Chapter 308

Chapter 308

Su Yi suddenly spoke, "I understand now." Like a sudden flash of insight, she seemed to have connected with some crucial piece of information.

Consort Hui, lacking experience, was left somewhat bewildered by Noble Consort Rong’s remark. *What does she understand?* she wondered inwardly, bracing herself for whatever was coming.

The Eldest Prince, though also inexperienced, was no fool. The slow, deliberate gaze Noble Consort Rong cast his way, coupled with his mother's earlier outburst, made it clear—whatever logic followed, it wasn't going to be good.

Kangxi, the most seasoned among them, felt his heart sink the moment Noble Consort uttered those words.

Noble Consort had the patience to listen, but how she interpreted and emphasized things was an entirely different matter.

Kangxi moved to embrace her, acting almost the instant Su Yi finished speaking. Instead, he found little milk dragon—abruptly lifted and shoved into his arms. Father and son locked eyes, their identical phoenix eyes mirroring the same confusion.

Little milk dragon—abruptly lifted and deposited into his father's embrace before he could even react: ???

This was startling. Having recently distanced himself from Kangxi, little milk dragon now froze in his father's arms like a kitten grabbed by the scruff—temporarily immobilized.

Kangxi sighed heavily, setting Baocheng down. The moment little milk dragon's feet touched the ground, Consort Hui's panicked voice drew their attention.

Consort Hui had been stunned by how effortlessly Noble Consort Rong had scooped up the Crown Prince and handed him to the Emperor without pause. Before she could even process the move, Noble Consort advanced with a deceptively gentle smile.

Appearing frail but closing the distance swiftly, Noble Consort put Consort Hui on high alert. "Rong Noble Consort, what are you doing?!" she blurted out.

Not that it helped.

Su Yi deflected with practiced ease—though even if she lacked the skill, she’d have forced her way anyway. With a seemingly light but unyielding push, she shoved Consort Hui toward a maid, seamlessly taking her place—even stepping closer.

In the blink of an eye, Baocheng found himself confronted by Rong Noble Consort’s grin. He barely stifled a yelp, looking every bit like a helpless flower backed into a corner. "Wh-what do you want?!" he managed, though his voice wavered.

No wonder he parroted Consort Hui’s empty protests. Given their earlier interactions, Baocheng had some idea of what kind of person Noble Consort was—and it left him breaking into a cold sweat.

"Of course, I’m here to care for you," Su Yi said warmly, pressing down on his shoulders to keep him from moving. "I assumed you had your mother’s attention and didn’t need anything else. But since she insists no maternal figure should be lacking, I thought—why not? I’ll gladly step in."

Something about her words felt off to Baocheng, and he soon realized why. While others exchanged subtle jabs in conversation, Su Yi paired hers with action.

"This place isn’t ideal for recovery," she continued, glancing at her own foot before looking at his. "We should move you back to the palace. Having been ill for so long, I’ve picked up some knowledge about recuperation. It’s perfect—I’ll take care of you during your recovery. What a coincidence, right? We can even be sickbed companions."

Her tone was sweet, but the implication carried an eerie undertone—less like a comforting offer and more like an invitation to take a one-way trip to the underworld.

It was utterly unconvincing.

At least, no one present was convinced.

Su Yi smiled kindly, but Baocheng’s heart pounded in fear. Her seemingly fragile wrists, which looked like they could snap with the slightest pressure, now locked him in place.

Baocheng’s eyes widened: !!!

His eyes widened in shock and disbelief.

Earlier, Consort Hui hadn’t needed Baocheng’s cooperation—she carried the scene alone. But now, Su Yi wasn’t asking for cooperation—she demanded it.

Su Yi added helpfully, like a hawker highlighting perks, "This way, the Emperor can drop by anytime, and Consort Hui can know Baocheng gets doting from both mother and father. Isn’t that wonderful?"

Then she turned to little milk dragon and winked. "And let’s not leave out our Baocheng."

