Chapter 159

Chapter 159

A whetstone should never break the blade.

It would be a real hassle if things went wrong.

Su Yi watched the little milk dragon's retreating figure with a gentle gaze, a shadow flickering in her eyes. Absolutely not, it must not happen.

——

"Aren't you the least bit worried?" Consort Tongjia asked Consort Rong, who appeared calm and composed, with a hint of annoyance.

"Worried about what, exactly?" Su Yi was munching on braised duck feet from the imperial kitchen, with a little help from her.

The taste was quite good; besides the braised duck feet, there were also spicy duck necks and other snacks. It was really aromatic.

Su Yi took a moment to reply to Consort Tongjia, her lips glistening with oil. She had a cold, fragrant drink by her side, took a couple of sips, and beads of sweat formed on her nose. She was thoroughly relishing the moment.

Consort Tongjia, who usually avoided such foods, couldn't help but swallow her saliva as she watched Consort Rong eat so heartily. Was it really that tasty?

But her eating manners were so unrefined.

And it looked, how could it possibly be tasty? It was all dark and unappetizing to the eye.

But Consort Rong was truly savoring it.

No, it couldn't be!

Slightly averting her gaze, Consort Tongjia covered her nose and mouth with a handkerchief, inhaling its scented fragrance instead of the tempting spicy aroma, and then said,

"Stop pretending, everyone in the palace is on edge now. On the surface, they all seem calm, but the number of soups and snacks sent to the Qianqing Palace is increasing daily, and they are all secretly inquiring about each other. Aren't you concerned?"

She hadn't come here to eat with Consort Rong; she had serious matters to discuss, not to dine at Consort Rong's place.

After a while without hearing Consort Rong's voice, Consort Tongjia turned her head in annoyance and said, "Consort Rong!"

"I'm here, I'm listening, I was just thinking about how to respond to you," Su Yi looked up and replied with a smile, if one ignored the spicy duck neck in her hand.

It truly seemed like a sincere and honest response.

"Don't give me that; I know you too well," Consort Tongjia said coldly. Truly, she had forgotten that in the entire harem, the one who least needed to worry was probably Consort Rong.

Since the Emperor had always been by her side, a consort position was guaranteed, so what was there to worry about? Consort Rong naturally didn't need to be anxious like the other concubines.

They were all rushing to curry favor and please, just to remind the Emperor that there were still these people in the harem, and if they could evoke past affections, they might be able to move up a position.

Seeing that Consort Tongjia was already very unhappy, continuing to eat would only be interrupted, and she would have to reply while eating, so it was better to deal with her first.

So, Su Yi put down what she was eating, washed her hands, dried them with a handkerchief, and said unhurriedly, "Don't be so impatient, it's not good for your health."

Consort Tongjia looked at Consort Rong, who had just finished eating greasy and spicy snacks and drank several sips of cold drink, and was now advising her not to be impatient because it was bad for her health. You, who had eaten so much of these things, do you think they are good for health??

And do you have any awareness of being a sickly person?

She was just a little impatient, and it was bad for her health??

Since the incident at the Cining Palace with Consort Rong, Consort Tongjia didn't know what she was thinking, but she occasionally visited Yonghe Palace, and every time she left, she was furious, and after a while, she would come back again, and so on.

It was, quite addictive.

Noticing that Consort Rong had finally set aside her food and was ready to talk seriously, Consort Tongjia's expression eased slightly.

"You haven’t seen it, but recently, the gates of Consort Hui’s Yanxi Palace have nearly been worn out by the endless stream of visitors. These people are shamelessly fawning over her, behaving as if she’s already clinched the position."

Consort Tongjia spoke disdainfully of Consort Hui, as if she had already taken that position. The number of visitors to Jingren Palace paled in comparison to those flocking to Yanxi Palace.

As a consort, shouldn’t she be a step closer to the Empress’s throne than Consort Hui?!

Yet they’ve all started sucking up to Consort Hui, as if they’re certain she’s better than me and that I won’t get that position!

Just because she has the eldest prince—what’s so special about that?

They claim Consort Hui has been in the palace for ages, and in terms of seniority, family background, and having a son, few in the harem can rival her. She’s the top contender for the Empress’s throne.

