Chapter 263

Chapter 263

By all logic, the news should have already been known—Consort Ping's people had returned to report seeing the imperial physicians heading over.

They were just waiting for the Emperor to return.

Yet there was no fluctuation at all. While it should have been a good sign that his favor hadn’t dropped, it also hadn’t risen, remaining unchanged. For a moment, Consort Ping found it difficult to read his response.

He must have known—how could there be no reaction at all?

If it had dropped, it would mean Consort Ping needed to change tactics immediately. If it had risen, it would have been an excellent signal, indicating she could continue as planned.

This was also Consort Ping’s way of preventing herself from becoming one of those fools blinded by imperial favor.

She needed to constantly adjust her game, and his favor was one of the key metrics, allowing her to adapt at any moment.

When she couldn’t see him in person, this metric became even more crucial. After all, without direct interaction, she could only rely on events related to herself to gauge his reaction, observing how he responded to better plan her next move.

Truthfully, Consort Ping’s frequent checking of the favor meter showed her nerves, but she couldn’t let it appear in front of Consort Yi. The moment she revealed any uncertainty, it would be difficult to maintain her upper hand over Consort Yi.

At this point, rather than saying Consort Ping was "generously" providing Consort Yi with an opportunity, it was more accurate to say she was using this as proof—not only could she pull Consort Yi out of her previous predicament, but she was also more capable than her. Only by working together could they defeat their common enemy.

Consort Yi had failed to do so before, but with Consort Ping’s alliance, what once seemed impossible would no longer be out of reach.

Sending medicine was merely the first step in Consort Ping’s plan to win Consort Yi over. Though it was a crucial step, it alone wouldn’t be enough to make Consort Yi fall in line. Of course, other methods would be needed to ensure Consort Yi truly played along with their cooperative relationship.

Consort Ping did feel some regret due to her character setup. Though she had initially fallen into the trap of comparison, a comparison required a reference point to be meaningful.

Without that reference, there would be no basis for comparison, and thus no contrast to be made. And for that very reason, Consort Ping was dead set on removing that reference point.

Since it would be removed sooner or later, what did the initial comparison matter? The only pity was that Consort Ping hadn’t made the choice earlier—now, she felt a flicker of regret.

But only a flicker.

——

Noble Lady Qing’s voice was remarkably lovely, especially when she recited the contents of the storybook. She didn’t just drone on but adjusted her tone according to the characters’ emotions.

And just as she had promised, she altered the plot.

Compared to the first half that Su Yi had already read, it was different—like in a game, where the characters’ reactions would shift based on the player’s dialogue choices and actions, leading to entirely different storylines.

From Noble Lady Qing’s slightly hoarse voice after speaking for so long, it was clear her adaptations were fine-tuned to her audience, keeping them engaged with only the tiniest cues.

It was truly fascinating.

This side of her.

Yet no matter how sweet a voice was, prolonged speaking would inevitably lead to some hoarseness.

Though Noble Lady Qing gave no indication of thirst or the need to drink water, ignoring the discomfort in her throat as she continued.

During a brief pause, a thoughtful voice came from behind the screen, "Let’s stop here for today. If we continue, your voice won’t hold up." The words sounded considerate.

But the next sentence was, "Because your voice isn’t as pleasant as it was at the beginning."

This undermined the previous concern, as if the speaker had no issue listening further, but the listener found it downright grating.

To keep listening under such conditions felt almost like a cruel taskmaster forcing a fair maiden to keep working through her discomfort.

Oh dear, this won’t do.

"Even the tiniest scratch would break my heart." Su Yi's tone was exceedingly gentle, making up for her earlier bluntness, unaffected even by the screen between them.

It came out so smoothly—like a true smooth-talker.

Distance and a screen couldn’t stop it—just delayed the inevitable.

Qinxin, who’d let her guard down too soon, thinking Her Highness wouldn’t slip back into old habits: “…”

Still spoke too soon.

Noble Lady Qing smiled faintly, pressing her lips together upon hearing this. Then she stopped, closed the storybook, and handed it back to a nearby palace maid. "Thank you for your kindness, Sister Consort."

