Chapter 162 Provocation? Very interesting.

After Kangxi's figure disappeared outside the palace gate.

The sweet and charming smile on Tongjia's face gradually faded, replaced by a look of solemnity.

She walked to the window and looked at the scenery in the courtyard outside.

After a moment of silence, he spoke to the old woman beside him.

“Granny, it seems that my cousin’s feelings for the Empress are deeper than I previously thought.”

That natural "Nan Nan" left her feeling uneasy.

The old woman stepped forward and whispered.

"Princess, the Empress is, after all, the head of the inner palace, and has been with the Emperor for many years, experiencing many things together. Their bond is naturally extraordinary. But this just shows that the Emperor is a sentimental and nostalgic person, which is a good thing."

She observed Tongjia's expression and continued to comfort her.

"You and the Emperor are first cousins, connected by blood. This bond is unmatched by anyone else. Just remember this and proceed with caution. The Emperor's heart will naturally grow stronger towards you."

The old woman caught a glimpse of Li Guiping standing with his hands at his sides near the palace gate.

He seemed to be carefully considering his words, offering a pointed reminder.

“Princess, let me add one more thing. Today I was in a daze. No matter what you think in your heart, you must give Her Majesty the respect due to the Empress. You cannot be lacking in manners. As for the rest... Since His Majesty has promised to take care of you, you only need to behave properly, and His Majesty will naturally notice.”

Tongjia raised her eyebrows, a hint of undisguised smugness flashing in her eyes, and spoke in a light tone.

“What you say is absolutely right, and I understand perfectly—on this trip, my cousin will surely be able to see the Empress’s unknown side.”

Li Guiping, who stood to the side, kept his head down and eyes lowered, appearing respectful, but his mind was already racing with calculations.

Although this Princess Tongjia had been in the palace for two days, she occasionally made arrogant remarks.

But to act so pretentiously before the emperor, pretending to be so weak and unable to take care of herself, is truly unusual.

Why would the Emperor personally go to the scene of the coma? This cannot be explained by simple cowardice.

How could he not know whether Princess Tongjia was timid or not?

Reflect on what the old nanny just said: "You will be given the respect due to you... As for the rest, the Emperor will take care of you."

This statement seems to have a hidden meaning.

While it sounds like advice to the princess to observe proper etiquette, it's actually an implication that as long as the emperor is present to support her, she'll be safe.

The real intention was probably to put on a show in front of the emperor, or to make it appear as if the empress was bullying the newcomer.

They either portray themselves as weak and pitiful, or they engage in provocative acts.

He sneered inwardly.

He was young and impatient; how could such a trick fool the Empress?

However, this matter is of great importance, and we must immediately investigate Tongjia's unusual behavior and the possible hidden schemes behind it.

Inform Her Majesty as soon as possible so that she can take precautions.

At this moment, Tongjia seemed to remember Li Guiping's existence and waved her hand.

"Li Guiping, this is none of your business. Get out."

"Yes, sir."

Li Guiping bowed in response, then left the bedchamber with his head bowed and eyes lowered.

——————

Kunning Palace, sleeping quarters.

Jiang Nan leaned against the phoenix couch, her gaze unfocused, staring blankly at the dressing table.

The hall was filled with the gentle fragrance of incense and was completely silent.

Zhao Deyi walked in quietly and quickly, and only when he reached the bedside did he lower his voice to report.

"Your Majesty, news has come from Chengqian Palace."

Jiang Nan's eyes flickered slightly, and she lazily raised her eyelids.

"Oh? It's only been two or three days, and that Princess Tongjia can't hold back anymore. What kind of trouble is she up to?"

There was no surprise in her tone; on the contrary, there was a hint of anticipation.

Zhao bowed deeply, his face displaying his usual respect, and his voice lowered even further.

"Your Majesty is wise and insightful."

"Just tell me, what's she planning to do?"

Jiang Nan shifted to a more comfortable position, resting her chin on one hand.

"Your Majesty!"

Zhao Deyi leaned forward slightly.

"Li Guiping sent someone to deliver a message, saying that Princess Tongjia pretended to be terrified in front of the Emperor, saying that she was afraid of her first time fainting and that she was afraid that her words and actions would displease the Empress. She said that she had obtained the Emperor's permission to personally come to Kunning Palace to oversee the Emperor's presence today if she had the time."

He paused briefly, then continued.

