Chapter 296

Chapter 296

This perfect timing was all thanks to her cheat system; otherwise, it wouldn’t have been so precise.

Relying on palace attendants to report always involved a time lag, and any slight investigation would make it seem deliberate.

This kind of intel could only come from the system. Moreover, this prompt had a compelling reason that made her go without hesitation. This time, the system didn’t drag her down but instead provided a crucial hint. Not long ago, Consort Ping had barely hesitated before deciding she couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity!

If she missed it, there might never be such a good chance again, and it could very well solidify Noble Consort Rong’s position even further. The thought burned like fire ants crawling under her skin—utterly unbearable.

Yet, her smile grew even brighter as she stepped forward to curtsy. "May Your Majesty enjoy endless blessings, and greetings to Noble Consort Sister." She pretended not to notice her bad timing.

A little bad timing was nothing when weighed against the immense gains it could bring.

"Ah, it's Consort Ping," Su Yi spoke cheerfully, her voice dripping with fake delight.

To Ping's discerning eye, there wasn’t the slightest trace of reluctance or stiffness—Noble Consort Rong seemed genuinely delighted by her arrival. But how could that be?

She could only attribute it to the other’s impeccable facade. She refused to believe Noble Consort Rong harbored any goodwill. It wasn’t that the fox was slippery, but rather the frustration of being unable to land a blow despite leveraging all her strength.

"What brings you here?" In contrast, the Emperor’s reaction was noticeably cooler.

Even without any change in expression, his tone made it crystal clear: *You shouldn’t be here.*

Consort Ping remained unruffled, not even surprised. Calmly, she replied, "Your Majesty, this concubine couldn’t pass up such a rare chance. After being cooped up so long, I fear my skills have grown rusty. I wished to ride a few laps nearby—once we return to the palace, such chances will be scarce. I hadn’t expected to encounter Your Majesty and Noble Consort Sister." She finished with a demure smile.

When her gaze met Noble Consort Rong’s, she added praise, "Noble Consort Sister, you look absolutely stunning in that riding habit. I can only imagine how dashing you must look on horseback. Would you grace us with a demonstration? I’m sure Your Majesty is also eagerly anticipating it." Seamlessly, she steered the conversation toward Noble Consort Rong.

The flattery was just bait for an invite.

In truth, she feared being outright rejected by the Emperor.

Oh yes! The Emperor would absolutely humiliate her like that!

Not only would she lose face in front of Noble Consort Rong, but failing to join would also ruin any subsequent plans.

So Consort Ping resigned herself to approaching through Noble Consort Rong instead. She'd laid it on thick enough—nobody slaps away an outstretched hand. If Noble Consort Rong refused now, it would only make her seem petty and intolerant.

Besides, this woman had been acting strangely before. Given the chance to get close, Consort Ping refused to believe Noble Consort Rong would pass it up.

"What should I do? I’m not particularly skilled in riding and archery, so perhaps it’s best not to set your expectations too high." Though Su Yi’s words sounded modest, her voice didn't waver for a second—she simply tossed the ball back for others to handle.

Ping knew Noble Consort Rong wouldn’t comply so easily. Though prepared, the other’s immediate effort to undermine her was still infuriating. Playing the meek mouse, she said, "This foolish sister spoke out of turn without thinking it through. Please don’t take it to heart, Noble Consort Sister. I meant no offense."

She'd folded like cheap silk, inevitably making the other party seem somewhat overbearing.

Though she knew she had to endure for now, even if she couldn’t retaliate verbally, she refused to let the other have it too easy.

Su Yi accepted graciously. "Very well, then."

After all, she’d run this play too many times to grow accustomed—if not seven or eight times, then at least three or four. How could she not be familiar?

Just 'Oh' would've been salt in the wound.

Two extra words made the knife twist sweeter. Su Yi was quite pleased, her smile widening slightly.

Ping's smile nearly cracked at Noble Consort Rong’s straightforward acceptance.

No fake demurrals, no polite refusals. Against her better judgment, Consort Ping glanced at the Emperor for his reaction.

Kangxi indeed wasn’t without a reaction. “I never intended to make you exert yourself; we merely came out to enjoy the scenery and relax.” Normally, she was too lazy to even move, so a sudden burst of energy would only be more troublesome.

Consort Ping was at her wit's end. Kangxi should’ve just kept quiet—why drag a man into women’s squabbles?

“Yes, Elder Sister, the scenery is lovely. It would be a shame to miss it. It seems we had the same thought.” Consort Ping, mentally exhausted, pulled the topic back, nearly outright stating her desire to join them.

She’d dug in her heels—she *was* coming.

Kangxi glanced at Su Yi, asking, “Sister Consort, what do you think?”

“My opinion?” Su Yi drawled, her tone making Consort Ping itch with impatience—who *took* their sweet time like this?

She already knew Consort Rong was infuriating, but the next moment, Su Yi proved she could be even worse.

Sweetly, almost innocently, Su Yi chirped, “The more, the merrier,” then turned to order, “Why not invite Consort Hui and the others as well?”

Consort Ping, beyond caring about subtlety, immediately interjected, “Elder Sister, Consort Hui is too worried about the Eldest Prince. She’d likely prefer to wait for his return at the main tent.”

If Consort Hui and the others were invited, the crowd would make things chaotic and harder to control.

Consort Rong was *clearly* out to ruin her day—she’d rather invite others to complicate matters than let Consort Ping have her way.

Su Yi’s smile faded slightly at this, sending a jolt through Consort Ping.

“So *I’m* the neglectful one, am I?”

When Su Yi’s smile nearly vanished, her delicate features took on an icy edge, a stark contrast to her usual warmth, as if the very air had frozen around her.

Consort Ping’s haste had backfired, giving Consort Rong an opening to criticize.

Now, Consort Ping truly understood just how difficult Consort Rong could be.

Especially with her status as the Crown Prince’s aunt—this *dig*—unbearable!

Worse, Consort Ping couldn’t even acknowledge it outright but had to dance around it, which grated on her nerves.

Kangxi read her instantly. The Noble Consort was fishing for an out. The moment she started nitpicking, she’d use it as grounds to refuse. Reacting swiftly, he interjected,

“Didn’t you just visit Baocheng earlier? I waited for you. Perhaps we’ll even run into him while strolling—wouldn’t that be better?”

Pure appeasement when mentioning waiting for Su Yi—now was not the time to criticize her.

Consort Ping, who’d blown off the Crown Prince: "..."

She had expected Consort Rong to be difficult, but she hadn’t anticipated Kangxi’s cheap shot.

Su Yi’s next words were abruptly cut off by Kangxi’s intervention.

Su Yi: *He’s quick.*

Suddenly, she laughed, the icy distance melting away into something warm and almost playful. Smiling at Consort Ping, she said, “Just teasing—don’t be nervous.” Her eyes curved with amusement. “With *you* here, it’ll be a riot.”

She was beautiful, but rage burned in Consort Ping’s chest. Consort Rong had never truly intended to invite Consort Hui—she’d only said it to provoke her. Was she *enjoying* this?

And that remark about *her* making things lively—was Consort Rong treating her as entertainment?

Yet Consort Ping could only force herself to endure, faking a sigh of relief, her tone cautious.

“Elder Sister, you truly frightened me just now. I thought you were angry. Even if you were upset with me, it wouldn’t matter—but don’t let His Majesty’s thoughtful gesture go to waste.”

The more tense the moment, the more Consort Ping had to restrain herself. She couldn’t let Consort Rong provoke her into storming off. Let her have this round.