Chapter 188

Chapter 188

Where has the usual wit of this dog servant gone? Can’t he even understand this?

Seeing that Emperor Kangxi’s expression was not good, Liang Jiugong finally reacted just before being kicked, and a string of flattering words flowed out of his mouth,

"Your Majesty is handsome and dignified, with an extraordinary demeanor..." He kept praising, pouring out all the compliments he knew.

But Emperor Kangxi’s face did not improve much.

It seemed he was not very satisfied.

After all, how could Emperor Kangxi not have heard such flattery before? As he listened, it all sounded rather ordinary, nothing new or exciting.

Hearing Liang Jiugong’s incessant praise, Emperor Kangxi quickly interrupted him.

"Do I look suitable to be paired with the Consort?"

Liang Jiugong, who had almost exhausted his repertoire of compliments, was relieved that His Majesty had stopped him from continuing, only to hear another question about the Consort.

What’s wrong with Your Majesty today?

But now that His Majesty asked, it had to be a perfect match, a union made in heaven!

Liang Jiugong found his direction again and unleashed another series of beautiful words.

Each one was unique.

But even after listening, Emperor Kangxi still seemed unsatisfied.

He felt that Liang Jiugong's praise wasn't sincere, and it didn't sound genuine at all.

If they were such a perfect match, why didn’t the Noble Consort think so?

That little rascal still wants to cause him trouble!

So annoying!

Liang Jiugong even knelt before Kangxi, yet Kangxi still seemed unsatisfied.

He spoke with absolute sincerity, so why did Kangxi suddenly get so serious?

The issue was, if he didn’t praise them, could he really say they weren’t a good match? That wouldn’t fly. If he said that, he might lose his job as chief steward.

Liang Jiugong was really stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Kangxi was really annoyed. Liang Jiugong did praise him, but it just missed the mark.

None of it matched what he was hoping for.

But how could he outright say he was older than the Noble Consort and would age faster, making them look mismatched?

Kangxi tossed the silver mirror aside, and it tumbled across the carpet.

The silver mirror was way clearer than the bronze one, showing every detail of a person’s face perfectly.

Even the fine lines on the forehead. Hmm, it was a little too clear.

It seemed Kangxi’s frown had left some marks. He kept a stern face, silent, as if deep in thought.

Liang Jiugong looked at the silver mirror that the Emperor had tossed aside with a touch of personal resentment, wondering if His Majesty had just been checking himself in the mirror.

What made the Emperor suddenly look in the mirror? This wasn’t like His Majesty at all.

Liang Jiugong connected the dots from the Emperor’s recent odd behavior.

Especially since His Majesty had suddenly asked whether he matched well with the Imperial Noble Consort, right after storming back from Yonghe Palace with a scowl.

Could it really be...?

Liang Jiugong ventured carefully, "Your Majesty, I’ve heard Imperial Physician Wang’s beauty cream is a hit with the palace ladies, aside from his medical skills. Maybe gifting it to the Imperial Noble Consort would please her."

Not that she’d definitely like it.

It’s just that every lady in the palace keeps this cream around, as they all care about their appearance.

When Liang Jiugong mentioned it, it could be taken literally—or maybe there was more to it.

It all hinged on what His Majesty picked up on.

Kangxi shot him a cold look, just as Liang Jiugong feared he’d missed the mark again.

"Is that so?" Kangxi finally spoke.

His expression stayed the same, but it was clear he was curious.

Liang Jiugong had finally hit the nail on the head.

But Kangxi still had his pride.

Why would he care about a women’s beauty cream?

...

A row of beauty creams was neatly laid out before Kangxi, reportedly prepared as a gift for the Imperial Noble Consort.

Kangxi calmly picked one up and opened it to check it out. He just wanted to vet it for the Imperial Noble Consort.

Liang Jiugong, meanwhile, stayed in the shadows.

