Chapter 257

Chapter 257

At this moment, a water-colored butterfly fluttered in from outside, and with each flap of its wings, specks of light scattered as if it were sprinkling fine, glittering dust.

Despite the scene appearing dreamlike, none of the palace attendants waiting outside seemed to notice it.

They allowed the water-colored butterfly to fly straight in without any hindrance, passing through as if there were no barriers at all.

It flapped its wings and flew directly to Su Yi’s side, colliding with her without the slightest pause.

Instead of being knocked down, it simply dissipated, the specks of light vanishing along with it, as if it had never appeared.

Su Yi’s expression remained calm, her lowered gaze concealing her true feelings. After a moment, she let out a very soft laugh, its meaning unclear.

—

“How is the Consort?” Kangxi asked, his fingers pressing lightly on his temples, eyes closed to ease his fatigue.

His voice was low and slightly hoarse.

Kangxi still wore his red silk dragon robe, clearly having just returned not long ago.

“The imperial physician has reported that Her Majesty is feeling better and can eat now. Apart from meals and applying medicine, she does not call anyone to attend her, but Miss Qin Xin has been with her all along,” Liang Jiugong replied beside him, knowing the Emperor would ask.

Sigh, it’s not just that she doesn’t like to call people to attend her.

Her Majesty is a beauty-conscious person; this rash from the change in climate has spread not only on her body but also on her face. How could she possibly be happy? Her mood is inevitably somewhat depressed.

She just wanted to be alone, not even willing to see the Emperor.

Though the Consort neither cried nor made a scene, appearing relatively 'calm,' this silent demeanor felt even more oppressive than if she had openly had an outburst.

Kangxi listened without comment. After a while, the slight frown between his brows remained unsmoothed by his fingers, only to be replaced with his knuckles resting there as if he were closing his eyes to rest.

After another pause, Kangxi finally spoke, "Have my robes prepared."

—

This time, Consort Ping took the initiative to seek out Consort Yi, with whom she had long-standing tensions that were nearly public knowledge.

Once she made up her mind, Consort Ping acted swiftly, bringing something the other party absolutely couldn’t refuse.

Still, it stung to part with it.

But considering the potential rewards, this upfront cost was worth making.

In the end, as long as it achieved her desired outcome, it would pay off in the end.

Besides, Consort Ping always had a backup plan.

True to form, Consort Yi was anything but thrilled to see Consort Ping. Had Consort Ping not arrived without notice at her doorstep, forcing her to receive her out of propriety, Consort Yi would have likely found an excuse to decline any invitation.

Even now, though she maintained a thin veneer of politeness, her impatience was evident—her expression made no secret of her displeasure.

If Consort Ping could take a hint, she wouldn’t have come here unwanted.

Consort Yi didn’t feel there was any need for meaningful conversation between her and the other party.

It was clear she had already concluded that Consort Ping’s visit was nothing but a fox offering greetings to a chicken—up to no good.

Consort Ping wasn’t particularly surprised by Consort Yi giving her the cold shoulder. Before coming, she had anticipated that the other’s initial reception might be less than friendly.

But for the sake of her purpose, Consort Ping could certainly endure it.

Behind a polite facade, Consort Ping first exchanged pleasantries with Consort Yi. Though her demeanor was not overly warm, she wore all smiles, looking perfectly amiable.

She truly seemed to have come with the intention of playing nice with Consort Yi.

Consort Yi, however, remained entirely unmoved, her attitude cold and aloof.

With a somewhat absentminded air, Consort Yi absentmindedly skimmed the tea foam on the surface of her cup, the lid tapping lightly against the rim.

It was as if she was waiting for Consort Ping to show her hand first and reveal the true purpose of her visit.

Yet Consort Ping appeared exceptionally composed. Even though she was clearly being slighted by Consort Yi, she remained perfectly calm.

However, the way Consort Ping looked at Consort Yi carried a knowing glimmer—as if she already knew something with smug certainty.

That air of unshakable confidence, tied directly to Consort Yi, was why Consort Ping regarded her so.

It only made Consort Yi even more uncomfortable. She narrowed her lovely eyes—what was that look in Consort Ping’s eyes?

“If Sister Consort Ping has something to say, you might as well speak directly. No need to beat around the bush here. Even if you don’t find it tiresome, I’m growing rather weary of it.”

Consort Yi’s tone carried barely concealed irritation.

Such blunt words should have been a slap in the face, yet Consort Ping’s smile only deepened. Clearly, Consort Yi was the first to show her hand—the more easily the other grew restless, the more advantageous it was for her.

Unhurried, she replied, “I hadn’t realized Sister Consort Yi was so impatient. It’s just that I’ve never had the chance to speak with you like this before. In my delight, I may have rambled a bit without proper consideration—my apologies.”

This was a backhanded remark at Consort Yi’s lack of patience.

Consort Yi knew at once these were anything but sincere words. Though the other claimed fault, it was nothing more than a polite dig.

With a faint, mocking smile, Consort Yi replied, “How could I compare to Sister Consort Ping? So understanding, so patient, and ever so considerate of others. I simply don’t possess such a gentle temperament as yours.”

