Chapter 200

Chapter 200

"This is defying the heavens!" The Grand Empress Dowager looked at the Junior Concubine as if she wanted to eat her alive.

If not for maintaining decorum, she would have already scolded her harshly.

Compared to the Grand Empress Dowager's raging anger, Kangxi appeared unusually calm, with all deeper emotions suppressed beneath his composure, replaced by an inscrutable expression.

The Junior Concubine was already guilty and terrified, half of her pale face due to blood loss and pain, and the other half from sheer fear.

When the imperial physician arrived, he only mentioned her menstrual cycle, which gave the Junior Concubine a moment of relief. After taking medicine, she fell into a deep sleep, only to be dragged out of bed shortly after, gagged, and taken away.

Upon seeing the familiar guard, the Junior Concubine instantly lost all strength, collapsing to the ground, her eyes avoiding the guard's gaze, thinking only that it was over.

The Junior Concubine, who was never very brave and always lived in fear, had hoped to continue living unnoticed.

Now, with the main figures present, including the Grand Empress Dowager, whose voice was filled with rage, the already frightened Junior Concubine trembled uncontrollably.

"The royal family's dignity was nearly ruined by these things. Even death would not be enough to atone for this!"

The Grand Empress Dowager's sharp gaze and grim expression turned towards the Imperial Noble Consort, her tone full of reproach.

"Imperial Noble Consort, such a scandal has occurred in the harem, and you were completely unaware, almost allowing these things to turn the harem into chaos."

The Imperial Noble Consort, who had been wondering what could have caused the Grand Empress Dowager's fury, now found herself the target of her anger.

She didn't even know what had happened before the Grand Empress Dowager vented her anger on her.

The Imperial Noble Consort's face turned pale, but she maintained her composure. "Grand Empress Dowager, please calm your anger. I truly do not know what has happened. If it is indeed my fault, I will not shirk responsibility."

But she needed to know what she had done wrong.

Was she being kept here just to bear the Grand Empress Dowager's wrath?!

Soon, the testimonies that had enraged the Grand Empress Dowager were handed to the Imperial Noble Consort.

She took them, eager to see what had caused the Grand Empress Dowager to direct her anger at her.

The Imperial Noble Consort's lips tightened unconsciously, turning slightly pale, as if she was trying to control her emotions.

Her earlier wild guess had turned out to be true—a consort had committed adultery and even conceived a child!

The guard was truly audacious, daring to cause chaos in the harem!

Not content with seducing a maid, he had also dared to have an affair with a consort!

The Imperial Noble Consort couldn't imagine what would have happened if the imperial physician had arrived first, diagnosed a pregnancy, and announced it as a royal child. The consequences would have been unimaginable.

No one would have expected that this seemingly timid Junior Concubine would dare to commit such a disgraceful act, and everyone would have assumed it was a royal child.

Later, when it was discovered that the child was illegitimate, the Junior Concubine would certainly not survive.

But this was not a simple misunderstanding that could be easily resolved.

The Junior Concubine, who had just been thought to be carrying a royal child and thus given special attention, whether through miscarriage or sudden death, would attract significant attention. If someone with ulterior motives guessed the truth or exploited the situation, it would undoubtedly cause a sensation.

Moreover, the timing of the revelation was not accidental but deliberate.

Not only were the three present involved, but there was also a long list of names attached.

No matter the relationships between these Junior Concubines and the guards, including the palace maids and eunuchs involved, the incense tampered with during the conferment ceremony, or the special processing of the court beads, all the details were documented above.

The list of implicated names spanned more than a full page. If all these people were to be disposed of at once, such a large action would surely prompt inquiries into the reasons. Yet, if these conspirators were not dealt with, who knows what chaos might ensue.

Despite such oversights, the Imperial Noble Consort was completely unaware. In charge of palace authority and overseeing harem affairs, the occurrence of such a scandal undeniably placed blame on her.

"I failed to notice; it is my dereliction of duty. Please grant me the opportunity to make amends," the Imperial Noble Consort knelt down to plead for forgiveness. At this juncture, making excuses would be futile; it was wiser to humble herself first.

She had indeed been negligent, though it scarcely constituted a major fault. She was not privy to the Junior Concubine's thoughts, how could she have known that the Junior Concubine would dare to commit such a disgraceful scheme behind her back?

It was obvious that the more secretive it was, the more it was concealed, and discovery would mean certain death. How could it become common knowledge? The harem was not her sole domain; each had their own spies and informants, how could they truly be united?

Moreover, how could the dignified Imperial Noble Consort spend her days solely focused on a Junior Concubine? It would be ludicrous, truly a stroke of misfortune.

If it weren't for the inappropriate occasion, she would have turned around and struck that Junior Concubine!