Liang Jiugong had snuck over to Imperial Physician Wang to get the cream, acting like a thief, careful not to draw attention.

Usually so flamboyant, this was the first time he had to be so secretive.

If anyone found out why he’d come... what then? Where would His Majesty’s dignity be then?

At first, Imperial Physician Wang thought the Emperor might be unwell, given that Liang Jiugong had personally come. But upon hearing it was for beauty cream, he was momentarily stunned.

Liang Jiugong quickly explained there’d been a little tiff between the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort, and since the beauty cream was highly favored by the palace ladies, he had come to fetch some for the Imperial Noble Consort, and so on.

He couldn’t delay in explaining, lest Imperial Physician Wang really misunderstood! What then?

Liang Jiugong flashed an impeccable smile.

Imperial Physician Wang understood immediately upon hearing this.

It was just like when he had upset his own wife and thought of buying something to cheer her up. Exactly the same.

Who’d have guessed the Emperor would dote on the Imperial Noble Consort like this? Not to mention, jewelry, silks, and satins, though they might please the ladies.

But this gift, which hits just the right spot, is definitely something that’s great for a woman’s complexion.

His beauty cream is in such high demand in the palace, especially among the Imperial Noble Consorts.

Even the high-ranking Imperial Noble Consorts always keep some on hand and use it regularly.

Even the lower-ranking concubines go out of their way to get their hands on it.

But the Imperial Noble Consort doesn’t seem to have any, maybe because she’s got her own beauty secrets and doesn’t need it right now.

But for women, even if they don’t need these beauty treatments, they’ll never turn them down—sending these is always a win.

Imperial Physician Wang also got the hint from Liang Jiugong that this matter should be kept under wraps.

If the Imperial Noble Consorts in the rear palace found out the Emperor was preparing beauty cream for the Imperial Noble Consort, they’d start making jealous comments, and that wouldn’t be good.

Imperial Physician Wang quickly assured him he’d keep it quiet—after all, discretion is part of the job for imperial physicians.

As an imperial physician in the royal family, you can’t afford to be careless—it’s a matter of life and death, so of course they’d keep things secret.

With that, both Liang Jiugong and Imperial Physician Wang smiled, coming to an unspoken agreement.

Liang Jiugong then asked for detailed instructions on how to use the beauty cream before finally taking it with him.

As he left, Liang Jiugong couldn’t help but sigh—after all these years as the chief steward, this was the first time he’d had to sneak around like a thief.

All of this for the Emperor!

The Emperor is about to turn thirty, the prime of maturity—steady and composed—so why is he worrying about this now?

How could the Emperor possibly grow old?

But the Imperial Noble Consort is young and beautiful—ahem—there is indeed an age gap between her and the Emperor.

But it’s not that big of a difference.

It’s not a big deal—who would dare say they’re not a good match?

Hmm... maybe someone actually would.

Could it be the Imperial Noble Consort herself?

Liang Jiugong couldn’t help but gasp—it really might be possible!

Could it be that the Emperor’s falling out with the Imperial Noble Consort was because of this?

Otherwise, it seemed like the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort were on the verge of reconciling, but then the Emperor stormed off with a dark look.

In a bad mood, he picked up a storybook, but after reading it, he got so annoyed he had it burned. Then he started asking if he and the Imperial Noble Consort even looked like a good match.

Before this, the Emperor had never worried about such things.

Now, the Emperor’s started focusing on self-care, and he can’t stand hearing words like ‘mature’ and ‘steady.’

They say a woman’s heart is as deep as the ocean, but it seems that applies to men too.

Su Yi opened the newly delivered storybook, ready to see what kind of recycled, cheesy love story was in store this time.

This little bit of fun is a must, and looking at it from a different angle is still pretty interesting.

But today, as Su Yi was reading, something felt off. "Hmm?"

Something seems off, doesn’t it?

Not sure, let me check again.

After finishing, Su Yi closed the book and took a closer look at the author’s name.

