Chapter 186

Chapter 186

"You actually came," Su Yi said upon seeing Kangxi arrive. She looked surprised, as if she hadn't expected him to really show up at this time.

Kangxi marched over, his face stern, and hearing her first words, immediately retorted, "If I hadn’t come, would you be secretly pleased?"

Is this the first thing to say upon meeting?

He had kept the fat cat for several days without seeing her shadow, thinking she'd abandoned it. But today, while he was away, she quickly went to get the cat.

She was surprisingly quick; usually, she wasn't this fast to react.

Kangxi, holding back his anger, walked over and sat down. He stared at her, waiting for her response.

"Not really," Su Yi said gently, not showing any sign of secret pleasure.

It was rare for this troublemaker to speak so agreeably without arguing, and Kangxi felt somewhat comforted by it. After a series of actions by the imperial concubine, Kangxi had already lowered his expectations of her. Her being even a little obedient was rare.

The cat in her arms, seeing this stinky human actually chasing it, guiltily buried its face in Su Yi's arms, only showing the back of its head to Kangxi.

As if hiding its head would make it disappear. It didn’t think about its size when hiding, believing that just concealing its head would make it invisible.

Kangxi quickly poked it, making the cat yowl loudly, as if saying, "Don't touch me!"

It really seemed like a guilty party shouting, the cat still feeling a bit guilty toward Kangxi.

"Ruined so many of my things and then ran off, huh," Kangxi said, looking at Su Yi with a cold chuckle, his meaning clear.

Like owner, like cat—both equally annoying.

Su Yi quietly pulled the cat, which was hiding, out of her arms, handing it to Kangxi with a 'Don’t mind me' look. "Then settle the score with it, let it pay by selling itself."

Kid, you’ve really messed up; she couldn’t stand firm now.

Originally, they were quarreling and ignoring each other, but now, here he was to settle accounts.

The cat, feeling the world had brightened up a bit, turned and saw Kangxi’s face, which looked like someone owed him something, instantly sensing the deep malice of the world toward it.

Its ears drooped, letting out a weak meow.

Small, helpless, and big.

The cat: Human, what's going on? Treating me like this?

The cat felt its kitty heart was hurt, looking even more pitiful.

Thinking of reluctantly enduring some grievance with this stinky human.

But Kangxi pushed it away very coldly, "I’m not just anyone. Not only does it shed hair, but it's almost as fat as a ball."

Refusing it outright and disdainfully.

Instantly, the cat's fragile kitty heart shattered into pieces. What a fickle human—you weren’t like this a few days ago!

Who wants this fat cat to sell itself to settle debts?

What he wanted...

"Alright, Pot Lid Cat, you're off the hook."

Su Yi put it down on the ground, and the liberated Pot Lid Cat immediately dashed outside as soon as it touched the ground. There was no sign of its hurt feelings; its escape speed had always been extremely fast.

It really has the makings of a troublemaker.

Liang Jiugong stayed outside from the beginning, and he quickly cleared the area.

Any interruption would mean he wasn't doing his job.

The Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort should reconcile quickly. Every time the two masters quarrel, it's always him who suffers more.

The unpredictable Emperor is even harder to serve than usual, with no way to hide; it's really tough.

Su Yi and Kangxi sat on opposite sides, separated by a table, like a clear divide between them.

Noticing Su Yi looking at him, Kangxi pursed his lips, pressing the corners down slightly, his chin slightly raised, looking more aloof and cold than ever, as if he were very difficult to please.

Su Yi imagined a big dog sulking, turning its head away from anyone, but one of its drooping ears was subtly half-raised, as if listening for any movement.

Su Yi didn’t speak, reaching out to take his hand, but before she could touch it, Kangxi's hand, which was resting on the armrest, had already opened its palm to hold hers.

This reaction annoyed him a bit.

But he still held Su Yi's hand.

"Come sit a little closer," Su Yi skillfully commanded him to move.

The reason was quite sufficient: it's hard to have a heart-to-heart if you're too far away; closer makes it easier to talk, almost every time it's like this, a very familiar opening line.

Hearing her words, Kangxi thought, see, she's always quick to boss people around, and her tone isn't the best either. She's too lazy to move herself. Is it really too far for her to come over herself? Her dignity matters, but his doesn't?

Kangxi sat there without moving.

Su Yi shook his hand. "I haven't seen you for a few days, I've missed you, and you're sitting so far away, I can't see you well." She started with some sweet talk.

