Chapter 154

Chapter 154

After Su Yi came back and took a nap, she became much softer, her eyes gentle again, returning to her usual gentle and tender demeanor.

Especially with little milk dragon coming to visit, it was like medicine fed directly to her mouth.

"Consort Su, are you feeling better?" Little milk dragon leaned by the bed, his face adorned with a cute smile, his eyes sparkling with both dependence and concern.

"Much better, especially after seeing our Baocheng," Su Yi replied with a gentle smile, reaching out to pat his head.

It was less endearing when she had to supervise him finishing the bitter medicine.

Before little milk dragon left, Su Yi thought for a moment, pulled him close as if to whisper something, and then handed him a small object. "Go back now," she said, with a hint of reluctance, letting him leave.

Later, Qinxin mentioned who had promptly gone to the Qianqing Palace to summon the Emperor today.

The commotion at the Cining Palace earlier, though the maids outside might not have heard everything clearly, but it wasn’t entirely unnoticed, as there were always some exceptions.

"Ah, it was Yun Hua," Su Yi nodded casually. "Give her some reward as an incentive," she added, without any intention of summoning Yun Hua.

Qinxin was taken aback by the Consort's reaction. Considering how Yun Hua had decisively sent someone to the Qianqing Palace to fetch the Emperor in time, it seemed like a significant contribution. Yet, the Consort still didn't seem inclined to bring Yun Hua back to her side.

However, Qinxin didn't voice her question, merely bowing her head in acknowledgment. "Yes, Consort."

Having resolved a troublesome matter today, Su Yi could continue her leisurely life in the Yonghe Palace, waking up naturally and living like a carefree fish. Noticing Qinxin's confusion, she patiently asked, "Are you curious why I’ve suddenly grown distant towards Yun Hua?"

Qinxin nodded, indeed quite puzzled. Previously, the Consort had highly valued Yun Hua, even to the point of surpassing her at times, which had made Qinxin feel quite threatened.

Especially during a period when Yun Hua had temporarily replaced her as the Consort's most trusted aide.

Even after Qinxin regained her position by the Consort's side, she remained cautious, not wanting to repeat past mistakes and risk losing her second chance.

Su Yi gently stroked the cat in her lap, her tone as soft as ever, "A servant who serves too many masters is not reliable. If they can't be the only one, then it's not worth investing too much effort in them," her words carrying a surprisingly cold undertone.

"Guogaitou, do you love me the most?" She lifted the cat with its little bangs, facing it directly as she asked.

The response was a soft, purring meow.

"See, Guogaitou says yes," Su Yi smiled, cuddling the cat again, stroking its fur as it purred contentedly.

The interaction between the mistress and her pet was heartwarming.

Hearing Consort Su’s words, Qinxin felt a chill. "Consort, you mean...!"

Yun Hua was a spy planted in the Yonghe Palace, serving another master, which is why she couldn't be loyal to just one.

A servant who doesn't obey only one master cannot be trusted, as they could stab you in the back at any moment.

The Consort's implication was that she had known all along that Yun Hua was a spy?

But if the Consort had known, why hadn't she removed Yun Hua from her side, instead keeping her close?

Wouldn't that make it easier for Yun Hua to scheme against the Consort if she had ill intentions?

Or perhaps the Consort had a reason for keeping Yun Hua around.

Because the Consort knew who Yun Hua's real master was, this spy couldn't be dealt with or sent away, but had to be kept close.

Who could Yun Hua's master be?

Qinxin looked as if she were facing a formidable foe, but Su Yi suddenly laughed out loud, "I was only joking; look how frightened you are. You must have been quite scared today, you've been tense since you came back. Are you feeling any better now?"

It was like the smug grin after pulling off a prank.

For a moment, Qinxin couldn’t tell if the Empress was truly joking or serious.

However, "Empress, you’re teasing me again; I was truly frightened just now."

Qinxin quickly responded, since the Empress said it was a joke, then it must be a joke.

