Chapter 164

Chapter 164

"Today, I finally realized that you and Consort Tongjia are quite close. When did you two get so close? You even snacked together today," Kangxi mentioned casually.

Yes, not only did they snack together, but she even remembered to send him some leftovers. Their relationship is really something!

"Yes, Consort Tongjia can't handle spicy food. She kept tearing up while eating, which was kind of cute," Su Yi said with a hint of sentiment. She's actually quite young.

Tonight, they almost ended up sharing a bed. An opportunity like this might not come again, Su Yi thought with some regret.

Kangxi's face turned a bit pale, but his tone remained normal.

"Before, there was some tension between you and Consort Tongjia. It's pretty surprising to see you two getting along so well now."

Not just surprising—it was downright shocking. Before seeing it for himself, he thought it was no big deal.

But today, if he hadn't shown up, these two might have ended up sleeping together.

(Consort Tongjia: No!!)

There was a lot of tension between them before. How did their relationship get so real and close so fast??

Consort Rong not only braved the scorching sun to visit her when she was sick but even stayed the night. Consort Tongjia actually agreed and didn't drive her away.

If he hadn't gone to pick her up with the cat, Consort Tongjia might have changed her mind and sent her away. Consort Rong might not have even wanted to come back with him!

Consort Rong really could do such a thing.

Kangxi never expected that in the harem, a place full of women, a crisis could pop up so suddenly!

He had to make sure Consort Rong didn't get too close to the other concubines!

Before he knew it, the two had gotten so close. The more Kangxi thought about it, the more alarmed he felt.

"It's just a little misunderstanding. Let it go. You know I don't hold grudges," Su Yi said, brushing it off like it was no big deal.

If she has a grudge, she usually gets back at them right away, so afterward, it's over.

But, having nice hands is an important reason.

Being fickle is just part of being a woman.

"Is that so?" Kangxi's mouth twitched slightly.

"Of course, you don't need to doubt that. There aren't many people I hold grudges against. You can rest assured," Su Yi said, snuggling warmly into his arms with a sweet smile.

As for the last person she held a grudge against, it was a long time ago.

That person, even if he's dead and turned to dust, she still, very much, despises him.

Su Yi buried her face in Kangxi's chest, her eyes shadowed with an unshakable gloom.

Kangxi held her, feeling the warmth and softness in his arms, yet why did it still feel like an elusive illusion he couldn't grasp?

Him?

Who is it that Consort Rong holds a grudge against? Intuitively, that "him" seems quite special to Consort Rong.

"That's good. I was really afraid that the person you hold a grudge against would be me. If that were the case, I wouldn't know what to do."

Kangxi spoke gently, slowly stroking her hair, his words seemingly carrying a deeper meaning, yet also appearing to be just a casual remark.

Su Yi lifted her head from his embrace, her affectionate eyes filled with emotion as she gazed at him. She reached out to touch his face, gazing at him intently for a moment.

At first, Kangxi could maintain eye contact with her, but eventually, he was the first to speak, "What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like this all of a sudden?"

It made him think that Consort Rong truly loved him.

Yet, Consort Rong's inner thoughts were calm, without any fluctuation.

She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss, saying, "You seem to have become a bit more likable."

Before, he was like sugar-coated dregs, but now he seems a bit different.

Her sudden remark made Kangxi's heart race uncontrollably for a moment. He was about to flip her over to regain the upper hand.

Then he heard Consort Rong follow up with, "So, when the time comes, can I be buried in the imperial concubine tomb with the Noble Consort?"

Imperial concubines are all buried in the imperial concubine tomb.

If not specifically buried with the Emperor, they would be in the imperial concubine tomb, so it should be possible to be buried together.

That jerk has such a long life, he'll outlive me, so when it's time for burial, arrangements can be made.

Kangxi's heart, racing uncontrollably, nearly stopped, and he even doubted if his ears were playing tricks on him.

What nonsense was Consort Rong spouting now?

What connection does this have with the previous sentence?!

