Chapter 299

Chapter 299

As she spoke, Consort Ping had already walked over, seemingly intending to offer a few more words of persuasion.

Su Yi smiled brightly and nodded, her eyes appearing sincere—though it was more the kind of smile one wears after being scolded and feeling like the matter was already over, playing it off lightly.

Who couldn’t do that?

She didn’t even bother to flaunt her pride in front of everyone, as if to say, "Look how much better I am."

Her attitude was very much that of someone who would "apologize preemptively," "clueless about her mistake," and if pushed further, might even say, "I said sorry—what else do you want?"

Su Yi didn’t say it, but her expression conveyed exactly that. How could Kangxi not know her?

If he had scolded her any harsher just now, she would’ve immediately turned it around and accused him of being too harsh.

"Since that’s the case, let it be. But don’t let there be a next time," Kangxi said, giving Rong Noble Consort’s hand a light pat. He wasn’t hopeful, but he still had to say it.

This would also save Consort Ping from saying more and being annoying.

Su Yi didn’t argue this time, nodding like a dutiful child as if to say, "I’ll listen to whatever you say."

But it was completely unconvincing.

Kangxi might as well watch her like a hawk next time than rely on the Noble Consort’s promises.

Consort Ping’s prepared words hadn’t even had a chance to be used before the opportunity slipped away entirely. It was infuriating enough to make her blood boil. The fuel she had tried to pour on the fire hadn’t even sparked—instead, it had been completely doused.

And now Rong Noble Consort was playing the goody-two-shoes! Why wasn’t she stirring the pot now? Consort Ping had been counting on her to act out!

With a smile on her face, Consort Ping walked over to Rong Noble Consort’s side. This was the first time she had ever stood so close to her. To be honest, Consort Ping, who normally wouldn’t have cared, now felt a little nervous—all thanks to the system, which had given her near-PTSD.

But Consort Ping wasn’t someone who couldn’t overcome such things. For the sake of her goal, this was nothing. Her expression betrayed no tension as she spoke with honeyed familiarity: "How lovely, Noble Sister. I was so worried for you."

It wasn’t that Consort Ping enjoyed suffering—she could’ve stood by Kangxi’s side instead of next to her rival, Rong Noble Consort. But for what was to come, she had to position herself close to the Noble Consort.

Consort Ping stood in just the right spot, seemingly at Rong Noble Consort’s side to appear closer, but in reality, with a slight shift in stance, she could easily cut between them.

Su Yi let out a soft "Oh."

Just as Consort Ping was about to deepen the sisterly act, Rong Noble Consort opened her mouth and dropped the bombshell: "It would’ve been better if you’d come sooner."

Su Yi: *You show up after I’ve already been scolded? What good does that do?*

Kangxi, hearing this, thought: *That was me scolding her???*

Honestly, Kangxi had at most raised his voice slightly before quickly lowering it again.

Consort Ping had never seen someone so brazen, acting as if they were in the right. The anger that had just died down surged straight back to her head, fueled by Rong Noble Consort’s audacity!

"This younger sister is at fault," Consort Ping said, her tone growing even softer, fighting to keep her face neutral.

She lowered her eyes, her face pale, the rims of her eyes slightly reddened. The tear mole beneath her eye made her seem fragile and tragic. Her slender neck dipped slightly, accentuating its graceful curve like that of a swan’s.

"It’s also this sister’s lack of strength. Just now, upon dismounting, I nearly lost my composure and had to be supported to avoid collapsing. As soon as I recovered, I rushed over, only to find I was still too late. Noble Sister, please don’t blame me."

Her voice was gentle, yet tinged with unmistakable sorrow and self-reproach. Her usual soft charm now carried an added layer of vulnerability.

Su Yi, despite everything, ate it up. She took Consort Ping’s hand, her eyes brightening. Her ever-lovesick eyes gazed intently at Consort Ping as she said, "You’re so thoughtful. I truly love seeing you go all out for me. Charming."

I’ve always loved this kind of atmosphere, something I rarely encounter, so I’m taking the chance to admire it a little longer.

Consort Ping almost reflexively tried to yank her hand out of Rong Noble Consort’s grip, but though the latter’s hold seemed gentle, it was unyielding—even when Consort Ping feigned resistance slightly, she couldn’t budge.

Consort Ping hadn’t expected Rong Noble Consort, who rarely engaged in sisterly camaraderie with her, to suddenly act this way. And those words—was that a compliment or a jab? Had they even been meant for Rong Noble Consort?!

Rong Noble Consort’s response was even more outrageous, tinged with an eerie familiarity.

That hollow, perfunctory tone was practically second nature—no sincerity, just empty charm. Honeyed words flowed easily, but when it came to real devotion? Not a single action to back it up. Quite the parallel.

Fortunately, Rong Noble Consort soon let go on her own. Consort Ping relaxed slightly, feeling more at ease, and maintained her meek demeanor.

Kangxi’s expression grew colder. He knew his noble consort had a glib tongue, but hearing it still grated on him. What "selfless sacrifice"?!

"If Consort Ping is truly exhausted, there’s no need to force yourself. You may return early if you wish," Kangxi said deceptively kindly, his tone edged with irritation.

