Chapter 328

Chapter 328

Even though she had just accepted the supplements sent by the Rong Noble Consort, the Imperial Noble Consort did not forget to have someone prepare a return gift while accepting them. She also politely asked about the Rong Noble Consort's illness and expressed her regret for being unable to visit due to her own poor health. On the surface, everything appeared as it had before.

When leaving, she even had her head maid escort the messenger out.

Qinxin held a plate of preserved fruits while reporting that the person sent to deliver the gifts to the Imperial Noble Consort had returned, and the Imperial Noble Consort had reciprocated with a gift.

Slender fingers casually picked up a piece of preserved fruit and took a small bite. The sweetness that filled her mouth dispelled the lingering bitterness, and only then did Su Yi's furrowed brows relax.

She had miscalculated—waking up too early meant the bitter medicine was promptly served.

Strangely enough, without the excessive coptis in the decoction, Su Yi found it somewhat bearable. At least this bitterness was normal.

That damn jerk for ordering so much coptis before!

What kind of bitter life had she been living?

After eating three pieces of preserved fruit in a row, she finally stopped, only to find herself overwhelmed by the overpowering sweetness, her expression mirroring the one she had after drinking the medicine. Qinxin hesitated, then put the preserved fruits away.

If bitterness called for sweets, but the sweets themselves became unbearable, why not moderate the intake?

Of course, the answer was to counter extremes with extremes—using extreme sweetness to swiftly neutralize the bitterness. Extremes had to be countered with extremes.

After rinsing her mouth to dilute the sweetness and recovering, Su Yi's expression softened, her eyes now carrying a hint of amusement. "Just store the return gift," she said casually, showing no intention of even glancing at it.

Qinxin didn’t seem surprised by this. Even when sending the gifts earlier, it had been Qinxin who reminded Her Ladyship. At the time, the lady had briefly worn an unreadable look before losing interest. "You choose," she had said, showing no further concern.

This reaction wasn’t unfamiliar to Qinxin—in fact, it carried an eerie sense of déjà vu. It was the lady’s way of signaling she couldn’t be bothered to invest attention in a matter or person. This was why, despite Her Ladyship’s usual gentle demeanor, fair treatment of palace maids, and occasional generous rewards, perceptions of her remained as volatile and unpredictable.

Because her indifference could descend without warning, just like her anger. And once she turned cold, the shift in attitude was so stark and abrupt that it left others disoriented—as if she refused to waste even a shred of attention on them.

That was exactly the case now. But even if Qinxin noticed, she was tactful enough not to show it, for the lady’s will took precedence above all.

Noble Lady Qing pretended not to notice that the clothes scented with different incense had been prepared days in advance—just to avoid an abrupt change. Similar fragrances had been used in the days prior to ease the transition, and today’s scent was slightly stronger. This gradual change, over several days, had already replaced the fragrance she normally used.

With an unchanged expression, Noble Lady Qing arrived to tend to the Imperial Noble Consort. Under the Imperial Noble Consort’s watchful gaze, she obediently drank the pre-prepared secret medicine—a tacit understanding between them. The palace maid immediately took the empty bowl away, ensuring all traces were swiftly disposed of.

Seeing Noble Lady Qing’s compliance, the Imperial Noble Consort’s expression softened slightly, a faint smile appearing on her pale, sickly face. "His Majesty will be visiting me soon. You must make the most of this chance and not disappoint the family’s efforts."

"Yes, older sister," Noble Lady Qing replied, lowering her head with a hint of shyness. The Imperial Noble Consort concealed the coldness in her eyes.

Even if she had no choice but to scheme for Noble Lady Qing for the sake of the family, the Imperial Noble Consort had no intention of allowing her stepsister to rise smoothly from this momentum. Giving birth to a prince was enough—everything else required a clear understanding of one’s place. The family might hope for both sisters to thrive in the palace, but the Imperial Noble Consort would never accept it.

So now, adopting the demeanor of an older sister, the Imperial Noble Consort offered a few instructions on how Noble Lady Qing should conduct herself when the Emperor arrived. Her words emphasized making the most of the opportunity, though how exactly to do so was left vague. As the older sister, she had already provided the chance for Noble Lady Qing to appear before the Emperor—the rest was up to her.

