Chapter 338

Chapter 338

Su Yi waited in silence, knowing everything would come to an end before their return. Her lovely eyes were shut, and her slender fingers danced lightly through the air where a silver spirit butterfly rested. She toyed with it gently, as if teasing the butterfly, her movements carrying a distinct rhythm.

Suddenly, Su Yi opened her eyes. The spirit butterfly disappeared, merging back into her form. She rose from the reclining couch with a swift, almost buoyant motion, catching the palace maids off guard. "My Lady," Qinxin stepped forward to support the Imperial Noble Consort, "is there something you wish to command?"

It appeared to be one of her impulsive moods—acting on instinct without warning or reason. Qinxin thought nothing of it. "What fine weather we're having," Su Yi said with a sweet, radiant smile. "Let’s go find His Majesty."

Qinxin glanced at the sky, blanketed with ominous clouds that seemed to foretell an impending storm. But knowing her mistress’s temperament, she held her tongue.

Soon, Qinxin had a tiered lunchbox prepared with nourishing broth and rain gear, just in case the weather turned during their walk. It would never do to let the Imperial Noble Consort be caught in the rain without protection. Besides, it was only proper to bring something when visiting the Emperor. The broth was prepared daily for such occasions, ensuring her ladyship could partake at her leisure.

Su Yi looked the very picture of a lovestruck maiden, her steps light and cheerful. The pearl fringe at her waist swayed delicately, accentuating her porcelain complexion and exquisite features. The pale purple satin cloak embroidered with vine patterns, layered over an orange-gold vest, and the pristine fur trim around her neck made her appear even more enchanting.

Even the palace maids who served her daily found themselves momentarily spellbound. Today, the Imperial Noble Consort seemed even more radiant—a dazzling beauty that refused to be dimmed by the gloomy sky.

Liang Jiugong was completely perplexed by why the Emperor had allowed the woman to stay. Standard procedure would have been different. What words had passed between them? Wang Shi had deliberately lowered her voice, and Liang Jiugong, standing at a distance, hadn’t caught her words.

As he waited outside, his thoughts whirled with scenarios. What if the Imperial Noble Consort found out? Would there be trouble? This woman was undoubtedly connected to the Cao family, who had fallen out of favor with the Imperial Noble Consort. How bold of them to try something like this!

Then came the announcement: "The Rong Noble Consort has arrived." Liang Jiugong's heart leapt to his throat. He debated whether to intercept her, though he held little hope—his frail frame would be no match for her temper.

Still, duty compelled him to at least make a perfunctory attempt. He hadn’t heard any signs of success from inside, so he raised his voice cheerfully, "My Lady, you’ve come!" as he stepped forward to greet her.

Surely, the Emperor had heard.

Liang Jiugong reassured himself that even if something happened today, it wouldn’t escalate too badly. At worst, the Emperor would have to make amends afterward.

He had no inkling of the disaster about to unfold—or that he’d soon find himself serving at the epicenter of danger, counting each sunrise as a blessing.

As expected, there was no stopping her. Liang Jiugong had never truly believed the flimsy excuse of "His Majesty is currently occupied; perhaps you could return another time" would work on the Rong Noble Consort.

Having served the Emperor for so long, he knew her temperament well. If she had set out to see the Emperor, she would not leave empty-handed.

Wang Shi, startled by the sudden loud announcement, felt a jolt of panic. To be exposed to the Rong Noble Consort so soon was unnerving. But recalling her earlier conversation with the Emperor, she steadied herself. She still had value—after all, the Rong Noble Consort was an unstable element, a serious problem.

Who would have guessed that the Rong Noble Consort wasn’t the "Rong Noble Consort" at all?

The revelation had been so bizarre that Wang Shi could scarcely believe it. The informant had assured her that once the Emperor learned the truth about the Rong Noble Consort’s origins, no amount of favor could outweigh the danger of keeping such a treacherous figure close.

She had even presented the Emperor with a means to destroy the "sorceress." The fact that he had dismissed everyone else and kept her alone spoke volumes. He must have already suspected something. With the knowledge she possessed, the Emperor would surely protect her.

Bolstered by this thought, Wang Shi composed herself and curtsied gracefully as the Imperial Noble Consort approached.

Su Yi took in the scene—Kangxi and a maidservant. "It seems my timing is unfortunate," she said, her words dripping with Lin Daiyu-esque sarcasm. "Had I known you had company, I wouldn’t have come."

Kangxi’s expression remained unreadable, betraying nothing of his thoughts. He rose and approached her as usual. "Your presence is always welcome," he said warmly, then added casually, "This is someone the Cao family sent. If she amuses you, you may keep her for conversation." His tone was so nonchalant, as if offering a mere plaything.

Wang Shi, who had been confident in the Emperor’s protection, stiffened in shock.

What? If she fell into the Rong Noble Consort’s hands, she’d suffer terribly—especially since the Imperial Noble Consort was a sorceress with unnatural abilities!

Cold sweat broke out on Wang Shi’s back. Without waiting to be dismissed, she lifted her tear-filled eyes to the Emperor in silent plea, her gaze pitiful and alluring.

"Bang!" "Ah—!"

A gust of wind seemed to whip through the room, knocking over a brush stand on the desk with a loud crash. But that was nothing compared to the terror of Wang Shi’s throat being seized, cutting off her breath until only the faintest gasp escaped.

Her eyes widened in horror. In the blink of an eye, the Rong Noble Consort—who had been meters away—was now before her, gripping her neck with a strength that defied her delicate appearance.

Wang Shi clawed weakly at the hand choking her, but the pressure only tightened, nearly making her black out. She couldn’t muster the strength to fight back, her fingers barely brushing the arm that held her captive.

"You—" she managed in a strangled whisper, but the word died as the grip abruptly tightened again, then loosened just enough to let her suck in a ragged breath.

Su Yi’s face was cold, all traces of warmth gone. Her gaze was unnervingly focused as she studied Wang Shi’s face, her fingers trembling slightly as they traced the contours of the woman’s features.

"I don’t want to hear you speak," Su Yi murmured, her voice soft yet chilling. "I only want to know..." The sudden violence left everyone in the room stunned. Kangxi, though his expression remained unreadable, watched as the Imperial Noble Consort moved with inhuman speed. His eyes held something dark and inscrutable.