Chapter 198

Chapter 198

Kangxi nodded with a smile, appearing completely normal.

The most genuine one was probably the little milk dragon, who truly believed that the Honored Mother Consort was really gentle and beautiful.

Su Yi: "..." You all are really good at acting.

Except for the little milk dragon, it was all technique, no real emotion.

Su Yi rarely blushed, feeling quite embarrassed to be praised in front of so many people like this.

Kangxi's mouth twitched slightly, almost imperceptibly; he really hadn't noticed that she would feel embarrassed.

The concubines had just been hoping the Grand Empress Dowager would set the harem straight, but now there was a sudden reversal. The Grand Empress Dowager's change of heart was too sudden!

However, no matter what they thought or how dissatisfied they were, it didn't affect the decision of those in power.

"Taking advantage of today, I thought to have the Noble Consort take more care of Baocheng in the future. In places where the Emperor cannot be present, the Noble Consort's careful attention will also ease my heart. Noble Consort, are you willing?"

The Grand Empress Dowager initially struggled a bit to switch gears, but once the words were out, no matter how reluctant, she had to continue.

And she had to say it beautifully; those in the harem who couldn't adapt weren't true harem people.

As soon as these words were spoken, the concubines present were stunned.

They had barely reacted, only muttering to themselves about how quickly the Grand Empress Dowager had changed her tune, but then they realized this was just the beginning, and the real show was yet to come!

What did this mean? This was more than just a little care.

Didn't the Grand Empress Dowager dislike Rong Noble Consort?

How could this be...?!

The concubines present all turned their gaze towards the Emperor. Could the Emperor agree to the Grand Empress Dowager's decision?!

Upon looking, they saw that the Emperor didn't seem likely to oppose, and even the little Crown Prince was clearly happy, obviously very close to Rong Noble Consort, and not at all opposed to the Grand Empress Dowager's proposal.

The Imperial Noble Consort, however, had a sense of anticipation.

Because she had already guessed some of it, she was surprised that the Grand Empress Dowager had actually spoken, but it was still within her tolerance.

Consort Hui bit her tongue, tasting blood.

Her worst fear had come true, and the tiny bit of hope she had held onto vanished with the Grand Empress Dowager's last words.

Oh—how was this any different from before?

Su Yi responded quickly, smiling brightly, "Of course, I am willing."

She answered very quickly, maybe too quickly.

The Grand Empress Dowager, who thought Rong Noble Consort would at least be a bit more tactful before agreeing, was taken aback by Su Yi's straightforward response, "...Good child."

This was less emotionally charged than before, spoken very perfunctorily.

Because of her past conflicts with the Rong Noble Consort, the Grand Empress Dowager could easily perform her part alone without needing the Rong Noble Consort's input, and she performed even better.

Now, directly confronting the Rong Noble Consort, the Grand Empress Dowager found it difficult to say nice things.

The Grand Empress Dowager, who had never lacked people to relay messages for her, clearly hadn't experienced much of the awkwardness of having a conversation killed by someone else.

Seeing that the conversation was about to come to an awkward halt, Kangxi couldn't just stand by and watch.

Kangxi promptly showed a pleased expression and said,

"It will be a burden on you from now on, Rong Noble Consort. I didn't expect the Empress Dowager to have this intention, but it coincides with my thoughts. You are the most meticulous and thoughtful, and I am very reassured to have you look after Baocheng."

Su Yi: "..." If you say so, I suppose it's possible.

Is everyone really trying this hard?

It seems I can't slack off anymore, or it will make me look like I lack the qualities of a concubine.

Su Yi's eyes flickered with tears, her voice soft but filled with emotion as she replied, "Your humble servant will definitely live up to the expectations and entrustments of the Emperor and the Grand Empress Dowager." She appeared both flustered and delighted.

The person who had been slacking off just moments ago was now fully involved, keeping up with everyone else's pace.

The concubines present knew that anyone in this situation would agree, as only a fool would refuse such a good opportunity, especially since both the Grand Empress Dowager and the Emperor had given their approval. But Rong Noble Consort, you switched gears too quickly!

It seems everyone was just acting!

The little milk dragon was almost overjoyed, though at this moment he really wanted to go and act spoiled with the Honored Mother Consort.

His earlier concerns had completely vanished, as the Empress Dowager was still very kind!

Excited and joyful, the little milk dragon snuggled up to the Empress Dowager, acting spoiled, "Empress Dowager, you're the greatest."

