Rong Fei is not honored

Are you resenting me?

"No, Your Majesty knows that you did this for the sake of the Qing Dynasty and its people, not to deliberately target me. How could I blame you?"

Kangxi was silent.

Uya clenched her fists. She had underestimated Tongjia. That's right, anyone sent to the palace by the Tong family couldn't possibly be a fool. And she wasn't the only eligible daughter in the Tong family.

But now that Lady Tongjia has chosen an heir, wasn't her previous judgment wrong? If only she had known…

However, no matter how much she regrets it, things have come to this point. The most important thing now is how to deal with Tongjia Shi, who has just been angered by her outburst, in these last few months before giving birth.

And how to save one's life during childbirth, and how to rightfully obtain a title and move out of Chengqian Palace.

Sigh, if only the fish had taken the bait. No matter which path she took, Consort Rong would have been the best choice compared to Consort Tongjia. It's just a pity that Zhongcui Palace didn't need anyone at the time, which is why she chose the Tongjia girl after much deliberation.

Although Emperor Kangxi was indeed moved by Lady Tongjia's words and actions, that was all. Despite her seemingly kind words, the reality was far more complex than she described; countless schemes were hidden within.

Therefore, Kangxi was only distracted for a moment before regaining his composure and noticing Wuya's unusual behavior.

She was too calm, and it was this calmness that surprised Kangxi.

Although she was just a lowly palace maid and had no right to comment on the choices made by Emperor Kangxi and Consort Tongjia, she had no say in the fate of her child or even her own life or death.

However, when normal people encounter such a situation, even if they dare not be angry or complain due to the vast difference in their status, they will still feel fear, anxiety, and restlessness.

But Uya showed no such emotions; she remained calm throughout.

Was it because she was confident, or because she didn't care? Even if Uya didn't care about the child in her womb, did she not care about her own life?

"Since you've made your decision, I will grant it, for the sake of the Tong family..."

Consort Tongjia's heart leaped into her throat; she even forgot to breathe. She hoped she had won her gamble and that, for the sake of her aunt and the Tong family, His Majesty would not demote her.

That's right, that's the main reason why Consort Tongjia chose the child; she didn't think the Emperor would really demote her.

She was a Noble Consort, the most powerful woman in the harem after the Empress. Although it was a matter of the harem, it would be child's play to arbitrarily depose and install high-ranking concubines. Even if His Majesty really thought that way, the court and the Empress Dowager would stop him.

Besides, Consort Tongjia only wanted a child, what's wrong with that? The reason she's so anxious is because His Majesty refuses to favor her.

This reason is completely untenable and would only seem absurd if it were to spread.

Demoting a Noble Consort to a Consort without her committing any major wrongdoing is not only a slap in the face to her, but also a slap in the face to the Tong family and the late Empress Dowager Cihe.

"For the sake of the Tong family, I will spread the word: it was because you did not manage the palace servants well, which caused Consort Rong to be injured. Feeling guilty, you took the initiative to submit a memorial saying that you were ashamed to hold a high position and requested to be demoted to the rank of Consort."

Consort Tongjia stared wide-eyed in shock, "No..." she cried out in anger and disbelief.

Fortunately, he had lost his voice, so he didn't say the word "no" directly.

Nevertheless, Kangxi could still see through Tongjia's resistance and sneered inwardly. Just as he suspected, he knew Tongjia wouldn't be content; she was aiming to have it both ways.

The Tong family, Mother, is betting that he will have some reservations and won't really demote Tongjia's rank.

However, their calculations were actually correct. If it weren't for the Ji Nai incident, Kangxi really wouldn't have made up his mind to issue an edict directly; at most, he would have found an excuse to punish him later.

But who can say for sure what will happen in the future? Maybe if it drags on, the matter will simply be dropped.

"Why, do you regret it?"

Once a decision is made, there's no going back. Even if Consort Tongjia truly regretted it, she couldn't change her mind at this point. Otherwise, what kind of person would she be in the Emperor's eyes—a fickle, scheming villain?

Consort Tongjia had only slightly changed the Emperor's impression of her through her performance.

"No, I have no regrets, but I feel that this reason is really inappropriate."

"What's wrong?"

“Although Lady Wuya is a palace maid, she is carrying the emperor’s child. If you use Consort Rong’s sister as an excuse, it may affect her reputation.”

"Consort Rong was injured while saving the imperial heir, and those who know the inside story will only praise Consort Rong's kindness."

Moreover, this isn't the first time. Last time, he nearly disfigured himself while saving Yinti, and this time he almost lost a hand. Who would still question it?

When Consort Tongjia heard His Majesty praising Consort Rong, she was furious. When she realized what His Majesty had said, those around her couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

Consort Tongjia glanced at the astonished Tong Mama, then at the pale-faced Wuya Shi, and swallowed hard. It turned out she hadn't misheard.

No wonder His Majesty was so angry, no wonder His Majesty was willing to kick her while she was down to make Rongfei famous, no wonder His Majesty suddenly issued an ultimatum.

Damn it! She'd been tricked.

Now His Majesty must believe that he orchestrated all of this, both to harm Consort Rong and to get rid of the child she abandoned.

Consort Tongjia instantly stopped feeling the pinch. What did a demotion matter? She'd seize the opportunity to rise again sooner or later. But if she had chosen the lower rank just now… ugh!

"How is Consort Rong? Her hand..." Consort Tongjia asked with genuine concern.

She couldn't be insincere; after all, it was someone from her own palace who caused the trouble. If it had nothing to do with her, Consort Tongjia would have been happy to watch the spectacle.

"Daily life is unimpeded."

His Majesty only said this one sentence and then stopped, implying that nothing could be done except for daily life? Consort Tongjia was somewhat disappointed. Since she was already deposed, why couldn't she be deposed more thoroughly?

Ideally, he should be crippled.

Even if she remains Consort Rong, or even becomes Noble Consort Rong as compensation, Ma Jia will be no threat to her once she is crippled.

For the sake of the Qing Dynasty's reputation, the imperial family would not allow a cripple to appear in public. Furthermore, to put it more broadly, the Aisin Gioro family could not afford to have a crippled Empress Dowager.

what a pity!

However, what she needs to consider now is not what will happen to Consort Rong, but how to prove her innocence and how to make everyone believe that she really asked to be demoted, rather than being punished for plotting against Consort Rong.

Consort Tongjia rolled her eyes and turned her gaze to Wuya. Wasn't the perfect raft right here?