"If you can't see clearly at this distance, what else can you see?" Kangxi said with a cold face, but still got up and moved closer.

It really had the feel of saying one thing but meaning another.

"About the incident a few days ago, after calming down these days, I thought about it and indeed shouldn't have lost my temper at you; it was really not the right thing to do," Su Yi said with a very sincere expression, starting with an apology.

It really seemed like she had reflected well.

Hearing her words, Kangxi was surprised and somewhat flattered; it was indeed rare to hear the Imperial Noble Consort admit her mistakes.

She even knows to admit her mistakes, it seems she really has been reflecting.

Kangxi's anger subsided a bit, and he felt somewhat relieved.

But he still had to act a bit aloof, lest the Imperial Noble Consort thinks it's so easy to get past this, and dares to do it again next time.

"You even know to admit your mistakes, that's rare," Kangxi sarcastically remarked, feeling that his anger over the past few days had somewhat subsided.

He was about to reach out and embrace her, intending to say one more thing to ease the tension.

He didn’t want this little troublemaker to lose patience again. Kangxi knew when to back off.

"I know I shouldn’t have let my jealousy get the better of me. I won’t do it again," Su Yi said with a sincere expression of remorse.

Jealousy is truly a bad thing; it can make people lose their rationality. But he was just so enviable that she couldn’t resist for a moment.

Kangxi: "?!" What on earth did he just hear?

What kind of nonsense was Su Yi spouting?

"Jealous of me?" Kangxi asked, bewildered, his expression complicated. He even wanted to peek into her thoughts.

Su Yi nodded silently, "But don’t worry, I won’t do it again. I’ve moved on."

She smiled gently, her words sounding incredibly considerate.

Kangxi looked at her, a mix of emotions crossing his face.

"I still like you now, and I’m willing to let go of that jealousy for you. I won’t say those sour words anymore, so can we make up?"

Su Yi held his hand and spoke with deep affection.

Her eyes, brimming with tenderness, gazed at him softly, her reflection clear in them, showing her utmost focus.

The affection in her eyes was almost overwhelming.

If it weren’t for the slightly off tone of her words, which threw off the mood, it would have truly been a scene of deep affection.

"Now?" Kangxi immediately caught the blind spot in her words.

Even hearing Su Yi’s sweet words of affection couldn’t make him fall for this sugary nonsense.

"Is there a problem?" Su Yi asked, puzzled, not understanding what she had said wrong.

"You like me now, but what about later?" Kangxi’s tone was sharp. He wasn’t nitpicking; it just sounded too off.

It had to be said, Kangxi had a knack for pinpointing the key issues.

Su Yi nodded thoughtfully and spoke gently, "Who knows what the future holds? Right now, there’s still novelty, so of course, I like you."

Her expression was calm, her tone casual, as if discussing the weather, completely unaware of how callous her words sounded.

Kangxi gasped, incredulous, "Novelty? So if the novelty wears off, you’ll stop liking me?!" The Consort actually knew about novelty!

Su Yi gave him a puzzled look, as if surprised he’d even ask.

"Of course, without novelty, things become dull. Why are you acting so shocked?" Now it was Su Yi’s turn to be incredulous.

He had a whole harem; shouldn’t he be more seasoned in this than her?

Kangxi nearly laughed at her words. What did she mean by acting shocked?

"You’re mine. Who else could you possibly like?" Kangxi felt that talking to the Consort was a constant test of his patience.

"Why not? If I stop liking you, naturally, my feelings will change," Su Yi said matter-of-factly, her logic flawless.

Kangxi was already getting a headache. Compared to the imperial concubine's shocking remarks, the recent chaos caused by the pot-headed man in the Qianqing Palace was on an entirely different level.

"You actually said it with such conviction," Kangxi could hardly believe that his imperial concubine had such scoundrel potential!

He had been holding Su Yi's hand, but now he released it.

He felt that his sincere efforts were in vain.

Why shouldn't Su Yi speak with such conviction? Was there anything incorrect about what she said?

If a man can say it, why can't a woman?

This is just about ending things amicably.

Maybe she didn't explain it well enough,

"I still have some feelings for you now, so I'm affectionate with you. But when I get tired of it and don't like you as much, I'll naturally become indifferent. Isn't that just how it goes?"

Su Yi attempted to explain again, "You're also someone with experience. I think you should get where I'm coming from."

As a man with a harem of lovely women, he should understand the concept of novelty.

