Chapter 139

Chapter 139

Su Yi: Wow.

Perfect timing.

I knew the old lady would come through.

If it were normal times, the shrewd Grand Empress Dowager probably wouldn't do something so obvious, as there are many ways to manipulate things behind the scenes.

But now, with insufficient sleep, frequent headaches, and a desire to vent her anger on someone, her judgment has slipped.

Unlike the others in Yonghe Palace who looked horrified upon hearing the news, Su Yi remained quite calm. She even restrained herself to keep from smiling.

Kangxi has been avoiding her for days.

This long avoidance isn't good.

Right away, Su Yi responded with a gentle demeanor, seeming completely unbothered.

However, the maid delivering the message didn't dare to say anything more, just bowed respectfully and said, "Your Highness, please."

Last time, Nanny Fang came here and ended up in the Punishment Office, and the Grand Empress Dowager couldn't even get her out.

That's enough to scare them.

Consort Rong's appearance is deceiving; she looks gentle but never hesitates to act.

Nanny Fang found out the hard way, thinking that Consort Rong wouldn't dare to do anything to her out of respect for the Grand Empress Dowager. Little did she know that Consort Rong not only had her slapped but also sent her to the Punishment Office, giving Nanny Fang no chance to complain.

Now, it's her turn, and she doesn't dare overstep, to avoid giving Consort Rong a reason to punish her.

She was nervous before coming, afraid Consort Rong might be upset about having to attend to the Grand Empress Dowager and would take it out on her, with no one to defend a servant.

Although attending to the Grand Empress Dowager is not something just anyone can do, and doing so could earn one a good reputation for filial piety once the Grand Empress Dowager recovers, it's also known that such duties can be tough, especially if someone intentionally makes things difficult, leaving no room to complain.

Especially now, with the Grand Empress Dowager summoning Consort Rong to attend to her, her intentions are obvious.

However, the Grand Empress Dowager also made it less direct by calling Consort Tongjia to attend to her in Cining Palace as well. The two of them together, with Consort Tongjia being qualified to attend, while only Consort Rong among the concubine rank could join.

It seems like a way to elevate Consort Rong.

However, Consort Tongjia and Consort Rong don't exactly get along, and it's unclear whether this is a mere coincidence or an intentional move.

This time, Su Yi didn't waste time but went simply dressed, saying, "The Grand Empress Dowager is unwell, and as a concubine, I should not dress too elaborately or flashy when attending to her."

In reality, she just didn't want to bother.

Consort Rong's words were reasonable, as it's indeed inappropriate to dress too elaborately in such situations, so no one said anything.

When Su Yi arrived, Consort Tongjia was already there.

Actually, Consort Tongjia's palace is closer to Cining Palace than Yonghe Palace, so if someone were sent to her place, she would arrive faster than Su Yi.

This is normal.

However, arriving later than Consort Tongjia gave someone a reason to make a fuss.

Consort Tongjia sat on a stool not far from the Grand Empress Dowager's bedside. When she saw Consort Rong, she raised an eyebrow and said with a somewhat flamboyant smile, "Old Ancestor, I was just wondering where Consort Rong had gone. Well, here she comes, finally." Her eyes were full of arrogance.

This was clearly a dig at Consort Rong's tardiness.

She had already arrived, while Consort Rong was only now making her belated appearance, acting even more high and mighty than her, the Imperial Noble Consort.

The Grand Empress Dowager's face looked haggard from lack of rest, showing clear signs of fatigue. Compared to her last visit, when she still seemed like a lively old lady, she now looked at least ten years older, and her whole demeanor had turned somewhat fierce.

When the Grand Empress Dowager looked at Consort Rong, she noticed her complexion had improved significantly since her last visit. It seemed she had been taking good care of herself, which only deepened the Grand Empress Dowager's gloom.

But the Grand Empress Dowager remained silent.

Wasn't the reason for summoning Consort Tongjia to make use of her at such a time?