She didn’t insist on continuing or offer polite words like "It’s no trouble at all" or "It’s my honor to read for Sister Consort," after a polite back-and-forth, she relented.

Clearly, she knew how to handle different people.

At this moment, Qinxin served the tea, its temperature just right—evidently monitored and refreshed continuously, waiting for the perfect moment to serve.

Noble Lady Qing picked up the teacup from the tray. Her maid looked like she wanted to speak but held back.

She took a few sips, drinking about half the cup. Though clearly thirsty, she drank with restraint.

As for the tea served here, she showed no concern that Su Yi might’ve laced it, appearing completely unconcerned.

Noble Lady Qing was the one drinking, yet she seemed far more at ease than her nervous maid, making up for her maid’s earlier misstep.

Just as Noble Lady Qing was about to replace the lid after drinking half the tea, footsteps approached—not the usual soft steps of servants.

Then—*clink*—the teacup lid hit the saucer, louder than usual, when normally it would have been placed back silently.

The servants hurriedly bowed in unison.

Noble Lady Qing stood, teacup in hand, and stepped back slightly. Without fuss, she turned and curtsied. "This humble concubine greets Your Majesty. May the Emperor live ten thousand years."

Her head remained slightly lowered, not raised. Today, as always, Noble Lady Qing was dressed in her usual style—suited to her, not flashy, but quietly elegant.

Liang Jiugong swiftly whispered a reminder to His Majesty, "Your Majesty, it’s Noble Lady Qing."

A quick recognition.

Kangxi didn’t pause deliberately upon hearing this, instead walking past the screen.

"Why the silence now that I’ve arrived? I could hear the Consort speaking even before entering." Kangxi walked over with his hands behind his back and took a seat nearby, his tone casual.

She hadn’t been caught in the act, but enough had been heard.

Su Yi replied calmly, "Mm, Noble Lady Qing’s voice was a bit hoarse, so I just had her rest and drink some water." A perfectly reasonable excuse.

Kangxi reached out and took Su Yi’s hand, which rested on the quilt. "It seems the Consort and Noble Lady Qing get along quite well. The Consort seems much happier these past few days."

He sounded pleased.

Su Yi, sensing sarcasm: *Tch. Does he always talk like this?*

Su Yi smiled and nodded, picking up the round fan placed nearby. She twirled it in front of Kangxi, holding the fan demurely before her face, revealing only a pair of affectionate eyes.

"Indeed, it's been quite pleasant. Not only did she read stories for me, but she also brought a handmade gift. It truly lifted my spirits during my illness." If one ignored the fan's surface, the scene would evoke the poetic charm of "peeking coyly from behind the fan."

However, on the fan's surface was a familiar chubby cat, embroidered with such skill that it appeared lifelike, capturing its essence perfectly.

Kangxi, who had hoped to avoid the sight of the chubby cat for a while: *speechless.*

He glanced toward the screen, as if just remembering someone else was present. "How thoughtful of you. You may rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Noble Lady Qing, who had stayed quiet until now, finally stood with the help of her personal maid.

Most concubines would’ve been thrilled—being noticed by the Emperor, especially for those who rarely saw him.

But once steady on her feet, Noble Lady Qing said, "Pleasing Sister Imperial Noble Consort is its own reward."

Su Yi burst into laughter, visibly pleased. Who could resist such sweet words from a pretty young thing? It was hard not to enjoy them.

There was only one reason to dislike a flirtatious act—when it wasn't directed at oneself.

If it was, even knowing the flattery, one couldn’t help but be charmed.

Still smiling, Su Yi spoke with a gentle warmth, "Your voice has grown even more melodious."

A playful jab—complimenting her voice and her words.

In this room, Kangxi might as well have been furniture.

Kangxi: "Hello? I’m *right here.*"

"The Imperial Noble Consort has only just recovered. After a day of listening, she must be tired. Don’t overexert yourself," Kangxi said mildly, though his expression remained impassive, which made it oddly unconvincing.

