Chapter 158

Chapter 158

The recently returned Eldest Brother seems a bit unfriendly towards him.

Although Little Milk Dragon is young, he has quite a temper. If you don’t like me, then I won’t like you either. When we meet, calling him "Eldest Brother" is somewhat reluctant.

At the same time, because the Eldest Brother has started to compete with him in studies, Little Milk Dragon’s competitive drive has also been ignited. The rivalry between the two children is clear to Kangxi, who later rebuked Little Milk Dragon, saying he should foster brotherly harmony. The words weren’t harsh.

Kangxi’s intention was actually to tell him that as the Crown Prince, he must ensure that his actions are above criticism. Being in the position of the Crown Prince, people watching him won’t care about his age.

If he is not harmonious with his brothers, it might give the impression that the Crown Prince lacks the magnanimity to tolerate others, losing the demeanor expected of a Crown Prince. Since he is in this position, he must work harder than the other princes.

This was the intention, but Kangxi maintained a stern paternal demeanor. When it comes to such matters, he doesn’t take the lenient paternal approach.

He doesn’t patiently break things down, which doesn’t fit his stern paternal image. So, it sounds particularly like a rebuke, just because he didn’t get along well with the Eldest Brother.

Clearly, Little Milk Dragon was intrigued by the returned Eldest Brother and wanted to bond. After all, there aren’t many children in the palace now; the third brother can’t even speak properly yet, so he seldom sees him.

Now that the Eldest Brother has returned and they can talk, but the Eldest Brother is quite unfriendly. Now, Imperial Father is rebuking him for not getting along well with the Eldest Brother, which makes Little Milk Dragon feel aggrieved.

It was the Eldest Brother who started the competition, so why is Imperial Father only rebuking me?

Little Milk Dragon feels aggrieved. He could have stiffened his resolve and endured it alone; he’s a man, how can he cry over such a small matter? That’s unbecoming of a Crown Prince.

But when he went to Yonghe Palace to see Consort Rong, she softly beckoned him over, set out some treats, and now and then fed him.

Holding a kitty in his arms, with the gentle Consort Rong by his side, and delicious food directly in his mouth.

Little Milk Dragon’s emotional arc: a small grievance, I can endure it—ultimately couldn’t hold back—burst out crying.

His nose tingled, and he started shedding tears while holding the kitty.

The tightly hugged kitty, almost flattened: Whew! First, let go! Meow, meow, I can’t breathe!

The kitty tried to struggle out of the suffocating hug, its paws flailing to break free, almost succeeding, escaping to freedom, but was pulled back by Little Milk Dragon.

The kitty: Suddenly feels life is meaningless, it hasn’t even had its fish today, is this the end?!

Seeing the kitty’s pitiful state, Su Yi sensed its helplessness and rescued it from Little Milk Dragon’s arms.

The kitty, feeling like it had regained its life, meowed at Su Yi twice, as if cooing, then without waiting for a response, turned and ran away, not looking back, running very fast.

The kitty, justified and bold: The little one is too scary, can’t scratch, can only run, leave it to the favorite human, believe the human can handle it.

Little Milk Dragon, without a kitty to hold, continued to shed tears.

He looks good, and even when crying, he’s adorable, not the kind of loud crying that gives people headaches and irritates.

He sat there beside Su Yi, head down, crying softly in grievance, fiddling with his little hands, his nose red from crying, looking both pitiful and cute.

Still with baby fat, originally milky, now crying, it’s quite heart-wrenching. Su Yi couldn’t help but hug him and ask what’s wrong.

Su Yi usually lets him play with the kitty by himself, watching from the side, occasionally patting his head, but rarely hugs him anymore, as he’s grown taller and heavier.

Being hugged by Consort Rong, the familiar scent made Little Milk Dragon cry even more sorrowfully, as if he had found a reliable person to pour out his grievances.

Originally, without anyone comforting him, he could stiffen his resolve and quickly digest it himself.

But once someone gently comforts him, that nasal sourness rushes to his heart, and the suppressed grievance can’t be held back anymore.

Su Yi held him, using a handkerchief to wipe his tears, and didn't interrupt him until he had cried enough. Then she asked if he wanted some water.

After all, he had shed so many tears, so he must be a bit thirsty.

The little milk dragon nodded, indicating that he was indeed a bit thirsty. Consort Rong was very thoughtful, actually knowing he would be thirsty.

After the little milk dragon finished drinking water, Su Yi took a damp cloth and gently wiped his face. After cleaning his little face, she applied some fragrant cream to prevent his skin from drying out.

