Chapter 329

Chapter 329

As a calm observer, Noble Lady Qing remained exceptionally composed, quietly complying when Imperial Noble Consort capriciously changed her mind and dismissed her without protest.

Because she saw clearly—though the Emperor appeared gentle and concerned toward Imperial Noble Consort, his gaze was frosty, his smile skin-deep, vanishing upon closer inspection. Imperial Noble Consort was likely indulging in wishful thinking.

Had Imperial Noble Consort not been so greedy, Noble Lady Qing might not have known how long she would have had to wait for an opportunity.

Wanting to rise?

Not only would Imperial Noble Consort never allow it, but the Emperor would also never permit another high-status consort from the Tongjia clan after Imperial Noble Consort.

Having entered the palace only to be swiftly "forgotten," Noble Lady Qing saw the truth plainly.

How laughable that her family and Imperial Noble Consort had imagined everything would go their way, that the Emperor would show endless favor to the Tongjia clan, no matter how much they demanded.

Trapped in this situation, Noble Lady Qing had no choice. The once-mutually understood marriage arrangement had been rendered void—because Imperial Noble Consort had lost the Emperor's favor, because her younger sister was still too young. What was meant to be a backup plan had been hastily accelerated, forcing them to send a new Tongjia woman into the palace.

Since entering the inner court, Noble Lady Qing had presented herself as obedient and proper—doing what was appropriate, saying what was fitting, never misspeaking. As an invisible presence, she performed flawlessly, never drawing attention, yet this very invisibility allowed her to see the dynamics of the inner court with unmatched clarity.

If the inner court could only have one Tongjia woman—why couldn’t it be her?

The thought had long taken root in Noble Lady Qing’s mind, crystallizing her strategy—what she could claim, and what she must never covet.

Her timely intervention finally reminded Imperial Noble Consort of her usefulness, giving the beleaguered consort momentary relief.

"This is my younger sister, Ru Ying. Fearing I’d grow restless in illness, she has come daily to keep me company and attend to me." Having steadied herself, Imperial Noble Consort spoke with a smile, part fondness, part gratitude, gesturing for Ru Ying to step forward.

Liang Jiugong saw everything. When Imperial Noble Consort’s head maid signaled for him to withdraw as well, he stiffened in discomfort—hesitating just a moment too long, earning a silent reprimand for his lack of tact.

The entire situation had nearly left Imperial Noble Consort without an exit, forcing the previously ignored Noble Lady Qing to step in and retrieve the situation.

Emperor Kangxi finally seemed to notice Noble Lady Qing, his gaze settling upon her. To her, the Emperor’s stare felt penetrating, as if flaying her mask away and exposing the truths buried deeper within. For a fleeting moment, her back chilled, her fingers tightening beneath her sleeves until her knuckles whitened.

But the pressure vanished as swiftly as it came. Noble Lady Qing’s expression remained unchanged, though her breathing lightened, her stiffened blood flowing once more.

"We recall that when Imperial Noble Consort was unwell and resting, Noble Lady Qing also visited to keep her company." Though unspoken, the Emperor’s tone made it clear he approved of Noble Lady Qing’s actions.

Having long been briefed on the matter, Imperial Noble Consort quickly realized the Emperor was referring to the time at the Mulan hunting retreat. Though she understood Noble Lady Qing’s motives, hearing the Emperor mention it now rankled her.

How useless—Noble Lady Qing had managed to leave an impression on the Emperor merely by visiting Imperial Noble Consort.

Today, Noble Lady Qing had been carefully groomed to accentuate her gentle, refined elegance.

Clad in a jade-green bamboo-patterned gown draped with the thinnest layer of gauze, she exuded otherworldly poise. Earlier, she had deliberately minimized her presence; now, stepping forward, she was like a pearl brushed free of dust—revealing a subdued radiance that neither overwhelmed nor clashed with Imperial Noble Consort’s own striking beauty.

