Chapter 232

Chapter 232

It’s not that Liang Jiugong, while serving Kangxi, would overlook seemingly trivial matters.

Rather, Liang Jiugong had indeed noticed every subtle change—no matter how minor, it had to be caught. The more inconspicuous something appeared, the more attention it required.

After all, palace servants couldn’t just be careless—they had to be thorough in every aspect. This was especially true when serving the Emperor, where the risk of losing one’s life was faster than at any other time.

Thus, any changes in the Emperor’s daily life or physical condition had to be noticed immediately, as it might prevent many potential mishaps.

But this varied by person—some distinctions still applied.

Liang Jiugong had never imagined that noticing a few white hairs on the Emperor’s head would require the same discretion as when serving the Imperial Noble Consorts.

The usual routine when combing and styling the Imperial Noble Consorts’ hair involved not only being careful not to tug too hard but also ensuring not to pull out too many strands.

Even if strands of hair fell onto the comb, one had to discreetly conceal them as if they had naturally shed.

Naturally, if white hairs were spied before the Imperial Noble Consorts noticed, they had to be discreetly removed along with the naturally shed strands and hidden away.

Otherwise, if the Imperial Noble Consorts saw even a single white hair—let alone several—they’d be upset in a heartbeat.

And if one was particularly unlucky, encountering an Imperial Noble Consort already in a bad mood, the smallest thing could set them off, making the hairdresser the first to suffer.

This skill had to be second nature.

But the same situation, when applied to the Emperor, was not something to be overly concerned about.

Not even worth a mention.

If noticed, it needn’t be brought up—because it was unnecessary. A couple of white hairs were nothing; the Emperor wouldn’t care. Mentioning it might even be seen as meddling.

What if it was taken to mean the Emperor was aging? With the Emperor in his vigorous prime, who knew what consequences that might bring!

Besides, a couple of white hairs wouldn’t diminish the Emperor’s majestic bearing in the slightest.

Unlike the harem ladies, who were more sensitive about such matters—understandably so, given their vanity about appearances. It was natural for them to be more cautious.

And who knows? If an Imperial Noble Consort noticed the Emperor had a couple of white hairs, she might even feel pity for him.

The Emperor was so busy with state affairs, yet still found time to accompany the Imperial Noble Consorts—how could they not swoon?

Even Liang Jiugong, a eunuch, found himself moved by such sentiments.

There was nothing wrong with Liang Jiugong’s line of thinking—it fit most people’s assumptions.

After all, wasn’t this just common sense?

But now, not only were the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort eating foods beneficial for hair health together, they were also using hair-care products side by side.

At this point, if you called it a coincidence… it sure didn’t look like one.

Why would the ‘accidental’ user fuss more than the main one?

She seemed like the afterthought!

No wonder Liang Jiugong, after getting beaten, pondered for a long time yet couldn’t make sense of it.

He even wondered if it was because he hadn’t kept an eye on the Imperial Noble Consort, letting her wander off—right back to Yonghe Palace, had the Emperor not stepped in quickly.

Right from the start, this approach was totally wrong!

It probably wasn’t because he had been serving closely all this time yet never reminded His Majesty about those few white hairs, let alone have the little eunuch braiding His Majesty’s hair pluck them out casually.

Then this oversight actually got the Imperial Noble Consort’s attention!

But from His Majesty’s reaction, the Imperial Noble Consort’s response might have been quite different from what was expected.

Well, it wasn’t just a little off—it missed by a mile!

Though the Imperial Noble Consort seemed deeply concerned, even going so far as to address the issue with both dietary supplements and external treatments, even covering for His Majesty by having him ‘casually’ join in.

No one could say she wasn’t trying, but this approach probably didn’t sit well with His Majesty’s preferences.

So, was the problem really about the white hairs?

Liang Jiugong felt the spot where he’d been caned ache even more, his heart weeping two rivers of tears.

"Eat more, it’s good for your hair." Su Yi picked at her food but showed great concern toward Kangxi.

No one, including Kangxi, was dumb enough to mention the ‘three-bite rule’ at this moment.

And why wasn’t the three-bite rule mentioned? Because Su Yi had tossed that rule out long ago.

