Chapter 199

Chapter 199

After the little milk dragon (Baocheng) left, the Grand Empress Dowager's attitude cooled down again.

Although she hadn't left, being guided by the Emperor tonight left the Grand Empress Dowager somewhat dissatisfied.

First, she had the palace servants invite her to preside over the ceremony, to prevent any unforeseen incidents that might bring shame to the royal family and disrupt the conferment ceremony. How could the Grand Empress Dowager refuse under such circumstances?

But the Grand Empress Dowager's precautions were merely due to a minor incident caused by a Junior Concubine.

A Junior Concubine, something the Imperial Noble Consort could easily manage, why would she need to intervene?

When the Emperor arrived with Rong Noble Consort and Baocheng, the Grand Empress Dowager understood.

"Emperor, what matter cannot wait until tomorrow to resolve?" the Grand Empress Dowager said indifferently, twirling her prayer beads.

Everything had gone as the Emperor wished, so what else required the Empress Dowager's presence?

The Imperial Noble Consort felt a bit uneasy, as it was clear to anyone with eyes that the Grand Empress Dowager's sudden coldness was due to some minor issue between her and the Emperor.

It was likely due to the earlier incident. Although the Grand Empress Dowager had suddenly changed her attitude, there must have been a reason she had to do so.

Now, the Imperial Noble Consort realized she should have felt awkward and unsure of what to do, caught between the Grand Empress Dowager on one side and the Emperor on the other, trying to mediate.

But...

Su Yi, leaning on a soft pillow, sat as if nothing were amiss, seemingly oblivious to the subtle tension between the Emperor and the Grand Empress Dowager.

Suddenly, the Imperial Noble Consort no longer felt so troubled. There was someone quite at ease here, so why should she be nervous?

If trouble arose, it would come to this woman first.

"It's still about that daying; the implications are significant."

Kangxi was aware of his grandmother's current dissatisfaction, but it was merely a temporary displeasure that would pass in a few days. However, some matters still needed to be resolved.

Now that the irrelevant individuals had dispersed, those who needed to be informed had been told.

As for the rest, it was a different matter.

Upon hearing this, the Grand Empress Dowager was dismissive, "A Junior Concubine, leaving her to the Imperial Noble Consort is more than sufficient."

That Junior Concubine had raised her hopes falsely, leading her to believe there was good news in the harem, only to discover it was a misunderstanding.

Originally, the Grand Empress Dowager wasn't so hasty, not hastily believing the Junior Concubine was pregnant without the imperial physician's confirmation.

But it was all due to the Emperor's harem, and Consort Xian confidently speaking from experience, which made the Grand Empress Dowager believe it too.

Ultimately, it was just a misunderstanding, so naturally, the Grand Empress Dowager wouldn't continue to regard a Junior Concubine seriously.

Only carrying the royal child would slightly catch the Grand Empress Dowager's attention; without it, she was not worth her concern.

Not being punished for impropriety was already a grace.

The Junior Concubine was ignorant, let the Imperial Noble Consort teach her.

However, the Grand Empress Dowager was still in a bad mood. It had been a long time since there was any good news from the harem, and whose fault was that?

The Grand Empress Dowager's gaze fell on a certain place, seeing Rong Noble Consort sitting as if it had nothing to do with her, her attitude casual, which made the Grand Empress Dowager want to pick on her even more. Her aged face became even more stern, "As for Rong Noble Consort, sitting without proper posture, has it always been like this?" She paused, then added, "Emperor, you actually allow her to be like this?"

As if the person who had just been lavishing praise on Rong Noble Consort was someone else entirely.

This temporary truce fell apart without warning.

Imperial Noble Consort muttered, "What did she just say? That if there’s trouble, Rong Noble Consort would be the first to catch the heat."

With both Rong Noble Consort and her present, Grand Empress Dowager would likely focus on Rong Noble Consort—and she was right.

Though Rong Noble Consort’s posture was never upright, even if it were perfect, Grand Empress Dowager would find something else to criticize.

Su Yi, lounging casually, replied softly, "If not like this, how else should I sit?" She patted the soft pillow she was leaning on and added,

"Isn’t this pillow for leaning? Even the Emperor sits like this."

If he can lean, why can’t I? Such double standards!

If it's not for leaning, then what's the point of having a soft pillow?

Kangxi, caught in the crossfire, thought, "... He knew this little troublemaker would drag him into it."

