Chapter 197

Chapter 197

While Kangxi was speaking, Su Yi stood quietly by his side, appearing gentle and compliant, seemingly accepting the Grand Empress Dowager's earlier words without protest.

Only Kangxi now knew how painful it was to be stepped on by a flowerpot shoe.

It was a pain beyond endurance in his life.

Previously, Kangxi had no idea because no one had dared to step on him with a flowerpot shoe.

Now Kangxi knew.

It seemed that guarding against the Noble Consort's little fists was not enough, and now there was an unexpected 'surprise' he hadn't anticipated—ouch!

The sound of his sharp intake of breath was almost trembling.

On the surface, Kangxi maintained a strong composure, pretending nothing had happened, though it was not easy to endure.

"Your Majesty is quite right," Su Yi responded softly, looking at Kangxi.

Seeing that he hadn't feigned ignorance and remained silent earlier, Su Yi finally moved her flowerpot shoe away from Kangxi's foot.

It wasn't she who was being unreasonable, so why was she being singled out for criticism?

She could be criticized, but since she wasn't the one in pain, of course, she wouldn't be angry.

Su Yi smiled sweetly, looking at Kangxi as though he were a great hero defending her.

As soon as Su Yi moved her flowerpot shoe away, Kangxi immediately pulled his numb foot away from her, putting some distance between them.

But the space under the table was limited, and Kangxi couldn't just abruptly stick his foot out.

The more composed and inscrutable his expression was above the table, the more狼狈 his feet's retreat was beneath it.

What a great hero, being a hero with a nearly crushed foot?!

Being such a hero was no easy task!

Kangxi didn't want the imperial physician to have to attend to him again.

The Grand Empress Dowager had intended to reprimand the Noble Consort Rong slightly over this matter. If the Noble Consort Rong had been dissatisfied and directly confronted her, the elder, in front of everyone, not only would the scene have been unpleasant, but the Noble Consort Rong would also have earned a reputation for disrespecting her elders, and it would have been difficult to quell public opinion, as reputation is sometimes very important.

Previously, when the Noble Consort Rong caused a scene at the Cining Palace, the Emperor arrived, and the matter was completely hushed up.

Now, with all the concubines present, if the Noble Consort Rong had directly confronted her again, even if the Emperor had intended to protect her, the concubines below would have been watching.

The Grand Empress Dowager could also seize the opportunity to postpone the matter of the Noble Consort Rong caring for the Crown Prince.

It wasn't that she was uncooperative, but rather that the Noble Consort Rong had been uncooperative first.

If the elder had merely scolded her a bit and she had made a scene, it wouldn't have been considered her breaking her promise.

But the Noble Consort Rong did not speak, and the Emperor had already spoken in her defense, so the Grand Empress Dowager couldn't be too obvious and had to consider the Emperor's feelings.

However, "It has been a long time since there has been good news in the palace. I do hope there will be good news today, which would be a double joy, hence my impatience."

The Grand Empress Dowager spoke slowly, using this matter to subtly express her dissatisfaction with the long absence of good news from the concubines, which was also a message to the concubines present.

With determination, even someone like a Junior Concubine can become an exception.

Though not said outright, isn’t this another jab at Rong Noble Consort?

This talk of double happiness is just lip service.

As seasoned players in the harem, how could they not see that this 'double happiness' is either real joy or forced smiles?

They can’t help but feel bitter, yet they must hide their jealousy and instead offer congratulations, pretending to rejoice for the Emperor.

A subtle but cutting remark.

Su Yi was growing impatient; only those easily swayed by such tactics would feel stung. Can’t they come up with something new?

Su Yi leaned against the pillow on the armrest, idly brushing the hair at her temple, her eyelids half-closed, exuding disinterest. There are plenty of ways to provoke someone without resorting to words.

Her faint smile seemed indifferent, her gaze never once drifting toward the Grand Empress Dowager.

If you think she ignored the Grand Empress Dowager, well, the Grand Empress Dowager hadn’t directly addressed her earlier.

Outwardly, the Grand Empress Dowager was speaking to Kangxi, but her words carried a hidden meaning, one most present could likely decipher.