It sickens Consort Tongjia. Who’s been spreading this nonsense? Though she’s eyeing the Empress’s throne, she hasn’t been shamelessly promoting herself like this!

If the Emperor truly appoints an Empress, Consort Rong’s life won’t be as smooth sailing as it is now. Shouldn’t Consort Rong be worried?

Su Yi’s expression turned grave, and after a long silence, she mused, "Well, things will settle down after this phase."

"Consort Rong! That’s stating the obvious. Do you think I’m clueless?" Consort Tongjia rolled her eyes in annoyance. She expected Consort Rong to offer some profound insight after such a long pause, but it turned out to be nothing but a cliché!

Of course she knows things will improve after this phase, but that’s only because, by then, everything will be set in stone!

With the Jade Register reopening after a decade, the Emperor is set to bestow titles in the harem. This time, he’s planning to fill the vacancies for the four consorts, as currently, apart from her, the positions of the four consorts are still empty. A few concubine ranks will also become vacant.

But none of this poses a threat to Consort Tongjia.

What Consort Tongjia is worried about is that during this grand conferment, the Emperor might even appoint an Empress.

Empress Hesheli has been gone for many years, but the position of Empress remains vacant, with no candidate chosen.

It’s possible that during this grand conferment, the Emperor will finally decide on a candidate for the long-vacant position of Empress.

How can she not be anxious?

Although she is currently a consort, seemingly just one step away from the position of Empress, that step feels like an insurmountable chasm.

She’s always on edge.

With the eldest prince returning to the palace and performing exceptionally well, Consort Hui, who was once insignificant in the harem, is gaining more and more influence.

The news of this grand conferment somehow got out, and the preparations for the ceremony are already underway, but the candidates are still a mystery.

Consort Hui is very likely to reach that position.

Now, the number of princes in the palace can be counted on one hand, and the mother of the eldest prince can’t just be a concubine. Consort Hui’s position will definitely be higher.

Moreover, in recent years, Mingzhu has become increasingly powerful in the court, and the Nara clan has been in constant rivalry with the Hesheli family.

The push for the Emperor to appoint an Empress was initiated by Mingzhu’s faction.

They’ve been urging the Emperor to appoint an Empress, saying that the harem cannot be without a master, and that the position of Empress should be filled as soon as possible.

As for the candidate for the position of Empress.

Isn’t it obvious that they favor Consort Hui?!

In terms of seniority and rank, Consort Hui is a veteran in the palace, and she’s the mother of the eldest prince. She’s the ideal candidate for the position of Empress. The Nara clan’s intentions are crystal clear!

Even her own family, behind her back, was secretly grooming her younger sister! They wanted to elevate her sister, abandoning her, their own daughter!

When her mother came to the palace to visit her, she hinted that once the new selection of concubines began, they would send her sister into the palace to support her!

They said that once her sister became pregnant, the child could be raised by her side, ensuring her stability in the harem. Having a child would secure her position, and all of this was supposedly for her own good.

They were sisters, and after entering the palace, they could work together to better support her in the harem, providing an extra hand.

Upon hearing this, Consort Tongjia lost her temper.

She had no idea her family was planning this!

It seemed that after that incident, the Emperor would no longer favor her, so they turned their attention to grooming her sister.

How old was her sister then? If it weren’t for the upcoming selection of concubines next year, and her sister reaching the eligible age, they probably wouldn’t have even informed her, fearing she might interfere and have her sister disqualified early!

Her family, seeing that they couldn’t rely on her, decided to send her sister into the palace, claiming it was for her own good. Was this truly for her own good?!

How could Consort Tongjia bear this?

Listening to her mother’s words, it was clear that her father had already decided. Her mother’s visit was merely to inform her.

Whether she agreed or not, her sister would eventually enter the palace.

They told her this only to ask her to watch over her sister in the harem.

The mother she had missed so much now seemed so distant, completely disregarding her feelings. Consort Tongjia immediately sent her mother away.

Angry, she didn’t even tell them to abandon this idea. The situation in the harem was like looking at flowers through a fog for those outside the palace. Even if her sister entered, it might not change anything.

She might not even fare as well as Consort Tongjia!

But since her family had concealed this from her and was ready to abandon her, she would see what impact they could make by sending her sister into the palace.