The little milk dragon smelled the fragrant cream, which was a bit too strong for his liking, but he obediently didn't resist, letting Consort Rong finish applying it to his entire face.

Now, the little milk dragon was once again a cute little one, and he smelled nice too.

Apart from his red eyes and slightly red nose, he looked no different from usual.

Su Yi held him dearly and said, "What a sweet-smelling little one." So well-behaved.

The little milk dragon, being praised, felt a bit shy. Now that he had calmed down, he felt a bit embarrassed about crying in front of Consort Rong earlier, which wasn't very manly.

"Consort Rong smelled nice too." A faint fragrance that could only be noticed when close.

Su Yi didn't push the little milk dragon to explain why he had cried, knowing that the child would speak up if he wanted to.

After crying, the little milk dragon felt much better, as if all his unhappiness had been shed with his tears.

However, crying is tiring, and now feeling a bit sleepy, the little milk dragon couldn't help but yawn.

Feeling a bit drowsy, his eyelids began to droop. He shook his head and opened his eyes wide again, trying to stay awake, but it was no use. Soon, his eyelids started to droop again.

The little milk dragon leaned on Consort Rong's shoulder, his little hand still clutching her clothes, and was about to fall asleep again.

Seeing this, Su Yi simply picked him up and decided to put him on the bed to let him sleep for a while.

As soon as he was laid down, the little milk dragon, not at all picky about the bed, rubbed his face against the pillow. Probably because the familiar scent filled his nose, he quickly fell asleep, clutching his little fists, with a relaxed and comfortable sleeping posture, just like a baby.

Su Yi adjusted his blanket and sat beside him for a while, ensuring he was sound asleep and wouldn't wake up anytime soon. Then she got up and went to the recliner nearby, lay down, and picked up the half-finished storybook to continue reading.

When Kangxi arrived, the little milk dragon was still asleep. Su Yi, hearing him come in, looked up and raised a finger to her lips, signaling him to be quiet and not wake the little milk dragon.

Seeing this, Kangxi also walked over quietly.

At a glance, he saw a little bundle on the bed and walked over slowly with his hands behind his back.

By the bed, he saw the little one sleeping soundly.

The little one's eyelids still showed traces of redness, but he was sleeping very relaxed. He must have been dreaming of something, as he was smiling foolishly.

Kangxi sighed almost imperceptibly. He had already heard about Baocheng crying earlier, truly childish.

Suddenly, he felt a poke from behind. Kangxi turned around, unsurprised to see Consort Rong standing there.

Who else would dare to be so informal? Consort Rong gestured for him to go outside, as if she had something to say, to avoid waking Baocheng.

It was probably about Baocheng crying.

Kangxi cooperatively followed her out.

Kangxi and Consort Rong sat down outside, and Qinxin had the maids serve tea and set out some snacks.

Liang Jiugong, standing by, had people test the food with silver needles and the maids taste it. After everything was done, he led the maids away again.

Standing at a distance to ensure they couldn't hear the conversation, yet close enough to attend to their master if needed.

Kangxi was about to take a sip of tea when an unavoidable gaze fell upon him, making him feel rather uneasy.

Maintaining his composure, Kangxi managed to take a small sip of tea before setting the cup down, then followed the gaze to see Consort Rong looking at him intently and with great focus.

"Did you reprimand... Baocheng?" Su Yi almost blurted out 'Did you scold the kid?' With a barely noticeable pause, she switched to the proper name, almost calling him out, thinking it in her mind but speaking more formally.

Kangxi: .... He already knew; did Consort Rong think he didn't notice her slip?

"No," Kangxi denied calmly; he didn't consider the afternoon as reprimanding Baocheng.

This time it was Su Yi's turn to be speechless; looking at Kangxi's composed demeanor, she really wanted to ask him where he got the confidence to say no.

"Alright, then let me rephrase: what did you say to Baocheng in your most recent conversation?" Su Yi asked with a smile, her tone light as if just making casual conversation, she was merely asking.

This gentle smile set off alarm bells in Kangxi's heart; he swallowed nervously, trying to maintain a calm demeanor as he spoke about encouraging Baocheng to get along well with the eldest prince.

Then he spontaneously started explaining the reasoning behind it, somehow feeling an inexplicable guilt, resisting the urge to touch his nose.

"Ah—so that's how it is," Su Yi said with a nod, her tone dragging slightly, sounding somewhat meaningful.

Kangxi nodded along; yes, that's exactly what he thought.

"Why are you nodding?" Su Yi suddenly said, her smile gone. Kangxi's nodding motion froze, his eyes blinking rapidly, licking his dry lips, maintaining the Emperor's dignity. "Speak properly if you have something to say."

