Chapter 162

Chapter 162

Not long ago, Kangxi had subtly hinted to his ministers about Consort Rong's affection for him. With this in mind, he thought it would be best to visit Consort Rong that evening.

As dinner approached, Kangxi headed to Yonghe Palace, expecting Consort Rong to be there, especially since she had sent gifts, hinting she knew he’d visit.

However, upon arrival, he found that she was not in her palace, only the chubby cat named Guogaitou was sitting there.

The disappointment was more than he could put into words.

Guogaitou and Kangxi had always gotten along, but over time, Guogaitou no longer greeted Kangxi with his initial hissy fits. Instead, he adopted a more mature cat's approach—aloofness!

He still disliked this human, but as a mature cat, he couldn’t be as rowdy as before; he had to uphold his dignity.

So, he lay there with his paws tucked under him, lazily lifting his eyelids to meet Kangxi's gaze, then turned his head away with a look of disdain.

Kangxi thought, "I’m the one who should be disdainful!"

Where’s Consort Rong? Why isn’t she here?

Kangxi glanced at Liang Jiugong, who immediately understood and inquired with the maids of Yonghe Palace where Consort Rong was.

It was strange; usually, Consort Rong didn’t move around much, preferring to stay in Yonghe Palace, where she could come up with all sorts of activities.

She wasn’t one to visit other consorts’ palaces, but she loved having guests over.

She had a bit of a lazy streak... cough.

They replied that Consort Rong had gone to Jingren Palace to check on Consort Tongjia, who wasn’t feeling well. She had just returned and called for a physician, so Consort Rong went to see what was going on.

When asked when she left and why she hadn’t returned by dinner, they explained...

Oh, it turned out she wasn’t planning to return tonight, Liang Jiugong realized with a nod.

Then it hit him—wait! She’s not planning to come back tonight?!

No, is Consort Rong really planning to stay overnight at Jingren Palace?!

But what about His Majesty?!

Kangxi had grown fond of surprise visits, often arriving unannounced without sending maids ahead.

At first, he’d send someone to announce his arrival, but later he realized it made no difference.

After all, Consort Rong wasn’t one to prepare anything special or dress up in advance.

If she came out to greet him, it was probably just to get some fresh air and incidentally welcome the Emperor.

So, most of the time, Kangxi hadn’t been disappointed.

But today was an exception.

Ah, Consort Rong isn’t coming back tonight—what should we do?

If only we’d sent a message first, we wouldn’t have known Consort Rong went to Jingren Palace. Now His Majesty is here, but Consort Rong isn’t.

Liang Jiugong stood waiting for His Majesty to make a decision.

"The Imperial Noble Consort was perfectly fine, how did she get sick?" Kangxi sat there, his face unreadable.

When did Consort Rong and Consort Tongjia get so close that Consort Rong would actually visit her when she was sick? Kangxi couldn't help but ponder this question.

Previously, he hadn't paid much attention, thinking that Consort Rong was probably just putting on a show... well, just occasionally chatting a few words, but today it seems they've reached the point of visiting each other when sick.

He remembered that the sun was really strong today. On days like this, Consort Rong wouldn't even step out of her palace door, let alone the palace gate.

According to her, the sun was so strong that going out would not only make her dizzy but also tan and make her look ugly.

Yet, Consort Rong actually braved the strong sun to visit the Imperial Noble Consort, which made Kangxi feel a bit off.

When he was sick, he didn't see her coming to check on him; he had to come himself. Now, Consort Rong went to visit the Imperial Noble Consort, huh, Kangxi really felt like sneering.

Then Xiao Yunzi explained that today the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Rong had some snacks together. The Imperial Noble Consort couldn't handle spicy food well, and her body couldn't take it, so she got sick shortly after returning. Consort Rong was worried and went to see her.

So that was why.

Kangxi and Liang Jiugong were both at a loss for words. When did the Imperial Noble Consort become so careless, to make herself sick over a momentary craving for spicy food.

Wait! Spicy food???

Kangxi somehow remembered the spicy duck neck that was sent to the Qianqing Palace today. "What snacks?" he asked, his lips slightly pursed, forming a straight line.

Not knowing why the Emperor's tone suddenly became a bit odd, Xiao Yunzi cautiously replied, "Your Majesty, it's some new spicy snacks from the imperial kitchen, like spicy duck necks and duck feet."

The Emperor should remember, wasn't some sent to the Qianqing Palace earlier today?