Hearing this, Su Yi replied calmly, "The Imperial Noble Consort's palace is closer to Cining Palace than Yonghe Palace. Even if I had four legs, I couldn't arrive faster than Your Highness."

Consort Tongjia, of course, knew this, but she didn't want to let Consort Rong off the hook, so she changed the subject,

"Hmph, Consort Rong is indeed quick with words. But when meeting the Grand Empress Dowager and me, why didn't you bow right away? Even if you have something to say, you should bow first before talking back."

As long as she was the Imperial Noble Consort, Consort Rong would have to kneel before her.

Su Yi smiled gently, placed her hands at her waist, and slightly moved her fingers, ready to kneel in salute.

Then, with a loud 'bang,' a scream from Consort Tongjia, and a gasp from Suma Lagu, the scene instantly turned chaotic. The servants rushed forward, bumping into each other in their haste.

Consort Tongjia fell straight to the ground.

As she fell, her hands flailed in panic, and her long fingernail guards accidentally scratched the Grand Empress Dowager, who was sitting calmly on the bed.

The Grand Empress Dowager lost her composure and angrily shouted, "How dare you!"

The legs of the stool Consort Tongjia had been sitting on had suddenly broken, causing it to lose balance and collapse instantly. Consort Tongjia, who had been sitting on it, fell hard, so fast the servants couldn't catch her.

Now, Consort Tongjia lay on the ground, her face contorted in pain.

Before she could even vent her anger, hearing the Grand Empress Dowager's furious shout, Consort Tongjia's heart sank. She stiffly turned to look at the Grand Empress Dowager, only to see Suma Lagu covering the Grand Empress Dowager's neck with a handkerchief.

Suma Lagu urgently said, "The Grand Empress Dowager is hurt! Call the imperial physician!"

She looked at Consort Tongjia with displeasure, though she didn't scold her directly due to their difference in status.

Realizing her hand must have caught on something during the fall, and considering the situation, Consort Tongjia knew things had gone south.

Not only had the stool legs broken, causing her to fall and make a fool of herself, but she had also injured the Grand Empress Dowager. It seemed she had scratched her during the fall.

Oh no!

Instantly, Consort Tongjia didn't even dare to vent her anger.

Instead of getting up from the ground, she immediately knelt down to beg for forgiveness, "Your servant deserves death for accidentally injuring the Grand Empress Dowager. Where is the imperial physician? Hurry and summon them!" She quickly joined in calling the servants to fetch the imperial physician.

She also began removing her fingernail guards, throwing them to the ground.

If it weren't for these guards, she wouldn't have accidentally hurt the Grand Empress Dowager.

But when she turned her head, she nearly fumed with anger.

Consort Rong looked startled, clutching her chest as if she were weak, leaning on the maids for support. Her hands were bare, making her elaborate outfit seem too extravagant for someone who had come to tend to the sick.

"Consort Rong, what is wrong with you now?!" Consort Tongjia snapped angrily. She was the one who had fallen, yet Consort Rong was acting like she was watching a show!

Earlier, the embroidered stool had seemed sturdy, with no signs of breaking. But the moment Consort Rong arrived, the stool leg broke, causing Consort Tongjia to accidentally hurt the Grand Empress Dowager. No wonder Consort Tongjia was furious.

The sudden incident caused a commotion among the servants, and Consort Tongjia's loud voice only added to the noise, worsening the Grand Empress Dowager's headache and making her even more irritable.

Overcome with anger, the Grand Empress Dowager suddenly fainted.

Her fainting sent the servants into a greater panic. Suma Lagu was deeply worried. The Grand Empress Dowager had been quick to anger lately, and this sudden fainting spell was out of the ordinary.

When the imperial physician rushed in, Suma Lagu quickly stepped aside to let him tend to the Grand Empress Dowager, relieved he was on call at the Cining Palace.

Otherwise, who knows how long it might have taken.