Noble Lady Qing made a deep curtsy. Though not her first time before the Emperor, she had no delusions of exploiting her family ties for familiarity. A faint smile touched her lips as she spoke naturally, "Imperial Noble Consort is gentle and kind. To ease her solitude without being deemed a nuisance is an honor for this lowly consort."

Such words were commonplace—every consort mastered the art of duplicity, masking daggers with honeyed words. Yet Noble Lady Qing sounded genuine, as if she truly believed what she said.

Truthfully, Su Yi’s persona was half her own creation, half firmly established by Emperor Kangxi. Even those who heard of her praised her as gentle, kind, and sickly—a delicate beauty.

Though she occasionally slipped, her image remained intact, thanks to the Emperor’s unshakeable patronage. Who would dare openly question His Majesty’s judgment?

Noble Lady Qing knew exactly how to phrase things pleasingly—her opening line had already struck the right note.

Imperial Noble Consort, now composed, wore a faintly approving expression. "My sister has long admired Imperial Noble Consort’s kindness. If Imperial Noble Consort does not find her too dull-witted, and with my duties often tying me down, perhaps Ru Ying could visit Imperial Noble Consort’s palace to provide companionship." Her words implied Noble Lady Qing had long sought to befriend Imperial Noble Consort.

Since she could no longer prevent the redistribution of authority, Imperial Noble Consort saw no harm in this suggestion. After all, she had often visited Imperial Noble Consort herself—introducing Ru Ying now was less about establishing a new bond.

But afterward, her words were clearly just setting a trap for Noble Lady Qing.

Once everything was settled, it was Noble Lady Qing who had schemed all along—cunning and ruthless, willing to use any means necessary. She had long harbored the intention of using Rong Noble Consort as a stepping stone to gain favor. Meanwhile, Imperial Noble Consort—the elder sister bedridden by illness—had merely been manipulated and used as a pawn by her younger half-sister.

Even if Imperial Noble Consort hadn’t fully realized it yet, her self-preservation instincts made her suppress and control the other Tongjia woman, fearing she might one day be overshadowed.

After all, if Imperial Noble Consort were not merely an imperial noble consort but the rightful empress, she might have remained secure, letting Noble Lady Qing, her half-sister, fight on her behalf. But no matter how impressive the title "second only to the empress" was, it was still not the empress.

So Imperial Noble Consort couldn’t stay composed—without the emperor’s favor, she could only cling to power. Only by clinging to power could she feel safe. Yet this unstable grasp on authority was enough to make her lose her composure.

Hearing Imperial Noble Consort still laying traps for her now, Noble Lady Qing could only marvel at such "preemptive measures." Her expression remained unchanged, as if she hadn’t detected the deeper implications in Imperial Noble Consort’s words. She just dipped her head slightly, offering a demure smile.

Kangxi watched them both, his face unreadable. With a mild tone, he said to Imperial Noble Consort, "Noble Lady Qing is thoughtful." It was the usual empty pleasantries.

Noble Lady Qing, of course, didn’t buy it.

"Don’t speak too kindly of her. The only time Noble Consort behaves is when she’s sick. The rest of the time…" Kangxi shook his head helplessly, as if at a loss for words, implying that Noble Consort was only well-behaved when ill.

But really, that wasn’t the case at all. It was more like a cat owner returning home to find the house in shambles, only for the guilty feline to nonchalantly rub against their legs, meowing sweetly—making it impossible to stay angry, resigned to cleaning up the mess.

Imperial Noble Consort’s fragile calm almost broke again. The emperor spoke as if it were nothing, yet every time Noble Consort fell ill, he was the most anxious. Once, he had even delayed their return from the Mulan hunting grounds just to ensure Noble Consort’s condition stabilized, slowing their journey back for her sake!

Officially, it was about the Eldest Prince’s recovery and Noble Consort’s illness, but the prince’s injuries had nearly healed entirely before their return!

Anyone who believed that was a fool.

"Your Majesty, if my younger sister were in good health, none of this would matter," Imperial Noble Consort said with a smile, feigning disagreement, as if nothing was more important than Noble Consort’s well-being.