That's why she was confused by Kangxi's shocked reaction.

It made her seem like a real jerk.

"I can't believe you think that way!" Kangxi was stunned by the imperial concubine's outrageous words and ideas.

He had no idea the imperial concubine had such thoughts!

Her words sounded like those of a callous playboy.

"After seeing enough, you naturally understand. Let's not worry about the future; let's just enjoy the present. Who knows what the future holds?" Su Yi spoke with the tone of someone who had been through it all.

Isn't that how storybooks usually end? Strong feelings at first, but once the novelty wears off, the affection fades. Promises about the future often don't end well.

"Here, think of me as a man. Maybe then you'll understand."

Su Yi patted Kangxi's shoulder like a good buddy, her expression and tone mimicking the camaraderie among men when discussing such topics, where everyone understands each other implicitly.

Kangxi: "..." He was so angry he couldn't speak, afraid that if he opened his mouth, he might scold her, and then she would immediately blame him for being harsh.

Don't fall for the imperial concubine's provocation, Kangxi took a deep breath.

Then he heard the imperial concubine's thoughts,

Besides, when he gets older, Kangxi will be busy with state affairs, and with so many worries, he'll age faster.

When he was young, wasn't it all about looks? Not to mention when he becomes old and loses his charm.

As he ages, his performance will decline too.

Given the age difference, when she's still young and beautiful, it's only natural that she might lose interest.

Kangxi: "!?" How dare she!!!

No man can tolerate being doubted about his abilities!

And old and losing his charm?!

What’s with her tone, like some heartless jerk!

The consort is really becoming more and more outrageous!

Kangxi’s face darkened, about to speak, when her slender finger pressed against his lips.

Noticing his expression, Su Yi, quick to smooth things over, spoke first,

“One should live more carefree. I still like you a lot right now. Even though I’m a bit fickle, I won’t betray you while I still have feelings for you.”

She still has some principles, or else Kangxi would’ve been cuckolded long ago.

Su Yi didn’t say it out loud, but it didn’t matter either way.

“You dare betray me?!” Kangxi was so furious he could hardly speak. She really has the nerve to think that!

That day she accused him of saying something outrageous, but now she should hear herself!

Kangxi stood up abruptly, afraid he’d be angered to death if he kept listening.

Seeing him stand up as if to storm off, Su Yi quickly got up to calm him,

“No, no, you’ve got it wrong. Focus on the good part.”

“Hmph.” Kangxi just wanted to sneer. The good part?

What good part? Her words are pure jerk material! Who taught her this?

“I’m just talking about what could happen. After all, you’ve got to plan ahead.”

Su Yi pulled him over and continued, “So you shouldn’t always be angry. It ages you fast. Look at you, just a few days apart, and your forehead’s already lined.”

Su Yi said this sincerely, her face pained as she gently touched his forehead.

Even if Kangxi lives long, he’ll just turn into an old vegetable.

Who’d want to kiss an old face? Others might, but she, a beauty lover in her prime, has to plan ahead, right?

Kangxi: Old vegetable?! She dares to look down on him!

“But don’t worry too much. Even if I get tired of you, you’ve got plenty of options. Don’t stress over it.”

Seeing Kangxi getting angry again, Su Yi told him to chill.

He’s a grown man; he should be more open-minded. She’s got it figured out.

He’s already envied by many; a little dissatisfaction isn’t a big deal.

Moreover, even if Kangxi gets old and ugly, it’s nothing.

Every three years, a fresh batch of tender young girls, like flowing water, with the emperor as the constant.

She’s so envious—anyone with this treatment would wake up laughing from a dream.

But that jerk actually envied her before—isn’t that infuriating?

At most, she can only look!

Such jerk-like words, and she tells him to be more open-minded?! Kangxi laughed in extreme anger, gritting his teeth, “You, you’re really something!”

Today, coming to the Imperial Noble Consort's place, I was utterly 'shocked' by his beloved Imperial Noble Consort!

Otherwise, I wouldn't have known that the Imperial Noble Consort's previous indifference was due to such thoughts. She truly is remarkable.

Just as he was about to storm off, Kangxi, who was grabbed by Su Yi by the sleeve, almost stumbled when he heard her boldly ask, "Huh? Aren't we making up?"

Indeed, his initial purpose was to reconcile with the Imperial Noble Consort.

Kangxi had come first, intending to reconcile with the Imperial Noble Consort.

But the Imperial Noble Consort's response turned his visit into a complete farce.