Noble Lady Qing then spoke up. "Your Majesty is right. The hour is late, and I’ve overstayed my welcome. With your permission, I shall take my leave." She took the initiative to depart.

As Qinxin escorted Noble Lady Qing out, she handed her a prearranged return gift.

Since Noble Lady Qing had gone to such lengths—thoughtful gifts and devoted company—it was only proper to return the courtesy.

Qinxin managed these matters, ensuring the return gifts were appropriate and unlikely to cause offense.

Noble Lady Qing glanced at the gift, accepted it with a polite nod, and thanked Qinxin warmly before departing on her maid's arm.

On her way back, Noble Lady Qing encountered other concubines returning from gatherings with Consort Xian and Consort Hui.

Seeing Noble Lady Qing also returning from elsewhere, her maid carrying something concealed under silk cloth, the shape beneath gave nothing away—but her path betrayed her.

So that was where Noble Lady Qing had disappeared to—*snubbing* Consorts Xian and Hui, no less!

"Has Noble Lady Qing just come from the Imperial Noble Consort's palace?" someone asked, feigning innocence.

Eyeing the maid holding the tray, one concubine pressed closer, knowing the maids wouldn’t stop her. "What *precious* gifts did she bestow?"

Since entering the palace, Noble Lady Qing had kept a low profile, never waving her ties to the Imperial Noble Consort like a banner.

On the contrary, she moved through the palace with quiet grace, known for her kindness and courtesy, never so much as a cross word to anyone, showing her claws.

"Lady Li, the item is fragile. If it gets damaged from any bumps or knocks, I fear I would fail to live up to Lady Consort’s kind intentions," Consort Qing said with a lack of enthusiasm, though she made no move to stop the other’s actions, her words were clear enough.

If Lady Li were to ‘accidentally’ damage the item, the consequences could be unpredictable.

Moreover, apart from Consort Qing and her people, it was hard to guess what the item might be just by the silk covering. If one were to carefully lift it, there should be no problem.

But if something went wrong in the process, whether Lady Li could bear the responsibility for such an accident would be questionable.

Upon hearing this, Lady Li’s hand froze mid-air. Her smile faltered for a moment before quickly widening to feign nothing had happened.

However, the exaggerated smile only made her look somewhat unnatural.

"Since that's the case, we should be more cautious. The Empress Consort’s favor should be carefully kept by Consort Qing."

Lady Li turned and spoke to Consort Qing as if nothing had happened, her face showing a well-meaning reminder.

Though she did not intend to press the matter further, her words still carried a hint of sarcasm.

"There’s no need for Lady Li to kindly remind me of that," Consort Qing replied, her tone remaining indifferent. She then led her entourage past Lady Li and her group, leaving without further ado.

Apart from the brief nod they exchanged earlier, she showed no intention of engaging in further pleasantries.

Her composed demeanor, within the bounds of propriety, also conveyed a clear message that she did not take them seriously.

As for Lady Li and the others, only Lady Li had spoken more than necessary; the rest were mere onlookers. Seeing Lady Li’s embarrassment and Consort Qing’s departure, they too found an excuse to leave, pretending nothing had happened.

They didn’t want to stay and risk making Lady Li feel uncomfortable, thinking they were laughing at her misfortune.

Prudence and self-preservation were deeply ingrained in their behavior.

Though they all hold the rank of Noble Lady, Qing Noble Lady and Li Noble Lady—and even the others—are not the same. The same rank, but with Imperial Noble Consort Tongjia’s influence, changes everything.

That’s what sets them apart.

Before Qing Noble Lady returned, Liu Noble Lady, who lived nearby, had already come back but was not sitting indoors. Instead, she was strolling outside, occasionally glancing toward the path Qing Noble Lady would take on her return.

When she saw Qing Noble Lady appear from that direction, Liu Noble Lady feigned surprise. "Qing Noble Lady, you're back! I was just cooped up inside and couldn’t stay still, so I came out for a walk. Where have you just returned from?"