"But sickness is miserable. I just wish she didn’t have to suffer so much," she added, adopting the air of someone who understood the pains of sickness all too well.

Hearing Imperial Noble Consort’s fake concern, Noble Lady Qing had to lower her gaze to conceal her disdain.

Even Imperial Noble Consort herself couldn’t possibly believe such words. The resentment she’d barely held back now ate at her sanity twice as hard.

The earlier resolve—that without favor, she must cling to authority and status—had once seemed unshakable, especially with the Four Imperial Consorts watching like tigers. Fighting Noble Consort would only benefit them, leaving Imperial Noble Consort with no choice.

But now, with three of the Four Imperial Consorts gone, it was clear these low-born women stood no chance of resurgence in the short term. The balance had been broken, and what once seemed solid now proved fragile.

Not long after, Imperial Noble Consort’s chief maid entered with freshly brewed tea and the medicine prepared for her. Their eyes locked for a second, the maid nodding almost imperceptibly. Noble Lady Qing, as if accustomed to the routine, took the medicine bowl, ready to assist Imperial Noble Consort in drinking it.

After the poison test, Kangxi accepted the teacup but merely skimmed the surface with the lid, letting the aroma waft through the steam. His lips barely touched the rim before he set it down, hardly drinking at all.

The medicine tasted even more bitter than usual, as if her heart had been steeped in gall.

Now the emperor wouldn’t even touch anything from her palace—not even after it was tested.

Noble Lady Qing acted oblivious to Imperial Noble Consort’s strained composure, quietly reminding her to be careful of the heat and that "good medicine tastes bitter." Imperial Noble Consort, preoccupied, finished the bowl much faster than usual, sparing Noble Lady Qing the usual coaxing.

Handing over the rinsing cup, Noble Lady Qing waited as Imperial Noble Consort rinsed her mouth, easing the bitterness. After dabbing her lips with a soft handkerchief, it was clear the emperor, having stayed long enough to see her finish the medicine, would soon take his leave.

As Imperial Noble Consort reached for the cup Noble Lady Qing held, her fingers brushed it—then deliberately tipped it, spilling water over her own hands and staining her white underrobe. She let out a pained cry.

The sudden mishap startled Noble Lady Qing, and the servants tensed. Though the water wasn’t scalding, it had reddened Imperial Noble Consort’s hand.

"How careless," Kangxi said sternly, displeasure evident. "Summon the imperial physician." His expression was cold and unreadable, his sharp gaze forbidding.

Noble Lady Qing, appearing shaken, quickly apologized, "It was Ru Ying’s fault for not holding it steady, causing Eldest Sister to be burned." She hurriedly patted the reddened skin with a handkerchief, then ordered a basin of cold water.

Then she dropped to her knees beside the bed, looking utterly remorseful, as if begging for punishment.

The Imperial Noble Consort quickly interjected, "There's no need to summon the imperial physician. The water wasn't that hot, and my hand merely looks slightly pink. I have ointment prepared in my palace—applying that will suffice. Your Majesty doesn't need to worry so much." Her expression was relaxed, showing no signs of strain.

Indeed, Kangxi had noticed the water couldn’t have been too hot. After all, he had just received a freshly brewed cup of tea, its steam rising when he lifted the lid. The water brought earlier, meant only for a sip after the Imperial Noble Consort finished her medicine, had long cooled to a moderate temperature, with barely any steam left. The skin on her hand was only slightly pink.

Still, he put on a show of concern, swallowing the words of departure he had been about to utter. Seeing the Imperial Noble Consort insist on not troubling the imperial physician, he instructed the palace maids, "Hurry and get the ointment."

Noticing Noble Lady Qing still kneeling on the ground, the Imperial Noble Consort spoke up to smooth things over, "I am weak and lacking strength in my hands, which is why I failed to hold the cup steady. It’s not my Elder Sister’s fault—please rise."

"Thank you, Elder Sister, for not blaming Ru Ying for her clumsiness," Noble Lady Qing replied, her face filled with gratitude, as if moved that the Imperial Noble Consort hadn’t held this incident against her, keeping peace between them. She then took the hand the Imperial Noble Consort extended to help her up.