As she finished, she lifted a handkerchief to her lips and laughed softly.

Her words carried subtle reminders of Consort Ping’s past fumbles that made her the palace joke.

Though Consort Ping had pretended indifference in public, she was not truly above hearing the whispers.

Bringing it up now was undoubtedly meant to get under her skin.

Sure enough, Consort Ping’s face tightened briefly as she caught the derision in Consort Yi’s words.

She thought to herself—Consort Yi’s tongue was still razor-sharp.

Consort Yi remained glowing as always, at the peak of her youth and beauty. Unlike the green newcomers, she had shed all traces of immaturity, now in full bloom. Every glance and smile was captivating, putting Consort Ping to shame.

Even as her words carried mockery, there was none of the usual cattiness—only a vivid charm. Despite her lack of courtesy, it only made her more striking.

Though this was not Consort Ping’s first time seeing Consort Yi, such close proximity today truly highlighted the other’s breathtaking beauty. Unavoidably, a pang of insecurity stirred within her.

Men are such visually-driven creatures.

If it weren’t for men having such an obvious weakness, Consort Ping wouldn’t have considered allying with Consort Yi. Instead, after dealing with Rong Noble Consort, her next target would most likely have been Consort Yi.

The others weren’t even worth her concern. Even Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia didn’t unsettle her like the others.

While others benefited from Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia’s favor, it was precisely her identity that made Consort Ping feel completely at ease.

Even if she became pregnant, there was no guarantee the child would be born—and even if born, survival wasn’t certain. Early death was all too likely.

Back then, they prized intermarriage to tighten bonds, oblivious to the hidden dangers. They would simply blame fate or poor health, believing the child too frail.

No matter how things played out, these realities remained unaltered. Otherwise, the future Yongzheng Emperor wouldn’t have been raised by Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia in his childhood—all because of the difficulty in securing heirs.

Now, the Fourth Prince was being raised under the Empress Dowager’s care, and Imperial Noble Consort had failed to adopt a prince. Her only hope was her younger sister, Noble Lady Qing, entering the palace to assist. Unbeknownst to her, this ‘solution’ was doomed from the start.

But none of this compared to Consort Ping’s primary goal—eliminating Rong Noble Consort first.

Thus, her slight sense of threat toward Consort Yi paled in comparison to her wariness of Rong Noble Consort.

Mention of that thorn in her side prompted Consort Ping to stop beating around the bush with Consort Yi. "You flatter me, elder sister. I wouldn’t dare," she replied. "Today, I only came to share some heartfelt words with you."

She trailed off, eyeing Consort Yi’s attendants pointedly.

The implication was clear—she wanted Consort Yi to dismiss her attendants. Only then could they share *real* ‘heartfelt words.’

But if Consort Ping said that, it wouldn't be like Consort Yi to comply so easily.

Consort Yi pretended not to understand Consort Ping’s intention to dismiss the attendants before continuing the conversation. She idly toyed with her intricately carved, gem-inlaid nail guards, her crimson-polished nails catching the light as she spoke with feigned indifference.

“What could you possibly have to say that needs to be private, dear sister? Everyone here knows how to keep their mouth shut—even if they overhear something, they would never dare gossip outside.”

It was clear that Consort Yi saw no need for a private discussion with Consort Ping. She was determined to deny her the satisfaction, deliberately defying Consort Ping’s wishes.

Otherwise, wouldn’t it seem as though she had to follow Consort Ping’s lead?

Hearing Consort Yi’s ever-contrary attitude, always intent on making others uncomfortable, even the usually patient Consort Ping couldn’t suppress a spark of irritation. Yet her smile deepened, as if unbothered by Consort Yi’s uncooperativeness.

“Since Sister Consort Yi speaks so highly of her attendants, naturally, this younger sister trusts your judgment as well.” Consort Ping smiled faintly, pressing her lips together.

Her eyes casually swept the room as if admiring the furnishings, her tone laced with praise. “Even with such short notice to settle into the temporary palace, Sister Consort Yi has arranged everything so exquisitely. Even the dressing table appears exquisitely crafted and splendid.”

Consort Yi, hearing the sudden shift in topic, replied dismissively, “It’s barely adequate. No need for such flattery, dear sister.” Her haughty tone carried an implicit jab—as if Consort Ping had never seen anything of true refinement.

“If even this ‘barely adequate’ dressing table is made of such fine materials, then the one you usually use in the palace must be extraordinary indeed. If given the chance, this younger sister would love to see it.” Consort Ping pretended great interest, her expression one of genuine curiosity.

Yet something about this line of conversation unsettled Consort Yi. As Consort Ping persistently circled back to the dressing table, a raw nerve had been touched—her eyes darkened slightly.

“It’s just a dressing table. Surely, if Sister Consort Ping desires one, you could have any lavish or exquisite piece made to your liking. There’s no need to covet what’s in my palace.”

Unlike her earlier careless tone, Consort Yi’s voice now shifted from casual arrogance to clear displeasure.