If it were just a palace maid having an illicit relationship with a guard, it wouldn't be so troublesome.

The Grand Empress Dowager might not have considered it, but now she was merely venting her anger on her. Upon realizing this, the Imperial Noble Consort felt a bitter taste in her mouth; remaining here truly brought no benefit.

Su Yi abruptly inquired, "So, who orchestrated the trap?"

The voice that came from beside her almost alarmed the Imperial Noble Consort, who turned to see Rong Noble Consort, who had somehow appeared behind her.

When had she appeared behind her? Hadn't she been seated just moments ago?

Su Yi was equally curious about the contents above.

It should be said, she was curious about how the narrative above would be written.

Thus, as the Imperial Noble Consort read, Su Yi also rose and joined her to read together.

Sometimes, all events are true, but by changing the sequence, omitting some, or adding some content, it can look very credible because it is indeed true, but... the key points have changed.

And thus, the meaning has changed.

All that was missing was a scapegoat.

Su Yi's words made the Grand Empress Dowager, whose anger was evident, slightly narrow her eyes, and Kangxi paused the rotation of the jade ring he had just put back on his finger, then continued.

Because Su Yi's words had hit the mark.

Kangxi and the Grand Empress Dowager had obviously already guessed who was behind the setup.

In fact, those testimonies and lists were just superficial, not that important. What was important was the subtly expressed meaning, which the Grand Empress Dowager had discerned.

It was related to the Hesheli family.

Not only overstepping boundaries and being audacious, but also planting so many spies in the harem. If it weren't for taking advantage of this opportunity to uproot them, who knows how far the Hesheli family's reach would extend.

Using this scandal, disregarding the royal dignity to sabotage the conferment ceremony.

The purpose was obvious.

But this matter could not be openly settled, and they even had to consider Baocheng, and could not move against the Hesheli family.

The Hesheli family was Baocheng's maternal family. Baocheng lost his mother at a young age and could not afford to lose the support of his maternal family, otherwise his position as the Crown Prince would be even more precarious.

It was akin to being cautious of damaging the vessel while trying to catch the rat; even if one were to act, it would only be a case of making a big show but taking little action.

In the current court, the balance of power is delicate, and Suo'etu is indispensable.

This series of actions, aiming to clean up without leaving a single trace, is impossible, and it further exposes the brazen attitude of the Hesheli family.

The scandal of consorts engaging in illicit affairs and secretly conceiving children, being exploited in such a manner, has further enraged the Grand Empress Dowager, who shows no regard for the royal dignity!

It is presumed that the emperor is also very angry, which is why he not only refrained from canceling the investiture ceremony but also insisted on having Rong Noble Consort take care of Baocheng, making it official today, cementing everything, and dashing the hopes of certain individuals.

And everyone will only focus on this matter, directing their attention to Rong Noble Consort.

It also serves to cover up the consorts' affair, preventing any waves.

Even if the Grand Empress Dowager comprehends, she still cannot quell her anger, finding it hard to calm the fury in her heart.

At the same time, it is also meant to shift the focus.

Otherwise, if the Imperial Noble Consort were to guess other implications, it would be problematic. The Imperial Noble Consort is from the Tong family, whose stance towards the crown prince is unclear. The Tong family is the emperor's maternal family, but not Baocheng's maternal family.

Therefore, the Grand Empress Dowager can only appear to be purely enraged by the consorts' illicit affairs and secret pregnancies, attributing it all to the affairs of the harem, not to be connected to the court.

It can only be so.

Originally, it was intended for the Imperial Noble Consort to plead for forgiveness, and then the Grand Empress Dowager would ease her anger, instructing the Imperial Noble Consort to handle the matter appropriately.

But also to prevent others from deducing the true reason.

When the Grand Empress Dowager saw the list of testimonies presented, she quickly discerned the emperor's intentions: firstly, to inform her of the reason behind such a significant event.

Secondly...

The Grand Empress Dowager softened her tone and said, "Imperial Noble Consort, please rise. I was overly harsh in my anger earlier."

Someone needed to express the anger.

Upon hearing this, the Imperial Noble Consort stood up, and despite her displeasure, she still smiled, indicating that the Grand Empress Dowager's earlier reprimand was justified and that she held no resentment.

Whether the Imperial Noble Consort truly holds no resentment or is merely saying so, the Grand Empress Dowager does not care much; sincerity in words is also necessary.

The Grand Empress Dowager glanced at the seemingly calm emperor, then looked away, holding her prayer beads again and began to twirl them,

"The Noble Consort has suffered unjustly this time. In the past, the harem's petty jealousies and minor quarrels were one thing.

But now, they have become increasingly reckless, even disregarding the royal dignity. I cannot tolerate such behavior; the harem really needs a thorough rectification."