As the imperial physician examined the Grand Empress Dowager, Suma Lagu glanced at Consort Tongjia, who was anxiously waiting nearby, and then turned her gaze to Consort Rong, who stood at a distance.

Her displeasure was hard to conceal.

Ever since Consort Rong arrived at the Cining Palace, there had been one mishap after another, further proving that Consort Rong was at odds with the Grand Empress Dowager!

The scratch was nothing; the real issue was that the Grand Empress Dowager had clearly fainted from rage.

Who else could have angered the Grand Empress Dowager so much if not Consort Rong?

After the acupuncture treatment, the Grand Empress Dowager began to stir.

The imperial physician sighed in relief, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Consort Tongjia, on the other hand, was nervous. She stepped forward to express her concern and apologize, making a show of her remorse.

She then shifted the blame to Consort Rong, who stood at a distance, as if watching a drama unfold.

Earlier, when the Grand Empress Dowager was in such a state, there was no time for lectures, but now that she had woken up.

Consort Tongjia, who had fallen and accidentally hurt the Grand Empress Dowager, couldn't face her wrath alone. What if Consort Rong was mocking her?

"I never imagined this would happen. Thankfully, Your Majesty is alright. Both Consort Rong and I were terribly worried."

Consort Tongjia spoke with a concerned expression by the Grand Empress Dowager's bedside.

Then, as she brought up Consort Rong, she naturally turned her gaze to her.

Seeing Consort Rong standing much farther away, it seemed she wasn't as concerned about the Grand Empress Dowager.

"Indeed," Su Yi chimed in earnestly, "It's such a relief that you're alright."

Her smile appeared genuinely sincere.

Then, holding Qinxin's hand, she slowly walked forward, naturally explaining, "I didn't dare to approach earlier, fearing I might hinder the imperial physician's treatment of the Grand Empress Dowager."

Upon hearing this, Consort Tongjia's expression darkened. Was Consort Rong implying that she had been in the way?

"My sister is indeed eloquent and sharp-tongued," Consort Tongjia remarked with a hint of sarcasm.

"It's quite a coincidence. Before my sister arrived, everything was fine. But as soon as she came, the Cining Palace nearly fell into chaos."

One might think that Sister is the reincarnation of a jinx, bringing misfortune wherever she goes.

Consort Tongjia’s gaze towards Consort Rong was sharp and unrelenting, her words equally cutting.

This was to link the current events to Consort Rong.

She hinted to everyone to recall the rumors that had been circulating in the palace, that ever since Consort Rong arrived at Cining Palace, the Grand Empress Dowager had fallen ill, either due to illness brought by Consort Rong or because Consort Rong was inauspicious for the Grand Empress Dowager.

Although the rumors in the palace had quickly subsided, Consort Tongjia truly believed there was no mistake in these rumors.

She not only did not want to stop these rumors but also wanted to add fuel to the fire, letting the rumors grow more intense, simply because she did not want Consort Rong to have an easy time.

When the Emperor finally arrived, she hadn’t been happy for long before she realized his intention was actually about Consort Rong’s affairs.

He wanted her to handle the recent rumors about Consort Rong in the harem.

Consort Tongjia certainly did not want to help Consort Rong; she wished for Consort Rong’s misfortune!

She originally planned to delay, letting the rumors grow more intense before taking action, thus not going against the Emperor’s wishes, maintaining the balance in the harem, and also making Consort Rong worry about the matter.

But the Emperor’s words implied that if she couldn’t handle such matters well, other concubines could take over her responsibilities, and he even mentioned Consort Hui.

Upon hearing this, Consort Tongjia’s heart tightened.

Now that she had lost favor, she needed to hold onto power even more. If even the power in her hands was distributed, what meaning would there be in her being the Imperial Noble Consort?

If she pretended not to know about the rumors, it would be too fake. The reason she still held palace power was that she was the only Imperial Noble Consort, but eventually, the vacant consort positions would be filled.