Was the harem a place where one could easily thrive?

Consort Tongjia thought of her mother’s confidence when speaking about her sister, as if she was certain her sister would gain favor upon entering the palace, and couldn’t help but scoff.

Her family’s actions added to Consort Tongjia’s troubles, and the harem was equally frustrating.

Consort Hui was gaining more and more favor in the harem, with people flocking to her as if she were already the Empress. It was completely irritating!

Unable to sit still in her own palace, Consort Tongjia went to Yonghe Palace to visit Consort Rong.

Seeing that Consort Rong still had the appetite to eat, Consort Tongjia felt deeply unsettled.

But she couldn’t help feeling a bit comforted, thinking that since Consort Rong had never been pregnant, even though she was favored, she could only remain a favored concubine. Having favor without a child made her feel somewhat reassured.

In the harem, many feared Consort Rong becoming pregnant, always keeping an eye on her belly.

But when they saw that Consort Rong’s belly remained unchanged, they would taunt her for it.

She held the Emperor’s favor but remained childless. People talked a lot, but it was just a way to seek some mental balance.

Look, no matter how favored Consort Rong was, she still couldn’t bear a child. Since she couldn’t, how could she have the audacity to keep the Emperor’s favor? They wanted Consort Rong to feel ashamed and step aside, letting others bear children for the Emperor.

But they never expected that Consort Rong, who appeared frail and weak, was actually quite resilient.

She didn’t care at all. The sarcastic remarks didn’t faze her. Consort Rong spoke gently, but her words could be sharp. Few in the harem hadn’t been stung by her at some point.

After being humiliated, trying to complain to the Emperor and smearing someone’s reputation was useless, which was the most maddening thing.

Even seeking help from the Grand Empress Dowager was ineffective. The Grand Empress Dowager had become increasingly reclusive and ignored harem affairs. There was no response at all to Consort Rong’s near-monopoly on the Emperor’s favor.

Consort Tongjia was initially extremely jealous, but later she thought, since she wasn’t alone in this, she gradually found a sense of balance. After all, she still held the reins of the palace, and she was stronger than others. If she couldn’t gain favor, she would hold onto the palace authority even tighter.

Consort Rong, this woman was incredibly lazy. Whenever she was asked to do more work, she would start complaining of aches and pains. Even after being promoted to the rank of Consort, she never thought of meddling in palace affairs or competing for power.

On the other hand, Consort Hui, even though the Emperor hadn’t made any announcements yet, was already building her own momentum. She was stirring up the harem, while Mingzhu was supporting her in the court.

It was as if the decision was already made.

How could Consort Tongjia not be annoyed, especially since Consort Hui had the audacity to taunt her for her childlessness, both openly and covertly!

If the Emperor really made Consort Hui the Empress, wouldn’t she be suppressed by Consort Hui in the future?!

At that time, the eldest prince would also change from being the eldest son of a concubine to the legitimate eldest son, securing the Empress’s position.

Her family was still planning to send her sister into the palace, even encouraging the appointment of an Empress, so that if her sister could bear a child and raise it by her side, the child would be considered semi-legitimate.

Feeling vexed, Consort Tongjia simply came to Consort Rong’s place.

She was also thinking, "Your Majesty, haven’t you let anything slip in front of you?" Consort Tongjia looked at Consort Rong, hoping for some hint about whether there would be an Empress appointed, or who the candidate might be.

"Do you think..." Su Yi looked at her seriously, "the Emperor is a blabbermouth?"

Hearing this, Consort Tongjia couldn’t help but show disappointment in her eyes. Had the Emperor not even revealed anything to Consort Rong?

Her lips moved, still clinging to hope.

"It’s true." Su Yi nodded again, wearing a helpless look.

However, it was unlikely that an Empress would be appointed, so Consort Tongjia didn’t have much to worry about.

Kangxi, this scoundrel, was really cautious about the position of Empress. He was definitely not the type to appoint an Empress just because someone asked him to.

Although history records that he had three Empresses, each one passed away quicker than the last. He claimed to have a bit of a jinx on his wives, but in reality, he simply didn’t want to appoint another.

The subsequent Empresses were both on their last legs when they were appointed, and they passed away just a few days after being named. If he really wanted to appoint an Empress, he wouldn’t have dragged it out for so long.