This speech seemed to be in response to Rong Noble Consort's earlier question, but in fact, it avoided answering.

Instead, it attributed everything to the infighting within the harem.

The Grand Empress Dowager comforted, "Once the others are captured and interrogated under severe torture, we will naturally find out who was behind it, giving the Noble Consort an explanation, and not letting her suffer in vain."

This sounds like it is to give an explanation for the Noble Consort's suffering, to vent anger, but in fact, Rong Noble Consort is also the best excuse, a pretext for a major purge.

Such unavoidable actions now have a reasonable justification.

Moreover, this is also to prevent Rong Noble Consort from knowing who was really behind the scheme.

Otherwise, after just having Rong Noble Consort take care of Baocheng, she would find out that it was Baocheng's maternal family who caused her suffering and even tried to ruin the investiture ceremony. Would Rong Noble Consort not harbor any resentment?

How could she still be attentive to Baocheng? Wouldn't the Grand Empress Dowager's previous compromises have been in vain?

If Rong Noble Consort is wronged without a reasonable explanation, it would be hard to justify.

Given Rong Noble Consort's temperament, she'd definitely raise hell, and the Emperor must have thought the same.

Otherwise, with the list of testimonies already submitted, why hasn't the culprit been found yet?

The Emperor still prioritizes the bigger picture, which has somewhat reassured the Grand Empress Dowager.

Before, there was always the fear that Rong Noble Consort's influence on the Emperor would lead to reckless decisions. Now, the Grand Empress Dowager feels somewhat at ease.

While the masters were speaking, those who were detained had already been gagged to ensure they couldn't interrupt the conversation.

They weren't taken away again.

After all, they're as good as dead; what they shouldn't hear, they can't spread, so there's no need to worry.

"Ah, I see," Su Yi nodded with a smile, as if she understood.

Seeing that Rong Noble Consort did not make a fuss about this, the Grand Empress Dowager's furrowed brows relaxed, "However, this matter will be handled by the Imperial Noble Consort. You should just rest and recuperate."

There's a bit of a catch here.

You two are close, so having the Imperial Noble Consort handle this is also a way to vent your frustration. You should feel at ease now, right? Otherwise, it would mean you don't trust the Imperial Noble Consort, either doubting her ability to handle it properly or not being reassured by her.

In short, there are quite a few pitfalls.

Imperial Noble Consort: "..." She gets the reasoning, but why does it sound off?

If she doesn't handle it well, will it all fall on her??

But she still has to take a stand; if she's overwhelmed, the Grand Empress Dowager might assign her a few 'helpers,' ostensibly to share the burden, but once shared, it's hard to reclaim.

"The Grand Empress Dowager is right; the harem indeed needs a thorough cleaning. I'll handle this matter properly and won't let anyone slip through the cracks. Noble Consort, you can rest easy." That's what she said, but Rong Noble Consort is unflappable; others might worry, but not her.

She'd be thrilled to be a hands-off boss.

"Got it," Su Yi nodded with a smile, showing no objection, then took the Imperial Noble Consort's arm, leaning in with a touch of pity, "You've worked hard."

Being the Imperial Noble Consort is really exhausting.

The Forbidden City's feng shui is particularly nurturing; living past thirty is considered quite an achievement.

The Grand Empress Dowager, even in her old age, hasn't lost her knack for smoothing things over.

Truly a grandmother and granddaughter, putting on a show.

Hearing Rong Noble Consort's words of sympathy, the Imperial Noble Consort felt even more of a burden.

This feeling is probably like the top boss telling you that the capable should do more, while letting the already lazy off the hook, not lifting a finger, leaving it all to her.

For the first time in her life, the Imperial Noble Consort felt the weight on her shoulders was unbearably heavy.

Even the woman coming over to take her arm didn't have the energy to shake off.

That was enough, but she also sat down, insisting on being close, not even considering the occasion.

Hmph.

Even so, the inner turmoil had somewhat subsided.

If Rong Noble Consort hadn't suddenly spoken up earlier, Grand Empress Dowager would have undoubtedly said a few more angry words.

The seat beside Kangxi was vacated, and the person who had been sitting there turned to sit with someone else and did not return.

A sudden, inexplicable surge of malice welled up in his heart, causing Kangxi's expression to darken abruptly, though it was only for a moment before he regained his composure.

He lowered his eyes slightly, making it hard to discern his emotions.

Grand Empress Dowager keenly sensed that the emperor, who had been calm and restrained moments ago, had suddenly become upset.

Rong Noble Consort also voiced no objections.

After all, Grand Empress Dowager was elderly and lacked energy. The earlier emotional outburst had left her visibly fatigued.

To Grand Empress Dowager, the person who had violated palace rules was as good as dead, so she didn't even glance in that direction.