Imperial Noble Consort fought to keep a straight face, not wanting to draw attention to herself. With Rong Noble Consort attracting all the attention, Imperial Noble Consort felt more at ease.

Exactly, what’s the point of a pillow if not for leaning?

Grand Empress Dowager hated how Rong Noble Consort seemed gentle but was actually defiant.

Unlike others who hide their barbs in soft words, Rong Noble Consort says the most rebellious things in the gentlest tone!

At Grand Empress Dowager’s level, few dare to talk back. Most flatter and smile, acting obediently.

But Rong Noble Consort, though gentle, was anything but obedient.

Even now, in the Emperor’s presence, she didn’t hold back.

"You dare speak to me like this? This is unacceptable."

Grand Empress Dowager’s face hardened. Though her words were for Rong Noble Consort, her gaze was on Kangxi.

This was his so-called good Noble Consort—just a few words, and she dared to talk back. What wouldn’t she do? Poor Baocheng still believes she’s kind and gentle. Doesn’t Rong Noble Consort feel any guilt?

Not in the slightest!

If not for the lack of better options, Grand Empress Dowager wouldn’t have compromised. But even so, she had to vent her anger.

If not at Kangxi, then Rong Noble Consort would bear the brunt.

The logic was clear, but...

As Su Yi’s smile widened, Kangxi’s eye twitched. He feared she’d say something outrageous, making it hard for him to smooth things over. Her words were always hard to defend.

Before things got worse, Kangxi quickly smiled and tried to mediate,

"Grandmother, Noble Consort is just blunt. She means no harm. We’re all tired, and there’s no need for formality. She’s not always like this."

He then told Liang Jiugong to bring everyone in, hoping to divert Grand Empress Dowager’s attention.

To be fair, Kangxi wasn’t lying—Noble Consort wasn’t always like this.

This imp usually chose sitting over standing and lying over sitting. At first, she pretended to be proper, but soon gave up and barely moved when he was around. Kangxi had grown used to it.

Today, she was still holding back.

But if he didn’t smooth things over now, who knows what might happen later. Kangxi was sharp enough to realize this.

Kangxi patted Su Yi’s hand, resting on the side, as a comforting gesture.

Su Yi smiled gently, as if comforted.

'Haha'

Kangxi: "..."

Kangxi pretended not to notice and held her hand, while the Imperial Noble Consort refrained from sneering inwardly.

The Grand Empress Dowager didn’t dwell on the matter, but the Rong Noble Consort’s attitude was downright infuriating. What was even more shocking was that the Emperor actually indulged her.

After just a few critical words, the Emperor immediately jumped in to defend her and smooth things over, not even bothering with a token reprimand.

But with the arrival of a few newcomers, the Grand Empress Dowager stopped focusing on the Rong Noble Consort and turned her attention elsewhere.

Among those brought in, the Grand Empress Dowager recognized one of them... that Junior Concubine!

She had just made an impression, and now she reappeared, thinly dressed and brought in looking frail.

There was also a maid and a guard among them.

The appearance of these people, and the possible connections between them, struck a nerve with the Grand Empress Dowager.

She recalled the Junior Concubine’s earlier reaction and the Emperor’s behavior during the banquet.

Though the Emperor had dismissed it as a misunderstanding and seemed indifferent to the Junior Concubine’s situation, he only had someone report on her condition at the banquet’s end.

At first, the Grand Empress Dowager thought the Emperor had delayed the report to avoid disrupting the banquet and overshadowing the Rong Noble Consort.

At the time, everyone was captivated by the news that the Rong Noble Consort would be caring for the Crown Prince in the future. Whether the Junior Concubine had miscarried or something else, it wouldn’t have drawn much attention.

Besides, it was just a misunderstanding, something to sigh about, not worth much concern.

That was what the Grand Empress Dowager thought.

But now, the Emperor had deliberately kept her here and brought up the Junior Concubine’s matter again. Was there something she didn’t know?

The Grand Empress Dowager quickly took the testimony handed to her and started reading.

Though her age slowed her reading, it also meant she read with great care.

As she read, the Grand Empress Dowager’s expression darkened. Her eyes, far from clouded, grew sharp and piercing. Occasionally, her gaze fell on the people kneeling on the ground, filled with anger and a flicker of killing intent.