"According to Li Guiping's speculation, this Tongjia clan member intends to take advantage of the Emperor's presence to sow discord. She probably wants to provoke Your Majesty into anger or to show some severity so that the Emperor might happen to witness it, thereby driving a wedge between you and the Emperor."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nan not only didn't get angry, but instead chuckled softly.

The laughter carried a hint of amusement and interest.

"Heh, I knew it! How could life in the harem be so boring? Here comes the fun."

She sat up straighter, her eyes sparkling, as if she had heard something extremely interesting.

"This Tongjia woman, though she looks young, isn't entirely brainless. She even knows how to use this trick of luring the enemy into a trap and then feigning injury?"

Her tone held a hint of admiration, which then turned into a long sigh, carrying the melancholy of a lonely master.

"Alas, you have no idea how boring it has been for me in the harem for the past seven years since Empress Hesheli died. If it weren't for that little rascal Erhe keeping me entertained, I would probably have gone mad from boredom long ago."

As she spoke, a bright yet slightly mischievous smile bloomed on her face.

"It seems that Heaven is still kind to me. Erhe has only been in the Imperial Study for two days, and I was just feeling bored when someone couldn't wait to put on a show to amuse me. Very well, I'm curious to see how she will put on this show."

She waved her hand, her tone regaining its usual languidness, carrying an air of complete control.

"Alright, I understand. You may leave now. Tell Li Guiping to keep his eyes peeled and to report any disturbances in Chengqian Palace immediately."

"Yes, sir."

Zhao Deyi understood immediately, respectfully agreed, and quietly withdrew.

Tranquility was restored to the hall.

Jiang Nan got up, walked to the window, looked at the clear blue sky outside, and stretched lazily in a good mood.

"You want to stage a scene on my turf where a wicked empress bullies an innocent girl?"

She turned around and called out loudly.

"Chunlan, change your clothes. I need to dress up nicely, so as not to neglect the performer who is about to go on stage."

——————

Time passed in a daze.

The main hall of Kunning Palace was brightly lit, solemn and dignified.

Chunlan gently supported Jiang Nan as they slowly walked out from the back hall.

She wore a bright yellow phoenix and peony dress and a kingfisher feather phoenix headdress. Although she was not heavily made up, she had an air of authority and dignity befitting an empress.

She walked calmly toward the phoenix throne, which symbolized the highest power in the harem.

As she settled into her seat, her gaze swept casually yet precisely across the area below.

The first one on the left is still Consort Niohuru.

On the right, seated first, is a young girl dressed in the formal attire of a concubine, her face still bearing a hint of childishness.

This must be today's protagonist—the Tongjia clan.

Jiang Nan thought to herself. He was quite good-looking, and there was indeed a resemblance between him and Emperor Kangxi in his eyes and brows.

No wonder she's my cousin.

"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty live a thousand years and be well!"

All the concubines rose in unison, curtsied, and their voices were perfectly synchronized.

Jiang Nan remained calm, gently raising her hand, her voice clear and steady.

"Get up, everyone."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The crowd expressed their gratitude and rose to their seats in order, the only sound in the hall being the rustling of fabrics.

Jiang Nan's gaze fell on the fresh face on the right.

With a hint of curiosity from their first meeting, she took the initiative to break the silence.

"This young lady must be Tong Jia, who recently entered the palace, right? She is indeed very beautiful."

Upon hearing this, Tongjia looked up at Jiang Nan, inwardly grimacing.

Hmph, she's nothing special. Her eyes are clear, and her looks are barely passable. There's nothing particularly outstanding about her. I really don't know what my cousin sees in her.

She felt contempt in her heart, but quickly put on a sweet yet slightly timid smile, stood up, and gave a graceful bow.

Her voice was clear and delicate, but her words made the entire main hall fall silent.

"Sister-in-law, it is I, your concubine."

She blinked her innocent-looking big eyes, seemingly unaware that there was anything wrong with how she addressed her.

With a touch of naivety, she continued.

"Now, shouldn't it be your turn, sister-in-law, to serve tea to your cousin-in-law?"

The moment the words "cousin-in-law" were uttered, the air in the vast main hall of Kunning Palace seemed to freeze instantly.

All the concubines, including Niohuru, held their breath and looked at Tongjia in disbelief.

This was during the triennial Grand Ceremony of Reflection, held in the main hall of the Kunning Palace.

How dare she be so presumptuous as to address the Empress as her cousin-in-law?

Is she genuinely ignorant of the rules, or is she doing it on purpose?