This was the Grand Empress Dowager subtly voicing her displeasure at Rong Noble Consort’s recent monopoly on the Emperor’s favor, despite her lack of a pregnancy.

It’s not like a lowly Junior Concubine is any more promising.

After all, there’s little room for misunderstanding—there was retching, a fall, and even bleeding.

The Grand Empress Dowager and the concubines suspect the Emperor’s earlier words were mere excuses to shield Rong Noble Consort.

In reality, it’s practically a done deal.

Now, isn’t the Grand Empress Dowager seizing the chance to reprimand her?

If she weren’t favored, it’d be one thing, but with favor and no pregnancy, it’s inexcusable—entirely Rong Noble Consort’s fault.

Failing to produce an heir is a dereliction of a concubine’s duty. A proper concubine should step aside and encourage the Emperor to visit others.

Even if the Emperor favors Rong Noble Consort, the Grand Empress Dowager’s concern for the royal lineage is beyond reproach.

One might have assumed the Grand Empress Dowager had been turning a blind eye to Rong Noble Consort’s monopoly on the Emperor’s attention, and her presence today was to show her some respect.

Now it seems the Grand Empress Dowager isn’t as indifferent as she appeared.

Perhaps her concern stemmed from Rong Noble Consort’s absence at the investiture ceremony due to a cough, and the Emperor’s decision to proceed despite it.

Hearing this, the Grand Empress Dowager likely found it improper, prompting her visit to remind Rong Noble Consort not to grow too arrogant.

The concubines are eager to see how Rong Noble Consort will react, ready to enjoy the drama.

They’re curious if Rong Noble Consort will dare confront the Grand Empress Dowager, knowing the Emperor’s deep respect for her and his emphasis on filial piety.

If Rong Noble Consort disrespects the Grand Empress Dowager, would the Emperor still side with her?

As everyone awaited Rong Noble Consort's reaction, Su Yi’s response was, “Are you talking to me?”

Su Yi wasn't pretending not to understand; she just didn’t engage.

Her smile faded as she leaned against the armrest, sitting opposite the Grand Empress Dowager, appearing as if she was distancing herself from the drama and showing a disinterested demeanor.

It could also be quietly understood as understanding but choosing to ignore.

Otherwise, Su Yi could have easily put on a gentle, smiling facade, but her attitude turned cold out of nowhere.

The Imperial Noble Consort, seated nearby, saw clearly that Rong Noble Consort, while pretending to hold her forehead as if she was feeling unwell, was actually playing with a loosely hanging beaded bracelet on her wrist.

It was a half-baked performance.

The issue was, the Emperor was sitting right beside her!

Although Rong Noble Consort had long been at odds with the Grand Empress Dowager, to be so blatant in front of the Emperor, not even bothering to pretend, was that really appropriate?

The Imperial Noble Consort couldn’t quite wrap her head around it.

Liang Jiugong, who had seen it all, would’ve brushed this off as no big deal, but he wasn't present at the moment.

So, the Imperial Noble Consort could only take it all in quietly, pretending on the surface that she hadn't noticed or understood.

And the Emperor seemed to have noticed Rong Noble Consort playing with the beaded bracelet!

The Imperial Noble Consort almost held her breath, her eyes almost giving her away, as she thought, "He's noticed!"

However, the Emperor's reaction was not what the Imperial Noble Consort had anticipated—no anger, no tossing the beads aside.

The Emperor just glanced at it and then casually looked away.

Just like that, he let it slide! Let it slide?!

This left the Imperial Noble Consort completely baffled. It made no sense that she could see it from a distance, yet the Emperor, sitting right next to Rong Noble Consort, acted like he didn’t see it. The Imperial Noble Consort thought, almost defiantly.

That’s it?!

And indeed, Kangxi had noticed Su Yi's actions—not exactly subtle, as Su Yi didn't bother to hide it much. Kangxi, sitting beside her, saw it and it was within his expectations.

Kangxi was quite familiar with this little troublemaker’s nature; she was starting to get impatient.