Right, that's correct. This author has always written those cheesy love stories.

Why is this new one suddenly going for a monogamous vibe?

The issue is, changing styles is one thing.

On one hand, they want to play the field, but on the other, they’re forcing a happy ending.

This is worse than just being straight-up trashy.

"If you’re gonna be trashy, just own it. Why try to save face and force a happy ending? It’s so half-hearted and not at all bold."

Su Yi tossed it aside with a hint of disdain and pulled out a new one.

As she read on, she went, "Tsk."

This time, Su Yi didn’t even finish it and tossed it aside to join the last one.

I don’t buy it. Same old taste, same old formula—there’s no way the style changed all at once.

After tossing the fifth one aside.

Su Yi was like, '....' What the heck?

Looking at the pile of new storybooks, she suddenly felt something was off.

These new storybooks—they couldn’t all be the same, right?

Su Yi gestured to Qinxin, who leaned in and asked, "Your Highness, are the new storybooks not to your taste?"

She’d been watching as Her Highness grew more and more impatient, barely hiding her disdain.

What’s going on? These are all written by familiar authors—they should suit Her Highness’s taste. She used to smile while reading them.

What’s up today?

"Is everyone possessed? Did they all decide to change styles at once?" Su Yi wondered aloud, initially thinking of letting Qinxin take a look but then changed her mind.

She grabbed a young eunuch to read a new one, calling everyone over to see if the style had changed.

This little eunuch was a seasoned reader, so he started right away.

Now the servants could gather around to listen.

Su Yi sat on the side, cracking melon seeds, half-listening.

By the time she finished a plate of melon seeds, it was almost the end.

Turning her head, Su Yi was slightly surprised.

So many people, not everyone was crying, but many had tears in their eyes, visibly moved, especially the young and pretty maids.

Usually, they'd feel sad or upset about the story, but their reactions were different this time.

"Who knew there could be such a devoted man?"

"Yes, the others were all no good, heartless and fickle!"

They were amazed that the scholar, after becoming the top scholar, didn't look down on his humble wife, stayed faithful to her despite temptations, dismissing other women as mere distractions, and ultimately lived happily with his wife.

Such a touching love story.

....

Su Yi: "..." Even the melon seeds lost their flavor.

She glanced at Qinxin, who still had a cold look. Su Yi thought she'd found a kindred spirit, someone to discuss this with, but it was ridiculous.

She noticed Qinxin nodding slightly in agreement while watching the servants express their genuine feelings, though she didn't join in the conversation.

Though her face was blank, she was genuinely agreeing.

Su Yi: "..." Feeling left out.

To keep the servants from asking her opinion and making her seem out of place, she gracefully wiped her fingers, slightly dirty from cracking melon seeds, with a damp cloth, then smiled gently,

"It's unusual to see you all so animated, reading a few more books is fine. I'm a little tired, so I'll stop listening."

Su Yi covered a small yawn with her hand, preparing to rest for a while, and the servants didn't find it strange, obviously used to it.

With the Imperial Noble Consort's okay to listen to more books, it was great.

Su Yi waved her hand, telling Qinxin not to follow. If interested, she could continue listening.

After all, there wouldn't be another chance.

Quit!

Su Yi, who said she was done, never opened the new storybooks again.

When asked why, she just said she lost interest, got bored.

——

"Not reading anymore?" Kangxi was doubtful, his face showing clear skepticism.

Previously, he had told the Imperial Noble Consort not to keep reading those miscellaneous books, but she didn't listen.

"Yes, Your Majesty, the latest ones sent over, she hasn't read many, perhaps the Imperial Noble Consort has lost interest recently, maybe she'll regain it after some time." Liang Jiugong also found it quite strange, as she used to finish batch after batch, but this time she hardly touched them, truly peculiar.

Yet, their popularity in Yonghe Palace was still quite high.