She made it seem as though she had done her utmost to create the opportunity, leaving nothing else to be done.

Of course, this was without mentioning the incense perfuming the clothes arranged by the Imperial Noble Consort.

Having been in the palace for years and in charge of its affairs, the Imperial Noble Consort naturally commanded the Tong family’s resources. Noble Lady Qing’s entry into the palace meant that the connections already aligned with the Imperial Noble Consort would hardly be shared with her.

Even the maids assigned to Noble Lady Qing were loyal to the Tong family first. Though they served her, their allegiance in the palace ultimately lay with the Imperial Noble Consort.

Thus, the switch in Noble Lady Qing’s scented incense and her gradual acclimation to the new scent had all been arranged by the Imperial Noble Consort—all done behind Noble Lady Qing’s back.

Since entering the palace, Noble Lady Qing had been quiet and unassuming, neither competing for favor nor drawing attention to herself. She frequently visited the Imperial Noble Consort to strengthen their sisterly ties, and even when her maids reported her activities to the Imperial Noble Consort, she pretended not to notice.

This obedience had satisfied the Imperial Noble Consort, who had been observing her in secret. Had Noble Lady Qing entered the palace using the Imperial Noble Consort’s status and openly currying favor, the Imperial Noble Consort would have been the first to get rid of her. But Noble Lady Qing’s unambitious nature only made the Imperial Noble Consort wary—was this stepsister’s submissiveness just a facade?

After all, that woman Uya had pulled the same trick before, managing to get herself pregnant. If not for the sake of the imperial heir, the Imperial Noble Consort would have happily let nature take its course to see if she could even carry the child to term. It wasn’t until the pregnancy was over four months along—impossible to hide—that she finally spoke up.

In the end, the child was taken by the Empress Dowager not long after birth. Had Uya not fallen gravely ill after delivering the child, the Imperial Noble Consort would have unleashed her rage on her.

Thus, with Noble Lady Qing, the Imperial Noble Consort weighed her options in private for a long time before deciding they had to prepare countermeasures early. The mistakes made with Uya could not be repeated. After careful consideration, the family also agreed. The Tong clan had already produced an Empress Dowager and an Imperial Noble Consort—all that was missing was an imperial prince. Even if another consort were added, it would merely be icing on the cake. If not, it wouldn’t matter.

This was why the Imperial Noble Consort had been willing to relent in the first place. As for how the family had persuaded Noble Lady Qing, that was another matter entirely.

This had all been settled beforehand.

Fortunately, this younger sister proved less troublesome. The Imperial Noble Consort smiled as she spoke with Noble Lady Qing, their exchange almost seemed sisterly. Then, a eunuch’s shrill voice announced from outside.

The Imperial Noble Consort quickly signaled Noble Lady Qing to act accordingly before allowing her maids to assist her in rising from the couch. Kangxi had already entered from the outer chamber, his steps as steady as ever.

Rounding the screen, he saw the Imperial Noble Consort attempting to rise. "You are unwell—there is no need for formalities," he said, his tone carrying a hint of concern.

The Imperial Noble Consort gave a slight bow from where she sat, a faint pink tinting her pale face. "Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern."

Noble Lady Qing stepped back, bowing demurely.

Attendants quickly fetched a stool, and Kangxi seated himself with a sweep of his robes. Noticing the other woman present, he paused briefly before recognizing her. Noble Lady Qing’s presence was expected—she was there to tend to the Imperial Noble Consort during her illness. "Rise," he said casually before turning his attention back to the Imperial Noble Consort.

Noting her pallor, he inquired with the head maid about her health—whether, after days of rest, there had been any improvement.

In truth, Kangxi had already reviewed the Imperial Noble Consort’s medical records. Fatigue played a part, but her real sickness was heartache.

Still, with the Imperial Noble Consort unwell, Kangxi had to pay her a visit.

