Rong Fei is not honored

Furthermore, given Ji Nai's simple mind, while he wasn't exactly a complete fool, it was easy to understand that Kangxi would never associate Ji Nai with being two-faced.

"I ask you, is it because of this that you kept those rumors related to the rebels from me?"

"It's not that I deliberately kept it a secret. After all, everyone knows that I could not possibly have any connection with the rebel party. Those rumors are pure slander."

However, since there was finally an opportunity to attack Zhongcui Palace, too many people were pushing the issue, which is why it became a significant event.

However, Xiao Anzi received the news as soon as the rumor appeared, so it was dealt with as soon as it spread, which is why I didn't tell you.

"The Empress said you directly sought out Consort Xi to resolve this matter?" Kangxi asked curiously, "How did you know it was the Hesheli family? And were you sure Consort Xi would help you?"

What did the Empress say? So, did Kangxi actually know about that matter? Was he testing him, or was he simply suspicious? The thought flashed through Ji Nai's mind, and he couldn't spare any extra attention to think about it further.

"That's easy. The women in the harem had just learned of the trouble in the previous dynasty when rumors began to circulate."

If it were someone else, it would take time to plan; it wouldn't be that quick.

Only the Hesheli family, through the Crown Prince's connection, was able to send the news to the palace earlier than anyone else.

Only the Hesheli family had the motive and the audacity to use the rebels to stir up trouble, all for the sake of targeting a mere concubine.

This is not the later era in which Yuan Xu lived. In feudal dynasties, the emperor's power was supreme, and even the slightest association with the rebels could result in the extermination of one's entire family. Ordinary people didn't have that kind of courage.

Even for those concubines who have families to rely on, wouldn't it be better to deal with the Empress or the Crown Prince? Why go to such great lengths just to bring down a favored concubine?

"Furthermore, I don't know what the Hesheli family was thinking. When Consort Xi's subordinates spread rumors, they didn't even think about covering it up. It was easy to trace the source back to Changchun Palace."

"Don't you suspect it's a case of the darkest place being under the lamp? Consort Xi is also a member of the Hesheli family."

Seeing that Kangxi truly didn't care about his cunning and scheming nature, Ji Nai lowered his guard and simply confessed his true intentions.

"So be it. Anyway, the final result is what I wanted. The rumors have been cleared up, and the people who spread them have been punished. Whether Consort Xi is innocent or not, I haven't lost out."

Kangxi raised an eyebrow, watching Ji Nai continue to gloat, "I'm not fighting an unprepared battle. I directly had Xiao Anzi deliver the person to Consort Xi."

Regardless of whether she did it or not, even if she's absolutely disgusted, she has to do everything in her power to clean up this mess. Otherwise, if the Empress herself intervenes, the outcome will be beyond her control.

"Yes, so the Empress is more reliable than I am."

"How could that be! It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

"Their methods are truly remarkable; they even managed to manipulate Consort Xi. No wonder they dare to use the self-inflicted injury ruse now."

"Hehe..." Ji Nai, who had always been called a fool, gradually lost himself in Kangxi's praise. By the time he realized what the other party had said, it was too late.

The smug Ji Nai froze instantly, swallowed hard, and was about to make a rebuttal when she saw Kangxi looking at her with disappointment and saying:

"I thought we were different, but... I really don't understand why you would rather hurt yourself to resolve this matter than tell me."

Ji Nai's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly moved closer to Kangxi, only to be pushed away by the other party.

"Don't get so close to me."

"No... I was wrong... Oh dear, I didn't mean to..."

Originally, Ji Nai deliberately avoided Kangxi's gaze because she felt guilty, but now, she can't even explain things face to face.

He was too stubborn. Ji Nai was sweating profusely, but still couldn't find a solution. Finally, he simply closed his eyes, steeled his resolve, and gave it his all...

Huh? Why doesn't it hurt?

When Ji Nai opened her eyes, she saw Kangxi gripping her injured hand with a livid expression. His clenched teeth and furious look terrified Ji Nai, who was only pretending to be serious.

Shrinking his neck timidly, Ji Nai steadied himself slightly and explained his predicament. Then he sighed:

“I know that your words can make Lady Nara give up, but it would be too cruel for her… I know that I am being hypocritical, that I am only refusing because of my own selfish reasons.”

But then... I couldn't help but put myself in Nara's shoes. If I were Nara, I wouldn't want to see my child's father living with another woman...

"Ma Jia Jinai!" Kangxi's stern voice interrupted Jinai's confession. He suppressed his anger and said, "I don't care why you did it, I care about the way you achieved your goal!"

Human nature is biased. So what if Ji Nai is really selfish? He is biased towards Ji Nai, so he will naturally consider things from Ji Nai's perspective.

It can be said that as long as Ji Nai did not intend to rebel, even if she did harm the imperial heirs, Kangxi would forgive her and even take the initiative to find excuses for her.

In the past, Ji Nai always subconsciously believed that he would favor Tong Jia Shi in his dealings with her, no matter what she did.

But when it comes to his own affairs, Ji Nai becomes rational.

Could it be that their years of affection are not as valuable as that of a Tongjia woman who benefits from blood ties?

"Is it worth losing a hand just for a dignified refusal?" Kangxi held back for a long time, but couldn't help but speak sarcastically.

Ji Nai pursed his lips, and tears involuntarily streamed down his face.

"Why are you crying? It's all... "You chose this yourself.

Emperor Kangxi couldn't bring himself to say anything too harsh, so he wiped away Ji Nai's tears.

As a result, it was Kangxi's reaction that made Ji Nai throw himself into his arms and burst into tears, crying and saying aggrievedly, "I thought you would get angry and just leave!"

"I was also surprised." He was clearly very angry, but he couldn't bear to say a single harsh word.

Kangxi felt that things couldn't continue like this, otherwise Ji Nai might dare to do it again. If he really lost his life like Cheng Rui did before, he wouldn't even have time to cry.

Before Kangxi, who had just hardened his heart, could say anything, Ji Nai cried out, "Am I that kind-hearted? To make someone feel better, I gave up my hand, and it hurts so much..."

Kangxi's expression changed drastically, and he quickly pulled the person out of his arms, asking, "What do you mean?"

“I originally thought that I didn’t really have any relationship with Noble Lady Nara, so if I got injured, even if it was just a minor scratch, she wouldn’t have the nerve to come looking for me again,” Ji Nai sobbed.

"You didn't arrange for the little eunuch to come?"