Why was the Imperial Noble Consort not interested, not only too lazy to read, but also not listening, always disappearing to rest?

Kangxi looked grave, also feeling that the Imperial Noble Consort's current behavior was somewhat dangerous.

If she doesn't read, how can she be influenced away from those scoundrelly thoughts?

She's already been led astray by those wild ideas, even mastering the art of being a scoundrel, changing her mind without a second thought.

Originally, I thought of burning all those random books that the Imperial Noble Consort had privately hidden, to prevent her from continuing to read them and turning even more reckless!

But after some consideration, Kangxi felt it was inappropriate.

That troublemaker isn't the type to stay quiet and obedient just because her things were burned; she might just cook up something even worse.

It’s downright scary.

So, he decided to use a more roundabout method, starting with those storybooks, to change them—they must be changed!

No more of those heartless and unkind stories, they should be more wholesome.

This way, as she reads, she might be swayed back to the right path.

But now, even the storybook trick isn’t cutting it.

That troublemaker doesn't even like reading them anymore—has she really lost interest in them?

This is a real issue.

——

During this time, the Imperial Noble Consort came over to sit for a while during her leisure, seeing that the coronation ceremony was approaching, yet she was still so carefree, not a trace of being thin or worn out, her skin glowing, and no dark circles!

The Imperial Noble Consort, who was in charge of palace affairs, felt that she was the one who was worn out—how could the Rong Noble Consort have it so easy?

Even the Imperial Noble Consort had previously worried that after securing her position as the Noble Consort, the Rong Noble Consort might try to snatch some of the palace authority from her. After all, they were now on the same side, and as long as they didn’t confront each other, the likes of Consort Yi and the others wouldn’t dare make a move.

She even tried to broach the subject herself.

But the Rong Noble Consort sweetly brushed it off, praising her so much that the Imperial Noble Consort couldn’t help but feel a bit smug. By the time she calmed down, the Rong Noble Consort had already slipped away like a shadow.

At that time, the Imperial Noble Consort couldn’t help but feel a bit moved, thinking the Rong Noble Consort really didn’t want to compete with her for palace authority.

Now, the Imperial Noble Consort feels that that earlier sentiment was totally misplaced!

She is really lazy!

"The big day’s almost here, aren’t you going to get ready?" the Imperial Noble Consort hinted, looking at the person on the other side of the lounge chair.

"What’s there to prepare? Isn’t everything already taken care of?" Su Yi lazily squinted her eyes and said.

"Tsk, you know what I mean," the Imperial Noble Consort said discontentedly—playing coy isn’t fun.

On the day of her coronation ceremony, the Crown Prince attended with the Grand Empress Dowager, said a few congratulatory words, and then left, as if hinting at something.

Could something big go down at the Rong Noble Consort’s coronation?

But now, what exactly is going on between the Emperor and the Rong Noble Consort?

The coronation ceremony is a big deal—at this point, if the Emperor doesn’t show up...

In the palace, whenever there is a moment of weakness, those lying in wait will try to strike.

"What I mean is also that—everything has been taken care of, I don’t need to worry. In any case, there’ll be plenty of drama," Su Yi said with a smile, and when she mentioned the word 'drama,' it didn’t sound like the usual kind of 'drama.'

Drama—perhaps not many really want to stir it up. "Hmph, it's a wonder you're still so calm, aren’t you afraid the drama might get out of hand?" the Imperial Noble Consort turned her head.

Those who sensed something naturally wouldn’t want the Rong Noble Consort's coronation to proceed smoothly.

Even now, it looks like the Emperor and Rong Noble Consort are still on the outs and haven’t made up. It’s up in the air whether the Emperor will show up at the Noble Consort’s investiture ceremony, and the worries might not pan out, making it just your average investiture ceremony.

But who can really say for sure?

Anyone who doesn’t want the Noble Consort’s investiture to go off without a hitch won’t just sit around twiddling their thumbs.