The previous sentence was about him becoming a bit more likable, teasing him, and then the next sentence jumps to her wanting to be buried with the Noble Consort?!

"Say it again, I don't think I heard you clearly just now." Maybe I misheard.

Su Yi looked at him as if to say, "You're this close and still didn't hear clearly? Are your ears failing you before you've even reached middle age?"

That can't be.

Her eyes revealed her surprise that someone so young could already have hearing problems.

Kangxi suppressed the vein threatening to pop on his forehead, staying calm, first listening to how Consort Rong would try to justify—no, explain herself.

"I just said, when the time comes, can I be buried closer to the Noble Consort? You're so kind, you'll fulfill this small wish of mine, right?"

Su Yi was very serious about this issue, being close in life should mean being close in death too.

This time, Kangxi heard it clearly. He took a deep breath, seemingly trying to maintain his composure, but couldn't hold back, "You're already thinking about this?!"

If he doesn't fulfill this small wish of hers, will he turn back into a jerk in her eyes?!

She's quite good at buttering people up!

Here she is, alive and well, already thinking about being buried in the imperial concubine tomb with the Noble Consort in the future, as if he, as if he doesn't exist!

Kangxi was so furious that he shot up from his seat, truly beside himself with anger.

Kangxi yanked Consort Rong up with him, and Su Yi reluctantly sat up, unable to resist as Kangxi practically hoisted her to her feet.

"Is this really something we can't talk about?" Su Yi looked at his exaggerated reaction, wondering if it was taboo to talk about death and bad luck.

It can't be, right? Birth, aging, sickness, and death are part of life. Besides, isn't picking a burial site early just common sense?

"The emperor's tomb is usually chosen and built way ahead of time, right?"

I mean, even while the emperor is still alive, they’re already working on his tomb. It's all planned early, so why such a big reaction?

Kangxi rubbed his forehead, feeling a headache coming on. Consort Rong's words reminded him that his own tomb had just been completed recently.

But is that even the point?!

"Are you and the noble consort so tight that you’ve already planned to be buried together?!"

That was the real issue, Kangxi said, barely holding back his frustration.

"Oh, not yet," Su Yi said, sounding a bit regretful, since they hadn’t made any plans yet.

Before Kangxi could relax, Consort Rong confidently added,

"But once we get closer, I’ll bring it up with the noble consort. I bet she’d rather be buried with me than anyone else in the harem."

Kangxi: What the—?!

What kind of crazy talk is this?!

The idea of being buried together after death—hah, Kangxi almost snorted in disbelief.

Traditionally, only the empress gets buried in the imperial tomb, but Consort Rong not only didn’t consider being buried with him after death but also wanted to be buried with the noble consort. Kangxi really wanted to laugh.

Kangxi’s eyes darkened, but he smiled warmly—too warmly, almost creepily, "I’ll think about it."

Yeah, right!

"That’s awesome," Su Yi said, beaming as she held his hand, rubbing her face against it with genuine joy.

Being close has its perks.

——

"The noble consort is so laid-back. The emperor hardly ever visits, and she doesn’t even try to keep him longer, leaving the chance to Consort Rong.

If the noble consort had been more thoughtful, her sisters who came by this afternoon would’ve been crushed, unable to stay and accompany her, or they might’ve even run into the emperor."

Yipin said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Le Guiren sat quietly, listening without saying a word. Yipin, seeing her sister like this, got annoyed and said, exasperated,

"If you’d gone to Jingren Palace to see the noble consort today, you might’ve run into the emperor. Another missed opportunity."

Her health hadn’t gotten any better, even after all this time, and she’d been hit hard by the fallout from past schemes. Even after seeing a bunch of doctors and taking tons of meds, nothing helped.

Having just one princess wasn’t enough.

Look at Consort Hui, who also had only one child, but it was a prince.

Princes and princesses are treated differently from the start!

Yipin wanted to encourage her sister to conceive again and bear a prince.

