Chapter 293

Chapter 293

Though Consort Ping and Consort Yi were adept at controlling their expressions, those who thrived in the imperial harem—even those who typically stayed unnoticed or blended into the background—were all keen-eyed and skilled at reading the room.

No flicker of expression went unnoticed if one paid close attention.

With so many eyes watching, perfection was impossible.

Moreover, rumors swirled that Consort Ping and Consort Yi were joining forces. To the observant, these interactions were anything but trivial. Consort Yi, of course, was infamous for her sharp tongue. Though she’d reined it in lately, she had never spared Consort Ping any kindness before.

Rumors suggested that the two might be aligning themselves on the same side.

Now, their reactions only confirmed those suspicions.

Consort Yi was the first to recover, her voice bright and crisp. "Does Imperial Noble Consort perhaps resent this concubine for only visiting Consort Ping?" Her dazzling beauty only intensified when she smiled, her expression natural and radiant, without a hint of tension.

Consort Yi had entered the palace early, watching as the other rose from the same concubine rank before eventually surpassing her to occupy the position of Consort, even rising above her. The title of "elder sister" stuck in her throat.

"It’s just that word got around that Imperial Noble Consort was suffering from travel sickness and needed undisturbed rest. Though I longed to visit, I didn’t dare intrude. I merely wanted to wait until Imperial Noble Consort had recovered fully before gathering the sisters for a small gathering. Surely Consort Hui shares the same thought?"

Wherever those rumors had originated, they certainly hadn’t come from her. But Consort Hui—who’d somehow had the time to host a gathering for the other concubines while Imperial Noble Consort was ill—was a different story entirely.

In the past, Consort Hui had flown under the radar, avoiding involvement in any overt conflicts and focusing solely on transcribing Buddhist scriptures. Even as one of the few mothers of imperial princes, she’d stayed remarkably unnoticed. But with the Eldest Prince back, Consort Hui had found her backbone, shedding her earlier caution.

Having been drawn into the conversation, Consort Hui could no longer feign ignorance. She had no choice but to respond, "Indeed, we happened to think alike." Whatever she really thought, she had to keep up appearances.

Seeing Consort Hui and the others respond this way, the rest quickly followed suit with murmurs of agreement.

Su Yi smiled gently, her tone carrying a note of surprise. "How touching—I had no idea you all cared so much." She sounded as though she had just pieced something together.

"So Noble Lady Qing was conveying all your well-wishes when she visited me? Pity I was napping and missed them. Had this not been mentioned today, I might never have known."

Those who knew full well they had never entrusted Noble Lady Qing with any such "well-wishes": "...".

On the surface, Imperial Noble Consort seemed to be offering them an excuse, smoothing over their failure to visit or send even the slightest token of concern. But her words were anything but gracious—Imperial Noble Consort was not one to extend olive branches.

And indeed, that was no illusion.

Her next words were, "But now, at last, I understand."

Her voice dripped with sincerity, but her face gave nothing away.

She couldn’t even be bothered to pretend.

"Concern" was something that could only be implied, not stated outright—everyone knew whether it was genuine or not. But having it pointed out so bluntly was far from pleasant.

Especially since Imperial Noble Consort hardly needed anyone’s concern. She was clearly in excellent health.

Once the picture of frailty, she now outshone them all—no mere effect of cosmetics, but truly infuriating.

Their earlier displeasure with Noble Lady Qing’s actions resurfaced. Had Noble Lady Qing simply followed their lead and remained quietly obedient, all would have been well. But her stunt made them look neglectful, giving Imperial Noble Consort an opening to mock them.

With this diversion, Imperial Noble Consort’s attention had shifted away from Consort Ping.

But Consort Ping felt no relief. If anything, the other woman’s threat loomed larger than ever.

The resolve to eliminate her hardened in Consort Ping’s heart, eroding the composure she had once possessed upon entering the palace.