She figured Rong Noble Consort was clueless.

Su Yi’s lips twitched into a smirk; that day was bound to be a real circus.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have caught on so fast that there was another wild card.

At first, it was no big deal.

But as luck would have it, that wild card seemed to know her inside out.

For example, when Su Yi got here, the 'book' plot she knew revolved around her sister in this body, the ex-Imperial Noble Consort Niohuru.

Niohuru’s past was as a modern-day transmigrator, plus all the future events lined up.

It was like having the script ahead of time, with Niohuru as the lead.

But the new Xiao Hesheli’s 'book' plot was all about her, Su Yi, covering her whole cultivation world and the 'book’s' future.

She knew Su Yi’s past and the future of 'Niu Gu Lu Min Yi' inside out.

And the new Xiao Hesheli would use this known plot to get into the palace and face her.

She’d just arrived and was already itching to use Suo'etu’s clout from the Hesheli family in the Imperial Household Department to derail the investiture.

Su Yi, who hadn’t given the investiture much thought, was caught off guard and decided to dig deeper.

Great, another outsider, though it’s nothing new.

Su Yi knew the other person wouldn’t be dumb enough to go around blabbing about being a transmigrator.

But the other person knew way too much.

If it was just stuff from the modern world, Su Yi wouldn’t care about being exposed.

But other stuff? No way.

Once in the palace, even if the new Xiao Hesheli kept her mouth shut, Su Yi couldn’t let someone who knew all her secrets strut around in front of her.

How could this so-called plot not have the Heavenly Dao’s fingerprints all over it?

It was so nonchalant about cramming someone else’s past into another’s head, stirring up trouble like it was nothing.

The Heavenly Dao quietly kept this new Xiao Hesheli around, likely planning to have her spill Su Yi’s old secrets and catch her off guard.

Su Yi felt slighted, so making the first move was a no-brainer.

And when this accident happened, who could have predicted it?

Since it came by accident, leaving by accident is also normal, isn’t it?

After all, she's not her pawn; cutting her down wouldn’t cause any heartache.

Whatever extra things were placed in the new Xiao Hesheli's mind, they should be taken back just as they were put in.

Otherwise, this ship we just boarded could capsize at any moment.

After all, it's all because the Heavenly Dao isn't playing fair.

Otherwise, how could such bad luck befall that young girl?

——

Liang Jiugong glanced at His Majesty, whose expression was clearly sour, and shrunk his neck, trying to make himself as inconspicuous as a lifeless pillar.

It's the Imperial Noble Consort's enthronement ceremony, yet she hasn't even sent someone over, even just as a formality, to invite His Majesty to the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

How could His Majesty be in a good mood after that?

If someone had shown up, His Majesty wouldn't be so upset.

Ah, Your Majesty, when you stormed out of the Palace of Eternal Harmony, did you ever think you'd have to find your own way to save face?

The Imperial Noble Consort isn't one to offer an easy way out.

Ah, Your Majesty, you knew this would happen.

So, what's the plan now?

Liang Jiugong thought to himself, rather rebelliously.

"Liang Jiugong."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Liang Jiugong jumped, immediately responding, his head already starting to throb.

"The tea is cold," Kangxi said sharply, his tone laced with displeasure.

"Ah, this servant deserves death. I'll replace it right away." Liang Jiugong quickly took the teacup and left, returning in no time.

"Too hot."

...

"Too cold."

...

After a few rounds of this, Liang Jiugong was so exhausted his legs were about to give out, and he had no energy left to think. Now, it seemed like he was the one in a tough spot.

——

Palace of Eternal Harmony

The court attire is only worn on important occasions, and it takes a group of servants to help put it on, along with many accessories.

Qinxin, while helping the Imperial Noble Consort dress, gently reassured her, worried she might not cooperate with such a tedious process.

So, she couldn't help but offer a few comforting words while signaling the servants to hurry and not dawdle.

