in no hurry to deal with Uya, but if the earthquake no longer occurs at the predicted time, with the densely populated capital, an unprepared early earthquake would result in heavy casualties.

So, they couldn’t afford to wait any longer.

"Yes!"

If it could happen at the predicted time, it would be best to minimize casualties. But if not, preparations must be made early.

When Su Yi arrived, coincidentally, the two young eunuchs on duty were the same ones she had encountered before when she had sent Yun Hua away and barged in directly last time.

This time, it was them again on duty.

Originally, Su Yi thought the expressions of these two young eunuchs were quite vivid and they looked somewhat familiar. Then, seeing them all serious and on guard, as if afraid she might do something unexpected, it suddenly reminded her of the previous incident.

Upon learning that Su Yi had come to deliver sweet soup, they didn’t dare delay and quickly went in to report.

They didn’t want to keep Su Yi waiting, afraid it would turn out like last time, which would be a disaster.

When Liang Jiugong heard that Consort Rong had brought sweet soup, he almost wanted to check if the sun was rising from the west. Consort Rong actually bringing sweet soup? Liang Jiugong almost thought he had misheard.

Forget her coming herself, even if Consort Rong had sent someone to deliver it, that would have been surprising enough!

But he still had to inform the Emperor.

"Your Majesty."

"What is it?"

Liang Jiugong keenly noticed that the Emperor’s brow was slightly furrowed, his expression looking somewhat grave, as if holding back impatience, with the brush still in his hand.

He thought to himself, Consort Rong’s timing couldn’t be worse. If it were a normal day, the Emperor’s mood would be neutral, and knowing Consort Rong had come to deliver sweet soup, he would likely see her.

But now, the Emperor was clearly in a bad mood, and Consort Rong might leave empty-handed.

"Your Majesty, Consort Rong is outside, she has brought sweet soup."

Hearing this, Kangxi paused, his brow relaxing slightly. "Why is she here? Isn’t her hand injured?"

Liang Jiugong: "..." Consort Rong’s hand was hurt, but her legs were fine, and she had brought the sweet soup. Naturally, someone else had carried it for her, so Consort Rong didn’t have to lift a finger.

"Consort Rong must be concerned about Your Majesty."

Kangxi chuckled, was this really Consort Rong?

This dog of a servant could lie with his eyes wide open.

Kangxi placed the brush on the brush holder. "Hmm, it’s rare for her to be thoughtful. Let her in."

He didn’t want her to wait too long, or she might start cursing him in her heart.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Liang Jiugong quickly complied.

Originally, he thought the Emperor, in a bad mood, wouldn’t want to see Consort Rong. But not only did he agree to see her, he didn’t seem displeased by her bringing food, and his mood even seemed to improve.

Not daring to delay, he quickly had Consort Rong brought in.

When Su Yi entered, Kangxi was already seated, waiting. She looked around but didn’t see the little milk dragon. Kangxi, noticing her look, raised an eyebrow slightly.

Su Yi turned and took the food box from Qinxin, smiling warmly at Kangxi. "Your Majesty, it’s already afternoon. I’ve prepared some sweet soup, it’s light and refreshing, perfect for now."

She then set the box down and opened the lid.

The maids in charge of inspecting the food stepped forward to take over, saving Su Yi the trouble of serving it herself.

As Su Yi was about to sit, Kangxi gently took her hand and said, "It’s thoughtful of you to have done this."

Listen to that, making it sound like she never does this, and her coming once in a while is such a rare event. Such a subtle dig.

"Yes, that’s exactly what I meant," Su Yi replied softly, with a hint of shyness on her face.

Did you expect me to be modest?

Impossible!

As long as I’m shameless enough, I’ll say it.

Su Yi wanted to sit down, but the maids testing the food for poison were standing between them.

If they kept holding hands while she sat down, they’d trap the maid. So Su Yi had to stay standing.

She tried to pull her hand away, but Kangxi didn’t seem to notice and asked, "What’s wrong, Consort Rong?"

