Chapter 280

Chapter 280

It felt like reliving the frustration of never knowing what’s next.

Now, with a clear pattern, it was undoubtedly the addition of a human doorbell—whether first time or tenth, equally annoying to Su Yi.

The ever-persistent Liang Jiugong: "..."

Su Yi took a deep breath, gave the pillow two silent kicks, then picked it back up and smoothed out the surface.

After ensuring there were no tell-tale wrinkles, she gracefully got up and walked to the door as if nothing had happened.

"What *now*?" she asked through gritted teeth.

Pretending she had never left—or that she hadn’t just returned.

The knocking stopped.

Kangxi didn’t expose her. Instead, he said, "I’m not resting, and I don’t intend to let Her Majesty sleep too soundly either."

This was the classic “If I can’t sleep, neither can you”—sheer petty revenge that couldn’t be avoided.

As it turned out, Kangxi, who usually wouldn’t do such things, wasn’t entirely incapable of them.

His approach was openly shameless.

Being too subtle or beating around the bush simply didn’t work on Her Majesty.

Now, Su Yi was experiencing what it felt like to be outplayed at her own game.

After a moment of silence, Su Yi spoke again, "You’re really different now." Her tone was grave.

Before, no matter what, he at least pretended to maintain appearances, never one to be direct—preferring ways that required reading between the lines.

But now, it was as if a switch had been flipped, and he couldn’t stop.

"That’s life—people change," Kangxi replied calmly.

Just as the conversation seemed to veer toward solemn reflections on life’s unpredictability—

Kangxi abruptly shifted gears, "Otherwise, I’d be sleeping outside."

The mood instantly shattered.

She was already experiencing what it felt like to be hit with his straight talk—no escaping it.

It was reasonable to suspect this jerk was so persistent because he wanted to witness the results of her being subjected to that stinky ointment all night.

Su Yi: !

It hit her—she had already ripped it all off.

And even...

Her eyes darted to under the bed.

Like hell she’d crawl under there to retrieve it!

Even if she found it, she wouldn’t have the courage to smear it back on and keep up the charade.

The medicated patch, smeared with ointment and crumpled into a ball, couldn’t be salvaged even if unfolded again—it would only resemble a mess of scraps. Forget putting it on her face; she didn’t even want to retrieve it.

Su Yi decisively pushed the thought of that trash out of her mind. No way was she using that again.

Her nose finally felt alive again.

So now, the only option was…

"Would you still like to come in?" Su Yi asked gently, as if regaining her patience.

"Of course." A hint of amusement flashed in Kangxi's eyes.

Then, the door cracked open slightly—then stopped.

A crack still counted as open. Maybe this was her stubborn half-concession after being forced to relent.

Seeing this, Liang Jiugong stepped forward, but Kangxi had already raised his hand to the door.

"Your Majesty, perhaps it would be better to let this lowly one handle it." Liang Jiugong’s expression carried a hint of unease, though he dared not voice the rest.

If he went first, he might at least take the brunt for His Majesty if Noble Consort Rong confronted them directly.

Not to overstep, but given the things His Majesty had just said, it was hard to believe the Noble Consort hadn’t taken offense.

Things had gotten this far, and Liang Jiugong had expected her to say something more before opening the door—but she simply opened it.

Well, a crack still counted.

Yet it somehow felt… too easy.

He almost wondered—treasonously—if Noble Consort Rong was waiting for His Majesty to step inside before landing a surprise—

The Emperor’s frosty glare cut through Liang Jiugong’s musings, making him shudder. He quickly lowered his head, shoving the scary idea aside.

"Step back." Kangxi’s hand rested on the door, yet he made no move to push it further open.

Though his words seemed directed at Liang Jiugong, "Since the Noble Consort has already opened the door, even if she doesn’t welcome Us inside, surely she wouldn’t stay mad over a couple complaints and coldcock Us, would she?"

Liang Jiugong: *Your Majesty, do you also think the Noble Consort is capable of that?*

Otherwise, why would you and this lowly one share the same concern?

Also, "a couple complaints"? That was putting it mildly.

But of course, he couldn’t say that. He knew His Majesty’s words weren’t truly meant for him.

Liang Jiugong let out a shaky laugh. *"Your Majesty, you worry too much."* The Noble Consort would never do such a thing."

Even as he spoke, his voice wavered slightly. He couldn’t help but raise his volume—hoping the Noble Consort could hear.

Qinxin clenched her hands tightly, also feeling uncertain. She’s got *some* self-control… right?

Su Yi, still leaning by the door: *…*

If she coldcocked him as soon as he entered and handed him off to Liang Jiugong, he’d be out cold all night. Once unconscious, it wouldn’t matter where he lay.

A grudge? Please. She’d be over it in seconds.

Something settled immediately didn’t need to go on some scorekeeping list.

"I don't think the Consort is that kind of person either."

Oh, so you'd know that??

Su Yi expressionlessly flipped her sleeve and turned to leave. "Keep yapping out there and I'm closing the door."

Compared to the gentle inquiry earlier, she had now dropped the polite act.

It was very much like the attitude when the money wasn't right—utterly pragmatic.

Kangxi seized the moment to push the door open, only to see the Consort walking away without even looking back.

She obviously wasn't about to welcome Kangxi in properly.

But this somehow comforting sight made things easier.

Su Yi obviously needed to get back to bed first. Otherwise, if she stayed and faced him directly, Kangxi would see that she had already removed all the ointment.

Absolutely not.

That would waste the head start she had fought so hard to create.

The performance was winding down, and there was nothing interesting left to see. If she didn’t withdraw first, she’d be stuck with the cleanup.

Of course, she’d leave it to Kangxi.

There was no need to hesitate.

After all, if Kangxi hadn’t known in advance and intervened, that sly old physician wouldn’t have dared stir up trouble—something that would only make Consort Ping hate her more.

Su Yi started the play, and Kangxi should wrap it up. Wasn’t that only natural?

Still, she had hoped to have the entire bed to herself tonight.

Su Yi turned over, burying her face in the quilt, motionless. Her dark hair sprawled messily around her, radiating pure misery.

Kangxi had to push aside a section of her dark hair just to find space to lie down.

Otherwise, if he accidentally pulled her hair, the gloomy Consort would snap in an instant.

Finally getting comfortable, Kangxi had no intention of provoking her over such an avoidable mistake.

Normally, it wouldn’t matter, but tonight, it was best not to.

Su Yi couldn’t care less about dealing with him, worn out in every way.

It wasn’t that she wanted to sleep like this, but if she didn’t, she’d have trouble explaining why there was no trash under the bed while Kangxi was still awake.

Since she couldn’t knock him out, she’d just have to put up with this nonsense for now.

Just thinking about it wore her out more. When had she ever suffered like this? She was someone who usually slept face-up, never burying her head in the quilt!

Now, she had no choice but to sleep with her face pressed into the bedding. Seriously… she wished she had kicked the pillow a few more times.

Kangxi froze for a second: …?

He turned his head hesitantly, looking at the Consort, who had her back to him and seemed already asleep.

A question so simple it answered itself formed in his mind—whose pillow was she gonna kick?