When it came time to wear the court beads, "Wait," Su Yi, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke.

"Imperial Noble Consort, what is it?" Qinxin asked immediately, wondering if there was something else to be done.

Su Yi took the court beads, which were too long, and wrapped them around her hand twice, examining them carefully. "These court beads..."

Qinxin, seeing this, also became alert. "Imperial Noble Consort, is there something wrong with these court beads?" She also looked closely, checking for anything against regulations or any obvious flaws.

But she couldn't find anything out of the ordinary.

Su Yi handed the court necklace to Qinxin and casually said, "It's nothing. I thought I smelled something unpleasant from the necklace earlier, but it must have been my imagination. *cough* *cough*."

She coughed lightly twice, as if her throat was a bit uncomfortable. "I'm a bit thirsty."

"Quick, fetch the Imperial Noble Consort a cup of warm water," Qinxin carefully held the court necklace and turned to instruct the servants.

The servants helped Su Yi sit down carefully, while attentively arranging her dress to avoid wrinkling it.

The warm water was quickly brought over, and Su Yi took it, sipping slowly.

When she raised her hand, she noticed red marks on the back of it.

On her fair skin, they appeared particularly noticeable.

"Imperial Noble Consort? Your hand..." the servant who handed the water asked in confusion.

Qinxin, who had been watching closely, immediately turned her gaze.

Indeed, she saw some sudden red marks on the back of the Imperial Noble Consort's hand. Qinxin remembered that when she helped the Imperial Noble Consort change earlier, her hands were clean and clear.

If the Imperial Noble Consort had hurt her hand, she would have noticed.

After sipping the warm water, Su Yi, still coughing, pulled back her sleeve and saw red marks on her fair hand. She frowned slightly, "*Cough* *cough*, this..."

Even after drinking, she kept coughing, suggesting it wasn’t just thirst.

Qinxin quickly set the necklace aside and stepped forward to check on the Imperial Noble Consort.

But the necklace was too long, and it wasn’t placed securely. A strand slipped from the tray and fell to the floor. When it hit the floor, the string snapped, and the beads scattered.

The amber beads clattered across the floor.

The necklace, which had no scent earlier, now gave off a faint fragrance after scattering. The nearby servants caught a whiff but couldn’t identify the scent. They were also worried about the upcoming investiture ceremony since the necklace was broken.

Su Yi’s face paled, as if she’d smelled something unpleasant. She clutched her chest, her breathing growing labored.

Qinxin, panicked about the broken necklace, was about to kneel and beg the Imperial Noble Consort for forgiveness. But before she could kneel, the Imperial Noble Consort’s reaction startled her.

"Imperial Noble Consort! What’s wrong?" Qinxin, forgetting about forgiveness, quickly stepped forward to support the Imperial Noble Consort, asking anxiously.

The Imperial Noble Consort’s reaction made Qinxin think of the scattered beads on the floor.

Upon smelling the faint fragrance in the air, she recalled that the Imperial Noble Consort had suddenly taken the necklace earlier, saying she seemed to smell an unpleasant scent but found nothing unusual.

However, shortly after handling the necklace, she started coughing. The Imperial Noble Consort hadn't coughed like this in a long time.

Moreover, the skin on the back of the Imperial Noble Consort's hand, which had just been in contact with the necklace, suddenly developed red marks. Combined with the Imperial Noble Consort's pale face and labored breathing, it seemed like...

Qinxin quickly instructed the servants, who were panicking due to the Imperial Noble Consort's sudden discomfort, "Quick, help the Imperial Noble Consort out, don't let her stay here any longer."

She then tried to help the Imperial Noble Consort, who seemed to have lost her strength, to leave the area.

The other servants, seeing this, quickly stepped forward to assist.

Although they didn't know the reason, they followed Qinxin's instructions for now.

In the commotion, everyone rushed to help, but Yun Hua, who had been quietly standing by without moving, stepped forward first.