If there were a grassland for her to gallop across, she’d have lapped it three times already.

Show me which ancestor made this rule, huh?!

Counting back, there hadn’t even been that many emperors yet—and already they’re invoking ancestral traditions!

Even without plastic bags back then, people still put on airs like pros.

Back when they were fighting battles on horseback, try enforcing the three-bite rule—see how that would've left them weak. If the commander did that, he’d collapse after a few strides. What kind of fighting would that allow?

Kangxi himself had always eaten however he pleased, screw the rules.

But whether the concubines followed suit was another matter—after all, they weren’t under as many watchful eyes as Kangxi during meals. They could take it or leave it in private.

But when dining with Kangxi, they had to follow his meal etiquette. Total nonsense!

Two words: so damn annoying!

Forcing you into that three-bite nonsense too.

Ugh, that's downright infuriating.

Su Yi had spent that entire meal mentally cursing up a storm.

Three bites per dish? She could wolf them down in no time, all while mentally trashing Kangxi, that utter jerk.

Three bites each across dozens of dishes—once done, she’d just sit there, staring as he ate.

And continue throwing shade at him. Kangxi's slow eating? What a joke!

Whether Kangxi lost his appetite or not, she couldn’t care less. She’d already eaten her fill and was now giving him the death stare, smiling sweetly while ripping him to shreds in her mind.

By the end, Su Yi felt much better—all her pent-up frustration had dissipated.

How could she not be happy? She got to freeload off the jerk’s privileges, throw shade at him, and curse him out in her head—beep—beep—

Su Yi wouldn't mind doing this a few more times.

But later, Kangxi never repeated this meal arrangement with Su Yi. He could impose rules on himself if he wished, but making Su Yi follow along just didn't work.

She would immediately get completely worked up in every possible way, making it impossible for Kangxi to eat in peace.

Having heard endless flattery and convoluted schemes, he never expected to one day be the target of getting chewed out—especially from her.

Kangxi: "The nerve?!"

He had heard nasty comments from concubines before, but none had ever been directed at him.

At most, Kangxi found them a pain.

But when he became the target: "???"

What baffled him most was how she could keep smiling sweetly while roasting him in her head nonstop without repeating a single insult.

For a moment, he thought he was hearing things.

Kangxi possessed incredible self-control, managing to keep his cool throughout the entire meal without showing any signs of discomfort.

He had witnessed all manner of schemes and intricate power struggles—nothing surprised him anymore.

But this experience of being relentlessly berated without any chance to retaliate was totally demeaning.

A few words here and there? Kangxi had endured Ao Bai for years, waiting to settle the score.

A handful of insults were nothing—he could keep a straight face, storing them away for future reckoning.

But the Honored Mother Consort? She wasn't just spouting a few lines. She went on and on!

A never-ending stream!

Even eating couldn't slow her down. Once she finished her three bites per dish, she really let loose, which was even more terrifying.

At least chewing had at least given her pauses earlier.

By the end of the meal, Kangxi felt completely worn out.

A few more sessions like this would give him an ulcer—he simply couldn't endure this dining style.

Wasn't having meals together supposed to be enjoyable and relaxing, improving one's appetite?

Letting her eat alone would spare Kangxi this torment.

Wordlessly, Kangxi served himself another half-bowl of dishes, choosing not to argue.

Some things weren't worth arguing about with the Honored Mother Consort.

The little milk dragon was determined to visit, though it meant facing his imperial father. But no obstacle could deter him.

First, he had to complete his daily studies—now extended with additional horse stance drills, exhausting the poor child.

Yet the little milk dragon maintained a stern expression, appearing diligent and earnest. Had he been before his Honored Mother Consort, his face would have immediately turned into a pouty face.

Not from exhaustion—princes' rigorous education was no child's play, and he was accustomed to hard work.

Right now, it felt like they changed the school schedule, with dismissal time pushed later than before—and this would be the new schedule going forward, overriding the previous arrangement.

For a child eager to rush home after school, tell me, isn't this an absolute nightmare?

It was totally annoying.