If she left a bad impression of poor management this time, others might take the opportunity to divide her power.

Consort Hui, this woman, must have mentioned the eldest prince in front of the Emperor.

Now that the eldest prince’s health had been nurtured to be strong and not frail, he would not easily die young, and Consort Hui could finally rest assured to bring him back to the palace.

Once the eldest prince returned to the palace, he would be Consort Hui’s support.

Consort Hui’s position as a consort was secure, and she usually appeared low-key and well-behaved, especially when the eldest prince was being raised outside the palace.

But once the eldest prince returned, things would be different.

She didn’t believe that with the eldest prince back, Consort Hui would still be content to remain low-key and not compete for anything.

The Emperor must have intended for Consort Hui to share her responsibilities, likely preparing for her eventual promotion to consort.

So, no matter how unwilling she was, she had to suppress the rumors that were clearly unfavorable to Consort Rong, to prevent Consort Hui from taking her power now.

But towards Consort Rong, Consort Tongjia really couldn’t show a good face!

Even though the Emperor hadn’t visited her, he still cared about Consort Rong!

Consort Tongjia’s hostility was almost spilling out of her eyes.

With Consort Tongjia’s sharp contrast, the Grand Empress Dowager’s displeasure seemed less obvious.

Facing Consort Tongjia’s aggressive attitude, Su Yi still appeared gentle, but her words were, “Imperial Noble Consort, is it possible that the stool leg has reached its weight limit and couldn’t bear the load anymore?”

The subtext was, you’re too heavy, you broke the stool, who can you blame?

Consort Tongjia didn’t react at first, but when she did, she realized that Consort Rong’s words were actually calling her heavy!

She was so heavy that she broke the embroidered stool!

At the same time, Consort Tongjia felt the maids' subtle glances scrutinizing her figure, wondering if she caused the stool to collapse.

She was about to accuse Consort Rong of boldly mocking her when she heard Consort Rong add in a somewhat aggrieved tone, "Of course, if the Imperial Noble Consort needs to take her anger out on me to feel better, I have nothing more to say."

She dabbed at her dry eyes with a handkerchief, but they were already reddening.

Consort Tongjia grew even angrier at this fragile, aggrieved act. Her breath caught, and she swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue. Wouldn’t saying it prove Consort Rong right?

Su Yi waved her handkerchief near her eye before pulling it away.

It was so spicy it left her numb. Luckily, she didn’t get it in her eyes. It was her first time using it, and it worked remarkably well. No wonder every palace woman kept it on hand.

The white lotus act is so irritating, but using it feels oddly satisfying.

The Grand Empress Dowager had overstepped, even when the target was herself.

Meddling with the Imperial Pharmacy, tampering with medicine, and placing her people there was enough to make the Emperor suspicious. If someone could act right under his nose, what else might they dare to do?

Consort Tongjia was a prime example.

Though it wasn’t poison, they still tried to use these mysterious aphrodisiacs on him.

Though they were cousins, their interests had blinded them.

The Grand Empress Dowager, who had lived through three reigns, had meddled in court affairs when Kangxi was young. As Kangxi matured, the Grand Empress Dowager could no longer interfere as she once had.

When the Emperor came of age, their relationship turned from familial to political.

Their clash over reducing feudal powers marked the peak of their political differences.

Ultimately, the Grand Empress Dowager retreated to the inner palace, stopped meddling in court affairs, and became a benevolent old lady.

This helped ease the tension between grandmother and grandson.

But now, the Grand Empress Dowager had meddled again, interfering with Kangxi’s surveillance.

By now, Kangxi was no longer the inexperienced young Emperor. Though he seemed calmer, his control over court affairs had only made him stronger.

Disregarding his wishes, regardless of how much genuine affection Kangxi had for her, this matter had escalated to a challenge to the Emperor's dignity.

He was no longer the young Emperor who needed to follow his grandmother's every instruction.