Back then, though she had heard the rumors, she had carried herself with an air of inevitability. A hidden trump card had given her unshakable confidence. Even if her opponent was stronger and held every advantage, Consort Ping had believed that, in time, that opponent would fall.

Even if she couldn’t defeat her rival right away, there was still plenty of time ahead.

Being certain of ultimate victory was entirely different from seeing no chance of victory at all.

Now, Consort Ping couldn’t shake the feeling—unless she eliminated Rong Noble Consort, every attempt she made would be futile!

Just as everyone laughed and steered the conversation away from the topic, their expressions turned solemn as they rose to bow in greeting. "Wishing Your Majesty boundless prosperity and peace."

Even the seated Mongolian nobles, imperial clansmen, and Eight Banner guards all performed the salute in perfect unison.

Kangxi, who had arrived after some delay, was clad in a resplendent gold-vermilion hunting robe that shimmered under the sunlight, exuding unparalleled majesty and authority, making it impossible for anyone to meet his gaze directly.

Su Yi: So sparkly!

Not one to stand out, Su Yi followed the crowd in rising, though her lips merely moved without making a sound—cutting corners where possible.

Even with her head slightly lowered, she could feel his gaze sweep over her, yet she remained unflustered. Mind over matter—if she believed she had spoken, then she had. It’s not like he could call her out on the spot.

Kangxi had perfect 20/20 vision—by modern standards, his eyesight would have been exemplary. While he couldn’t pick out individual voices in the chorus of greetings, he certainly noticed the slacker whose lips weren’t even moving right.

After taking his seat, Kangxi raised a hand and said calmly, "Rise."

During the Mulan autumn hunt, rewards would be given based on performance to imperial clansmen, Eight Banner elites, and Mongolian nobles—not just to drill the Eight Banner youths but also to strengthen the Manchu-Mongol alliance.

Among them, all eyes were naturally on the princes’ performances. Aside from the still-young Third Prince and Fourth Prince, the most attention was given to the Crown Prince and the First Prince.

Consort Hui was banking on the First Prince showing everyone he was the better man during the hunt.

The First Prince, two years older than the Crown Prince, had grown quickly and possessed remarkable talent in archery and horsemanship, which he diligently honed. His performance this time did not disappoint Consort Hui—he excelled, though not enough to completely overshadow the Crown Prince.

His narrow lead got lost in the shuffle in the chorus of praise for both.

While the First Prince performed admirably, it couldn’t overshadow the Crown Prince’s shine, which was already outstanding for his age. The First Prince’s minor advantage came only from his greater experience.

The Emperor had always doted on the Crown Prince’s studies, even personally instructing him in archery and horsemanship. Short of the Crown Prince totally flubbing it, everyone would inevitably praise his excellence.

This was flattery as an art form—praising the Crown Prince was, in essence, an indirect compliment to the Emperor.

Even the Crown Prince’s humility in the face of praise was itself praiseworthy—poised and humble.

Su Yi maintained a gentle smile on the surface, but inside, she was low-key impressed. It was truly impressive that someone could remain unaffected after years of such elaborate flattery.

The flatterers also knew how to keep it classy—it was a delicate art.

Su Yi mentally stacked these against the bootlicking she’d heard before. There were differences.

In other circles, swordsmen were blunt in speech but formidable in battle, while formation masters were far more eloquent. Each had their strengths, but she’d always lost the war of words.

Now, however, she saw that the game was played differently here.

Some would settle disputes with their fists—only after beating you senseless would they ask you to reconsider who was right. Others rarely resorted to violence, but those who couldn’t navigate the twists and turns of intrigue died quickly, with backstabbers lurking at every turn.

Different worlds, different rules.

Clearly, Kangxi had developed some immunity. Whether the flattery was subtle and profound or blunt and artless, none of it could faze him. He might smile, but his objectives remained sharp and uncompromised.

Consort Hui’s eager anticipation soured when she saw that the crowd—and even the Emperor—still paid more attention to the Crown Prince despite his slightly inferior performance.

No matter how she tried to hide it, her eyes betrayed her bitterness.