Rong Fei is not honored

Chapter 612 Not Wasted

However, the Empress is wise and has never suffered a loss.

Would such an arrogant Consort Tongjia care about the Empress? It's already a miracle that she didn't burst out laughing out loud on the spot, disregarding all decorum.

however……

"Your Majesty the Empress is unwell, and I wish I could take her place. I imagine the other women in the palace feel the same way." After saying this, she made a point of looking at Consort Rong.

While the crowd verbally echoed Consort Tongjia, their expressions were quite subtle.

Consort An looked at Consort Hui in shock, whispered her guess, and asked, "Is the Noble Consort planning to bow down to the Empress?"

Look at that worried expression; she's practically on the verge of tears. But how did Consort Hui know? Did she receive some advance notice?

"How could that be? It's just an excuse." The more genuine their concern for the Empress, the easier it is to set a trap for Consort Rong.

"It's a pity that I don't have Consort Rong's culinary skills, which can make even patients have a great appetite."

Everyone's gaze fell on Consort Rong as Consort Tongjia spoke, wanting to see her reaction.

"I suppose Consort Rong wouldn't refuse Her Majesty the Empress's concern, would she?"

Consort Tongjia first flattered Consort Rong, making it difficult for her to refuse, then proceeded to say something offensive:

"If my sister's cooking can help Her Majesty the Empress, then it won't be a waste. I heard that Consort Rong had a falling out with His Majesty before. Who knows, she might be happy and forget about it and make up with you?"

Haha, what kind of talk is that? If Emperor Kangxi really reconciled with Consort Rong because the Empress recovered, it would be strange if she were happy.

Besides, what does it mean that skills shouldn't be wasted? Consort Rong wasn't a cook.

Even if concubines were good at cooking, they mostly used it to compete for favor, show respect to their elders, and take care of their children. Consort Rong never stooped to the point where she needed to please the mistress of the house just to survive.

Don't you find it disgusting?

Consort Tongjia made it so clear that offering her culinary skills was a way of showing concern for the Empress, which was only right. If she refused, wouldn't that mean Consort Rong didn't want the Empress to be healthy? Then Consort Rong's words of concern for the Empress would seem hypocritical.

Although Consort Rong has fallen out of favor, those who were once outshone by her are still resentful. Seeing Consort Rong in a dilemma, they are all gloating and waiting for her reaction.

"As long as Your Majesty doesn't mind my cooking skills, that's fine."

To everyone's surprise, Consort Rong agreed without hesitation, even Consort Tongjia was stunned.

Even if Consort Tongjia wouldn't allow Consort Rong to refuse, shouldn't it be that Consort Rong racked her brains to come up with an excuse, and then Consort Tongjia refuted her one by one, until finally she had no choice but to agree? That's too straightforward.

Even the Empress herself was surprised. She had no intention of accepting food from others, even if it was Consort Rong, who had always shown her kindness.

The Empress had heard about Consort Rong sending food to Cining Palace and Yanxi Palace some time ago, so it was no surprise that Consort Tongjia would use her illness to cause trouble and target Consort Rong.

She had originally planned to interrupt the two after they had engaged in several rounds of verbal sparring. Since she, as the person involved, refused, Consort Tongjia naturally couldn't say anything more. However, events unfolded in a way that surprised the Empress.

"You are not in good health right now, and you have children to take care of. I just coughed a few times, so I don't want to trouble you."

Before Ji Nai could respond, Consort Tongjia interjected, "How could it be a trouble? Your Majesty the Empress is the head of the harem and the mother of the nation. If you are unwell, shouldn't the concubines take care of you? Right now, it's just Consort Rong making some food; it won't tire her out."

The Empress was very displeased that Consort Tongjia had interrupted at this time. She was a wolf in sheep's clothing and had never respected the Empress. Now she was being hypocritical and using the excuse of the concubines' respect for the Empress to attack others.

They disregarded her wishes and used her to cause trouble. Does that mean they treat her like she's dead?

The Empress, her face cold, said in a deep voice, "As long as Consort Tongjia doesn't cause trouble, it will be more effective than Consort Rong sending her any amount of gifts." "What does Your Majesty mean?" Consort Tongjia, who had been focused on Consort Rong, was taken aback by the Empress's sudden remark.

"The affairs in the palace are not troublesome, and I am already familiar with them. However, it is you, Consort Tongjia, who stir up trouble every few days. I have to consider Empress Dowager Cihe and comfort the aggrieved party. It is really a headache to deal with you too lightly or too harshly."

Empress Niohuru's words were tantamount to saying: "Tongjia, you are the biggest troublemaker in the palace. As long as you behave yourself, I will be more effective than any magic pill."

Consort Tongjia stood up abruptly, her face full of anger, unable to believe that the Empress would dare to disrespect her like this.

Consort Hui couldn't help but sneer. This was the old problem Tongjia was having again. She probably thought that because the Empress was too lazy to bother with her despite her repeated troublemaking, Tongjia was hesitant to do anything to her.

In short, he takes himself too seriously.

"What's going on?" Kangxi's voice suddenly rang out, startling everyone.

Why is His Majesty becoming more and more elusive? Fortunately, they were too busy watching the show to say anything inappropriate. Neither the Empress nor the Imperial Concubine are people they can afford to offend.

Ignoring the aggrieved look on the face of Lady Tongjia and the other concubines who were bowing and paying their respects, Emperor Kangxi walked over to the Empress, helped her up, and took her hand to sit down with her.

"Consort Rong, please sit down as well."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Everyone was shocked. Was Consort Rong about to regain the Emperor's favor?

"When did His Majesty arrive?" The Empress was not unaware of Tongjia's increasingly unpleasant expression, but her anger had not subsided, and she was too lazy to show her magnanimity and tolerance.

"I've been here for a while, and just then I heard that the Empress was feeling unwell, so I didn't have anyone announce my arrival."

The expressions on the faces of both the Empress and the concubines were rather complicated. The Emperor's procession was grand and imposing. If they hadn't been instructed not to make a fuss, they would have heard the commotion before the imperial carriage even arrived at Kunning Palace. How could it have been a spur-of-the-moment decision?

However, did His Majesty hear everything? Everyone's hearts sank. Judging from the conversation between the Empress and the other two, it was uncertain whether Consort Tongjia would be in trouble. But Consort Rong's performance... who knew that His Majesty might be pleased and even remember Consort Rong's good qualities.

Some were anxious and wished they could tear off Consort Rong's mask immediately so that His Majesty could see through Lady Magiya's true colors. Others remained calm and collected, thinking that the most anxious ones were Consort Yi and her sister, waiting for them to fight it out so they could reap the benefits.

Consort Tongjia's resentment and dissatisfaction vanished instantly, leaving only resentment and shame.

She knew very well that from this day forward, her image in the Emperor's eyes would only get worse.