The little milk dragon was so happy that his face turned red, making him look even more adorable. Even though the Grand Empress Dowager had some other thoughts in her heart, she couldn't help but soften her expression, looking lovingly at the child who was acting spoiled with her.

Let's see, if Rong Noble Consort cannot treat Baocheng well and betrays his sincere feelings, the Grand Empress Dowager will certainly not let it go.

At this moment, everyone seemed to have forgotten about the Junior Concubine who had left earlier due to illness.

No one was concerned about her current state; she was just an insignificant person. Even though she had caused quite a stir before, who would deliberately bring her up now to spoil the mood?

Nothing could match the shock of the current events.

If anyone claimed this was a spur-of-the-moment decision by the Grand Empress Dowager, they would never believe it. No wonder the Grand Empress Dowager had arrived early today; she must have come for this matter.

Consort Xian hadn't expected things to develop this way, allowing Rong Noble Consort to steal the spotlight again!

The Crown Prince was orphaned at a young age, and the Emperor preferred to take care of him personally rather than entrust him to any concubine. The Crown Prince's position was sensitive, and if a consort didn't take good care of him and something happened, it would be hard to explain. It was a sensitive issue and easily taboo.

They had always kept their distance to avoid accidentally getting involved.

But now, Rong Noble Consort had won the favor of the Grand Empress Dowager and was asked to take care of the Crown Prince!

Originally, they wanted to see Rong Noble Consort make a fool of herself, but now it turned out that she didn't suffer at all. How unjust!

Consort Xian was so angry just thinking about it, but Consort Hui was almost spitting blood.

Those without sons naturally felt envious and jealous, not thinking about the future. But Consort Hui, who had a son, had more complicated considerations.

After having a son, and with Consort Hui's affection for the Emperor fading compared to before, she knew she couldn't compete with the fresh flowers. The Emperor's favor would eventually fade, but having a son was the foundation of her position. All her hopes were placed on the Eldest Prince.

She had high hopes for the Eldest Prince and was already laying the groundwork for the future.

The Crown Prince, as the legitimate heir, had always overshadowed her Eldest Prince, which Consort Hui found hard to accept. Now, the Grand Empress Dowager was giving the Crown Prince such a powerful ally in Rong Noble Consort. As long as Rong Noble Consort remained in favor and childless, her support for the Crown Prince would far exceed that of the aunt who hadn't even entered the palace yet.

The Hesheli family would never forsake the Crown Prince.

For the Crown Prince, not only is there no loss, but he also gains an additional Honored Mother Consort for protection.

This is going to completely suppress her Eldest Prince.

Despite much deliberation, Consort Hui could find no way to prevent this.

With the Grand Empress Dowager taking the lead, all potential obstacles were effectively blocked.

If it were merely the Emperor's wish for Rong Noble Consort to oversee the Crown Prince, there might still be room for maneuvering and reversal.

The Crown Prince, as the heir apparent, holds a unique and sensitive position. Rumors might circulate in the court that Rong Noble Consort, leveraging the Emperor's favor, aspires to the Empress's throne, aiming to usurp authority and destabilize the state, branding her as a demon consort.

At that point, the censors from the Censorate could impeach Rong Noble Consort for aspiring to the Empress's throne, usurping authority, and undermining the state's foundation. Any of these accusations tied to a consort would suffice to destroy her.

Furthermore, court officials could counsel the Emperor to prioritize the Crown Prince and the Qing dynasty, urging him not to overlook ancestral traditions because of his affection for Rong Noble Consort.

Even if the Emperor angrily silenced the opposing voices of the court officials, the label of demon consort would be firmly attached to Rong Noble Consort, and the rumors would be impossible to halt.

They could also appeal to the Grand Empress Dowager to step in. The Emperor could silence the opposing voices of the court officials, but he could not ignore the Grand Empress Dowager.

Therefore, for various reasons, Rong Noble Consort would not only be barred from meddling in the Crown Prince's matters but would also need to steer clear of any suspicion. However, once the reputation of being a demon consort spreads, clearing her name would be challenging.

But now, it is the Grand Empress Dowager who has taken the initiative!

The Grand Empress Dowager has lived through three reigns. When the Emperor ascended the throne as a child, the Grand Empress Dowager was the one who raised him. Before the Emperor assumed personal control of the government, even court matters were managed by her.