"Sister, you should change out of your damp clothes quickly to avoid catching a chill," Noble Lady Qing said thoughtfully, appearing eager to personally assist as a way to make amends.

The Imperial Noble Consort naturally wouldn’t truly let Noble Lady Qing attend to her changing. She shook her head lightly. "That’s enough. The palace maids can handle this." Then, with slight embarrassment, she addressed Kangxi, "Your Majesty, I must excuse myself to make myself presentable. Please rest in the side hall for now. Perhaps you might stay for lunch?"

Seeing the Imperial Noble Consort’s current state, Kangxi agreed it would be improper to leave immediately. He might as well wait until she had tidied herself and show some concern before departing—it wouldn’t take much time. "Very well."

Pleased that the Emperor had agreed to stay, the Imperial Noble Consort’s smile briefly warmed, though it soon faded. "Ru Ying, why don’t you keep His Majesty company with some conversation?"

This was only natural—it wouldn’t do for both sisters to leave the Emperor unattended. Having another host step in was reasonable, given the suddenness of the incident.

Kangxi’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, but he refrained from embarrassing the Imperial Noble Consort at this moment.

As Noble Lady Qing followed the Emperor out, the Imperial Noble Consort’s smile vanished. Her gaze fell on her damp undergarments, her expression cold, casting a shadow over her usual noble grace and making her seem almost sinister.

The senior palace maid attending her trembled inwardly as she took the damp undergarments and submerged them in the cold water that had just been brought in to soothe the Imperial Noble Consort’s hand.

After soaking and scrubbing the garment thoroughly, she carried the water out to dispose of it completely, swiftly cleaning up any remaining traces.

The incense perfuming Noble Lady Qing’s clothes required a catalyst to activate its aphrodisiac effects. Otherwise, the scent alone was merely stronger than ordinary incense, harmless on its own.

This was a lesson learned from past experience—now, the method involved a combination. Either component alone was difficult to detect, let alone the fact that the "catalyst" had already been washed out and promptly discarded. If anything went wrong, Noble Lady Qing, the one who stood to gain, would be the prime suspect.

After being neglected for so long and deprived of the Emperor’s favor, it wouldn’t be implausible for Noble Lady Qing to resort to a desperate act in her frustration.

Side Hall

Noble Lady Qing directed the palace maids to serve fresh tea, pastries, and fruits, appearing calm and attentive—neither overly eager nor lacking in grace. She carried herself with the poise of a proper hostess, everything arranged methodically.

"Sit. Let the servants handle this," Kangxi said indifferently.

Knowing the Emperor had little patience for drawn-out courtesies, Noble Lady Qing bowed in gratitude and took her seat, choosing an appropriate topic to begin conversation.

This was a skill she had honed—understanding subtle cues. Despite the Imperial Noble Consort’s dislike, she had cultivated an image of sisterly harmony in the eyes of outsiders. She had also managed to navigate the Rong Noble Consort’s well-known difficult nature, quickly identifying her preferences and catering to them.

At this moment, though Kangxi’s expression showed no impatience—his demeanor calm, his face occasionally softening—Noble Lady Qing could sense his underlying irritation. His gaze was unnervingly steady.

Even earlier, when the Imperial Noble Consort was scalded, Noble Lady Qing hadn’t risked looking too closely, her glances fleeting. Her anxiety grew deeper—the Emperor had seemed concerned, ordering the imperial physician urgently, his tone laced with worry. Yet his posture hadn’t shifted forward even slightly.

Thus, while Noble Lady Qing appeared serene and graceful, she was anxious but hiding it well, speaking softly yet engagingly. The Emperor occasionally responded, keeping up appearances of normalcy.

When she noticed the Emperor’s breathing gradually growing heavier and quicker, and realized the palace maids had silently withdrawn from the side hall—even Liang Jiugong had been dismissed midway—what should have been part of the plan instead made her eyelids begin twitching uncontrollably, her heart raced with sudden fear.