Chapter 149

Chapter 149

The Grand Empress Dowager's headache had subsided somewhat. Although she still suffered from migraines, it was much better compared to recent times. Having endured the previous severe headaches, the current level of pain was bearable.

The Grand Empress Dowager wondered if her headache condition would gradually improve over time.

Having endured the worst, she believed she was nearing recovery. She even felt like she had luck on her side.

The headache was not as intense as before. Although there was still some pain, it was manageable enough for the Grand Empress Dowager to spare some energy to think about other matters.

She asked the maids and learned that Suma Lagu had been gone for quite some time and had not yet returned.

The Grand Empress Dowager had a nagging suspicion that her plan might have failed.

Getting caught by the Emperor meant failure.

But right then, the Grand Empress Dowager was already thinking about how to discuss this matter with the Emperor later.

Previously, the Emperor had not directly confronted her, and coinciding with her severe headache, the Emperor refrained from further confrontation, letting the matter temporarily blow over.

When she was tormented by the headache, the Grand Empress Dowager once thought she was about to pass away.

Thinking about what would happen after her death, she predicted that Consort Rong’s position in the palace would grow stronger, and no one would be able to suppress her, which would be even more problematic. So, she decided to settle things as fast as she could while she still had breath left.

Ideally, the best plan would have been to take it slow, such as arranging things around Consort Rong, exposing her bit by bit. This would prevent Consort Rong from becoming pregnant, and even if the methods were discovered later, Consort Rong’s health would likely be destroyed.

However, due to her headache, the Grand Empress Dowager no longer had the energy to think about such a plan.

She had no choice but to go for a more aggressive approach, hoping to wrap things up quickly. Once it was done, there’d be no going back.

Moreover, after the matter was settled, even if the Emperor was angry, he’d have to drop it given her dire state and would instead compensate Consort Rong in another way.

By then, even if Consort Rong felt hurt and betrayed, she would have to accept it. If Consort Rong held a grudge against the Emperor and created a rift, it would be even better.

She knew the Emperor's temperament well. If Consort Rong persistently showed resentment towards the Emperor, even if the Emperor initially felt guilty, over time, Consort Rong's refusal to let go would gradually erode his guilt.

If Consort Rong quarreled with the Emperor, the other women in the palace, who weren’t to be underestimated, would seize the opportunity to take advantage.

The Emperor, being the supreme ruler, would not bow to anyone.

Even if the Emperor was wrong, no one could directly point it out. The more Consort Rong dwelled on it and refused to yield, the more the Emperor, without a way to save face, would deliberately favor others and neglect her.

By then, whether Consort Rong gave in or not, she’d be crushed.

No woman would take it lightly, and men would not understand these feelings. The Emperor, in particular, did not need to understand, as there were plenty of women who were gentle, obedient, and eager to please.

But this would only make Consort Rong’s pain worse.

All of this would gradually wear down Consort Rong's health. A slow, agonizing process, like a dull knife cutting through flesh, would be her undoing if she failed to see through it.

Even if Consort Rong didn’t fight with the Emperor or grow distant, it wouldn’t change anything.

Even if Consort Rong gained more favor due to the Emperor's guilt, the Grand Empress Dowager would not object.

Because, even in a high position, as long as Consort Rong could no longer have children, the royal family would eventually have to honor the Niohuru family, and Consort Rong's rank would inevitably rise.

As long as she was not the Empress, even if she became a Consort or a Noble Consort, the Grand Empress Dowager was open to it.

The one thing she couldn’t stand was Consort Rong having both favor and kids. These two were like trying to have your cake and eat it too—how could she have both?

The Grand Empress Dowager had made her plans, thinking she was nearing her end, which is why she acted so hastily.

But now, the unbearable headache that had tormented her had subsided, and she no longer felt the constant despair and helplessness of her imminent death.

Reflecting calmly, she realized this hasty move was highly inappropriate.

Those low-ranking maids had been caught in the act, and the Grand Empress Dowager was indifferent to their fates, only whether they had succeeded in making Consort Rong drink the prepared 'Summer Cooler Soup' before the Emperor arrived at Cining Palace.