“This younger sister would never dare covet the ‘fine things’ in Sister Consort Yi’s palace.” Consort Ping lingered on the words “fine things,” as if hinting at something unspoken.

Some things didn't need to be said outright—just the right words to hit where it hurt.

Because she had always been nursing a grudge and lingering resentment, just a few key words were enough to quickly make the other party recall the very thing they least wanted others to know.

Even if she wasn’t entirely certain, she would still suspect whether someone had guessed something.

Consort Yi was now in such a situation, so it was her turn to turn slightly pale. Her previously relaxed posture stiffened slightly. A pang of unease shot through her, and she couldn’t help but start reading into the hidden meaning behind Consort Ping’s words.

Yet Consort Ping’s smile remained unchanged, as if she were merely making small talk.

As if she hadn’t noticed Consort Yi’s tension at all.

Since she had already figured out the other’s weak spots, Consort Ping naturally remained cool as a cucumber in front of Consort Yi.

The one who should be nervous wasn’t her—it was Consort Yi.

Even though Consort Ping had been the one to seek her out first, appearing to have the weaker hand at first, in truth, no matter what, Consort Ping had always held the upper hand.

Consort Yi glanced at her head maid beside her, who, understanding the unspoken cue, began dismissing the other attendants. Even the maids Consort Ping had brought along cooperatively withdrew as well.

Now, all irrelevant people had been dismissed, leaving only Consort Yi and Consort Ping in the room.

Consort Ping had long anticipated this outcome. Sooner or later, the other would dismiss the attendants. Despite Consort Yi’s earlier high-and-mighty words to cut her off, the moment it involved her own dirty laundry, she would obediently send everyone away.

Once only Consort Ping and Consort Yi remained, Consort Yi’s expression turned even stormier, as if she had only been keeping up appearances in front of the attendants earlier.

Now that only Consort Ping was left, and given the unpleasant remarks she had been making—whether intentional or not—Consort Yi was plainly pissed off. She no longer even bothered to maintain appearances.

The thought that she might be getting played chipped away at Consort Yi’s patience.

"The matter that has been eating at you, elder sister—I have a way to resolve it for you."

Hearing this, Consort Yi’s expression didn’t improve. If anything, it grew even more unpleasant. When she spoke again, her tone was stiff. "What kind of nonsense is this? What could possibly trouble me? I don’t know where you heard such things."

Of course, Consort Yi wouldn’t immediately spill her guts just because Consort Ping spoke vaguely. For all she knew, the other might be referring to something else entirely.

"Younger sister must still be exhausted from the road, to the point of spouting this drivel in front of me."

Consort Yi’s implication was that Consort Ping was talking out of her head, having the nerve to pull this stunt in her presence.

Naturally, Consort Ping knew that even if Consort Yi harbored suspicions, she wouldn’t just spill her guts.

"Why so worked up?" Consort Ping unhurriedly drew out a small blue porcelain bottle from her sleeve.

Outside, the attendants only heard what sounded like something being thrown inside. Unsure whether something unpleasant had occurred, Consort Yi’s head maid grew nervous and stepped forward to inquire at the door, "Your Highness?"

Her hand was already on the door, ready to enter at Consort Yi’s command.

But instead, Consort Yi said, "Step back. I just dropped a teacup."

"Yes, Your Highness." Hearing this, the maid backed off.

She had no idea what Her Highness and Consort Ping were discussing inside, but it was likely something she shouldn’t overhear. To avoid hearing anything improper, the maid stepped further away.

Only after a long while did Consort Yi summon someone to clean up.

By then, Her Highness and Consort Ping appeared to be chatting away like old friends, as if no argument had ever taken place.

In fact, their interaction now seemed downright chummy compared to when Consort Ping had first arrived.

When Consort Ping prepared to leave, Consort Yi even smiled and walked her out herself, clearly intending to personally see her off.

The sudden change in their demeanor caught the palace staff off guard.

Consort Ping and Consort Yi were chatting and laughing like old friends, as if their past grudges had melted away. Their old tensions seemed to disappear, and they’d grown much closer during this shared journey.

Such a transformation was naturally impossible to overlook.

How could anyone miss it? Both Consort Yi and Consort Ping held the rank of Consort, and their past interactions had been plain for all to see. While Consort Ping appeared largely unchanged, Consort Yi’s demeanor had shifted dramatically.

Previously, Consort Yi had been anything but amiable toward Consort Ping, often even confrontational.

Though Consort Ping had not been as overtly hostile as Consort Yi, she’d always hidden needles in her silk—smiling on the surface but concealing daggers within. She had never allowed herself to be entirely suppressed by Consort Yi’s domineering attitude.

Consort Hui and Consort Xian had stood by, watching their feud with cool indifference, but now the two seemed to have reconciled like they’d buried the hatchet.

For someone as fiery as Consort Yi to change like this was truly astonishing.

In the past, Consort Yi had always looked down on Consort Ping the most.

However, this newfound harmony between Consort Yi and Consort Ping was the last thing Consort Hui and the others wanted.