Hearing this, Liang Jiugong's eyelids twitched; this was not good.

Carefully glancing at the Emperor's expression out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Emperor sneer with a forced smile,

"I knew it, Consort Rong and the Imperial Noble Consort eating snacks together, there wouldn't be any leftovers, nor would they think to send some to me. It's hard for her to even remember me, as if I would starve." There was a bit of grit in his tone.

He thought that the little heartless one had suddenly found her conscience and remembered to send him some food.

But it turns out it wasn't specially prepared for him?! The Imperial Noble Consort also had a share?!

It sounds like only the non-spicy leftovers were sent to him, such food, better not sent at all, humph!

Liang Jiugong and the other servants couldn't help but shiver.

Who dares to answer the Emperor now!?

No one dares!

The bravest one has already run off to another palace, and plans to stay there tonight, leaving them to deal with the difficult Emperor, which is too much for them.

The servants who didn't follow the Consort out: Oh heavens, what a calamity, if only we had fought to follow the Consort out, we wouldn't be huddled here like little chicks, shivering.

Only the cat with its farmer's hands was the most calm.

It calmly meowed a few times, indicating that it was time to feed it, don't just stand there dumbfounded.

Its daily meal and dried fish haven't been eaten yet.

The cat's meowing caught Kangxi's attention.

"What's wrong with this cat?"

Kangxi looked at the now much larger and fatter cat compared to when he first saw it, wondering how much it had been eating to get so big.

Liang Jiugong: He had no idea what was going on with the cat.

"Your Majesty, it's just Guogaitou's feeding time. Sometimes it dines with Consort Rong," Xiao Yunzi explained, as he knew the answer.

Usually, as long as Your Majesty was not dining with Consort Rong, Guogaitou would accompany her for meals. Recently, when it was time, Guogaitou followed along.

Although whenever Your Majesty was present, the maids would usually take Guogaitou back to its quarters, there were times when Your Majesty was not around, and Guogaitou stayed to eat. After eating, Consort Rong would even hold Guogaitou and rub its belly.

Tonight, thinking that Consort Rong was not around, they didn't bother about where Guogaitou wandered off to. Who knew that Your Majesty would come? They thought that since Consort Rong was out, Your Majesty wouldn't come!

And so, they ran into Guogaitou.

Considering that Your Majesty was not very fond of small pets, they didn't dare mention it earlier. Now that he asked, Xiao Yunzi cautiously suggested, "Your Majesty, shall I have someone take Guogaitou away?"

To keep Guogaitou from making noise and bothering Your Majesty.

Guogaitou was getting impatient. Why wasn't it being fed yet?

What's going on?

It angrily meowed a few more times, its chubby cheeks puffing out in irritation, its eyes clearly unhappy.

Kangxi shifted his gaze back to the puffed-up Guogaitou, not saying a word.

He neither ordered it to be taken away nor allowed it to stay, leaving the maids in a dilemma.

"It looks to me like it's not very hungry," Kangxi suddenly said.

Guogaitou: Meow meow meow??

What is this human saying that I don't understand?!

Liang Jiugong: Honestly, he didn't notice it.

Xiao Yunzi, who had just said that Guogaitou might be meowing because it was hungry at mealtime, also began to doubt himself: Oh, really?

The maid responsible for taking care of Guogaitou: No way! Guogaitou's always had a hearty appetite. I've been taking good care of it, and the weight it has gained is thanks to my efforts!!

Of course, no one dared to contradict Kangxi at this moment.

"It hasn't been long, but it seems much thinner than before," Kangxi said, blatantly lying.

What could Liang Jiugong say? He could only laugh and agree, "Yes, Your Majesty, I also notice that Guogaitou has... lost some weight."

Looking at Guogaitou's plump body, he struggled to finish his sentence.

Its face is even bigger than other cats'! It used to be a sleek and handsome cat with a fringe! Now it's just round, and its sleek, handsome look is gone.

Now it's hard for Your Majesty to say that Guogaitou looks much thinner than before.

Xiao Yunzi was the first to react, quickly changing his tune, "Yes, for some reason, it's not eating much anymore. Guogaitou hasn't eaten today, it's really worrying. If Consort Rong comes back and sees Guogaitou so thin, she'd be heartbroken."

No wonder Xiao Yunzi quickly took over as Consort Rong's chief eunuch from Yun Hua. His quick thinking, picking up on the Emperor's meaning and hitting the nail on the head, was impressive.