Only then would their standing in the harem remain secure, but she worried her sister might threaten her own position.

If anyone noticed that her sister had been pregnant twice while she herself had never conceived, it would seem she couldn’t bear children herself and needed to rely on her sister’s womb.

If it came to that, she feared her relationship with her sister would spiral out of control.

Being the mother of a princess is worlds apart from being the mother of a prince.

How could her sister remain subordinate to her, the elder sister, after that?

With her sister as the mother, the prince would naturally favor her over Yipin, no matter what!

Their positions could easily be reversed because of the prince.

Even her family, who had always supported her, might turn their favor to her sister, allocating most of the resources to her.

Yipin longed for a prince but feared her sister might slip from her grasp, and she was also concerned that seeking help from others might reveal her secret.

If she couldn’t trust her own sister, how could she possibly control anyone else?

Yipin couldn’t bear the thought, so if she couldn’t have it, neither would her sister.

With the grand conferment nearing, Consort Hui, mother of the eldest prince, seemed poised for victory.

Consort Hui had always seemed non-competitive, focused on self-preservation.

But with the eldest prince back, her confidence had soared.

Anxious and irritable, Yipin couldn’t resist venting to her sister.

As long as she raised the princess, her sister wouldn’t dare show her dissatisfaction.

Yipin felt secure, confident, and unshakable.

Le Guiren’s expression softened, her eyes dim with hurt.

“Sister, today not only Consort Rong visited the noble consort, but others didn’t even get an audience.

Even if I’d gone, the noble consort might not have seen me, let alone the Emperor.

With Consort Rong there, how could the Emperor notice me? Don’t you see that, sister?

Why do you say such things? Don’t you know how much it hurts?

It’s not about the Emperor—it’s your attitude that stings.”

Yipin knew this, but she couldn’t hold back.

She thought her sister was useless at winning favor, yet feared she might become too capable and slip from her grasp.

She envied her sister’s good health—why did she have to suffer while her sister thrived?

Seeing her sister, she couldn’t help wishing her sister shared her suffering.

But she refused to admit to such dark thoughts.

Yipin, being so contradictory, was hot and cold with Le Guiren, depending entirely on her mood.

The concubines who had been out in the sun for so long, nearly getting sunburned, were so furious they tore up several handkerchiefs.

It seems like Consort Rong got all the perks. Wasn't Consort Tongjia so tough when she shooed them off?

Why doesn't she act the same way with Consort Rong?

She could chase them off but didn’t dare do the same to Consort Rong. Consort Tongjia sure knows how to pick her battles!

Several concubines touched their sun-darkened faces, wondering how long it would take to get their complexions back, and in the meantime, they couldn’t even go out, which only made them more upset.

Consort Hui, however, was more focused on the relationship between Consort Tongjia and Consort Rong, whether it was real or just for show.

If they’re really on good terms, then Consort Tongjia and Consort Rong teaming up would be bad news for her.

If these two stop fighting and join forces, that would spell trouble.

Right now, Consort Tongjia is the only one in the harem who outranks Consort Rong.

Consort Tongjia is also the Emperor’s cousin, which gives her the edge over Consort Rong.

Even if they become enemies, it wouldn’t be like others who get knocked out of the game fast.

As long as she doesn’t make a huge mistake, Consort Tongjia isn’t likely to lose her standing.

With Consort Tongjia taking the lead, others just need to follow her lead and stir up trouble.

With Consort Tongjia taking the brunt, and with many small followers, it could make Consort Rong constantly vigilant and even stumble if not careful.

Life would definitely not be so easy and comfortable.

But now, Consort Tongjia has not reached the point of irreconcilable differences with Consort Rong.

Moreover, their relationship is somewhat delicate, but they are no longer at odds.

Without someone leading the charge, how can others follow to muddy the waters? Wouldn't it be unlucky to stick one's head out?

Consort Hui is thinking that her position after the promotion will definitely not be low.

Perhaps even higher than Consort Tongjia, who holds the title of Consort but has no children.