Noticing Grand Empress Dowager's tired expression, Kangxi spoke up at the opportune moment, "If you're tired, Grandmother, please go back and rest."

He had remained silent earlier, not interfering with how Grand Empress Dowager handled the matter. Grand Empress Dowager felt that the situation was largely resolved, and since the emperor had not informed her afterward, she felt somewhat comforted.

The remaining matters could be handled neatly by the emperor, who also had a clear understanding of the situation in the court. Thus, she no longer forced herself to stay attentive and, with the support of the palace attendants, stood up and said, "I am indeed tired and will take my leave now."

Kangxi stepped forward to assist her, speaking softly, "Grandmother, please be careful on your way back. Ensure the attendants walk steadily." The latter part was directed to the maid serving closely by Grand Empress Dowager's side.

The maid, who had replaced Suma Lagu in serving Grand Empress Dowager, replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Though not as skilled as Suma Lagu had been, she was experienced and capable of managing affairs without causing trouble. Though her bond with Grand Empress Dowager wasn't as deep as Suma Lagu's, Grand Empress Dowager initially found it hard to adjust but eventually grew accustomed.

Without anyone stirring up trouble, there were no further incidents, and she lived peacefully in the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility.

"Goodbye, Grand Empress Dowager," Imperial Noble Consort said as she stood up to bid farewell, pulling Su Yi up with her.

Su Yi cooperated without much effort, standing up gracefully with Imperial Noble Consort and causing no trouble, saying gently, "Goodbye, Grand Empress Dowager."

The same words, spoken by different people, could evoke different feelings.

Imperial Noble Consort's words were proper and faultless, while Rong Noble Consort's carried a hint of indifference, despite her gentle and soft appearance.

As Grand Empress Dowager passed by Rong Noble Consort, her steps paused slightly, and she glanced at her sideways but ultimately said nothing, withdrawing her gaze and leaving with the support of her maid.

After Grand Empress Dowager left, Imperial Noble Consort thought that since the matriarch had departed, perhaps it was time for her to leave as well, given the pile of tasks awaiting her.

Moreover, Imperial Noble Consort felt that something was missing. Rong Noble Consort, apart from initially retorting a few words when Grand Empress Dowager criticized her, had remained unusually... quiet.

She hadn't caused any trouble at all.

It was... oddly peaceful.

Imperial Noble Consort finally realized what had been missing.

Well, it was a relief not to have to watch nervously from the sidelines.

Before Imperial Noble Consort could find a suitable moment to leave, Kangxi, after sitting back down, gave the impression that the matter was far from over and had only just begun.

"Noble Consort, how do you think these people should be dealt with?" Kangxi, who had remained silent earlier, had been listening to Grand Empress Dowager's words, implicitly agreeing with her.

Everything that needed to be said had been said, but the person in question was still present.

Even if these people do not need to be brought in for questioning, the testimonies, lists, and evidence are merely compiled and presented to the higher-ups to clarify the sequence of events.

To convict and punish is as simple as uttering a single word, as effortless as crushing an ant.

Moreover, can we be certain that what the Grand Empress Dowager saw was entirely accurate?

How the presented materials are written and what parts should be altered are all under the Emperor's control.

Hearing this, the Imperial Noble Consort felt an inexplicable sense of unease.

And why is only the Rong Noble Consort being interrogated?!

"Does Your Majesty still need to deliberate on the method of their execution?" Su Yi replied with a smile.

They are all condemned to die; do they still wish to hear which method of execution would be more suitable?

Consorts engaging in adultery face execution, and their families will also be implicated.

As Kangxi spoke, the Junior Concubine, drenched in sweat and trembling, looked up with a terrified, pleading gaze, wanting to speak but held down, her feeble strength futile.

Trapped in the quagmire of death, even if she struggled with all her might or grew wings, escape was impossible, and the shadow of death would engulf her family.

Consorts cannot take their own lives; concubines who do so would also implicate their families, especially in such a scandal, leading to more than just one disgraceful death.

Originally, there were dignified methods of execution, but in this case, a dignified death is clearly out of the question.

But if the punishment is carried out under this charge, wouldn't it reveal that the Emperor has been cuckolded, tarnishing the royal family's honor and undermining his authority?

"But this matter must not be made public, so how can I quell the fury in my heart?"

Kangxi spoke slowly, his eyes slightly narrowed, his gaze icy, with a seemingly gentle smile that concealed a terrifying chill, sending shivers down one's spine. "Imperial Noble Consort, you always have ideas. Do you have any suggestions?"

When Kangxi did not deliberately restrain himself, his presence was overwhelming; beneath the Emperor's majesty lay the chilling and bloody aura of imperial authority.