Rong Fei is not honored

Now, the only ones we can rely on are Consort Tong and Consort Shen. They have powerful backers and might not be afraid to take the risk of dealing with the Crown Prince.

Emperor Kangxi instructed Consort Xi to take good care of Lady Nara, and then ordered Liang Jiugong to take Yinreng back to the Qianqing Palace. He himself, along with his entourage, went to the Kunning Palace.

The Empress, who should have been bedridden, was now dressed and waiting for the Emperor's arrival.

"No need for such formalities," Kangxi said before Niohuru could make a move. She could barely sit still, and he was afraid she would fall if he asked her to stand up and bow.

Empress Niohuru smiled wearily, "It's all because of my poor health that I'm not able to go. I wanted to go to Changchun Palace, but I was afraid of arousing suspicion."

"This is not your fault." If Empress Hesheri had not gone mad, the Empress would not have suffered this undeserved calamity.

"Why would Consort Xi suddenly attack Noble Lady Nara?"

"It's the Crown Prince." Kangxi never intended to hide it from the Empress. In any case, the Empress would find out anyway once Yang Mama returned. Besides, he needed the Empress's help to cover for Yinreng.

Empress Niohuru gasped, incredulously asking, "How could this be?"

A hint of disgust appeared on Kangxi's face as he said, "It's all the mess left by Empress Hesheli. Empress Nara felt sorry for Wanfu and said some unpleasant things to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince didn't know that she was pregnant and took a beating in a fit of anger."

The Empress's eyes flickered... and then, Consort Nara fell down? How much strength could a five-year-old child have? Even if she was caught off guard, what about the servants accompanying them?

"Why is everyone in the palace saying it's Consort Xi..." The Empress realized what was going on when she saw Kangxi's gaze.

Previously, the reason the news spread so quickly was because of the influence of the Hesheli family, who were close to the Crown Prince and Consort Xi. Now, it is because His Majesty wants to make this a reality.

The Empress thought for a moment and then asked, "How is Consort Nara doing now?"

"The baby is safe, but she needs to stay in bed to protect the pregnancy."

"That's good." The Empress breathed a sigh of relief, but then sighed for Consort Xi. After thinking for a moment, she finally pleaded, "If things don't turn out as we wish in the end, I beg Your Majesty to reconsider and spare Consort Xi."

"I had no idea that the Empress and Consort Xi had a relationship."

"As fellow consorts of His Majesty, how could we not have a connection? However, my plea for Consort Xi is not for this reason. Consort Xi is intelligent and well-mannered; she made a mistake in the heat of the moment. If this is the cause..."

If the imperial heir in Consort Nara's womb does not survive, even if Consort Xi is innocent, His Majesty cannot let her, the "murderer" who murdered the imperial heir, go unpunished for the sake of the Crown Prince's reputation.

That's such a misunderstanding!

Emperor Kangxi did not speak, but simply looked at the Empress quietly.

The Empress remained calm. She knew what His Majesty suspected, and explained unhurriedly:

"Some unpleasant rumors had been circulating in the palace. Due to my illness, I was negligent and only learned what had happened when Consort Rong came to my door."

At the time, Consort Rong's sister did not want to disturb my recovery and said she would leave the matter to Consort Xi. I was worried at first, but Consort Xi spent a lot of time and effort clearing up the rumors.

Ultimately, these matters are all within my duty. Consort Xi was willing to help, and I appreciate her kindness, which is why I wanted to plead for her and hope that you would give her a chance.

Kangxi frowned upon hearing this, "When did this happen? Why didn't I know about it?"

He was filled with doubt. If the rumors were directed at Ji Nai, why didn't she tell him? And why did she suggest that Consort Xi handle the matter? Moreover, the Empress had just said to clear up the rumors, not suppress them.

Does Consort Xi have this ability?

The Empress said helplessly, "After the incident in the previous dynasty in March, unpleasant rumors began to circulate in the palace, implying that my incident with the late Empress was not a coincidence."

Later, for some reason, the tone shifted again, and they actually linked Consort Rong to the rebels. They said that Consort Rong was responsible for the misfortunes of your two empresses, in order to tarnish your reputation and create opportunities for the rebels.

Consort Rong said that everyone has a mouth and a tongue, and as long as there are people, rumors cannot be completely stopped. She does not want to trouble you again and again because of these rumors.

That's not wrong. Some time ago, Consort Rong injured her hand, and there were all sorts of rumors circulating in the palace.

Consort Rong added that Consort Xi was a smart woman and wouldn't do anything foolish; she should be given a chance to prove herself. Furthermore, whoever caused the trouble should be responsible for resolving it.

Kangxi understood that the rumors were the work of the Hesheli family, who wanted to label Ji Nai as a traitor, and might even be doing it under the name of Consort Xi.

When Ji Nai found out, he not only didn't resent Consort Xi, but instead brought the matter to light, letting Consort Xi handle it herself. Since Ji Nai was able to approach Consort Xi, he naturally already had evidence. If Consort Xi refused to handle it, she would have to take the blame, and she would be the one to suffer the consequences.

You can't shirk responsibility or pretend to be confused.

Kangxi's dislike for the Hesheli family intensified. He spread rumors and found scapegoats. It was truly a case of unchanging methods and ever-changing scapegoats.

"Since the rumors can't be contained, let them all stay in their own rooms."

"Your Majesty is right. In the sweltering summer, going out can easily lead to heatstroke."

Emperor Kangxi stormed out of Kunning Palace; he was going to settle scores with someone.

She kept everything from him and told him nothing. It wasn't like this before!

Ji Nai was lying on the couch taking a nap when he heard the eunuch's announcement. He moved his eyelids slightly but did not open them.

Granny Li glanced at her mistress in surprise, not expecting that her prediction had actually come true. Knowing that her mistress must have a way to deal with it, she completely relaxed.

At His Majesty's signal, Granny Li led the palace servants out of the hall without any hesitation.

"You're becoming more and more unruly these days." Although he was scolding him, he cooperated by sitting down next to Ji Nai and gently pulling him into his arms.

"Please have some understanding, I'm really exhausted," Ji Nai complained, his eyes closed.

"You have no idea, when I discovered something was wrong at Changchun Palace, my heart was pounding in my chest. I was yelling and scolding everyone away while trying to control the situation. I was on edge, afraid that I might make a mistake."

"Who told you to run out? I told you to stay put and recover from your injuries."

“You’re being a bit harsh. Although I’m injured, I’m not so badly injured that I can’t get out of bed. I heard that Noble Lady Nara may have miscarried, and the situation is quite serious, so I thought I’d go and check on her.”

Who knew something like this would happen? Besides, if it weren't for me, how would you have handled things today?

Ji Nai then opened his eyes, looked at Kangxi with dissatisfaction, and said, "How can you not appreciate a kind heart?"

"Ah!"