She stepped closer, pretending familiarity.

Another one digging for information.

After all, Qing Noble Lady's absence had made Consort Xian furious. If not for Consort Hui speaking up on their behalf, they might have borne Consort Xian’s wrath, forced to swallow their anger silently.

Qing Noble Lady, even if she disregarded Consort Xian’s dignity, did not need to fear her too much—with her powerful backing, how could they compare? Same title, worlds apart.

Though Liu Noble Lady spoke warmly, pretending familiarity, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy.

Qing Noble Lady, pretending not to notice the tension, replied as usual,

"I just returned from Imperial Noble Consort’s place. On the way, she showed me great kindness, and I am deeply grateful. Since Imperial Noble Consort has fallen ill, it was only natural for me to visit her." This was a solid excuse for her visit.

Someone was bound to find out eventually, and Qing Noble Lady had long prepared her explanation.

Upon hearing this, Liu Noble Lady gave an awkward smile. Though she had vaguely guessed Qing Noble Lady had gone to Imperial Noble Consort’s residence,

Rong Noble Consort’s illness from acclimatization had persisted for days, yet none had taken the initiative to visit. Now that Qing Noble Lady had gone first, it exposed their willful ignorance.

If no one had gone—neither you nor I, nor even the Four Imperial Consorts like Consort Xian or Consort Hui—then it would have remained unspoken.

What business did they have going there? It was unlikely they’d earn any favor from Imperial Noble Consort Rong. Wasn't it said that she had developed a rash all over her face? If anyone went and made her think they were there to mock her, wouldn’t that risk offending her?

And then they’d definitely end up making a poor impression on Consort Xian and Consort Hui as well—how presumptuous to bypass the Four Imperial Consorts to curry favor?

That would mean coming up short on both ends.

So they all silently agreed not to "disturb" Imperial Noble Consort Rong while she recuperated. If no one went, it would seem much more reasonable.

But now that Noble Lady Qing had visited Imperial Noble Consort Rong, hadn’t she broken the unspoken agreement they’d all been maintaining?

Noble Lady Liu also noticed the tray carried by Noble Lady Qing’s maid—perhaps it was even a gift from Imperial Noble Consort Rong. It seemed Noble Lady Qing’s visit hadn’t been met with rejection or any subtle resistance.

"Oh, I see. How is Imperial Noble Consort Rong faring? It’s been several days, and we’ve all been so worried. We weren’t quite sure… Noble Lady Qing, what made you decide to visit her today? If you had told me, perhaps we could have gone together."

Noble Lady Liu spoke awkwardly, masking her unease with false cheerfulness.

Truthfully, even if she had known Noble Lady Qing was visiting Imperial Noble Consort Rong today, Noble Lady Liu probably wouldn’t have gone. It was a losing proposition—not only might it bring no benefit, but it could also earn Consort Xian’s resentment for skipping her gathering.

Even if Noble Lady Qing had gone with her, in the end, Consort Xian would likely take her anger out on Noble Lady Liu, while Noble Lady Qing would walk away untouched.

But now, they could no longer play dumb.

If only Noble Lady Qing hadn’t rocked the boat…

Noble Lady Liu seethed with emotion, and a flash of resentment showed in her eyes.

Noble Lady Qing, as if oblivious to having offended anyone, smiled as usual. "I was worried that visiting earlier might trouble Imperial Noble Consort Rong, so I delayed until today. Fortunately, she is understanding and kind, and did not hold it against me."

"Considering her health has only just improved, I thought too many visitors might disturb her peace, so I went alone."

That was the explanation, but in truth, she knew Noble Lady Liu had been expected at Consort Xian’s gathering. Even if Consort Xian hadn’t deliberately summoned everyone today, Noble Lady Qing would still have visited alone.

Bringing extra people along would have been too complicated—unnecessary people would only get in the way.

Imperial Noble Consort Rong would never have let them stay long; she might even have turned them away altogether.

"It’s wonderful news that Imperial Noble Consort Rong is recovering," Noble Lady Liu said insincerely.