The head maid spoke tactfully, explaining how her mistress had been distressed upon hearing of the assassination attempt on the Emperor, her worries compounded by the burdens of managing the palace. She had not wished to trouble the Emperor, but after summoning her energy to welcome him back to the capital, the strain finally caught up with her, leading to her collapse. Fortunately, the imperial physicians assured her recovery with proper rest.

Though she spoke to highlight her mistress’s devotion, she stopped before laying it on too thick. The Imperial Noble Consort cut in once enough had been said.

"It is nothing serious. This concubine merely lacked proper rest. Your Majesty’s duties are pressing—you should not be troubled over such a minor matter. It is this concubine who has caused you worry."

Since his return, Kangxi had been occupied for days, not even finding time to visit Rong Noble Consort. Had the Imperial Noble Consort not fallen ill at this moment, he would likely have gone to Rong Noble Consort first once freed from his duties. Lowering her eyes, the Imperial Noble Consort’s face shadowed briefly, her pale face betraying a flicker of vulnerability.

Noble Lady Qing kept her head slightly bowed, hiding the scorn in her gaze as she waited silently.

Kangxi’s expression was gentle, his regal poise radiating authority. "The Imperial Noble Consort must take care of her health. No palace matter is more important than your well-being."

It had been so long since the Emperor had spoken to her with such warmth. After that incident, it seemed she had lost all his tenderness and indulgence. He no longer called her "cousin," only "Imperial Noble Consort." Now, hearing his concern in her illness, her eyes pricked with tears, turning slightly red. "Your Majesty..."

Unable to resist, she reached out, her trembling fingers brushing the back of Kangxi’s hand where it rested on his knee, unsure if he’d reject her touch. Instead, he turned his hand to clasp hers. The Imperial Noble Consort could not conceal her joy—this illness could still bridge the gap between them.

For a moment, she wavered in her plans. If she could use this chance to restore their relationship, to regain the favor of her imperial cousin... perhaps Noble Lady Qing would no longer be necessary.

Noticing this, the head maid began to retreat discreetly, signaling Noble Lady Qing to follow. With the Emperor and the Imperial Noble Consort in such harmony, this was the perfect opportunity for reconciliation.

Master and servant shared an understanding. Reading the situation, the maid guessed her mistress’s thoughts and sought to remove Noble Lady Qing from the scene.

The Imperial Noble Consort glimpsed the maids preparing to withdraw but did not stop them. Though hesitant, her silence betrayed her inclination.

Plans shifted abruptly, and Noble Lady Qing had no say in the matter. The maid’s glance carried a silent warning—to behave and not disrupt this critical moment, lest the Imperial Noble Consort show no mercy afterward.

Fortunately, Noble Lady Qing remained obedient, showing no dissent as she prepared to withdraw like a shadow. Pleased by her compliance, the Imperial Noble Consort betrayed nothing in her expression, feigning ignorance of the exchange between her maid and younger sister.

Kangxi, as if nothing were amiss, spoke considerately, "Regarding palace affairs, perhaps the Noble Consort could share some of the burden. It might also curb her indolent habits." His brow furrowed slightly in disapproval, as if he found her behavior intolerable.

And indeed, at first, he had. But trying to force her to improve was futile—she simply refused to cooperate. If scolded, she would dare to repeat her mistakes. When least expected, she would act recklessly, all while maintaining a delicate, sickly demeanor. Kangxi had learned firsthand that though she seemed delicate, her thorns drew blood. Left to her own devices, she at least behaved more normally.

The Noble Consort's originally pale complexion turned even paler upon hearing the Emperor's words. Her heart plummeted, and she barely held back her emotions, almost blurting out to ask if she had done something wrong—why did the Emperor wish to strip her of even the last remnants of her dignity and power to hand them over to Rong Noble Consort?

What sent a chill down the Noble Consort’s spine was that while the Emperor appeared displeased with Rong Noble Consort's laziness, his furrowed brows revealed unmistakable indulgence toward her.

The Noble Consort could even foresee that once part of the palace authority was transferred to Rong Noble Consort, even if the latter lacked the patience to handle the duties, the Emperor would arrange for reliable subordinates to manage affairs on her behalf. This way, Rong Noble Consort would gain both the prestige and the actual benefits without lifting a finger!

