Rong Fei is not honored

"This servant...this servant just..." Uya seemed terrified, stammering for a long time without even finishing a complete sentence.

In fact, once it was confirmed that Uya was not truly a docile and timid person, her purpose was not so difficult to guess. Uya's singing, recitation, acting, and fighting certainly aroused the imagination, but without witnessing it firsthand, it wouldn't have the same effect.

Even if Liang Jiugong had some thoughts that were detrimental to the Tongjia clan because of Wuya's reaction, would he really bring up unfounded speculations in his report?

Kangxi glanced at Tongjia with a mocking look. This was the person she had chosen? Even if someone is as lowly as grass, not all "ants" are willing to accept their fate and become stepping stones for "nobles".

Kangxi, who was convinced that Lady Tongjia had misjudged her, was unaware that Lady Wuya had made a completely different choice than in her previous life, and he would have to bear the main responsibility.

The ambitious Uya clan was never willing to be subordinate to others, and the Tongjia clan was the shortcut she chose for herself.

However, in her previous life, the Tongjia clan's position was too secure. She was already favored, and with the added advantage of being a cousin, the Wuya clan naturally wouldn't be so stubborn as to try to fight a losing battle.

On the contrary, the more humble she was, and the more she habitually yielded when facing Consort Tongjia, the deeper Kangxi's guilt towards her became. After Consort Tongjia's death, Yinzhen returned to her side, which, although for political reasons, may not have been without the emperor's pity.

Therefore, while Tongjia was alive, Wuya never openly turned against her; at least, that's what Wuya's side did.

Fortunately, Lady Tongjia did not live a long life.

In this life, the position of Consort Tongjia is like a castle in the air, with no foundation laid, so it is bound to collapse.

If Lady Tongjia chooses to raise Lady Wuya's child, she will definitely have to rely on Lady Tongjia for support before she can establish herself securely, so that she can develop more quickly and conveniently.

Unfortunately, that's not the case. Even though Lady Tongjia hasn't made up her mind yet, the increasingly perfunctory attitude of the servants in Chengqian Palace has already shown which option the Tong family prefers.

Uya needed to find another way out, and since she had been a palace maid of the Tongjia clan, if she didn't want to be hampered in the future and bear the reputation of betraying her master, she had to trample on her former master.

"As expected of master and servant, even the shortcuts you chose are the same. However, your master's current situation has already proven that the path of using a substitute is a dead end. Why haven't you given up yet?"

The people in the hall were stunned by Kangxi's words. A double? What double? The Consort is indeed... but what about Uya? Tsk, thinking about it, her personality does seem somewhat familiar!

Uya almost choked; this time, her stomach was really starting to hurt.

What do you mean by "stand-in"? Lady Wuya naturally understood the sarcasm in His Majesty's words. In fact, she quickly realized who His Majesty was referring to as someone she was imitating—none other than the one from Zhongcui Palace.

But she's not stupid!

Imitating the dead can indeed offer some comfort to the living, which is a good idea. However, when imitating the living, a single mistake can easily turn it into a poor imitation.

Wuya knew that she was not good-looking, so why would she try to imitate Consort Rong, whose beauty was the best in the harem? Wouldn't that be humiliating?

Haven't you noticed that Consort Yi, who was favored for her bright and beautiful appearance, never compared her looks with Consort Rong?

Consort Rong's enduring favor over the years was not solely due to her beautiful face. Consort Yi's sister, Guo Luoluo, was also able to win the Emperor's favor by virtue of her second marriage, which allowed Uya to learn a thing or two about the system.

She thought that perhaps His Majesty liked this type. Coincidentally, Lady Uya couldn't emulate Consort Yi, and given her background, she wasn't suited to be dignified and graceful, so she ultimately chose this path.

So... who was slandering her! Could it be Consort Rong? But she was just a nobody, how could she have attracted the attention of the high and mighty Consort Rong who would personally deal with her? Surely it couldn't be that the other party had seen through her scheme?

When Uya recalled the wary look in Consort Rong's eyes when she approached, she thought it was very likely.

"This servant did not. Consort Rong is a divine being, a fairy-like figure. This servant knows her place and would never dare to defile Her Highness with her lowly body." Even though Uya thought His Majesty would not believe her, she still defended herself.

Consort Tongjia, standing to the side, felt as if she had been shot in the heart. She felt that Uya was making veiled attacks, openly saying that she was unworthy, but actually secretly slandering her.

Consort Tongjia had always hoped that this matter could be forgotten, and she was also trying to change herself. She finally made some progress and thought that since His Majesty forbade anyone to mention this matter again, she might still have a chance.

At that time, the secret medicine presented by Uya will come in handy.

But now... Consort Tongjia is so angry she wants to devour Lady Wuya alive.

Consort Tongjia said with a forced smile, "No wonder Uya was so eager to get close to Consort Rong; it turns out she wanted to absorb some of her ethereal aura."

Uya's face grew increasingly pale; the current situation was extremely unfavorable for her. Unfortunately, given her current status, she was simply not qualified to speak to the Emperor.

Fortunately, Emperor Kangxi did not continue to focus his attention on Lady Uya. This innate disdain of those in power over those in power allowed Lady Uya to escape a calamity for the time being.

"Your Majesty?" Consort Tongjia's heart trembled at the sight.

That was a warning look. Consort Tongjia instantly understood why His Majesty had warned her. It was because of Consort Rong. His Majesty didn't want to see her use Consort Rong as a pawn.

"Now, I want an answer. If the Imperial Concubine still doesn't choose, I will choose for you."

"Your Majesty!" Consort Tongjia looked at Emperor Kangxi pleadingly.

"three."

"Could you allow me some more time to think about it?"

"two."

"Your Majesty, I beg you."

"one."

"Your Majesty, I will choose a child." Seeing the Emperor's increasingly cold gaze, Consort Tongjia made up her mind and decided to take a gamble.

After saying this, Consort Tongjia seemed to have lost all her strength. She leaned against Granny Tong, her face contorted in pain but her eyes resolute, and said, "Your Majesty, I will choose a child."

This time, Kangxi was genuinely surprised. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you sure? You won't regret it?"

"Your Majesty knows that you doubt my intentions, but I really just want a child to keep me company and comfort me in the loneliness of the palace. From the moment I made the decision, I knew that this was my child."

"If that's the case, why hesitate?"

"To me, there is no difference between a Noble Consort and a Consort without the Emperor's favor. However, I am not alone. Besides being your Noble Consort, I am also a daughter of the Tong family. A demotion without cause would likely cause much speculation and damage the Tong family's reputation. But..."

"I must be selfish this once. Father and my sisters at home... I can only apologize to them this time."