Little milk dragon’s tightly pressed lips finally curved upward, stars returning to his eyes.

Kangxi, who'd been dragged into this whole affair, had to admit the Imperial Noble Consort knew how to keep things balanced, making sure no one important was left out.

"The younger brother's care mustn't be lacking either, or else Consort Hui might overthink again. How could the Eldest Prince possibly be some neglected, pitiful child?"

Su Yi pressed her lips together in a bashful smile. "How forward of me."

The Eldest Prince felt his past trauma resurfacing. The Imperial Noble Consort's routine about 'Imperial Father's love' from back in the pit was making a comeback—only now, she was taking direct action and even dragging the Crown Prince into it. This was next-level torment!

Once again, the Eldest Prince found himself covered in goosebumps, his hair standing on end!

As Consort Hui listened to the Imperial Noble Consort's words, her composure began crumbling. Her face turned even paler than when she had been weeping over the Eldest Prince earlier. To Consort Hui's ears, the Imperial Noble Consort's words carried an ominous implication—was she scheming to snatch away her Baoging too?!

Panic, fury, and indignation surged within her. The Imperial Noble Consort already had the Crown Prince—was that not enough? Did she now intend to take her Baoging as well?!

"Imperial Noble Consort, this is against protocol!" Consort Hui's face darkened, her tone betraying urgency despite her forced attempt at composure. Surely the Emperor wouldn’t allow the Imperial Noble Consort to act so recklessly!

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Noble Consort's intentions are commendable. Your servant thanks her on Baoging's behalf. However, if things proceed as she suggests, it would be both improper and inconvenient," Consort Hui spoke rapidly, no longer as sharp-tongued as before. Though she feigned calm, her words were hollow—she was already desperate.

She was the Eldest Prince's birth mother. If he was injured, she would be the most anxious and would naturally take the utmost care in tending to him. What need was there for the Imperial Noble Consort to interfere?!

Indeed, under normal circumstances, Kangxi wouldn’t indulge the Imperial Noble Consort in such antics. But since he was relieved that she had behaved maturely amidst the chaos today, returning without throwing a tantrum, he decided to let her have her way.

And then Consort Hui had to stir up trouble—so much for peace and quiet.

Had Consort Hui not provoked her, the Imperial Noble Consort wouldn’t have retaliated like this.

If he didn’t let her vent her anger now, who knew what she might get up to while he was preoccupied? He couldn’t keep an eye on her at all times, ready to drag her back the moment she caused trouble.

Since he'd already indulged her earlier, Kangxi wasn’t about to contradict her now. "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible."

"Imperial Father is right," the little milk dragon piped up in agreement. Though slightly displeased, he wouldn’t oppose the Honored Mother Consort. Besides, he would visit his elder brother often too.

At Kangxi’s words, Consort Hui’s heart sank, and the Eldest Prince stood frozen in shock. Was Imperial Father actually considering this?!

But—did the Imperial Noble Consort even look like someone capable of taking care of others?!

Consort Hui even began to doubt her own interpretation—perhaps the Emperor didn’t mean it that way.

But her legs nearly giving way beneath her, sensing that things were spiraling out of control, she instinctively knelt, attempting to appear vulnerable. "Your Majesty, your servant does not understand Your Majesty’s meaning. Does Your Majesty intend to—"

By now, Kangxi’s patience had worn thin. He blamed himself for not stopping Consort Hui earlier, allowing her to grow increasingly brazen and overstep her bounds. He cut off any objections.

"The Imperial Noble Consort is acting out of concern. Let it be as she says," he declared bluntly.

Without delay, he began issuing orders. "Why are you all still standing there? Hurry and see to the Eldest Prince’s arrangements!"

Seizing the moment while the Imperial Noble Consort’s impulsive idea had been fulfilled—and before her next whim could surface—Kangxi swept her up and marched off, cutting off any protests sternly. "Your foot needs immediate attention from the imperial physician. No more putting it off."