"Yet you didn't speak properly to Baocheng, my Emperor," Su Yi leaned slightly forward towards him, her tone gentle again, but her eyes were fierce.

"Baocheng is the crown prince, but he's younger than the eldest prince. It's reasonable for you to be strict with him as the crown prince, but you only reprimanded Baocheng to get along well with his elder brother, brotherly love and respect, but was the elder brother friendly?

You can't just reprimand Baocheng alone, making him yield to his elder brother who is older than him. What kind of logic is that? I didn't notice before, but you seem to favor the eldest prince, unwilling to let him suffer any grievances." Su Yi just couldn't understand; can't you balance things?

If you're going to reprimand, reprimand both; why only reprimand the more obedient and sensible one, not explaining clearly for his good, yet you can explain so well to me, why be so brief with the kid, can't you explain a bit more clearly?

Kangxi was somewhat embarrassed by Consort Rong's barrage of words.

"I did not; Baocheng is the crown prince, even though he's young, the expectations for him are naturally different. If he can't handle getting along with the other princes, how will he manage affairs in the future?"

Kangxi meant that even though the crown prince is young, he is still the crown prince, and being in that position requires him to perform better than the other princes. If he is overly indulged, it will only spoil his character.

Su Yi showed a knowing smile: I'll just quietly watch you talk nonsense, you're so capable, already expecting a seven-year-old child to learn how to handle affairs, when I was seven I was still playing with mud and jumping rope!

Kangxi could have continued, but his voice grew softer; Consort Rong's gaze was as if it had substance, seemingly listening quietly, but already cursing him in her heart, making Kangxi unable to continue, only able to hastily conclude.

"Then do you get along well with your brothers? If you can't do it yourself, now that you're a father, you enjoy seeing brotherly love and respect, brothers in harmony; it makes you feel comfortable, then there's nothing more to say, just like watching the women in the harem being sisterly, you like to watch, so they'll act it out for you."

Really, have no sense at all; usually as the emperor you don't seem to be fooled by the courtiers?

People keep saying they're loyal, but you don't seem to believe them much; yet you're so confident about brotherly love and sisterly affection, men, so complicated.

Su Yi was too lazy to continue talking to him, got up to leave, "Your Majesty can sit and drink tea by yourself; this concubine is not feeling well and can't be in the sun, feeling a bit dizzy now, so I'll go back first, you can continue to enjoy your tea slowly."

Better go back to reading the storybook; wonder if the little milk dragon has woken up, what to eat for dinner later.

After a few steps, the person behind followed to walk together, Su Yi glanced out of the corner of her eye, quickened her pace, pretending not to see the person beside her.

Don't underestimate women, really.

She hasn't worn high heels for many years, but once adapted, she can walk swiftly, no longer the same as before.

Kangxi, in his flat shoes, picked up the pace but still couldn’t catch up to Consort Rong.

Kangxi watched Consort Rong, who was always half a step ahead, practically gliding: it was ridiculous!

Chasing after her looked awkward, so Kangxi jogged to catch up, grabbing her elbow. "Slow down! Why are you in such a hurry?"

Kangxi was fed up. He turned to leave, walking even faster, ignoring how someone supposedly feeling unwell could outpace him.

"Is there a ghost chasing you?" But finally, she stopped her rapid pace and returned to a normal walking speed.

"Don’t be ridiculous." Kangxi was relieved she slowed down, but her sharp tongue was relentless. He hadn’t even spoken, and she was already storming off, leaving him to sip tea—what tea?!

Kangxi was yanked so hard he nearly stumbled. Once he steadied himself, he looked around—Consort Rong was gone.

He looked down—oh, she’d tumbled into the bushes.

Consort Rong had misstepped and fallen into the bushes.

Su Yi, grass in her hair, looked up with a puzzled expression. She’d walked fast without a hitch, only to trip while going slow.

Pride really does come before a fall.

Kangxi, torn between laughter and worry, helped her up. "Are you hurt? I told you to slow down and watch your step, but you didn’t listen."

He plucked the grass from her hair and brushed it off her skirt.

Su Yi shook her head. The fall didn’t hurt, but she was confused. How could she walk fast without tripping, only to nearly faceplant while going slow?

Her flowerpot shoes seemed to have a mind of their own!

Su Yi stared at the path, deep in thought. Walking alone was fine, but with two, it was cramped. They’d been walking single file, but then the jerk caught up, forcing her to step aside.

Su Yi: !

She realized she’d been fine walking fast, but slow walking had sent her off the path.