Since the Grand Empress Dowager had chosen to step back initially, maintaining the previous state, the bond between grandmother and grandson could still gradually ease.

But since she had made this decision, and Kangxi had already fulfilled the Grand Empress Dowager's long-standing concern with the Fourth Prince, it seemed a certain understanding had been reached regarding Consort Rong.

But now, there seemed to be a hint of going back on her word.

This made it hard for Kangxi not to harbor some resentment.

But whether it was for her or not, on the surface, it had to be for her.

After all, the unspoken reasons always needed a superficial pretext.

And now, the Grand Empress Dowager was more inclined to think that Kangxi knew she had tampered with the contraceptive soup, in a state of not fully acknowledging it but not entirely indifferent either.

Kangxi's attitude these days further indirectly confirmed the Grand Empress Dowager's thoughts.

This was because she had targeted Consort Rong, which angered her grandmother, the Grand Empress Dowager.

Therefore, even though she was now summoned to attend to the illness, the Grand Empress Dowager dared not act too blatantly and could only use subtle methods to torment her.

For example, now.

Even though her hypocritical behavior was irritating both Consort Tongjia and the Grand Empress Dowager at this moment, she couldn't be directly punished. Instead, she had to mediate between them.

It seemed that Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia was aggressive and had the upper hand, but in reality, she was already at a disadvantage.

"Enough, you two should stop arguing, or the servants will laugh at us," the Grand Empress Dowager finally said.

"Grand Empress Dowager, I apologize for my disrespect," Consort Tongjia said, having accidentally offended the Grand Empress Dowager earlier, and was now naturally very obedient. Though dissatisfied, she could temporarily endure being in the same room with Consort Rong as long as her accidental offense wasn't mentioned.

"You are right," Su Yi said with a cooperative expression.

This was exactly what the Grand Empress Dowager wanted. With Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia causing trouble, the Grand Empress Dowager observed coldly. When the situation seemed to spiral out of control, she would step in to mediate. This was only the beginning.

But Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia was truly a fool. Making a spectacle of herself was bad enough, but she even managed to offend the Grand Empress Dowager.

However, Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia still had to stay and attend to the illness alongside her.

In truth, attending to the illness was merely a formality. These ladies were pampered, and with so many maids around, the noble ladies didn’t need to lift a finger.

Usually, they just sat by, occasionally directing the maids, and at most, felt a bit bored.

But now, the Grand Empress Dowager intended to wear down Consort Rong's recently recovered health through continuous attendance.

So she had already tipped off the maids of Cining Palace beforehand.

Now that the medicine was ready, the Grand Empress Dowager, who had been lying down, had to sit up to take it.

Normally, it would have been the maids who helped the Grand Empress Dowager sit up.

But now, only a few maids remained to serve, and Su Mala stood by without moving.

Before Consort Tongjia arrived, she had spoken with the Grand Empress Dowager and planned to use this opportunity to trouble Consort Rong.

She remarked that Consort Rong was always gentle and attentive, so she must be meticulous in serving the Grand Empress Dowager.

The implication was that Consort Rong would have to do everything personally, and the extent of it would depend on the Grand Empress Dowager's wishes.

After hearing this, the Grand Empress Dowager said, "Consort Rong is gentle and obedient. With you and her attending to me, I’m sure my recovery will be more pleasant."

Calling her gentle and obedient was just setting a standard. If Consort Rong showed even the slightest reluctance, it would be seen as disobedience, disrespect to the Grand Empress Dowager, and a lack of filial piety.

Hearing this, Consort Tongjia's smile widened, knowing that attending to the illness was another form of 'favor.'

Now, Consort Tongjia gestured for Consort Rong to come forward and help the Grand Empress Dowager sit up.

"Consort Rong, since you’re here to attend to the Grand Empress Dowager, why are you standing so far away? She needs to take her medicine now, so come forward and help her sit up."