If they attempt to accuse Rong Noble Consort of usurping power, it would certainly offend the Grand Empress Dowager. Because at that time, the Grand Empress Dowager not only assumed personal control of the government but also maintained it for a significant duration. Rong Noble Consort could not be seen as meddling in state affairs.

Without this most potent accusation, aspiring to the Empress's throne would be even less consequential. If pressured excessively, what if she actually ascends to the Empress's throne? Wouldn't all the plotting ultimately benefit Rong Noble Consort, legitimizing her position?

The Grand Empress Dowager also leverages emotional appeals, her authority still firmly in place. Since she has taken the lead, any resistance would undoubtedly be in vain.

Not to mention the Emperor, who must have already reached a tacit understanding with the Grand Empress Dowager.

With the primary obstacle removed, court officials are naturally no longer an issue. If anyone dares to assail Rong Noble Consort, it would be an affront to the Emperor and the Grand Empress Dowager, and they would undoubtedly face dire repercussions.

Aware that there is no possibility of reversal and that the matter is already decided, Consort Hui suppresses her lingering frustration.

Finding such a powerful ally for the Crown Prince, as long as Rong Noble Consort remains childless and favored, she will be the Crown Prince's greatest support.

At that time, wouldn't her Eldest Prince always be suppressed by the Crown Prince? When will he ever get a chance to rise?!

Just thinking about this makes Consort Hui feel as if darkness is closing in.

——

As for the imperial physicians and the court physicians, the imperial physician had already understood the hints in Liang Jiugong's words. No matter what pulse they detect, it concerns the royal family's dignity, and any mistake could cost them their heads.

The court physician arrived hastily and might not have fully grasped the situation, but being able to serve as a court physician, one must be even more cautious and observant.

The imperial physician's breathing was steady, unlike his hurried state when he arrived, clearly indicating that he came at a leisurely pace, not in a rush.

Though it seemed unimportant, having the imperial physician come along, Liang Jiugong also replaced the originally waiting palace staff, and his words and attitude revealed something unusual, making the court physician even more cautious. He humbly asked for the imperial physician's opinion, letting him go first.

In reality, he wanted to see what the imperial physician would say before following suit.

At certain times, all the Imperial Physicians seem to be of one mind.

The Imperial Physician appeared calm while taking the pulse, but in reality, he was inwardly anxious. In the past, if any of the concubines were pregnant, it would definitely be a joyous occasion in the palace, and there would only be rewards to be had. However, the situation now was reversed. If he really diagnosed a pregnancy, it would spell trouble.

Liang Jiugong was closely observing. Although the Imperial Physician seemed composed, upon closer inspection, one could still detect something unusual. It could be explained by the Junior Concubine's poor condition, hence the Imperial Physician's serious expression, which would normally be expected, but definitely not under these circumstances.

The Imperial Physician had already sensed that something was wrong.

After the Imperial Physician finished taking the pulse, it was customary for him to step forward and take it again, to ensure there were no oversights.

However, the Imperial Physician said that the Imperial Physician's medical skills were superb, far beyond their own, and that the Imperial Physician's diagnosis would not be wrong. He would defer to the Imperial Physician's judgment.

This evasion made the Imperial Physician feel uneasy. After all, when he was urgently summoned, it should have indicated an emergency, but now he was using the Imperial Physician as an excuse to avoid taking the pulse.

The Imperial Physician noticed the subtle look in his colleague's eyes. This Imperial Physician was quite quick on the uptake.

The Imperial Physician gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head. Seeing this, Liang Jiugong didn't say anything else, only instructing the Imperial Physician to write a prescription. He also didn't send the servants to report the Junior Concubine's condition to the front hall, which seemed quite unusual.

The Imperial Physician grew even more cautious.

The Imperial Physician carefully wrote a prescription. He couldn't let the bleeding go on indefinitely. Although it resembled a pregnancy pulse, it wasn't actually indicative of pregnancy. There was a distinction, which somewhat relieved the Imperial Physician.

While writing the prescription, he didn't shy away from the Imperial Physician and explained the diagnosis. The symptoms that seemed like morning sickness were merely an illusion. The Junior Concubine was not pregnant, and the bleeding was just her menstrual cycle, nothing else.

The Imperial Physician chimed in, pretending not to have noticed anything unusual, discussing the known symptoms with the Imperial Physician, carefully avoiding any improper questions.