Like a winter draft, the mood plummeted—awkward silence followed.

Just as Consort Ping thought Rong Noble Consort was masterfully sidestepping and leaving no opening, Kangxi suggested she leave if she couldn’t handle it. Alarmed, she hastily assured him, "Your servant is quite recovered now."

Her earlier fragile act was immediately toned down, lest Kangxi decide she really couldn’t stay and have her escorted back.

Yes, Consort Ping fully believed Kangxi was capable of that right now.

Otherwise, why would he say something so dismissive at this moment?!

Amid this unspoken duel, he’d stripped her of all dignity.

If Kangxi simply never yielded and only made others submit, that would be one thing—but he’d just shown consideration for Rong Noble Consort’s dignity, pulling her aside for a "scolding" that was hardly a reprimand.

Did Rong Noble Consort look like someone who’d just been harshly reprimanded?!

Meanwhile, Consort Ping had barely spoken, yet this disparity stoked her resentment.

But her competitive spirit flared even brighter. The more his favor eluded her, the more she wanted to snatch it away—to see if Rong Noble Consort could still smile like this afterward.

It wasn’t just about the power and status that came with favor—it was also the sheer unwillingness to lose to another woman. To take everything from her, to smother that perpetual grin.

"It’s rare to come out like this. The scenery here is so different from the palace—shall we take a turn about? This trip is meant to be relaxing, after all." Staying put wasn’t an option. Seeing her earlier approach fail, Consort Ping pivoted deftly, even linking arms with Rong Noble Consort to guide her forward.

With Kangxi clearly more attentive to Rong Noble Consort, Consort Ping had no choice but to endure and work through her instead—better than another public slight. Rong Noble Consort had just acted affectionate—she couldn’t suddenly turn cold now.

Consort Ping had a plan. When the situation was unfavorable, she had to start with the other party.

Feigning sisterhood—even if a man initially had no interest, familiarity could breed opportunity. She’d used this method before. Their shattered expressions were worth the humiliation of pretending to befriend them.

With a radiant smile, Consort Ping chatted warmly as she led the way, omitting any faux deference like "What does Noble Consort think?"

Once someone started moving, others often followed without thinking.

This time, Su Yi cooperated perfectly, walking arm-in-arm with Consort Ping, her smile serene.

Relieved that she could actually move her, Consort Ping relaxed slightly. Given how firmly Rong Noble Consort had gripped her earlier, she’d put some force into this pull, afraid she wouldn’t budge otherwise.

Fortunately, it went smoothly. Seeing Rong Noble Consort’s gentle smile, Consort Ping matched it with an even brighter one, her honeyed prattle unrelenting. Rong Noble Consort nodded along occasionally, creating such a picture of sisterly harmony that Kangxi seemed like the odd one out in their trio.

Walking ahead, Kangxi found himself unable to join the conversation for a while. How could Consort Ping possibly make this forest sound so fascinating? He glanced back several times but never caught Rong Noble Consort’s eye.

Consort Ping had poured out every pleasantry she could think of, her mouth nearly dry from the effort—all to keep Rong Noble Consort’s attention fixed on her words, leaving no space for distraction.

The seemingly casual stroll was actually deliberately leading to a certain spot.

Seeing that they were almost there, Consort Ping suppressed her excitement and spoke up, "We've walked quite a distance. You must be tired, Sister Noble Consort. Let’s have someone set up a resting spot here." With that, she was about to order preparations as if setting up for an outdoor picnic.

She didn’t know when the plan would commence, and walking further would take them too far. It was better to stop here under the pretense of resting.

Su Yi, who had been mindlessly agreeing until now, looked around with visible exhaustion and said, "I am indeed a bit tired. We’ve been out for quite some time now—perhaps we should head back."

Consort Ping, her nerves already stretched taut, nearly blurted out an objection upon hearing this but managed to restrain herself. Biting back her frustration, she coaxed Noble Consort Rong with patience.

"Sister Noble Consort, please rest a little first. I’m truly concerned for you. It’s still early, and there’s no rush to return. You shouldn’t push yourself—your health comes first."

"But..." Su Yi hesitated, appearing conflicted.

After lavishing every honeyed word, Consort Ping finally managed to temporarily placate Noble Consort Rong. Yet, she dared not pause, even as her throat grew dry from speaking. She didn’t even take a moment to drink water, fearing that if she turned away to fetch some, Noble Consort Rong might change her mind and insist on leaving.

In her preoccupation, she forgot her usual ploy of subtly undermining Noble Consort Rong in front of Kangxi.

Kangxi’s expression grew colder as he watched, eventually turning completely blank. Consort Ping had covered every angle with her words, leaving him nothing to say—was it to make him seem indifferent to Noble Consort Rong?

Just as Consort Ping ran out of things to say and was wondering how to stall for more time, a razor-sharp arrow came slicing through the air. It shot past her side and embedded itself deeply into the ground. Even with some mental preparation, Consort Ping was startled pale by the sudden attack, breaking into a cold sweat.

The impact was like a boulder crashing into still waters, instantly stirring up ripples.

The surrounding guards immediately sprang into defensive formations.

"Assassins! Protect His Majesty!"