Rong Fei is not honored

Chapter 617 Scented vs. Stinky

Consort Tongjia looked at Consort Rong in disbelief, only to see the other woman smiling broadly, seemingly unaware that there was anything wrong with her words.

What if it's a conspiracy? What if it's an open scheme?

As long as she lays bare all her hidden, unspeakable thoughts in the sunlight, no amount of underhanded tricks will be of any consequence.

Consort Tongjia wouldn't admit her scheming, so Ji Nai took the initiative to admit that he was petty and generously apologized. Could Consort Tongjia possibly hold a grudge against him?

If the person in question doesn't care, what can others say? At most, they'll say she's petty and maliciously misinterprets other people's good intentions.

It didn't bother her at all; Ji Nai didn't care. In fact, he'd be happy if it really ruined her reputation.

A good reputation can sometimes make things easier for you, but it can also become a burden and an excuse for others to morally blackmail you.

Last time it was the Empress Dowager who spoke up for the Grand Empress Dowager; this time it was Consort Tongjia who stirred up trouble under the Empress's influence. What will happen next?

In Kangxi's eyes, Ji Nai was already a pure white flower, the kind that couldn't withstand the slightest wind or rain.

What others think is unimportant.

Just as Ji Nai had expected, Consort Tongjia said with a forced smile, "It was indeed all a misunderstanding. It's good that Consort Rong has figured it out."

Ji Nai smiled with satisfaction, "Your Majesty, I can rest assured now."

Consort Tongjia's eyelids twitched; she had a premonition that Consort Rong wouldn't say anything nice next.

"Since both the Noble Consort and I wish to do our part, Your Majesty, please grant our request. The food I send will be supervised and inspected by the Noble Consort, so there should be no more mistakes."

Emperor Kangxi frowned, not understanding why Ji Nai insisted on getting involved in this mess.

Empress Niohuru raised an eyebrow, seemingly knowing how Consort Rong would break the deadlock for her.

Consort Tongjia's expression stiffened. "Why bother? Consort Rong, no one suspects you of tampering with the food."

"As I said before, we need to be careful with imported goods, especially since they are being given to Her Majesty the Empress. We need to be even more careful with them."

Even if I am confident that my part will not cause any problems, what if something does happen?

If anything goes wrong, I will truly be unable to defend myself.

"Didn't the Imperial Concubine intend to attend to the Empress during her illness? Inspecting imported goods is a crucial step."

Ji Nai said meaningfully, "Only by entrusting this matter to the Imperial Concubine can His Majesty and the ladies of the harem feel at ease."

On the surface, this statement implies that everyone believes in Consort Tongjia's abilities and loyalty, but upon closer examination, it feels rather strange.

Seeing that Consort Tongjia's beautiful face was almost contorted with embarrassment, the Empress suppressed the urge to laugh out loud and pretended to be embarrassed: "It's not good to trouble you two sisters. It's enough that you have the heart to do this."

"The sisters in the palace are all sincerely serving Your Highness, but we concubines are pampered and may not be as attentive as the palace servants around you. However, Consort Rong's suggestion is very good."

Consort Rong's sister sends food daily, and I, along with Consort Yi and Consort Hui, have taken the imperial physician to examine Her Majesty. I believe Her Majesty will recover soon.

It must be said that Consort Tongjia, who had come to her senses and was willing to humble herself, was not easy to deal with. And so, no longer swayed by her emotions, Consort Tongjia immediately launched a counterattack.

"Pampered and privileged, yet not as attentive as the palace servants"—these sound like humble words, but who doesn't know that Consort Rong came from a bondservant background? If she hadn't been lucky enough to be chosen as a concubine by the Empress Dowager, how could she have risen to become a mistress?

Who is being insulted by this?

Furthermore, Consort Rong's suggestion was only directed at Consort Tongjia, but she also dragged in Consort Yi and Consort Hui. One of them is favored by the emperor, and the other has a son. If something happens to them in the end, the palace will be in an uproar.

Even if nothing had happened, wouldn't Consort Yi and Consort Hui, who were dragged into this mess, hate Consort Rong for making the suggestion? Even knowing that Consort Tongjia was the culprit who dragged them into this, it didn't stop the two from venting their anger.

Something's about to happen in the palace again.

As for the last sentence, it seems to be a blessing, but what if the Empress doesn't recover? Wouldn't the blame fall on Consort Rong, who made the suggestion and arranged the food?

Ji Nai seemed oblivious to the veiled criticism in Consort Tong Jia's words, and continued to smile.

However, everyone knew very well that Consort Rong, who had climbed to this position, could not possibly be unaware of what was going on. Seeing that the other party's expression remained unchanged, they couldn't help but exclaim, "What remarkable composure!"

Many others, however, were skeptical. Rather than believing in Consort Rong's magnanimity, they were more inclined to attribute it to her shrewdness and composure. They wondered just how deep Consort Rong's thoughts ran to allow her to remain completely expressionless.

"But..." Consort Tongjia said with a worry, "She has to raise the young Yinzhi, take care of Chengrui and his brothers, and also prepare three meals a day for the Empress. I wonder if Consort Rong can manage all that?"

Ji Nai sneered inwardly; she knew that Consort Tongjia wouldn't just vent her frustrations.

Her gaze swept over the people below her, and even without looking closely, Ji Nai knew that many of them had been stirred up with evil thoughts by Consort Tongjia.

After all, there are six children in Zhongcui Palace. If Consort Rong falls, at least six concubines will benefit. Who wouldn't be tempted by such a profitable deal?

"What the Imperial Concubine said is indeed a problem. Perhaps... Your Majesty..."

Everyone's faces tightened. Today's events had already softened His Majesty's attitude towards Consort Rong. After all, she was once a favored concubine. If Consort Rong were to rekindle her old flame with His Majesty through the child, wouldn't that be...

"How can I allow Consort Rong to take on all of the Empress's meals? I often cook for my elders at home as well. Please give me a chance too."

"Yes, we can't let all the work be done by the older sisters. I also want to do my part."

In an instant, everyone volunteered, as if the Empress had truly surpassed the Emperor and become the most sought-after concubine in the harem.

Consort Tongjia gritted her teeth in hatred. Were all these people fools? Consort Rong casually threw out a bait, and they all took the bait, regardless of whether it was fragrant or foul.

In the period immediately following Empress Hesheli's passing, His Majesty did allow Consort Rong and her son to temporarily reside in the Qianqing Palace due to the chaos in the harem, but the situation is now vastly different from what it was back then.

Regardless of whether Consort Rong still holds such a significant place in His Majesty's heart, even if Consort Rong had not fallen out of favor, the events of that year might not necessarily repeat themselves.

After all, the princes are all grown up, and the crown prince is already four years old. Considering the position of the heir apparent, His Majesty will no longer favor Consort Rong's children.

Moreover, the Empress Dowager already has a new mistress.

Even though Empress Niohuru was ill, the Emperor did not mention handing over palace affairs to others, which implied that managing the affairs of the inner palace was still Niohuru's responsibility.

How could Niohuru possibly allow the harem under her control to descend into chaos?