Only when the banquet was nearing its end did Liang Jiugong finally send the servants to report.

The Grand Empress Dowager finally saw the servants return to report. The servants didn't lower their voices, as if they wanted everyone present to hear that the Junior Concubine was not pregnant, the morning sickness was an illusion, and the bleeding was just a coincidence of her menstrual cycle.

This outcome left the concubines present both somewhat pleased and somewhat disappointed. They were pleased that there was no strong competitor, but disappointed that no one had yet risen from under Rong Noble Consort's overwhelming favor.

"Grandmother, I told you it was just a misunderstanding. It almost caused trouble, which is really not appropriate," Kangxi said, seemingly unsurprised, with a hint of displeasure on his face.

From the beginning until now, he had always believed it was just a misunderstanding, so he hadn't taken it seriously.

Moreover, he believed that causing such a scene today was deliberately trying to stir up trouble.

This was another blow to Consort Xian. Initially, it was Consort Xian who had confidently claimed that the Junior Concubine was pregnant, acting as if she had experience, making everyone think it was true. Even the Grand Empress Dowager was almost led to believe that the Junior Concubine was pregnant.

This was why they had urgently summoned the Imperial Physician.

Now, it turned out to be nothing!

Consort Xian was left with a lump in her throat, unable to swallow or spit it out, as she was scrutinized with both open and hidden glances.

Su Yi was peeling a kumquat nearby, listening to Kangxi's nonsense.

Not likely. On the way here, when he first heard the news, he wasn't like this.

His face was dark, and his head might have been emitting green light—both dark and green.

And now he's saying he knew it was just a misunderstanding all along?

Tsk.

Su Yi let out a small tsk. She had just peeled the kumquat and was about to put a segment in her mouth when Kangxi's large hand reached out and intercepted it.

The main issue was that he grabbed the bigger share!!

Su Yi's hands were empty, holding just one segment she had just peeled, ready to eat.

"Thanks, Noble Consort, for peeling the kumquat for me yourself," Kangxi said with a gentle smile.

Su Yi smiled back silently, fearing she might curse him if she spoke.

She then ate the remaining segment, not wanting to miss the taste... ugh.

The sourness almost twisted Su Yi's face, but she calmly spat it onto a handkerchief and drank water to recover.

This is way too sour!

Su Yi watched Kangxi, who had eaten a big half and was now torn between spitting it out or not.

Enjoying the scene, Su Yi softly asked, "Your Majesty, is the kumquat sweet?"

Kangxi, after the first bite, was nearly overwhelmed by the sourness, his expression almost losing control. With everyone watching, Kangxi couldn't spit it out.

The mischievous little rascal beside him asked if it was sweet, as if she didn't know!

Kangxi barely chewed, swallowing quickly and pretending to be calm, "It's okay."

He really held back from drinking water.

Kangxi then put the rest of the kumquat further away.

Su Yi didn't suggest Kangxi eat more since it was okay.

She started peeling another kumquat, as if it was a new hobby, making Kangxi's cheeks feel even more sour.

Kumquats are a gamble—sometimes sweet, sometimes sour.

The last one Su Yi peeled was sour, but this time she picked a sweet one, her expression relaxing as she tasted it.

Kangxi stayed put, not planning to be fooled again.

One sweet kumquat doesn't mean they're all sweet.

Su Yi then put the sweet one on a plate and had a maid serve it to the Imperial Noble Consort.

Kangxi: What?!

The Imperial Noble Consort hadn't eaten much and was hesitant to try the kumquat, unsure if it was sweet or sour. But since the Rong Noble Consort, who usually couldn't be bothered, peeled it herself, she decided to try a small piece.

It was actually sweet.

The missing piece was tasted and found sweet, then sent to her.

The Imperial Noble Consort looked at Su Yi, who blinked back, their silent exchange pleasant as she ate the sweet kumquat, feeling delighted.

Kangxi ate half a sour kumquat, his expression nearly losing control from the sourness.

He noticed she stopped peeling, wiped her hands, and had the maids continue, while she picked the sweet ones to eat and placed the sour ones near Kangxi.

Kangxi: '...' Noble Consort, what's this about?!

As the banquet concluded, the concubines left first. The Grand Empress Dowager, who should have returned to Cining Palace, stayed because of Kangxi, and the Imperial Noble Consort also stayed, while the Crown Prince was sent back to rest by the palace maids.

Clearly, there were still matters to resolve.