Little Milk Dragon (a nickname for the young prince): Feeling down and cranky. "Dad's being so mean today. I miss Honored Mother Consort, and I hate this dumb haircut!"

When Big Brother Prince saw that Little Milk Dragon had added extra training after archery class, his competitive streak kicked in hard.

It was like the rivalry between class brainiacs—always jockeying for position, not just in grades but in every other aspect too.

If you did extra practice problems today, then he had to do some too—no, even more than you.

If you studied half an hour longer, then he had to study even longer, or else he'd feel like he's falling behind!

That was exactly Big Brother Prince’s mindset. Seeing the Crown Prince push himself harder? No way was he gonna lose this!

Was his dear second brother trying to suck up to the Emperor?!

Trying to pull ahead behind his back?

Oh hell no—he'd train twice as hard!

A classic case of "if you're gonna sweat, I'm gonna sweat more"—no fear here!

Little Milk Dragon: "Why is Eldest Brother working so hard too? Perfect."

A sneaky little thrill bubbled up inside Little Milk Dragon.

It was like when class runs late, but then someone foolishly stays behind too—how perfect.

Instantly, a sense of companionship bloomed, making Eldest Brother suddenly not seem so bad.

Big Brother Prince had no idea what Little Milk Dragon was thinking, but right now, looking at his dear second brother, he felt even more annoyed than usual.

Not that he ever liked Little Milk Dragon much—always competing—but today, the irritation was worse!

Big Brother Prince: "Why's Second Brother giving me that look?!"

Just wait—he’d definitely outlast Second Brother!

To others, these two seemed like total try-hards, leaving no room for anyone else.

When try-hards go hard, they drag everyone else along—nobody gets off easy.

Third Prince, who preferred sitting through lectures and was mediocre at archery: "???"

Again?! Are Eldest Brother and the Crown Prince going completely overboard?

Fourth Prince, desperate to rush back and smother his dog with love, felt as if struck by lightning: "?!"

He needed to hurry back to pet Snowball! He hadn’t brushed its fur today—it must be waiting impatiently!

Eldest Brother and the Crown Prince couldn't pick a worse time. Today was not the day to push themselves—bad luck would follow.

But if Eldest Brother and the Crown Prince weren’t leaving, how could they, as younger brothers, just walk away?

If word got back to the Emperor, they'd look like total slackers.

They can't afford not to keep up, can they?

The Eldest Prince and Second Prince are both training extra. How can you younger princes sleep soundly at this age?

No backing down now!

The Third Prince was struggling through his horse stance. After riding and archery class, all he wanted was to rest, but who knew he’d have to stay for extra training?

And then his legs—they wouldn’t obey him! They were shaking! Shaking!!

The Fourth Prince had also pushed himself hard when he was younger, and even after ascending the throne, he became the hardworking "Fourth Prince Who Never Quits."

But now, he was slacking off with purpose.

Without another word, he dropped into stance and immediately zoned out, thinking about what little winter outfit to make for Snowball.

Looking at the scene, one would think all the princes were truly diligent and hardworking.

Then, Little Milk Dragon was first to bail from the battlefield.

He had been keeping track of the time, like a worker watching the clock—the moment the hour struck, he left immediately, not sticking around a second longer.

Staying even a moment longer felt like a loss!!

After all this, Little Milk Dragon was really struggling. All he wanted was to go back and collapse—his legs felt like jelly, so tired and sore.

But Little Milk Dragon was in a hurry and didn’t take his time.

If he went at his own pace, who knows how long that'd take? Even if he had to be supported by attendants, he wanted to finish and leave right away!

He wasn’t about to waste another second—

The Eldest Prince was suffering too. After all, holding a horse stance was exhausting—he wasn’t some iron man.

Seeing Little Milk Dragon leave first, stumbling and barely supported by palace attendants—

Eldest Prince: Tch.

The Eldest Prince’s calves were also trembling uncontrollably, but he gritted his teeth and held on.

He even started suspecting—was the Crown Prince deliberately provoking him into horse stance after riding and archery class just to see him humiliate himself?!

No showing weakness! Hold on!

Truthfully, seeing Little Milk Dragon leave also made the Eldest Prince low-key relieved.