The head maid, who had initially intended to withdraw to give the two masters space upon sensing the pleasant atmosphere, froze mid-retreat at this sudden turn of events. Her mind racing in panic, she found herself stuck in an awkward dilemma—neither able to retreat nor stay, her earlier poise vanished.

Having replaced the wet nurse in serving the Noble Consort, she was acutely aware of how desperately Her Highness guarded her power.

The Noble Consort had managed to endure Rong Noble Consort's overwhelming favor precisely because she still held control over the palace affairs, gripping power tightly while nurturing hopes of one day ascending to the position of Empress. The fact that Rong Noble Consort had never shown interest in meddling with palace authority had maintained a fragile balance.

But now, the Emperor's intention was to have Rong Noble Consort take over part of the palace authority, stripping the Noble Consort of her power!

The head maid’s expression darkened involuntarily, already imagining how Her Highness would react.

Noble Lady Qing’s typically serene face twitched with the faintest, eerie smirk—gone in an instant, unnoticed by anyone. What a rare chance to see the Noble Consort humiliated. Knowing her elder sister all too well, she could easily guess the thoughts behind the Noble Consort’s earlier hesitation to proceed with their plan.

How ridiculous.

Emperor Kangxi seemed blind to the strained calm on the Noble Consort’s face as he continued, “You and the Noble Consort have always been close. With her sharing the burden, you’ll have more ease.”

His words, seemingly casual and ordinary, were nothing more than mere formality. In truth, Kangxi cared little whether the Noble Consort was stripped of power—whether she genuinely welcomed it or was inwardly devastated, she could only feign the former in his presence.

The Noble Consort forced her stiff smile wider, adopting an expression of joy for the other’s sake. “Your Majesty is right. With Rong-mei assisting me, I shall indeed have more ease.” Her tone carried a light, playful reproach at the end.

She wore a bright smile, but the forced stretch of her smile only made her expression seem more deliberate—her words betrayed her true feelings. Yet Kangxi, usually so perceptive, appeared blind to her struggle and insincerity.

He then proceeded to instruct her to hand over the most lucrative and least burdensome duties to Rong Noble Consort, ruining the Noble Consort’s scheme to assign only tedious but inconsequential tasks under the guise of letting the other “practice.”

Her plan had been to overwhelm Rong Noble Consort with trivial yet exhausting responsibilities, knowing the latter’s temperament would lead her to reject them outright. Then, the Noble Consort could “reluctantly” reclaim the authority.

But now, her plan had failed. The Emperor had already cut her off from superficially delegating only insignificant scraps of power while maintaining real control.

At this moment, Kangxi acted like a tactless, oblivious man. “I’m glad you think so. I was worried you might overthink it. You and the Noble Consort are close—how could this cause discord between you? It seems I was overconcerned.”

The Noble Consort’s strained smile was on the verge of collapsing. The Emperor’s rare gentleness had not been out of concern for her illness—it was merely a ploy to transfer her authority to Rong Noble Consort!

“Why hasn’t tea been served yet?” The Noble Consort suddenly recalled that since the Emperor’s arrival, no one had offered him tea. Her eyes flashed with anger as she glared at her head maid.

The maid, already frozen mid-retreat and wishing the ground would swallow her, flinched at her mistress’s words. Lowering her head quickly, she stammered, “This servant begs forgiveness, Your Highness! This servant will immediately oversee the serving of tea. These insolent slaves grow lax in their duties—this servant shall discipline them at once!”

She hastily fabricated an excuse, shifting blame onto the unseen servants before scurrying off to “supervise” the tea preparation personally.

However, the Noble Consort’s abrupt and awkward attempt to change the subject by mentioning the lack of tea, though she tried to appear unbothered, fell flat. The atmosphere grew palpably tense, especially in contrast to the earlier harmony.

It was then that Noble Lady Qing, who had been acting as little more than a ghost, stepped forward as if to ease the tension. “Elder Sister, please don’t upset yourself—your health comes first.” Had no third party intervened to give the Noble Consort an out, she might have completely lost her composure.

Her beloved elder sister, the Noble Consort, had deigned to notice her again.