Su Yi laughed for a while, then showed signs of exhaustion, clearly running out of energy.

Seeing this, Qinxin immediately said, "It’s getting late; I’ll take my leave now. Empress, please rest."

It must be said, Qinxin is quite adept at reading the room.

She wouldn’t ask questions she shouldn’t, even if curiosity gnawed at her, unless Su Yi brought it up herself, and even then, she kept her lips sealed.

After Qinxin left, she instructed the night-duty maids to stay vigilant, and if there was any movement from the Empress, they should immediately inquire and check if something was wrong, and if they couldn't handle it, they should notify her right away.

Then she carried out the Empress’s orders, found Yun Hua, and gave her some rewards.

Even though she now suspected Yun Hua might be a spy planted by someone else, Qinxin still didn't show any unusual expressions.

She treated Yun Hua as usual, to avoid raising any suspicions.

But inwardly, she was more cautious of Yun Hua. Since she couldn’t remove her, she couldn’t let Yun Hua serve the Empress as closely as she once did.

Fortunately, Xiao Yunzi was sharp and competent, so not everything had to be handled by Qinxin alone, at least for now, he was stronger than Yun Hua, who had another master behind her.

Yun Hua, let's just keep it as it is now.

"Sister Qinxin, did the Empress mention anything else?" Seeing Qinxin about to leave, Yun Hua timely called out to her, as if hesitating before asking, with a hint of expectation in her eyes.

Qinxin thought to herself, if she hadn’t known Yun Hua might be a spy, just by looking at Yun Hua's behavior, she couldn’t tell anything, it was as if she wholeheartedly wanted to return to the Empress's side.

If she hadn’t known, she might have even pitied Yun Hua.

But now, the better Yun Hua acted, the more cautious Qinxin grew, and she only said, "No."

Fortunately, Qinxin was usually expressionless, appearing cold and aloof, so even if her attitude changed now, it wasn't too abrupt.

"You know the Empress’s temperament; it’s always unpredictable."

Not just unpredictable—sometimes she’s fine one moment, and the next she might change, not necessarily moody, but definitely capricious.

One moment she’s gentle and warm, the next she might shift—it’s all quite perplexing.

Qinxin's response wasn't wrong.

"Yes, I understand, Sister Qinxin." The expectation in Yun Hua's eyes dimmed, and she said with a forced smile, not pressing Qinxin further.

It made Qinxin breathe a sigh of relief, if Yun Hua kept asking for a reason, it would have been troublesome.

"You understand—that’s good. There’s still a long road ahead." Qinxin comforted her, speaking in the tone of someone who had been through it.

Because she’d been through something similar before, she’d almost thought she couldn’t return to the Empress’s side, but fortunately, the Empress changed her mind later, but Qinxin had always taken it as a warning.

So speaking in this tone wasn't wrong.

"Thanks, Sis Qinxin." Yun Hua's eyes lit up a bit upon hearing this, as if she had found hope, and she smiled again.

Once Qinxin was gone, Yun Hua headed back to her place.

Since she used to serve the Consort, Yun Hua didn't need to share a room with other palace maids and had her own separate living space.

Even though she couldn't serve Consort Rong as frequently now, she still had her own room, and her status hadn't changed.

"Still not good, Consort Rong's onto me and doesn't trust me like before. Although I can still keep track of Consort Rong's every move, she keeps me at arm's length now."

As soon as she stepped inside, Yun Hua's smile vanished. Her usually cheerful face was now expressionless, and her whole vibe changed, like she'd dropped the act and was back to her real self.

Sure, it's not as easy as before, but Consort Rong hadn't transferred her away from Yonghe Palace.

A shadowy figure stood in front of her, his back turned, "Understood."

Qianqing Palace

Noticing the Crown Prince was back for the second time, Liang Jiugong naturally had to inform the Emperor.

Moreover, Liang Jiugong figured the Crown Prince's timing was perfect.