"Nothing, it’s just that Your Majesty holding my hand makes me, with my thin skin, feel a bit overwhelmed," she said shyly.

You’re sitting there all comfy, and I’m still standing! Let go of my hand so I can sit down, already!

Kangxi didn’t let go. If Consort Rong were really thin-skinned, she wouldn’t have said that.

"Don’t worry, they wouldn’t dare spread rumors," Kangxi said, referring to the maids. Even if they saw, they wouldn’t dare talk.

Su Yi was effectively left speechless.

It’s not like we’ve done anything scandalous in public.

Fortunately, the maid finished testing the poison and returned to her position.

"Let’s enjoy the sweet soup, Your Majesty," Su Yi said with a gentle smile, then she subtly pulled her hand away, signaling him to drink the soup.

But as if recalling something, she casually added, "Your Majesty, where’s Baocheng? There’s plenty of soup. Why not invite him over?"

Kangxi, about to take a sip, paused and put the spoon down.

Liang Jiugong: "..." Consort Rong, at least don’t give yourself away so fast.

"Is this sweet soup meant for me?" Kangxi pointed to the bowl beside him, asking with a calm expression.

"Of course," Su Yi replied immediately.

Just as a bonus.

The sweet soup is for the cute little one. You, as the dad, are just an extra.

Kangxi narrowed his eyes, said nothing, and downed the bowl in one go. After finishing, he gestured for the maid to serve another bowl. The maid quickly complied, and Kangxi drank that one directly as well.

Su Yi: What?!

When the maid went to serve a third bowl, there was only half a portion left. Su Yi quickly intervened, "Wait!"

What’s with this drinking style?

You’re about to drink it all.

Kangxi raised an eyebrow at her, "What’s wrong?"

"Your Majesty, you’ve already had two bowls. Although the soup is delicious, drinking too much can make you feel sick," Su Yi said, putting on a concerned expression.

You’ve already had two bowls, and it’s almost gone. What’s the little one supposed to drink when he gets here? Water?!

"This is your gesture of kindness, and I am very fond of it, not finding it too sweet." After a pause, he added, "Isn't this specially prepared for me? Of course, I should finish it all in your presence." Kangxi looked at Consort Rong with a gentle gaze.

Su Yi: Is this what they mean by hoist with one's own petard? The boomerang always comes back around.

"Your Majesty, I am truly moved!" Su Yi said with a numb expression, serving the remaining sweet soup directly to Kangxi.

Every last drop was gone.

Originally, she thought that this man didn't like sweet soup much; he would at most take a few sips from half a bowl, and then she and the little milk dragon could each have a bowl, sitting together enjoying the sweet soup.

But now, it all ended up in Kangxi's stomach.

She really regretted her words!

Su Yi had Yun Hua seal the food box and take it away.

Since he drank all the sweet soup himself, it was best to quickly put away the food box; otherwise, when the little milk dragon comes, he would think there was something to eat.

How could she conjure it up, saying that his father drank it all in one go, leaving nothing for him.

Kangxi had the maids call Baocheng over, and he slowly sipped the half bowl of sweet soup, unlike earlier when he downed it in one go.

The little milk dragon was initially doing his homework, but upon hearing that the Emperor was calling him over and that Consort Rong was also coming to see him, he was instantly excited and eager to run over.

But remembering the Emperor's usual teachings about upholding the dignity of the Crown Prince, he restrained himself from running over.

Still, he walked very quickly, barely able to contain his excitement.

"Consort Rong!" His voice arrived before he did, followed by the little milk dragon appearing with a happy face.

Seeing the Emperor first, the little milk dragon obediently paid his respects, then joyfully rushed into Su Yi's arms to cuddle.

They hadn't seen each other for a while, but upon meeting, they were still very affectionate, chatting with each other.

Kangxi had just put down his bowl, and the little milk dragon, who was picked up by Su Yi and sat beside her, saw it and asked, "What is the Emperor drinking? It smells sweet."

Su Yi's eyelids twitched; the food box was indeed put away, but the bowl Kangxi had used for the sweet soup was still out!