If not, it would be the worst-case scenario.

Originally, she had intended to let Consort Tongjia and Consort Rong wait, a common tactic, and usually, the concubines had no choice but to endure it.

Even if they were discontent and voiced their grievances about being deliberately mistreated, the blame would never fall on her.

Attending to the Grand Empress Dowager during her illness was considered an honor, and the concubines were forbidden from complaining. Any complaint would be viewed as disrespect and filial impiety toward the Grand Empress Dowager, which would severely tarnish a concubine's reputation.

The Emperor held filial piety in high regard and frequently visited the Grand Empress Dowager to pay his respects and inquire about her health, let alone the concubines, who were expected to follow his example. Being labeled as unfilial and disrespectful would inevitably result in the Emperor's disdain, and how could one then maintain their position in the harem?

Thus, the concubines were burdened with many concerns. Even if the Grand Empress Dowager used her illness as a pretext to deliberately cause trouble, they were aware of it, but what could they do? They still had to serve obediently.

Seeing that Suma Lagu had not yet returned, the Grand Empress Dowager considered whether to send another maid to gather information.

Just then, she heard the Emperor arrive, with Suma Lagu trailing behind. The Grand Empress Dowager composed herself and looked at the Emperor, her peripheral vision catching sight of Suma Lagu behind him.

After the Emperor entered, Suma Lagu glanced over, gave a slight shake of her head, then lowered her gaze and stood aside.

Having served the Grand Empress Dowager for so many years, such a gesture conveyed everything to her.

It appeared that Consort Rong had not consumed that bowl of 'Summer Cooler Soup.'

The Grand Empress Dowager's expression remained unchanged, but though she had prepared herself, knowing it had come to the worst outcome she had anticipated, her mind was still disturbed.

Kangxi sat down on the chair brought by the maids and his first question was, "Grandmother, is your headache any better?" as if he had no intention of delving into the earlier events at Cining Palace.

But the Grand Empress Dowager knew that the Emperor was just not bringing up the topic immediately, as it was inconvenient to do so with the maids still present.

To rush in and demand an explanation would seem very impatient, not the Emperor's style.

The Grand Empress Dowager's headache had indeed eased a lot, but saying it was much better now was not a good thing.

Fortunately, after days of suffering from the headache, she looked quite haggard and didn't need to pretend.

With the support of Suma Lagu and the maids, she slowly rose and leaned against the head of the bed, her thin hand trembling as she pressed her temples, seemingly trying to alleviate the pain, and with a forced spirit, she said,

"Alas, my body is truly getting worse day by day, making you worry, Emperor."

She spoke thus, her face aged, but her expression towards the Emperor was kind, and the affection in her eyes was genuine.

But her tired appearance made her look much older, reminding people of the once lively old lady she was, not the frail figure she had become, which moved those who saw her.

"Grandmother, don't say that, your body will get better."

Kangxi seemed touched, his tone softened, but the emotions in his eyes remained unchanged.

Others might not notice, but could the Grand Empress Dowager not be aware?

Rather than letting the Emperor speak first, it was better for the Grand Empress Dowager to take the initiative. She glanced at Suma Lagu, signaling her to dismiss the other maids.

At this moment, having many people around was not good. Only when she was alone with the Emperor could she lower her guard and play the emotional card, without any interference from others.

Suma Lagu quickly grasped the situation and gestured for the servants to leave.

Suma Lagu was meant to leave with the other servants, but she halted abruptly.

The Grand Empress Dowager was unaware of the full story. Even though she had guessed some of it, she never expected Consort Rong's audacious move.

Suma Lagu feared any further delay, worried about the Emperor's well-being. After the servants had left, she didn't leave but turned back instead, knelt down, and seemed reluctant to speak.

Seeing Suma Lagu return, the Grand Empress Dowager was confused. Suma understood her intentions best; at this moment, Suma knew whether she could stay or not.

Then she saw Suma kneel down upon returning. For some reason, the Grand Empress Dowager's heart raced, her eyelids twitched, and she felt a sudden panic, as if Suma was about to reveal something shocking.

