Chapter 286

Chapter 286

The man, who had returned earlier than usual, was still wearing his travel attire.

This was another arena—a higher-stakes game of silent contention, yet one filled with shadowy power struggles and unseen undercurrents—he indirectly provided the first clear signal that could be interpreted as definitive.

On the surface, everything appeared calm and unnoticed, but in reality, many watchful eyes were closely monitoring the unfolding events.

Even Consort Ping struggled to contain her excitement.

The palace maid stationed ahead to keep watch had shouted the moment she spotted him, delivering the news.

This gave Consort Ping a moment to compose herself.

After all, the several possibilities she had envisioned were uncertain, highly susceptible to unforeseen changes influenced by other factors.

Having been burned before in such situations, Consort Ping no longer dared to be overly confident.

Yet, when things unfolded exactly as she had anticipated, she couldn’t help but feel thrilled!

Originally, she had planned to remain on her sickbed, keeping up her sickly act, waiting for Kangxi to arrive so he could see her lying ill.

Playing weak right at the outset would soften his mood, no matter what state he was in when he arrived.

But upon hearing the maid shout Kangxi’s approach, Consort Ping changed her mind and immediately hauled herself up with the support of her attendants.

She didn’t even need much powder to whiten her face—after all the recent turmoil, her current state of exhaustion required no makeup.

Leaning heavily on her maid, she moved slowly toward the entrance, preparing to greet him.

She made sure to appear as though she had dragged herself up from her sickbed to welcome him, ensuring her efforts wouldn’t go unnoticed.

Amidst a flurry of bows, Kangxi appeared with a measured pace.

Still wearing his travel attire, it was clear he had come straight to her without even changing into his usual robes.

Consort Ping’s expression shifted slightly, her eyes lighting up subtly at the sight of him. Unable to conceal her delight, she softly called out, “Your Majesty.” She then took an impulsive step forward, as if moved by joy.

Yet this hurried step seemed to sap her strength, causing her to sway slightly, her body appearing unsteady.

Her maid quickly steadied her, exclaiming nervously, “Your Highness, be careful!”

Only then did Consort Ping seem to collect herself. “This humble consort greets Your Majesty,” she said, performing a deep curtsy with a slight bow, preparing to complete the full ceremonial gesture.

Unlike her usual fluid movements, her actions now were slow and unsteady, as though she might collapse at any moment.

But she did not deliberately lose her balance and fall forward—into Kangxi’s arms.

That would have been far too obvious.

Instead, she maintained her unsteady stance while performing the ritual, deliberately slowing her movements while watching from the corner of her eye for Kangxi’s reaction, ready to adjust accordingly.

Yet no matter how slowly she moved, Kangxi did not step forward to assist her, nor did he excuse her from the formalities on account of her illness. He simply stood there, straight-backed and unmoving, watching her.

To an outsider, his reaction was completely normal, and no one would find it amiss.

The only one who felt something was wrong was Consort Ping herself.

Consort Ping: ?!

Consort Ping was almost frozen in awkwardness, just barely keeping her cool as she forced herself to complete the salute naturally. If anyone had noticed her discomfort, it would have been even more embarrassing!

Kangxi calmly raised his hand, signaling for her to rise, and then spoke: "Since you are still unwell, there is no need for such formalities."

Finally, some human decency from him.

Just a little late, as usual.

Consort Ping's expression softened slightly, putting on a show of being half-moved as she rose with the support of her maid. "Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. The imperial physician has just visited, and I am already feeling better."

As for Kangxi’s delayed concern, Consort Ping had a whole mental list of grievances.

Seriously, he couldn’t have said that sooner?!

And only exempting her from the salute after she had already finished it—if he’d stopped her mid-curtsy, she wouldn’t have felt so exasperated.

But at least he had come, so she had to be understanding. What did she expect, royal sensitivity? Consort Ping quickly convinced herself, her smile turning a fraction more genuine.

Attendants swiftly placed a wide chair behind Kangxi without waiting for Consort Ping’s order.

Kangxi sat down, clearly settling in for a chat.

Originally, Consort Ping, supported by her maid, had meant to retreat to her daybed. But with a slight turn, she realized that doing so would place her too far from Kangxi.

Not like they’d need to yell, but for the current situation, it was still too far—how were they supposed to talk like that? It wasn’t a formal meeting.

Yet asking Kangxi to move closer wasn’t happening.

Neither could Consort Ping just hover there like an idiot to speak with him. Not only might Kangxi find it odd, but she herself would feel foolish.

So she signaled for an embroidered stool to be brought and placed beside the emperor. Fortunately, the maid understood her silent cue, saving her from looking like a statue.

Truly, some palace staff were godsends—just a glance was enough for them to grasp her meaning, while others overthought things and made a mess!

She then ordered tea and refreshments, prompting the servants to scurry around. In truth, they would have prepared these anyway, but by giving the order herself, she made her look more dutiful.

"Had I known Your Majesty was coming, I would have instructed preparations earlier."

Consort Ping smiled as she accepted a perfectly damp cloth from a maid, intending to wipe Kangxi’s face. However, he took it first, wiping his hands with it instead. His tone was indifferent as he asked, "I heard you summoned the imperial physician again. What did he say?"

She had hoped to avoid his hands and wipe his face directly, but since he had taken it so deftly, she had to let it go.

Consort Ping glanced at a nearby maid, who promptly spoke up, "Your Majesty, the physician said Her Ladyship had a nervous shock and requires several days of quiet rest."

Then, as if unable to hold back, the maid added, "Her Ladyship had shown signs of improvement today, but upon learning that Xiu Jin had run her mouth and offended Imperial Noble Consort, she insisted on apologizing despite her condition. Yet—"

A beautifully placed dramatic pause.

"Quiet! Since when do you speak out of turn?" Consort Ping snapped with displeasure, as if annoyed by the maid’s indiscretion.

The maid fell silent at once, though her expression still betrayed a sense of injustice for her mistress—easily misinterpreted.

After reprimanding the maid, Consort Ping turned to explain to Kangxi, seizing the opening the maid had provided. This was all part of the routine—a well-rehearsed act.

But then Kangxi said, "Consort Ping, you ought to discipline your subordinates better." His expression betrayed no displeasure, his tone utterly matter-of-fact.

Yet his words caught Consort Ping off guard, choking back her prepared response.

She hadn’t expected Kangxi to say that—wasn’t this implying she lacked control over her servants, allowing them to act so improperly?

She had assumed that after reprimanding the maid, she could smoothly steer the conversation. Who knew Kangxi would take it so seriously?!

"Your Majesty is right," Consort Ping replied, her smile tightening a fraction.