Once she got impatient, she would stop cooperating and her acting would become half-hearted.

But fortunately, this time the little troublemaker remained quiet and didn't retort, which Kangxi found a relief.

At least he didn't have to go through the trouble of cleaning up her mess later.

Kangxi thought about how the Noble Consort had only been fidgeting subtly and hadn't caused a scene in front of so many people, which was pretty impressive. After all, she didn't make him lose face in front of everyone.

She's matured, Kangxi thought with a touch of emotion.

Thankfully, no one knew of Kangxi's emotion, otherwise, everyone present would probably have been unable to hold back their skepticism—you call this maturity?!

One shouldn't expect too much from the Noble Consort; this was already quite good.

The two sat close together, and Kangxi reached out to soothe her back, much like petting a cat, while agreeing with the Grand Empress Dowager,

"Your Majesty is right, today is indeed a day of double joy. The Noble Consort's investiture ceremony, and Baocheng has been looking forward to this day for a long time. The child even carefully prepared a gift for the Noble Consort, showing great thoughtfulness."

Kangxi did not deny the notion of double joy, but the double joy he referred to had nothing to do with the Junior Concubine.

But by bringing up Baocheng, the implication was already quite clear—the double happiness could only be consistent with what had been previously decided.

He did not cancel the investiture ceremony even though the Noble Consort's illness prevented her from attending, and he insisted on completing the process.

Even if Baocheng had not visited Rong Noble Consort at Yonghe Palace, Kangxi would have had someone fetch Baocheng before he and the Noble Consort arrived.

By bringing it up now, his intentions were crystal clear.

It was precisely for the matter that had been agreed upon long ago.

After so many "unexpected events," there was still no intention to postpone or discuss it another day; instead, it was to be finalized today.

What the concubines did not know was that while the Grand Empress Dowager's concern for the imperial heir would have been perfectly reasonable if directed at any other concubine, it was least effective when applied to Rong Noble Consort.

Bringing it up not only made her appear unreasonable, but the true circumstances were well understood by both the Grand Empress Dowager and Kangxi.

Despite being fully aware of Rong Noble Consort's health condition, the Grand Empress Dowager still brought up the issue of heirs again.

It was either a subtle push or a deliberate attempt to undermine her.

It even served as a constant reminder to Kangxi of what he had once done to Rong Noble Consort.

Clearly, this backfired, making Kangxi even more biased towards Rong Noble Consort.

The Grand Empress Dowager only realized Kangxi's reaction afterward, understanding why he immediately brought up the matter now.

While the topic of heirs could be used to suppress other concubines, using it to provoke Rong Noble Consort was one thing, but Kangxi would not allow it.

Meanwhile, the little milk dragon, who had been sitting beside the Grand Empress Dowager, also looked at his grandmother.

Although the little milk dragon had not spoken earlier and did not fully understand the meaning of his grandmother's words, her direct mention of the Honored Mother Consort's failure to remind the Emperor about the imperial physician's demeanor made him sense that his grandmother did not seem to like the Honored Mother Consort very much.

Moreover, as his grandmother continued to talk about other happy events, the little milk dragon noticed that the Honored Mother Consort's mood had clearly darkened because of her words.

The little milk dragon started to worry: was it really true, as his grandmother had said, that the Honored Mother Consort would take care of him?

Ever since his grandmother had told him this, he had been eagerly looking forward to this day.

Even though it wasn't the Honored Mother Consort's birthday yet, the little milk dragon had prepared a special gift just for today.

Originally, he thought that because of the Honored Mother Consort's illness, he might have to wait until later, and he was more worried about her health, hoping she would recover soon.

He could always wait until next time.

Just as the little milk dragon had lost hope, upon hearing Kangxi's words, he immediately turned to his grandmother.

He had always been advised not to speak carelessly at such moments, but...

Hearing Kangxi's words, the little milk dragon couldn't help but look at his grandmother, his eyes full of worry and anxiety.

At such close proximity, the Grand Empress Dowager naturally could not ignore this.

After seeing Baocheng's expression, she recalled that while Baocheng might not fully grasp the subtleties of her words, he was a smart and sensitive child who could sense when attitudes and emotions were off.

