Rong Fei is not honored

Chapter 704 Fishing Bait

Although Consort Hui and her son did not reciprocate when the Empress Dowager was close to Yinti, her gradual distancing from Zhongcui Palace after that represented a certain attitude.

Although Ji Nai intended to no longer keep a low profile and to keep her alliance with Yanxi Palace more secret, Consort Hui's deliberate distancing was exactly what Ji Nai wanted, but she was still unhappy.

Indeed, Emperor Kangxi did not have many sons. So even though Yinti no longer had the advantage of being the eldest son, and Consort Hui had lost the emperor's favor, despite being inferior to Crown Prince Yinreng in every way, she still harbored thoughts of seizing the throne.

So, in the eyes of outsiders, would Consort Rong, who had given birth to five sons and one daughter, be willing to give up the position of crown prince to the son of her enemy?

The fear is that even if Kangxi trusts her, once the children grow up, the suspicious emperor will still harbor thoughts of checks and balances. What methods will he then use to suppress Zhongcui Palace?

While she was deep in thought, Ji Nai and his entourage arrived—Su Mala Gu came to greet her personally, which at least indicated that the Empress Dowager did not intend to make things difficult for her this time.

Cining Palace

When Ji Nai paid his respects to the Empress Dowager, he did not see Consort Shen. He did not know whether she had already left Cining Palace or whether the Empress Dowager had intentionally asked her to avoid him.

Seeing that Consort Rong still maintained her cautious and humble demeanor, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion.

During this period, although Consort Rong was not the only one favored by the emperor, she was still quite unique in the palace. After years of ups and downs, her favor remained undiminished, and she managed to keep everyone from finding fault with her. This Consort Rong...

Do you know why I summoned you here?

"Your Majesty, the court is in an uproar, and the inner palace is not at peace either. How could I not know?"

"Hmph, so you're saying you knowingly committed the crime?"

"The empress dowager is forbidden from interfering in politics; this is a rule established by the founding emperor. How dare I overstep this bounds?"

"Is that so? Then how do you explain the current state of public anxiety?"

Ji Nai said helplessly, "I come from a bondservant family. My family is not wealthy, and my elders are ignorant. So I only learned what a young lady should learn."

After entering the palace, I was fortunate enough to be accepted by His Majesty for allowing me to learn to read. However, I am not very talented and after many years, I have only learned a few characters.

His Majesty once complained about my lazy nature and got angry about it countless times. How could he possibly allow me to read those miscellaneous books?

There is a saying that great calamities are preceded by unusual signs; how could I, with my limited knowledge, possibly know such a thing?

"So, the rumors are untrue?"

"It cannot be said that it was entirely unrelated to me. That day, Saiyinchahun did happen to witness the strange phenomenon in the Imperial Garden. He was just feeling that the palace servants were lazy and was disappointed when he returned home, so he complained to His Majesty and me."

The Empress Dowager closed her eyes and stopped speaking. Seeing this, Su Ma La Gu stepped forward and scolded, "Still not telling the truth!" As she spoke, she gave Consort Rong a wink, but although the other woman saw it, she still pretended to be a tight-lipped person.

"Enough! You dare to play tricks in front of me."

Su Mala Gu smiled ingratiatingly and explained, "Consort Rong is an honest person. There must be a reason why she is unwilling to say. Please don't be angry."

The Empress Dowager said irritably, "If she were truly honest, she wouldn't have tried to deceive me."

Ji Nai glanced at the Empress Dowager in surprise, and their eyes met. He quickly lowered his head to avoid her gaze.

"Hmph! Do you think I'm old and senile?"

If this matter really has nothing to do with you, given the Emperor's temperament, would he allow others to shift the blame onto you?

And you, such a cautious person, you're trying to avoid trouble, yet you didn't immediately distance yourself from the situation and let the rumors fester.

Tell me, what kind of trouble are you and the Emperor getting into?

Ji Nai smiled wryly and said, "Your Majesty is wise. When we get to His Majesty's side, you must explain clearly that it was all your own guess. I didn't say anything."

The Empress Dowager's eyes flickered; Consort Rong's expression seemed genuine. So, it really was as she suspected? "What exactly does the Emperor intend to do?"

"I do not know."

"He didn't tell you." The Empress Dowager clearly didn't believe it.

Ji Nai honestly replied, "His Majesty said that there are many hidden issues behind this matter, and he does not wish for me to get involved."

"So he still lets you be his bait?"

"It was just a coincidence that I stumbled upon this matter, which gave me a perfect opportunity to make a fuss."

The Empress Dowager looked at Consort Rong, who showed no dissatisfaction or resentment whatsoever, and felt a complex mix of emotions. "You are quite obedient."

Ji Nai lowered his head and remained silent.

"Fine, since His Majesty knows what's going on, I won't be so disrespectful as to interfere. As for you, I'll deduct three months' salary from your pay."

"Thank you, Empress Dowager."

The Empress Dowager's smile became more genuine; indeed, dealing with intelligent people is always pleasant.

After Consort Rong left, Consort Shen, who was hiding in a side hall, rushed out to ask what had happened. Upon learning that the Empress Dowager had only punished Consort Rong by deducting her monthly salary, she said incredulously, "How could the Empress Dowager let Consort Rong off so easily?"

"Otherwise, what should I do? Depose her as a concubine and send her to the Cold Palace?" The Empress Dowager looked coldly at Consort Shen.

Realizing her lapse in composure, Consort Shen quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "I was just worried about the prince. Consort Rong has stirred up such a huge storm. Now everyone knows that this matter was caused by Prince Saiyinchahun. Regardless of whether the natural disaster comes or not, someone will blame the prince. I was just worried and confused."

"Is that so? Don't you have any thoughts that Consort Rong is an unkind mother, and you can replace her?"

"This concubine dares not," Consort Shen hurriedly knelt down.

"You dare not? You're being hypocritical in front of me, aren't you afraid I'll take it seriously?"

This was probably her last chance. Even if the Empress Dowager was just lying to her and telling her what was really on her mind, Consort Shen had no choice but to take this gamble.

"Grand Aunt, please forgive me, but with Consort Tong and Lady Wuya residing in Chengqian Palace, His Majesty has not set foot there for a long time. Even when he does come here, it is mostly to visit the young prince. I am not favored by His Majesty and have few opportunities to see His Majesty's face. I am afraid that His Majesty has long forgotten me."

In this palace, besides the concubines whose status is transparent, only I and Consort Tong are still virgins. Great-aunt, I do not wish to suffer like Qiqige, whose status was illegitimate and who ultimately fell ill with depression and never recovered.

Consort Shen crawled forward on her knees, hugged the Empress Dowager's legs, and pleaded, "Please, Grand Aunt, help me!"

"Do you really want me to help you?"

Consort Shen looked up with hope, only to be suddenly kicked away by the other party.

"Your Highness!" Su Mala Gu quickly stepped in front of Consort Shen to protect her, and advised, "Your Highness, please calm down. If there is anything wrong with Princess Naren, you can just point it out. Why resort to violence?"

Consort Shen was protected by Su Ma La Gu, but she was not moved at all. Everyone knew that Su Ma La Gu was the shadow of the Empress Dowager. It was a case of the two of them playing the good cop and the bad cop.

Pretentious!

"You want me to help you, but you just ignore my words."