If she could receive Noble Lady Qing, then she must indeed be doing better.

How convenient.

Having said what she needed to, Noble Lady Qing had no intention of lingering in small talk with Noble Lady Liu. After a few more words, she excused herself, saying, "I’m rather tired and would like to rest. Noble Lady Liu, please enjoy your walk."

Having learned what she needed, Noble Lady Liu had no need to keep her. "Take care, Noble Lady Qing," she replied.

Noble Lady Qing had hardly left when Noble Lady Liu, who had claimed to be out walking because she was bored indoors, turned and headed back inside—losing all interest in her walk.

It was perfect timing.

Clearly, her purpose had been specific—if not to intercept Noble Lady Qing, why else would she have been "taking a walk" outside?

Once back in her quarters, Noble Lady Liu seemed fidgety, deep in thought. Eventually, she finally instructed her attendants to prepare something.

Noble Lady Qing’s return journey had been delayed multiple times. What should have been a short trip had taken much longer than expected.

Before the sun dipped below the horizon, its warm glow bathed her delicate features, yet she maintained an air of detachment.

Her maid, who had held her tongue the entire way back, finally spoke up when she saw her mistress gazing at the setting sun by the window.

"My lady, you finally managed to see the Emperor when visiting the Imperial Noble Consort today. Why did you leave so soon without staying longer? Then we wouldn’t have encountered other noble ladies on our way back."

Then she added, "That round fan took so much effort from you—so many were discarded before achieving a few presentable ones." Her tone brimmed with sympathy for her mistress.

It was difficult enough just to remain at the Imperial Noble Consort’s place, and her voice had even gone hoarse from storytelling. Yet as soon as the Emperor arrived, her mistress had to leave, exchanging barely a few words with him!

The Rong Noble Consort made no effort to detain her, merely sending someone to escort her out and giving her some gifts.

But how could those gifts compare to the thoughtful presents her mistress had prepared?

On the way back, the other noble ladies’ attitudes were noticeably cool, as if they resented her for visiting the Imperial Noble Consort.

Had the Imperial Noble Consort been present in the palace instead of the summer retreat, would these people dare to look down on her mistress like this?

The situation was most vexing—it shouldn’t be like this.

"You’ve spoken too much today." Noble Lady Qing’s tone wasn’t harsh, but her expression was indifferent.

The maid, who had just been venting grievances for her mistress, paled and knelt, lowering her head meekly. "This lowly servant overstepped. Please punish me."

Though she regretted her momentary outburst, she didn’t think she was wrong and couldn’t suppress a sense of injustice.

Noble Lady Qing glanced at the maid’s twin buns, her eyes darkening briefly. A shadow passed across her delicate face, but it vanished quickly, replaced by her usual calm demeanor. She reached out and helped the kneeling maid up.

"Why would I think to punish you? You were only thinking of me. But even outside the palace, we must exercise caution in all things." Noble Lady Qing spoke patiently.

With such gentle reassurance, the maid's wounded pride melted away by the time she was dismissed to attend to other tasks. Noble Lady Qing had skillfully soothed her.

The budding resentment that could have festered was thus resolved by Noble Lady Qing.

When it came to managing her attendants, she was always mindful of such things.

Yet for those who talked too much, a gentle reprimand alone might not be a good thing.

Because they would inevitably repeat their transgressions, emboldened by the belief that a few words of scolding carried no real consequences.

Noble Lady Qing’s lips curled slightly in a smile tinged with mockery.

But soon, that mocking expression disappeared, and her habitual serenity returned.

Today was far from without its gains.

In Noble Lady Qing’s eyes, it had been even more fruitful than her previous visit to the Rong Noble Consort under her sister’s guidance.

As for meeting the Emperor—she truly hadn’t been too surprised.

Because it had been precisely as she had anticipated all along. The Emperor’s appearance wasn’t what gave her pause; what did was the way he interacted with the Rong Noble Consort.

That was what Noble Lady Qing had wanted to witness for herself, not just hear about secondhand.