Along with Rong Noble Consort's sudden change in demeanor, it was evident that this also affected Baocheng.

The Emperor used her words to steer the conversation towards Baocheng, leaving her no way to avoid it.

Otherwise, it would mean going back on her previous promises to Baocheng, and what would Baocheng think of her, his Grand Empress Dowager?

It suddenly dawned on the Grand Empress Dowager that if she had only reached an understanding with the Emperor, even if things changed later, she could naturally come up with other explanations for the Emperor. Even if the Emperor was displeased, he would have his own considerations.

But Baocheng was different. Although young, Baocheng was stubborn about things that had been promised, and it was difficult to persuade him with other reasoning.

Being young, he didn't understand the complexities of adult interactions, making it even harder to fool him.

If Baocheng didn't know, then it was just the unpredictability of life, and changes were normal.

But she had personally told Baocheng that Rong Noble Consort would take care of him.

Because that day, the Emperor had brought Baocheng along, and after the Emperor mentioned this matter, the Grand Empress Dowager, under various pressures, reached an understanding with the Emperor, clearly in a state of emotional turmoil.

Then, the Emperor had Baocheng come over again, saying it was a good time to let Baocheng know this good news and be happy.

The Grand Empress Dowager had just reached an understanding with the Emperor, and Baocheng happened to be there, so she had no reason to refuse him. Plus, she was moved by Baocheng's situation and felt pity for the child, so she went along with it, wanting to make the child happy.

If he knew, so be it; it wasn't a bad thing. She just needed to warn Baocheng properly, as the child wasn't one to spread things around.

But now!

The least problematic issue had now become something the Grand Empress Dowager had to make an immediate decision on.

The Grand Empress Dowager looked at Baocheng beside her. Baocheng was already somewhat shaken in his trust of her, and any further delay would only make him more disappointed in her.

Did the Emperor anticipate this day?!

That's why he had Baocheng come over at that time, forcing her now to act according to what had been initially agreed upon, for Baocheng's sake.

Why hadn't the imperial physicians and doctors reported back on the Junior Concubine's current situation?

Seeing the Grand Empress Dowager silent, Kangxi naturally continued, "Although there have been some mishaps, it's not a major issue. Grandmother, please relax and don't let minor issues trouble you." He paused, his gaze falling on the little milk dragon, his expression showing a hint of relief, "Not only am I concerned, but Baocheng is too."

The former implied that with the imperial physicians and doctors present, nothing serious could happen, and they wouldn't appear at an inappropriate time. Waiting longer wouldn't result in a 'coincidental' appearance.

The latter, while expressing concern, carried another meaning.

The Grand Empress Dowager understood. Using the Junior Concubine's situation to delay was no longer possible. The doctors who arrived hastily might not know the full situation, but regarding the royal child, they wouldn't dare to act recklessly and would surely send someone to report on the Junior Concubine's condition immediately, using this as a pretext to end the banquet.

The Emperor had brought the imperial physicians with him, but only had the doctors come over before having the physicians join. Even if the doctors didn't know the full situation, the physicians who came with the Emperor couldn't be unaware of what to do. Plus, with Liang Jiugong accompanying them, no palace staff would rush over to 'coincidentally' interrupt.

Were the imperial physicians brought for Rong Noble Consort, or was this all prearranged? It seemed everything was within the Emperor's expectations.

The Grand Empress Dowager's expression softened, seemingly moved, "You are thoughtful, and Baocheng is a filial child." She reached out to pat the little milk dragon's head. The little milk dragon didn't shy away from her touch but looked like a drenched puppy.

The Grand Empress Dowager's voice softened as she sighed, "I am always concerned about Baocheng. Although the palace staff dare not neglect him, even with your careful attention, there are areas you can't always reach."

It was well known that the Crown Prince lost his mother at a young age. Although they avoided mentioning the Crown Prince's loss of his mother and growing up without a mother, the implication was clear. Even though the Emperor doted on the Crown Prince and had the palace staff take good care of him, the Emperor, after all, was a father.