But if Consort Tongjia and Consort Rong unite and target her together, the situation would be unfavorable for her.

She wants to probe Consort Tongjia's intentions, but Consort Tongjia's bad temper means she never says a nice word.

Consort Hui is now being flattered by many, and no matter how steady she is, she can't help but feel a bit complacent. Why would she want to endure Consort Tongjia's temper? She can go after the promotion, can't she?

Let Consort Tongjia know that she is not just any ordinary Consort Hui to be treated casually.

Now they may not be equals, but in the future, it might not be the case.

——

Consort Hui doesn't want to endure Consort Tongjia's temper, but that doesn't mean she can't approach someone else.

Isn't there still Consort Rong?

Consort Rong and she are both concubines, and her rank is even before Consort Rong. There was no previous conflict with Consort Rong, and Consort Tongjia, who had previous conflicts with Consort Rong, has already visited Yonghe Palace.

She had no issues with Consort Rong, so visiting each other wasn’t a big deal.

Consort Hui, being more tactful, didn’t go straight to Yonghe Palace but sent maids to deliver an invitation and gifts.

She first tried to see if she could get Consort Rong to visit Yanxi Palace.

If Consort Rong didn’t want to come, Consort Hui was willing to go herself.

She figured that with Consort Rong’s current favor with the Emperor and the Niohuru family’s backing, a consort position was a sure thing.

So, it was smart to build a relationship early, instead of letting Consort Rong side with Consort Tongjia.

The maids reported back that Consort Rong had accepted the gifts but didn’t want to visit. Consort Hui, mentally prepared, wasn’t too upset.

At least Consort Rong had accepted the gifts, right?

(Su Yi: If someone sends you something, why not take it?)

This was a pretty good sign.

So, the next day, Consort Hui deliberately took the route near Jingren Palace to Yonghe Palace.

This was Consort Hui’s little trick. Taking this route would make sure the people in Jingren Palace found out quickly.

When Consort Tongjia found out, she’d definitely be annoyed. If this could sour the relationship between Consort Tongjia and Consort Rong, that’d be a win!

She knew Consort Tongjia’s reason for visiting Consort Rong was likely the same as hers.

Worried that her future rank could threaten her, Consort Tongjia wanted to smooth things over with Consort Rong to win her support.

Funny enough, she was thinking the same thing—worried that Consort Tongjia and Consort Rong might team up against her.

Consort Rong, being favored, could easily sway the Emperor with her words.

If played right, she could be a powerful ally.

Plus, compared to other concubines, Consort Rong had an unusually close relationship with the Crown Prince.

The Emperor didn’t let other concubines near the Crown Prince, but he quietly allowed Consort Rong to be close to him.

If Consort Rong stayed childless, there was no telling if she’d support the Crown Prince, becoming his ally and turning against her own son, the Eldest Prince.

That’s why Consort Hui had to figure out Consort Rong’s intentions first.

What was her stance, exactly?

Could she be an ally, or just an enemy?

When Consort Tongjia found out about Consort Hui’s move, she was furious, her face darkening.

It wasn’t hard to figure out what Consort Hui was up to.

Why else would Consort Hui take the path near Jingren Palace? It was obviously to let her know where she was headed!

If she weren’t still weak, Consort Tongjia would’ve marched straight to Yonghe Palace to see what Consort Hui was pulling.

Nothing had even happened yet, and she was already trying to provoke her, a Consort!

She wanted to compete with her in everything! Was Consort Hui even worthy?!

She was curious to see what Consort Hui could possibly gain from Consort Rong.

"Come here," Consort Tongjia suddenly had an idea and beckoned the palace maid over.

The palace maid, seeing Consort Tongjia's serious expression, thought she was about to receive important instructions.

To her surprise, Consort Tongjia asked, "Tell me, isn't Consort Hui's hand inferior to mine?"

Otherwise, she was genuinely concerned that Consort Rong might switch sides and ally with Consort Hui.

Honestly, it's quite shallow.