"Suma, what are you doing? If you have something to say, get up first. Don't kneel."

The Grand Empress Dowager, seemingly exhausted, rested her head on her hand and glanced at the Emperor, who sat there silently, slightly bowing his head and toying with the jade ring on his finger.

Unfortunately, her grandson remained too composed, showing no signs of agitation.

Suma Lagu stayed kneeling. Seeing that the Emperor did not stop her, she steeled herself and recounted the recent events, highlighting that the Emperor had drunk the 'Summer Cooler Soup' meant for Consort Rong.

"When I arrived, it was already too late. I couldn't stop it in time. I deserve to die a thousand deaths," Suma Lagu said.

If she hadn't been briefly delayed by those maids, she could have stopped it in time.

If only she hadn't wasted time with those maids and had gone directly, she could have prevented it!

Suma Lagu was overwhelmed with guilt, which was why she remained kneeling while reporting.

Before she could urge the Grand Empress Dowager to stay calm and take care, it was already too late.

Upon hearing this, the Grand Empress Dowager's face turned pale. She sat up sharply but felt dizzy and collapsed back onto the pillow. Suma Lagu rushed to her side, "Grand Empress Dowager!"

Kangxi, seated nearby, said, "Grandmother, please take care of your health."

Among the three of them, he was the calmest. Even when expressing concern, his words lacked the urgency and worry that should have been shown.

Seeing this, Suma Lagu, though knowing she shouldn't, couldn't help but feel dissatisfied with the Emperor's attitude. Even if the Grand Empress Dowager was at fault, she was still the Emperor's grandmother.

The Emperor's current attitude inevitably chilled the Grand Empress Dowager's heart. The grandson she had raised had now reached such a state with her.

After recovering, the Grand Empress Dowager didn't dwell on this but couldn't help but address the Emperor, "Emperor! How could you drink something so casually! Quickly, summon the imperial physician!"

Her expression was agitated, fearing that the Emperor was still unaware, which was why he remained so calm.

In her anxiety, she began to speak without thinking, her eyes filled with undisguised murderous intent toward Consort Rong, "Consort Rong dares! She is truly a venomous woman! How audacious! How could she!"

Consort Rong knew there was a problem, yet she still let the Emperor drink the 'Summer Cooler Soup.' She clearly did not care about the Emperor's health. This was a grave crime!

Just thinking about it, the Grand Empress Dowager already wanted to kill Consort Rong immediately. How could she tolerate Consort Rong remaining by the Emperor's side, being so reckless with his health!

What if one day Consort Rong attempts to poison the Emperor!

"Suma, what are you standing there for? Go and summon the imperial physician immediately!" the Grand Empress Dowager commanded sharply, her tone firm and resolute, unlike her earlier feigned weakness.

At this moment, the most important thing was to summon the imperial physician immediately. If anything happened to the Emperor, even the lives of Consort Rong's entire clan would not be enough to atone! Her eyes were filled with severity.

Suma Lagu was about to rise and summon the imperial physician, but Kangxi stopped her.

"Do not go," Kangxi said, looking at Suma Lagu with a cold gaze, but his eyes carried an overwhelming pressure.

Suma Lagu was caught in a dilemma. She was supposed to obey the Grand Empress Dowager, but now the Emperor had forbidden it. If she insisted on going, she would be defying the Emperor's command, which was deeply troubling!

"Emperor!" The Grand Empress Dowager glared at Kangxi, her tone growing more severe. "Do you know that the bowl of soup was tainted? You trusted Consort Rong so readily and drank it. You’re going to be the death of me!"

The Grand Empress Dowager spoke with increasing agitation, but strangely, even though she was clearly agitated, she did not faint immediately.

"I know," Kangxi replied calmly, his gaze steady as he looked at his agitated grandmother. It was evident that her health had indeed improved somewhat.

The Grand Empress Dowager realized the matter could no longer be hidden and had to be disclosed. She wanted to say that it was something harmful to a woman's body, causing a chilling effect after consumption.