She’d been pushed off.

Su Yi glared at Kangxi as he brushed grass off her skirt, itching to flick his forehead—and she could’ve done it in a heartbeat.

Kangxi felt a sudden chill and straightened up, taking Consort Rong’s hand with a cautious smile. "Here, let me guide you."

His grip was firm, keeping her from pulling away. Now she couldn’t cause trouble.

He’d noticed the path was wide enough for one, but with two, standing apart would push someone off the edge.

The path’s edge was uneven, making it easy to stumble, especially in flowerpot shoes.

When he’d caught up earlier, he’d stood too far apart, forcing her to step aside.

That’s how she’d ended up in the bushes, and he hadn’t even caught her.

Kangxi felt a pang of guilt but hid it, acting oblivious to the real reason she’d fallen.

Su Yi tried to shove him off. "Let go."

Kangxi held on tight, forcing a smile. "I’m holding your hand because I’m worried."

"Don’t hold." Su Yi twitched the corner of her mouth, her smile somewhat forced and eerie.

That jerk still had the audacity to hold her hand!!

Darn it, those storybooks are full of lies!

All that stuff about being caught and embraced when you fall? Total lies! The reality is, the jerk didn’t react at all!

Now he’s acting clueless, and Su Yi is so mad she’s grinding her teeth.

"I’m holding your hand, and that’s final," Kangxi not only didn’t let go, but he held on even tighter.

If it weren’t for the awkward situation, Kangxi would’ve scolded Consort Rong again, telling her to stop reading those unreliable storybooks, but she just wouldn’t listen. Is it the same now?

She fell into the grass in an instant. How could he have caught her?

The two were locked in a silent tug-of-war, each testing the other’s patience.

To the servants, it looked like His Majesty and Her Highness were deeply in love.

When Her Highness fell into the grass, they panicked and rushed to help her up, but they saw His Majesty had already stepped forward to help her up and was tidying her hair and skirt.

It seemed like a scene straight out of a romance.

Interrupting would’ve ruined their moment, so they all tacitly returned to their original spots to wait.

Now, His Majesty held her hand to keep her from falling again, showing his concern.

If Kangxi and Su Yi knew what the servants were thinking, they’d be stunned.

"Father! Consort Rong!" The little milk dragon, waking up and not finding Consort Rong, asked the maids to take him to her.

He saw Kangxi and Su Yi in their silent struggle, but he didn’t notice a thing. He bounded over like an excited fawn, his voice brimming with joy.

All his earlier hurt and sadness from Father’s words had vanished, and he joyfully went up to them.

This time, Kangxi didn’t scold him for running over so carelessly. "Ah, it’s Baocheng," he said. He came just in time.

He nearly got pulled apart by Consort Rong—her strength was shocking.

Kangxi whispered, "Be careful in front of the child."

Su Yi gave him a look but loosened her grip, letting him hold her hand.

Kangxi quietly sighed in relief.

Looking at Baocheng, who gazed up at him with bright, shining eyes, very happy, not like the low spirits in the afternoon, thinking of what Consort Rong had just said, he couldn’t help but reach out and pat his head.

"Awake now."

The little milk dragon tilted his head to look at him. "Yes! When did you get here, Father?" Father probably didn’t see him crying, right.

"I’ve been here a while. You were asleep, so I went for a walk with Consort Rong." Kangxi’s big hand landed on Baocheng’s shoulder, ready to lead him to his side.

Normally, the little milk dragon would’ve been thrilled to go to his father’s side, after all, Father is rarely so amiable, but now he wanted to walk with Consort Rong. Still, if it’s Father, that’s fine too.

Kangxi, feeling a surge of fatherly affection: ...

With a turn of his big hand, he placed him in front of Consort Rong.

The little milk dragon, surprised by the sudden change: Wow!

Kangxi looked at his dear son: Huh.

Before he could even finish his thought, Consort Rong took the opportunity to break free.

Kangxi's arm was suddenly empty as Consort Rong quickly took a big step forward, walking hand in hand with Baocheng ahead of him.

Baocheng, still smiling, let Consort Rong lead him without even turning his head, unaware that his father had fallen behind.

The sight of them walking together was surprisingly harmonious and beautiful.

It was a scene that moved anyone who saw it.

Su Yi: This path simply can't fit a third person.

Given his size, it's better not to squeeze in.

What if the little one gets pushed out again? He can't afford another fall.

The only option is to let that man make a little sacrifice.

But what does a little sacrifice matter? After all, he is the father.

Kangxi, left behind by the pair: Huh???!