She had switched to a new large chair and sat there, directing Consort Rong to come forward. She instinctively reached for her nail guards, but they were gone, leaving her hands bare. Suppressing her irritation, she glared at Consort Rong.

Consort Rong remained standing. As a mere consort, she had no seat, while Consort Tongjia, being a noble consort, sat comfortably.

It seemed Consort Rong wouldn’t dare ask for a seat over something so minor.

Qinxin, watching from the side, realized the Grand Empress Dowager and Consort Tongjia were teaming up against her mistress.

Since her mistress was there to tend to the Grand Empress Dowager, it was expected she’d take care of her. If she refused, she’d be accused of something else.

Even with maids around, they still called on the mistress. Qinxin looked calm, but inside, she was worried for her mistress.

"Yes," Su Yi motioned her to step aside and approached, moving like a painting—graceful and impossible to ignore in the stifling palace air.

She walked to the bedside, bent down, and smiled softly, effortlessly lifting the Grand Empress Dowager up.

She lifted the Grand Empress Dowager clean off the bed.

The Grand Empress Dowager didn’t lift a finger, waiting for Consort Rong to struggle. If Consort Rong was too rough, Suma Lagu would scold her.

Suma Lagu was about to tell Consort Rong to be careful, but the Grand Empress Dowager was already seated.

Usually, it took two maids to help the Grand Empress Dowager.

Making Consort Rong do it alone was clearly a setup.

Before Suma Lagu could say anything, the Grand Empress Dowager was seated, and Consort Rong was ready to feed her the medicine.

The Grand Empress Dowager said, "I’ve been sweating and feel uncomfortable," hinting she needed a change of clothes.

Su Yi smiled.

This was another move.

Su Yi wanted to say, "It’s just changing clothes."

But Su Yi, who’d seen it all, was now flustered.

The maids quickly brought new undergarments, dismissed the others, and Consort Tongjia left, leaving Consort Rong to tend to the Grand Empress Dowager while she waited comfortably outside.

Changing the Grand Empress Dowager’s clothes wasn’t easy—it meant wiping her down with warm water, not too soft or too rough.

With the Grand Empress Dowager so weak, even two or three maids would be worn out, let alone Consort Rong by herself.

Consort Tongjia could already picture Consort Rong’s tired but determined face after tending to the Grand Empress Dowager.

"Ah!" The Grand Empress Dowager suddenly clutched her head as her headache worsened.

Her face twisted in pain, no longer the vague discomfort from before—now it was unbearable.

Su Yi, startled, trembled and spilled the medicine—most on the bed, some soaking the Grand Empress Dowager’s undergarments.

The bowl rolled off and shattered on the floor with a sharp clatter.

Su Yi cried, "Oh no, what do we do now?"

She grabbed the new undergarments, her face pale, hands shaking—ripping them like paper, as if they were made of paste.

"Consort Rong, what are you doing?!" Suma Lagu exclaimed, suddenly remembering that Consort Rong seemed to have considerable strength, despite her delicate appearance.

Su Yi, hearing this, became even more nervous, her hands uncontrollably shaking, and with this movement, the undergarments ripped again, "This concubine is just nervous, this is..."

Then looking at the torn undergarments in her hands, "How are they as fragile as paper? This concubine did not use any force, Grand Empress Dowager, you must believe me, let's get another new one." Then she stepped forward, "Grand Empress Dowager, you should quickly change out of the wet clothes to avoid catching a cold," appearing as if she would personally attend to the Grand Empress Dowager's clothing change.

She had just torn the undergarment like a piece of paper, and now Suma Lagu dared not let Consort Rong get close to the Grand Empress Dowager.

What if Consort Rong, with her clumsy movements, injured the Grand Empress Dowager?!

"My Lady! Let me handle it. You and the Imperial Noble Consort can wait outside first." Then she quickly had the maids escort Consort Rong out.

Su Yi, her good intentions rebuffed, looked lost and said disappointedly, "Alright then."

That was a close call!