The palace maid was speechless...

Your Highness, you looked so serious just to ask this?!

If Consort Tongjia weren't her mistress, she would have loved to grab her shoulders and shake her vigorously, shouting, "Wake up, Your Highness!"

"Your Highness, yes, Consort Hui naturally cannot compare to you," the palace maid said with a wooden face.

Your Highness has so many hand care secrets; Consort Hui could never catch up!

Consort Tongjia nodded in satisfaction, adjusted her hair, and said arrogantly, "Hmm, I thought as much."

Consort Hui still dares to compete with me? How ridiculous.

Meanwhile, at Yonghe Palace

Consort Hui arrived and was promptly welcomed in without any delay.

It was a promising start.

Consort Rong was seated, listening to a storyteller, looking utterly at ease.

When Consort Hui arrived, Consort Rong greeted her with a gentle smile, radiant as if bathed in celestial light.

Up close, her beauty was even more mesmerizing.

Some people are truly blessed by nature, born with such beauty, while appearance is not Consort Hui's strong suit.

Consort Hui could only rely on her virtue and dignity, while others effortlessly overshadowed her with their beauty.

How unfair, Consort Hui thought, suppressing her discomfort as she stepped forward with a serene smile,

and generously praised, "Sister, I've always heard of your extraordinary beauty, and now, seeing you up close, you truly are radiant."

Though Consort Hui is a seasoned presence in the palace, she is only in her twenties. She has taken great care of herself and is a beautiful woman, with a temperament that outshines her appearance, making her quite captivating.

Though not as youthful as a sixteen-year-old, she isn't far off.

"You are absolutely right," Su Yi replied with a smile.

She has a keen eye.

Modesty is out of the question; she takes excellent care of herself daily, so why shouldn't she accept these compliments?

Consort Rong's response left even the seasoned Consort Hui momentarily speechless.

Usually, in such situations, even if pleased, one would modestly deflect the praise, not respond as boldly as Consort Rong did. Consort Rong was perfectly capable of doing such a thing.

She really, really doesn't know how to be modest at all.

However, Consort Hui quickly masked her feelings with a smile, waiting for Consort Rong to perform the hair-touching ritual. According to rank, she should go first, and then Consort Rong would return the gesture.

But who knew Consort Rong just sat there without moving, and Consort Hui stood there waiting for a while.

She didn’t wait for Consort Rong to stand up.

She couldn’t help but think to herself that Consort Rong didn’t know etiquette and was about to remind her.

(Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia: This woman is too lazy to move for anyone. Do you think you’re more important than me?)

"Consort Hui, why are you still standing there?" Su Yi found it quite strange to see her standing still. There’s a seat available—do I need to invite her to sit down?

Isn’t this being too polite?

"Have a seat," Su Yi invited with a smile. "Since you’re here, make yourself at home."

This made Consort Hui hold back the reminder she was about to give Consort Rong about etiquette.

If she really said it, wouldn’t it confirm what Consort Rong said about being too formal?

"You’re too kind," Consort Hui then sat down, looking very natural and composed.

At first, Consort Hui chatted with Su Yi about some trivial matters, but gradually, the conversation shifted to other topics.

"Sister, you visited Her Highness the Imperial Noble Consort yesterday. Is she feeling better? If it weren’t for fear of too many visitors disturbing her rest, I would have gone with you," Consort Hui said with a smile.

But this was just lip service. If she really wanted to go, she could have gone today instead of passing by without visiting.

"After taking her medicine, she’s naturally much better; it’s not a terminal illness," Su Yi replied with some meaningless chatter.

She was already regretting having to engage in small talk after receiving gifts.

"Sister, what you said is quite..." Consort Hui covered the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief, then advised, "Her Highness might get angry hearing this. You should be careful with your words, sister."

Su Yi: You’re not being honest; I can see the corner of your mouth twitching.

"What’s there to be careful about? Could it be misunderstood?" Su Yi asked, puzzled.