The Imperial Noble Consort, seeing the Grand Empress Dowager’s troubled expression, felt her heart clench. What major event had occurred? If it was related to the Rong Noble Consort, the Grand Empress Dowager wouldn’t be this angry.

The Imperial Noble Consort was eager to know what was written, but she had to suppress her curiosity for now.

She just looked at those who had been brought in.

There was the Junior Concubine, pale as a sheet, trembling all over, weak from blood loss, struggling to kneel, her face filled with terror.

And the guard, clearly tortured, his clothes stained with blood, pressed down like a dead dog.

And the maid, her hair disheveled, also in a sorry state. All three looked utterly miserable, and the air carried a faint metallic tang of blood.

Among the three, the Junior Concubine, who was initially in the worst state, now seemed to be faring the best.

The situation with the palace maid and the Junior Concubine was one thing.

Additionally, there was a guard, and the palace maid's frequent glances towards him, filled with worry and heartache, clearly indicated her feelings for him.

A private affair between the palace maid and the guard would indeed breach palace rules, but it hardly warranted such a strong reaction from the Grand Empress Dowager.

What role did the Junior Concubine play in this?

Could the Junior Concubine also be involved in an affair... wait.

Imperial Noble Consort: Could it truly be?!

The Imperial Noble Consort's eyes darted between the group, then she subtly observed the Emperor's reaction.

Upon seeing those present, the palace maid's eyes lit up as if she had found a lifeline, "Your Highness! Save me! It's me!"

She attempted to rush forward but was immediately restrained. Yet, the sight of her lifeline gave her a surge of strength, nearly enabling her to break free.

Among the consorts, Her Highness was known for her excellent temperament, always treating the palace staff with kindness and never punishing them arbitrarily.

Even in a foul mood, she simply requested not to be disturbed, never venting her frustrations on the staff. She was, indeed, the most agreeable consort to serve.

If Her Highness would intercede on her behalf...

The intent was so obvious that Su Yi couldn't overlook it.

She scrutinized the somewhat disheveled palace maid, recognizing her as a familiar face, and gently said, "It's you."

The Imperial Noble Consort frowned slightly; did the Rong Noble Consort know this palace maid?

Observing Su Yi's consistently gentle demeanor, seemingly oblivious to her predicament, the palace maid felt a flicker of relief and began, "Your Highness, I..."

"So, you're still alive," Su Yi remarked gently, though her tone carried a hint of disappointment.

It was chilling to hear.

Gentle yet cold—two extremes.

Imperial Noble Consort: What have I missed this time??

Damn, is this truly so suspenseful?

"Your Highness?!" Startled by Su Yi's tone, the palace maid gazed at her in disbelief.

She seemed unable to comprehend that the usually benevolent Her Highness, upon seeing her in such a pitiful state, remained impassive, as if her previous kindness had been mere pretense.

Such a stark contrast in demeanor would astonish anyone, not just this palace maid.

"Betrayal and disloyalty are unforgivable," Su Yi stated with her usual gentleness, as if explaining, yet chillingly so.

Her Highness was aware!

The palace maid instantly grasped the situation, the light in her eyes fading. The vigor she had mustered earlier dissipated, leaving her appearing utterly hopeless and helpless.

Su Yi, however, appeared indifferent and averted her gaze. No matter how pitiable someone became after wrongdoing, it failed to stir Su Yi.

When they had interacted before, she had genuinely liked this little palace maid for her pleasant appearance and charming speech, finding her presence soothing and comfortable. But since she was disloyal, there was no point in keeping her around.

The next one will be even better.

Su Yi, chin in hand, wondered what style she should try next.

Kangxi, standing nearby, clearly felt how absurd it was when this scoundrel changed her attitude so abruptly.

The Imperial Noble Consort was not easily fooled by the maid, nor did she feel pity or compassion simply because the other appeared pitiful. Thus, Kangxi didn't have to feel troubled by any plea for mercy from the Imperial Noble Consort.

But why did it feel so off?

And now, "the next one will be even better"?!

Here it comes again—this eerie sense of familiarity, this scoundrel's tone!

Kangxi's mood was complex, his expression somber, making the atmosphere oppressive.

However, given the current situation, no one found Kangxi's demeanor unusual.

It would be odd if it weren't oppressive; even the Grand Empress Dowager's expression was far from favorable.

"Bang!" The Grand Empress Dowager slammed her hand on the table, the clatter of her prayer beads shattering the calm.