"Baocheng?" Kangxi stopped writing and looked up.

"Yes, Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is waiting outside. Should I bring him in?"

Liang Jiugong bowed as he spoke. Since the Crown Prince was waiting outside, His Majesty would probably see him.

But after waiting for a while without hearing a response from His Majesty, Liang Jiugong was confused until he heard the Emperor set down his brush, then a quiet sigh, "Let Baocheng in."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Liang Jiugong didn't waste a second and hurried to bring the Crown Prince in.

After a moment of silence, he could hear his own heartbeat.

"Your Highness, right this way."

Liang Jiugong, his face crinkled with a smile, invited the quietly waiting Crown Prince inside, hoping that His Majesty's mood would improve soon.

The little milk dragon waited patiently, not making any small movements, standing properly. Now that he was allowed to enter, he clutched the things in his hand tighter and eagerly went in.

"Dad." The little milk dragon's voice still carried a childish tone.

Upon seeing his Imperial Father, he wanted to run over, but he remembered his manners before approaching his father's side.

"What's got you so happy?"

Kangxi sat there, watching his son, who was grinning so widely that his teeth were showing, lacking any royal dignity, still so childlike.

It seemed that as he grew older, he was regressing. Kangxi's brow twitched, and he patiently asked.

"Imperial Father, Baocheng just returned from visiting Consort Rong. She looks much better, and Baocheng is finally at ease.

We even had dinner together. Well, Consort Rong was a bit unruly when it came to taking her medicine, but under Baocheng's supervision, she obediently finished it.

Baocheng also came to see Imperial Father earlier. If Imperial Father wasn't too busy, you could have come with Baocheng. Consort Rong was especially gentle today!"

He sat close to his Imperial Father as he spoke, initially maintaining some royal demeanor, but now, by his father's side, he couldn't hold back his true nature.

He giggled like a little kid, unable to resist sharing his joy with his father.

However, people's joys and sorrows are not the same.

"Is that it?" Kangxi said with a faint expression, as if to suppress any bitterness.

After hearing Kangxi's response, Little Milk Dragon seemed to sense something. He tilted his head and looked at him, his eyes fixed on Kangxi's tightly pursed lips, reflecting them clearly. Kangxi almost felt guilty under that gaze.

"Father, are you upset?" he asked.

Kangxi looked as if he was sulking alone.

He acted like this when he sulked alone.

As soon as he said this, Kangxi immediately denied it, "No, I'm fine." He tapped Little Milk Dragon on the back of his head, "Don't jump to conclusions." He reiterated.

He looked even more dignified now.

Sulking was not like him.

Being seen through by his son embarrassed the old father. He couldn't admit it.

Little Milk Dragon, caught off guard by the tap, just pouted and scratched his head in confusion, "Really?"

Little Milk Dragon's expression showed disbelief, and he became even more convinced of his initial thought.

Father, this is what you call being fine?

Father's tap was harder than usual, hmph.

But recalling Consort Rong's words, adults can be very proud. Even if you notice, don't call them out.

Baocheng found Consort Rong's words wise. To avoid another tap on the head.

He wore a look of 'I won't call you out' and smoothly said, "Yes, I must have been wrong earlier. Father is fine."

His survival instinct was strong, knowing when to back off.

Kangxi: "..." His hand seemed to itch even more.

Little Milk Dragon also felt a chill at the back of his head. A sense of crisis made him instinctively cover the back of his head.

Just as he felt a bit reassured after covering the back of his head, he realized what it meant to take care of the back but not the front.

When he reacted, he met his father's "kind" smile, and his forehead received a loud flick.

This time, it hurt so much that Little Milk Dragon's eyes welled up with tears. He looked at his father with grievance, "Father, what's wrong with you?"

Why did you hit him again!

It seems like he couldn't defend against it at all!

Little Milk Dragon felt the deep malice of his father tonight.

Kangxi: Oh, I really couldn't hold back just now.