This chilling effect would keep Consort Rong in poor health, suffering from its effects, and prevent her from conceiving an heir. Although it had such effects on women, it was never intended for men.

If the Emperor’s health were truly at risk, how could the Grand Empress Dowager face the Qing dynasty ancestors after her death?

The Grand Empress Dowager feared the Emperor didn’t grasp the gravity of the situation and was about to explain, as it could no longer be concealed. She never imagined the concoction meant for Consort Rong would be consumed by the Emperor!

The Grand Empress Dowager was seething with rage, and she also sensed the malice of Consort Rong.

"You don’t understand, I prepared it for... you! What did you say?!" It seemed she heard the Emperor say he knew. He knew?!

Knew what?! Did he know it was tainted, or did he know what was actually in it?!

The Grand Empress Dowager leaned forward anxiously, clutching the Emperor’s sleeve so tightly it nearly tore.

"I know everything," Kangxi repeated, his words clear, the emotions he’d hidden finally surfacing.

Now the Grand Empress Dowager finally reacted, her hands trembling with agitation, her eyes filled with disbelief. "Emperor, you know! You know what I’ve done, what I prepared for Consort Rong, and yet you drank it in front of her. You’re so foolish!"

Then, almost without pause, she continued, "If you know, why are you still stopping Suma Lagu from calling the imperial physician?! Are you trying to shield Consort Rong now?!

She clearly knew the Summer Cooler Soup was tainted. Even if she didn’t know its contents, she refused to drink it herself and passed it to you. What was she thinking?!"

The more she spoke, the more the Grand Empress Dowager wanted to execute Consort Rong on the spot, without hesitation. "Consort Rong's heart is utterly condemnable! Why haven't you dealt with that wretch yet?!"

"Grandmother, your health should not be overly agitated. I do not feel any discomfort in my body," Kangxi said calmly, as if stating a trivial matter.

Compared to the Grand Empress Dowager's current reaction, the contrast was stark.

"If it had taken effect immediately, how could it be so simple! You tell me not to be agitated, but how can I not be agitated? You are going to drive me to my grave! What kind of bewitching potion has Consort Rong fed you?!

I had thought that after this incident, I would not interfere in the affairs of the harem. Even if you resent me, I would not regret it. But now..." The Grand Empress Dowager's eyes boiled with killing intent, almost wanting to execute Consort Rong on the spot.

"If you still do not summon the imperial physician, my old life is meaningless. I might as well go down early to seek forgiveness from our ancestors!"

Seeing that the Emperor remained composed, the Grand Empress Dowager was both shocked and resentful that he did not understand her painstaking efforts!

Seeing that the Emperor still had no intention of summoning the imperial physician, she had no choice but to use her own life to force the Emperor to quickly summon the imperial physician.

When she had previously acted against Consort Rong, observing the Emperor's reaction, the Grand Empress Dowager had only thought that the Emperor valued Consort Rong somewhat, but not to an unshakable extent.

After all, after the Emperor found out, he did not directly discuss the matter but instead suppressed it. Although the relationship between the grandmother and grandson had become somewhat cold, once the Emperor's anger subsided, it would pass.

The Grand Empress Dowager had thought it was only to this extent, feeling somewhat sorry for Consort Rong. Sometimes you think you are very important, but in reality, you are not that important.

This is the tragedy of the concubines in the harem.

Even so, Consort Rong still had to sacrifice some things. It was only because she had entered the harem.

But now she realized that she had underestimated everything.

The Emperor, fully aware of the issues, still indulged Consort Rong. Now that Consort Rong was not brought along, it was clear that if the Emperor had brought her, she would have wanted to tear Consort Rong apart on the spot! That's why Consort Rong was not brought along.

The Emperor must have kept everything under wraps in the Cining Palace! He ordered that no word of it be spread.

This was to shift all the blame onto Consort Rong. Without knowing the details of the incident, who could possibly know what really happened.

But what did Consort Rong do!

What a piece of work Consort Rong is! We really underestimated how ruthless this woman could be!