Kangxi pulled his sleeve out of Su Yi's hand, his gaze icy cold, "No!" He turned and left without hesitation.

Su Yi watched him leave, her expression still gentle but tinged with regret, "What a pity; we've wasted more time together."

But Kangxi, who had already walked away, couldn't hear her.

Liang Jiugong had assumed that His Majesty's visit to Yonghe Palace meant he and the Imperial Noble Consort would surely reconcile.

After all, His Majesty's presence, despite his cold demeanor, signaled his desire to reconcile with the Imperial Noble Consort.

A few kind words from the Imperial Noble Consort would have led His Majesty to forgive and forget.

To Liang Jiugong, reconciliation was imminent, requiring only a simple final step from the Imperial Noble Consort.

Who could have guessed it would unravel at the last moment?

Liang Jiugong, waiting casually outside, was startled to see His Majesty emerge with a grim expression, doubting his own eyes.

Why does His Majesty look even more displeased than when he entered?

What happened!?

His Majesty was visibly enraged.

Both Liang Jiugong and Qinxin were baffled. She had also believed the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort would reconcile this time.

Why didn't they reconcile? In fact, it seems things worsened. What happened?

Kangxi departed, his face stormy, enveloped in a tense atmosphere.

Liang Jiugong had been cheerful before, but the return journey was tense, with servants treading cautiously.

They expected the Emperor to stay at Yonghe Palace overnight, but...

No one knew what the Imperial Noble Consort said to provoke the Emperor.

Though puzzled, the servants dared not speak up.

The scout eunuch reported a minor noble lady ahead, resting with a sprained foot, unable to move.

Typically, the path would be cleared to prevent disturbances.

Liang Jiugong found it coincidental that a minor noble lady sprained her foot on the Emperor's route.

A sprain isn't a break; her maids could assist her back.

Just as he was thinking this, Liang Jiugong saw the minor noble lady, who according to the scout eunuch couldn't move, slowly limping over with the help of her maid.

Liang Jiugong glanced at the young eunuch, "Didn’t you say she couldn’t walk?"

"But she’s walking now, isn’t she?"

The young eunuch grew nervous under Liang Jiugong’s gaze, wanting to explain that he really didn’t lie. The minor noble lady seemed unable to get up just now, wincing at the slightest movement.

The minor noble lady slowly walked over with the support of a palace maid. Though she appeared a bit disheveled, she was still beautiful, with an added air of fragility.

She barely managed to stay upright, leaning on the palace maid, with a sheen of sweat on her brow, clearly in pain as she approached.

Her sky-blue qipao dress looked fresh and soft, and when she smiled slightly, she seemed almost tender.

"Your humble servant greets the Emperor," the minor noble lady called out to Liang Jiugong as she approached.

Liang Jiugong bowed respectfully, his face a mask of reverence, though he was clearly impatient.

The foot injury looked quite real, as if she had indeed sprained her ankle and couldn’t walk, limping along, just happened to cross paths with the emperor’s carriage on his return journey.

But in the palace, nothing is ever just a coincidence.

After years in the palace, Liang Jiugong had honed a sharp eye. This minor noble lady could be ruthless to herself, truly spraining her ankle, blurring the line between truth and deception.

Then the minor noble lady slightly pushed away the palace maid and bowed to the carriage, seemingly enduring the pain:

"I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness for any impropriety. Your humble servant accidentally sprained her ankle ahead and had to stop to rest due to the pain. Upon learning of the Emperor's passing, your humble servant dared not fail to come and pay respects."

As she bowed, her sprained ankle hurt even more, causing her body to sway unsteadily, but she kept biting her lip and enduring, managing to finish her words without collapsing.

After all, if she couldn't hold on and collapsed while speaking, it would be too deliberate.

Liang Jiugong reminded the minor noble lady of her identity on the side, as the Emperor might not recognize her, but as a servant, he had to be clear.

But inside the carriage, Kangxi remained silent.

With the silence of the carriage's owner, an unusually oppressive silence fell.

And the minor noble lady, still maintaining her bowing posture, was truly struggling to hold on.

Originally just with fine beads of sweat, now due to the pain, her forehead was soaked, slightly biting her lower lip, looking extremely delicate, like a wet pear blossom, evoking pity.

Almost unable to maintain her bowing posture, after a cry of pain, she weakly collapsed to the side, her face pale, almost fainting. The palace maid hurried over to support her, "My lady, are you alright?"