Now, he just needed to hold on a little longer.

Little Milk Dragon: The Eldest Prince is really pushing himself, huh? But I’ve got to hurry—Honored Mother Consort's expecting me!

Little Milk Dragon was physically exhausted, but mentally, he still had about 60% left in the tank.

Only after confirming the Crown Prince had left and wouldn’t return did the Eldest Prince finally shakily get up.

His legs seemed to be shaking too—staggering, unsteady, trembling. A young eunuch hurried over to support him, afraid he might fall.

But the Eldest Prince raised a hand to stop him, bit out two words: "No need!" A firm refusal!

A future hero wouldn't fear something this small! And he'd never look this weak!

He’s got this!

Eunuch: This lowly one thinks you don’t seem quite up to it.

You’re shaking like a leaf—haven’t you noticed?

But compared to the Third Prince, whose legs are shaking like a leaf in a storm.

His steps are unsteady, as if walking on cotton, his face drenched in sweat, pale with white lips, looking like a student who just survived the dreaded middle-school mile run.

The eunuchs were so alarmed they rushed over to check on him.

Meanwhile, the Fourth Prince, who was only thinking about going back to cuddle his dog, was phoning it in the whole time—can you believe it?

The Fourth Prince—he was phoning it in.

His youth gave him an edge. In short, if he didn’t take the chance to phone it in now while he was still little, he’d never get the opportunity again.

His horse-stance was a total joke—just going through the motions, zoning out, lost in thought.

Daydreaming about how freaking cute his dog was?!

Speaking of keeping a dog, the Fourth Prince had initially tried to keep it under wraps, even concealing this fondness.

If his circumstances had remained as before.

But now, being raised under the Empress Dowager’s wing—a kind-natured woman who adored him—he wasn’t restricted much.

And for certain reasons, like being raised by the Empress Dowager, he had also indirectly given up some things.

There was no point being hard on him; instead, there was more pity for the Fourth Prince. So even if he wanted to keep a dog, it wasn’t a big deal—they humored him.

The Fourth Prince was a die-hard dog person. He had indeed kept one as a child and adored it, but due to later circumstances, he had to suppress this hobby for a time.

Now that his status had changed, he no longer needed to restrain himself.

And now, he didn’t have to hold back anymore.

After realizing the shift in his situation, while under the Empress Dowager’s wing, the Fourth Prince, with his emperor’s mindset, turned over his imperial father’s motives in his head and the current political changes.

Such changes clearly meant he couldn’t bank on his past memories as a guide.

This time, he wasn’t raised by Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia, nor was his birth mother, Consort De, able to bear any other children after him—she had only one child.

This directly led to Consort De’s attitude toward him being vastly different from what he remembered.

Before, it had been distant, cold, even tinged with a touch of batshit crazy. Now, it was as if she were clinging to her last lifeline—outwardly all sugary smiles and doting, yet her eyes occasionally mirrored the look she had when he ascended the throne.

The very thing he’d ached for now lay before him, but it felt faker than a three-dollar bill.

Since the Fourth Prince was raised by the Empress Dowager, Consort De couldn’t pull any stunts when visiting—she could only act like a concerned mother.

But her over-the-top sweetness compared to before was downright pathetic.

Having lived a lifetime, the Fourth Prince was no longer moved by Consort De’s ever-shifting attitudes.

This time, with no other children born to her, no clout in the harem, and no choice but to secure her position, Consort De had no option but to frantically latch onto her only son. Naturally, she was laying it on thick now.

The Fourth Prince wasn’t without expectations for his birth mother, Consort De. He certainly did have them. After Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia passed away due to illness and he returned to his birth mother’s side, he even envied his fourteenth brother. But later on, he no longer harbored any expectations for Consort De.

Moreover, the former Noble Consort Niohuru had now become the current Rong Noble Consort, enjoying exceptional favor—quite unlike what he remembered. If not for the same name, you’d think someone else had taken her place.

Everything now was so different from what he remembered.

Thus, the Fourth Prince reached a conclusion.

Now, he could follow his heart and keep dogs!

If cats were fine, why couldn’t dogs be?