Liang Jiugong was also surprised; this kid's reaction was pretty quick. If it weren't for him, he wouldn't have caught on to what Your Majesty meant.

Guogaitou was frantic: ?! What's up with you humans? Can't you hear me? Food! Food! Food!

It propped up its chubby body and prepared to jump down to find the human who usually fed it. Standing still like a log, are you trying to starve me to death?!

Guogaitou grumbled and leaped, intending to land on the ground, but was snatched back mid-air.

Guogaitou widened its eyes in mid-air, its paws flailing like it was swimming, trying to break free, but still fell into the clutches.

Kangxi grabbed the big fat cat back.

If it weren't for Kangxi's usual habit of practicing wrestling, he really wouldn't have been able to catch this fat cat.

It was heavy, quite a handful to hold. How much did it eat usually? Kangxi couldn't help but frown slightly and couldn't resist giving it another pat. Hmm, solid as a rock.

Guogaitou struggled to get out of Kangxi's arms, but before it could escape, it was immediately scooped back, held tightly, truly unable to escape.

This annoying human is just like his offspring, so irritating.

Guogaitou muttered a few more curses, then resigned itself, lying there motionless. Well, it's not clean anymore, just like this. The cat is exhausted too.

Kangxi, holding Guogaitou, glanced at Xiao Yunzi without a word, and Xiao Yunzi got the message.

"Your Majesty, it seems Guogaitou wants to go find the Imperial Noble Consort. It's not safe to let Guogaitou run out like this. If it gets lost, we can't explain to the Imperial Noble Consort," Xiao Yunzi said with a troubled expression.

Seeing this, Liang Jiugong beside him felt a bit of a crisis. This young man is really sharp.

"Your Majesty, perhaps we should have someone escort Guogaitou to the Imperial Noble Consort. It's not good to starve it like this, don't you think?" Liang Jiugong felt he should also show some initiative.

Sigh, we must still save face for the Emperor.

"It's just a cat, no need to spoil it so much, but since the Imperial Noble Consort is sick, I should go and see her."

Kangxi absentmindedly stroked the cat in his arms, actually secretly guarding against the cat taking the chance to slip away unnoticed. The cat's eyes were darting around, looking for any chance to escape!

Liang Jiugong quickly followed the Emperor's words, "Your Majesty is right. I wonder if the Imperial Noble Consort is feeling better now," displaying just the right amount of concern on his face.

Jingren Palace

Consort Tongjia looked at Consort Rong, who was lounging in her palace as if she owned the place, without any formality and quite at ease, with a very complicated expression. "Consort Rong, do you know where this is?"

This is not Yonghe Palace!

Su Yi had already changed into her nightgown, ready to lie down beside her, and upon hearing Consort Tongjia's words, she said without hesitation,

"Isn't this Jingren Palace? Didn't you just have an upset stomach? What, do you have a fever now?" She reached out and touched Consort Tongjia's forehead. "No."

Then she lay down and covered herself with the blanket.

Consort Tongjia felt that something was off. How did she end up sharing a bed with her??

Not to mention sleeping with Consort Rong, this woman really has no sense of boundaries.

"I prepared a side chamber for you, why aren't you sleeping there?" Consort Tongjia had never experienced this before. Even when she was unmarried, close friends who stayed over wouldn't sleep together.

"It was just a temporary setup, how could it be as comfortable as your bed?" Of course, she wanted to sleep in the best bed!

Su Yi's righteous appearance almost made Consort Tongjia sit up in anger and chase this woman away.

Can't she speak properly? She thought Consort Rong was trying to get closer to her, hence sharing the same bed!

Consort Tongjia secretly took a deep breath. "Then why don't you go back to your place, why squeeze with me? It's still early." She never went to bed this early!

"Ah, I'm a bit too full and too lazy to move around. Your place is quite nice too, and the variety of dishes sent over is really impressive," Su Yi said, clearly satisfied with the dinner at Jingren Palace.

The variety and quantity of dishes sent over were naturally impressive, and it was truly delightful.

Consort Tongjia turned her head, annoyed, and said, "You still have the gall to bring it up. I'm not feeling well and can't eat much, yet you're enjoying yourself so much right beside me!"

She was on a strict diet due to her illness, while Consort Rong was feasting right next to her.

She only had a bowl of porridge!!

Most of the dishes on the table ended up in Consort Rong's belly, and at that moment, Consort Tongjia was so frustrated she almost bit her spoon.