A father could never be as attentive as a mother.

Kangxi listened with a smile, gently patting Rong Noble Consort's back, signaling her to pay close attention.

Su Yi, noticing the sudden change in the Grand Empress Dowager's attitude, became interested and looked over, her expression gentle and attentive.

Her eyes, when focused on someone, always gave the illusion that one was being deeply seen, as if one was the center of her world.

Imperial Noble Consort: Those eyes look at everything with deep affection, quite capable of deceiving.

However, as the Imperial Noble Consort listened to the Grand Empress Dowager's words, she began to realize...

Consort Hui, listening to the conversation between the Emperor and the Grand Empress Dowager, gradually understood that even though some 'unexpected' events had occurred, they would not affect the plans that the Emperor and the Grand Empress Dowager had already agreed upon.

The Emperor, Grand Empress Dowager, Crown Prince, and Rong Noble Consort were all present.

Although the Grand Empress Dowager's attitude was unclear earlier, from her recent words, it was clear she had compromised, and her words were setting the stage.

Consort Hui's handkerchief was nearly torn apart by her own hands.

Despite today's 'unexpected' events, nothing could be changed.

"When Baocheng was blessed with joy, the Noble Consort cared for him diligently. After his recovery, Baocheng often felt grateful and close to her, and I have witnessed it all. At my age, I worry about Baocheng, but I don't have much energy left. I fear this child might suffer, and the thought keeps me from sleeping peacefully."

It must be said, the Grand Empress Dowager's emotional setup is quite thorough and meticulous.

Moreover, the Grand Empress Dowager's words were not entirely false; she was genuinely worried, which is why her emotions were so rich and moving, leaving everyone in awe. Some younger concubines were already moved, stirring up some pity for the little Crown Prince.

Not to mention, the little Crown Prince is still very young, with a delicate and cute appearance, his eyes red and teary, truly pitiable.

Yes, although the little Crown Prince is favored by the Emperor, having lost his mother at a young age, it's truly pitiful. It's not surprising that the Emperor would favor him more.

(The little milk dragon, frequently subjected to the Emperor's heavy paternal love, deeply wondered: Huh?)

Looking at those who hadn't yet reacted, Consort Hui really wanted to curse out loud, not understanding why the Grand Empress Dowager would suddenly bring up the Crown Prince's matter at this time!

She glanced at the Imperial Noble Consort, seeing her listening as if she hadn't grasped the deeper meaning of the Grand Empress Dowager's words, really wanting to know what the Imperial Noble Consort was thinking at that moment. Did she not sense anything wrong?

If the Rong Noble Consort really had the Crown Prince as a trump card, would the Imperial Noble Consort still sit comfortably in her position?

How could it be ensured that the Rong Noble Consort would still be content to remain subordinate to the Imperial Noble Consort?

Wanting someone to step forward, Consort Hui found that, apart from herself, no one seemed to realize, meaning unless she stepped forward herself, no one would take the lead.

But how could Consort Hui really step forward? Not only could she not, but she also had to watch helplessly as the situation developed in the direction she least desired.

Kangxi listened, his face showing some emotion, "The Grand Empress Dowager's consideration is indeed thorough."

Su Yi watched him start to act, looked at the current atmosphere, thought about it, and decided to join in the act, otherwise it would seem too out of place.

She silently nodded, took out her handkerchief, and dabbed at the corner of her eye, yes, yes.

"Baocheng often mentions the Noble Consort's gentleness and kindness, I have seen it all and have formed an opinion in my heart." When the Grand Empress Dowager spoke of gentleness and kindness, being an old fox, this kind of blatant lie was nothing to her.

But those who heard it were somewhat bewildered, who are you talking about, gentle and kind?!

Has the Grand Empress Dowager been bewitched??

You weren't like this earlier!?

Are you teasing us?!

Su Yi was dryly wiping non-existent tears from the corner of her eye with her handkerchief, wondering how long the Grand Empress Dowager would keep talking, like a meeting leader who never gets to the point, when she heard the Grand Empress Dowager call her gentle and kind,

"...Huh?"