The court officials were clamoring for Kangxi to appoint an Empress, and the more they stirred the pot, the more likely they were to end up in Kangxi’s grudge list.

The intentions of those court officials were as clear as the lice on a bald man’s head to Kangxi. He might even take advantage of this opportunity to fish out which faction each official belonged to, and then settle scores and set an example. He was utterly ruthless.

But of course, this couldn’t be said to Consort Tongjia at the moment.

"Aren’t you anxious?" Haven’t you thought of trying to get some hints from the Emperor about what position he might give Consort Rong?

Isn’t Consort Rong the one who often sees the Emperor? Could Consort Rong really resist not probing?

Consort Tongjia was a bit unhappy seeing Consort Rong’s calm and composed demeanor, making her seem so anxious and uninteresting.

"I am anxious." Su Yi decided to go with the flow.

Consort Tongjia sneered, clearly not believing her.

"You see, I told you but you don’t believe me, my dear Consort." Su Yi reached out and held her hand.

Consort Tongjia: Who, who is your dear Consort!

Su Yi said gently, "Don't be troubled by these matters, there's no use in worrying. How about having something to eat instead?" With a tender look, she offered Consort Tongjia a spicy duck neck.

She never missed a chance to push her agenda, and the once poetic scene was instantly shattered by the spicy duck neck.

Before Consort Tongjia could even blush, the sight of the spicy duck neck nearly infuriated her.

She had just wanted Consort Rong to speak without getting too close or touching her, since their relationship wasn't that close. But then, she ended up grabbing the spicy duck neck and started eating it, despite her initial hesitation.

With the first bite, she hissed at the spiciness, but it was indeed delicious. The spiciness hit, but Consort Tongjia didn't spit it out; instead, she continued eating, taking a big swig of the fragrant drink beside her.

After just one bite, Consort Tongjia felt a bit of the frustration in her heart ease.

Thinking of how she had initially refused it with disdain, only to find it quite good now, Consort Tongjia, ever mindful of her dignity, tried to save face.

"I only tried it because it was hard to refuse your offer, don't get the wrong idea," she said, enduring the spiciness to maintain her dignity as a consort.

But then she turned to see Consort Rong already reclining, gnawing on the duck neck without even a glance her way, which infuriated her!

She then realized that Consort Rong had washed her hands not because she was done eating, but because she had been annoyed by her presence, so she included her in eating to keep her quiet.

Consort Tongjia angrily took another bite of the spicy duck neck, instantly jolted back to reality by the spiciness, and buried herself in eating and drinking water, looking even busier than Su Yi.

She perfectly embodied the type who can't handle spice but still eats it, with a big appetite but a low tolerance.

When Su Yi was almost done eating, she saw Consort Tongjia still struggling with the spicy duck neck, tears streaming down her face but not stopping, eating while crying.

"Maybe you should stop eating?" Su Yi cautiously advised, seeing how much she was suffering from the spiciness.

"Hiss! I will eat it, hiss, this little spice, I can handle it!" Consort Tongjia said, eating while inhaling sharply, showing great determination, though her teary eyes somewhat undermined her bold statement.

Not long after her declaration, she couldn't hold back, "Hiss, next time don't make it so spicy, sob, it's too spicy." When she picked up her empty cup, Consort Tongjia broke down.

Without a hand to wipe her tears, she had sent the maids away, as she couldn't let them see her in such an embarrassing state.

Su Yi refilled her water and took away the nearly finished spicy duck neck.

Consort Tongjia still thought about the unfinished duck neck; she hadn't even finished one, while Consort Rong had eaten so effortlessly. Why couldn't she!

She needed to finish at least one spicy duck neck to somewhat save face in front of Consort Rong.

"I, hiss, can still eat," Consort Tongjia said with a stubborn expression, very determined.

Su Yi looked at her, then handed her a new spicy duck neck, as there were plenty, and the previous one was almost finished.

Consort Tongjia, with her teary eyes, saw it clearly and hesitated, stammering, "Well, maybe not, I, I don't feel like eating anymore."

That bit of stubbornness ultimately couldn't be sustained.

Consort Tongjia: To hell with stubbornness, if I eat more, I'll be gone!!