Consort Tongjia couldn't help but think that Consort Rong might have just come to freeload a meal, using the excuse of visiting her while she was sick!

"Can't let it go to waste, so I'll eat it on your behalf," Su Yi said without a hint of guilt. After all, it would be a waste not to eat all these dishes.

Consort Tongjia: You really didn't waste a single bit!!

If this kept up, Consort Tongjia felt she might lose her cool, so she turned back and stopped talking to her. Then she felt her hand being held by Consort Rong, "What’s this about?"

"I'm not used to it, after all, it's an unfamiliar place. I'm a bit picky about beds, so holding your hand makes me feel more at ease."

Well, she thought it would be a shame to miss such a great chance to hold hands. She really liked the structure of this hand—it was something she wanted to possess.

"So dramatic," Consort Tongjia said, but she didn't pull her hand away. Fine, it’s just for one night, and she didn't want Consort Rong to keep talking about it.

After a while, the person beside her fell silent, and only steady breathing could be heard.

Consort Tongjia: Huh? Already quiet?

She couldn’t believe Consort Rong had actually settled down without causing more trouble. Consort Tongjia turned her head to take a look.

After staring for a while, she couldn’t believe it, but it seemed true—Consort Rong was already asleep!

Already?!

She remembered Consort Rong saying she was picky about beds and needed to hold her hand to feel secure enough to sleep. Yet, who fell asleep so quickly?!

And you call this being picky about beds and having trouble sleeping??

You fell asleep faster and more soundly than the actual owner of the bed!

Consort Tongjia’s expression was blank: I really bought into Consort Rong’s nonsense!

Consort Tongjia was tired too, so she decided to sleep.

Just as she was about to fall into a deep sleep, a familiar stomach pain woke her up.

She clutched her stomach, ready to get up, as she needed to use the restroom again. It still hadn't settled down!

She thought about calling for someone, but then remembered that Consort Rong was beside her. Calling for someone would likely wake her up. No, she had to handle this quietly and return as if nothing happened!

As she sat up and tried to stand, she was yanked back down. Consort Tongjia was momentarily stunned before realizing that their hands were still intertwined!

Then Consort Tongjia tried to free her hand from Consort Rong's grip, but she couldn't break free. Instead, Consort Rong instinctively tightened her hold.

Consort Tongjia slapped her forehead in frustration—she’d forgotten how strong Consort Rong was!

As the pain in her stomach grew more intense, she quickly tried to wake Consort Rong, "Consort Rong, wake up!"

The palace attendants on night duty outside also heard the noise and asked nervously, "Your Highness, is something wrong?"

"Come in quickly and wake Consort Rong!" Consort Tongjia urged, thinking that more voices would help.

The attendants hurried in and were startled by the scene. Consort Tongjia was sitting on the footstool, one hand held by Consort Rong and the other clutching her stomach, looking ashen and feeling caught between a rock and a hard place.

The attendant quickly grasped the urgency and stepped forward to help wake Consort Rong, thinking how tough the day had been for Her Highness.

With the combined voices, Su Yi drowsily opened her eyes. Seeing that she was finally awake, Consort Tongjia said with urgency, "Let go of my hand."

Su Yi didn't fully understand but sensed the urgency in Consort Tongjia's tone and released her hand.

Su Yi then watched as Consort Tongjia, looking relieved, stood up and hurriedly walked away, clutching her stomach. The attendant turned to Su Yi and said, "Your Highness, please go back to sleep," before quickly following Consort Tongjia.

Su Yi was about to lie back down when another attendant entered. Seeing only Su Yi and no sign of Consort Tongjia, the attendant assumed she had gone to freshen up and decided to address Consort Rong instead.

"Huh?" Su Yi, still holding the blanket, was confused.

"Yes, Consort Rong, the Emperor has arrived. You should change and go to greet him," the attendant repeated, worried that none of the mistresses were present. Qinxin also entered and quickly fetched clothes to help Consort Rong change.

Su Yi was pulled up, dressed, and another attendant swiftly pinned up her hair with a hairpin. In no time, she was ready and escorted out.

In the main hall sat none other than Kangxi.

Wait, why did he bring the pot lid along??

Kangxi, holding the pot lid, glanced at her as she entered. His seemingly calm eyes held a glint of menace as he smirked, "You went to bed quite early. It seems I've arrived at an inconvenient time."