Then, resting her chin on her hand, she looked at her with clear eyes. "Consort Hui, you’re not the type to go and tattle to Her Highness, are you?"

Qinxin’s eyebrows twitched; here we go again. Her Highness is losing patience again.

Consort Hui’s expression froze instantly. Even the most patient person has limits; her smile faded a bit.

"Sister, are you treating me like a villain with what you said? I’m just looking out for you, advising you to watch your words, but you don’t appreciate it; instead, it seems like I’m meddling."

Su Yi: ....

Su Yi looked at her with a smile, silent, exuding a unique sense of humanistic care.

Consort Hui was somewhat irritated by Consort Rong’s gaze—what kind of look is this? "Sister, why aren’t you speaking? Did I hit the mark?"

"It’s not that I don’t want to speak; it’s that I really don’t know what to say," Su Yi said helplessly.

"What are you really here for?" Su Yi said, somewhat bored.

"To ruin my relationship with Her Highness, that’s not good."

Hearing this, Consort Hui was taken aback. Consort Rong had already figured out her intentions. She had barely brought it up, and Consort Rong already knew?

At first, she thought Consort Rong was just a careless, shallow beauty, but now it seemed that wasn't entirely the case.

Her smile hinted at something deeper, "Why would you think that, dear sister? We're all family here in the harem and should get along. You and the Noble Consort are close, but don't forget about me, your elder sister."

Su Yi laughed and looked at Consort Hui, "Why are you putting on airs, spouting all this nonsense? It's so dull. If you love to talk, I can't be bothered to listen."

The one who should be playing along with your act isn't here.

Her words were blunt and cutting. Consort Hui shot up, glaring down at Consort Rong.

"You! Consort Rong, don't get too cocky. In the harem, laughing too loudly isn't wise."

Being too sharp can get you into trouble.

"So what?" Su Yi was a master at pushing buttons. With someone who beats around the bush, it's better to be blunt and infuriating.

It's maddening, but you can't just get rid of her right away.

This feeling is oddly satisfying.

"Fine, very well. I won't have the pleasure of your tea, sister. I hope you keep laughing like you did today."

Then she was about to leave.

"Do come again," Su Yi added with a smile, like the perfect hostess.

Consort Hui almost turned back, "No need," she spat through clenched teeth, then stormed off.

Once Consort Hui was gone, Su Yi's smile faded. She lay there, bored, poking the tea table with her finger, sighing, "So dull, so unhappy, so pointless."

After saying this, she pursed her lips, looking sullen and aggrieved, her back seeming a bit gloomy.

If you didn't know better, you'd think she was the one who'd been slighted, not Consort Hui.

Her finger kept poking the tea table, leaving several holes and making it pitted.

Qinxin was about to offer comfort but bit her tongue upon seeing this.

Consort Hui returned in a rage, so angry that she couldn't even eat.

When the Eldest Prince came, he noticed Consort Hui was in a bad mood, but when he asked, she just shook her head and said it was nothing, telling him not to worry.

Before leaving, the maid serving Consort Hui couldn't help but tell the Eldest Prince.

She said that after returning from Yonghe Palace, the Consort had been like this. She had gone to see Consort Rong in good spirits, but Consort Rong had been arrogant and disrespectful.

The Consort was so angry she couldn't eat, and didn't want to trouble the Eldest Prince, so she didn't mention it. She hoped the Eldest Prince wouldn't tell the Consort that she had let it slip.

The Eldest Prince didn't look pleased upon hearing this. He had heard of Consort Rong, who was very favored by the Emperor.

The Consort had been slighted by Consort Rong and didn't want to trouble him by telling him about it.

Thinking of how the Consort had lightly glossed over the matter earlier, he felt she was putting on a brave face.

The Eldest Prince left, suppressing his dissatisfaction with Consort Rong.

When the maid returned to serve Consort Hui, she nodded, indicating she had followed Consort Hui's instructions.

Then, in the afternoon, something happened. The Eldest Prince and the Crown Prince actually got into a fight.