Kangxi's fatherly heart felt a slight pang under Little Milk Dragon's accusatory gaze, but just a slight one.

"Ahem." Kangxi coughed dryly, preparing to change the subject.

Then he heard Little Milk Dragon belatedly say, "Father, did you and Consort Rong, um... have a disagreement?"

That’s what got him all upset.

He was actually off sulking by himself.

The little milk dragon rubbed his sore forehead, as if he’d just figured something out.

Kangxi snorted, “That’s nonsense. Where’d you hear that?” His tone turned sharp by the end.

Arguing? How can you even argue by yourself?!

The little milk dragon, standing nearby, was a little startled by Kangxi’s expression. The Emperor’s face had suddenly turned sour, and he was a little scared of his father’s stern look.

It was like... he’d accidentally stepped on the tail of a bowl-cut cat, making it puff up in reaction.

Kangxi’s face stiffened, and he said in a low voice, “Baocheng, you’re getting more and more...”

Then Baocheng came over and shoved something into his hand, whispering, “Your Majesty, Consort Rong sent this for you.”

With a hop, he jumped down from Kangxi’s side, “Your Majesty, I’m tired. I’m off to bed.”

With that, his little legs took off, dashing to the door before screeching to a halt.

He stopped at the door, took a breath, straightened up, put a hand behind his back, and walked out slowly like nothing had happened.

As he passed Liang Jiugong, he gave a dignified nod and left.

He really carried himself like a young prince.

Nothing like the flustered escape he’d made earlier when he sensed trouble.

Kangxi frowned as he watched his troublesome son bolt off. Seeing that he still remembered to keep his composure outside, Kangxi’s frown softened a bit.

He looked down and opened his palm, revealing what Baocheng had given him.

It was... a tiny jade turtle?!

It was smaller than his palm, looking even tinier in Kangxi’s hand.

Though it was lively and cute, it was still a turtle!!

Kangxi’s hand shook with emotion, making the little turtle’s head nod as if it were alive.

It had a weird rhythm to it.

The nodding head made the turtle even more lively, like a kid’s favorite toy—no wonder Baocheng hadn’t wanted to give it up.

Kangxi was stunned.

Remembering how Baocheng had come over mysteriously, saying it was from Consort Rong and hesitating to hand it over, Kangxi had wondered what it could be.

Consort Rong sent a turtle?!

Kangxi couldn’t help but toss the nodding turtle onto the table.

The turtle rolled a few times, then lay on its back, motionless, but its head kept shaking stubbornly, which just annoyed Kangxi even more.

With a bit of disdain, he reached out and flipped it back over, then gave the little turtle’s head a firm poke out of personal frustration.

The little turtle’s head immediately started nodding frantically, unable to stop.

"Hmph," Kangxi propped his forehead with one hand, watched with a blank expression as the little turtle shook its head.

When the turtle's head stopped shaking much, he tapped its head again with his finger.

"Such a handful."

The little turtle nodded.

"And so stubborn."

The little turtle nodded.

"Do you even realize you're wrong?"

The little turtle nodded.

"You know but won’t change."

The little turtle nodded.

"You little rascal."

Kangxi used a bit too much force here, knocked the turtle's head off to the side, looking quite pitiful with its head and neck separated from its body.

The man who had just been annoyed with it immediately reached out to pick it up. "Broken?" He sounded annoyed, as he tried to reattach the turtle’s head, only to see something inside the turtle's body.

Kangxi arched an eyebrow, turned the turtle upside down, and shook it a couple of times. Soon, a small rolled-up piece of paper fell out from the turtle's body.

Kangxi's gaze paused on the small paper ball for a moment, then looked away, ignoring it.

He lowered his head to fix the turtle’s head back on, and it could continue shaking its head again.

Kangxi placed it aside, then picked up his brush and lowered his head to get back to reviewing the documents.

The fallen small paper ball lay there quietly, left forgotten.