Chapter 57. Is it too much to ask for some interest?
Emperor Kangxi was amused by her blatant disclaimer and pointed at her.
"You...you don't really intend to lay a hand on the Empress, do you? Let me tell you, as long as no one is physically assaulted, I can turn a blind eye to verbal disputes. But if you lay a hand on the imperial heir, I will not let you off lightly."
"Your Majesty, what are you thinking? Are you teasing me? I would never do such rough work as hitting people."
Kangxi shook his head helplessly and changed the subject.
His gaze fell on her flat stomach, filled with anticipation and eagerness.
"But you, Nannan, where is my chosen one? Why is there still no sign of pregnancy in your belly? Didn't Chunlan by your side say that your health was in excellent condition?"
Jiang Nan felt a little uncomfortable under his direct gaze, so she touched her nose and made up a story on the spot.
"Well... I estimate... it might be pregnant already, but it's too early in the pregnancy, even the imperial physicians can't detect it. We'll have to wait another month or so to be sure, Your Majesty, please don't worry."
Kangxi knew she was mostly just giving him the runaround, but he couldn't do anything about it and could only glare at her in annoyance.
"Alright, I understand. You may go back now. I will finish reviewing these important memorials and then have dinner at Yongshou Palace later. I will issue an edict regarding Daijia's matter. You yourself... should also restrain your temper and not go too far with the Empress."
"Your Majesty, I obey."
Having achieved her goal, Jiang Nan stood up happily, bowed, and walked away gracefully.
Kangxi watched her departing figure, sighed helplessly, picked up his vermilion brush again, and his gaze became somewhat profound.
Hesheli...you'd better behave yourself.
Even I can't control Nan Nan...
He shook his head and continued to bury himself in the endless memorials.
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evening.
Inside Yongshou Palace, Jiang Nan, who had just returned from reporting to Emperor Kangxi, was standing obediently as Zhuo Fangruo and Chunlan helped her change her clothes.
I'm preparing to go to Kunning Palace for my daily routine of introspection.
Wang, with her increasingly protruding belly, watched from the side, a hint of worry on her face, and couldn't help but ask softly.
"Sister, is it really alright to go to Kunning Palace today? I heard from the servants that you humiliated the Empress..."
Jiang Nan was adjusting a kingfisher feather hairpin on her headdress in front of the mirror.
Hearing this, he waved his hand dismissively, his tone relaxed.
"Relax, relax, Sister Wang, don't worry. What could possibly happen? Could that Hesheli clan woman possibly eat me alive?"
She turned around and winked slyly at Wang.
"Besides, as long as the Emperor doesn't issue an edict to depose me, who in this harem can lay a finger on me? Not even the Empress."
Looking at her confident demeanor, Wang thought about it and realized that it made sense.
Feeling somewhat relieved, I smiled helplessly.
"It's good that my sister knows what's going on."
After the two had finished getting ready, they led the palace maids and eunuchs, and slowly made their way towards Kunning Palace.
Upon arriving at the main hall of Kunning Palace, almost all the concubines from various palaces had already arrived.
They sat quietly in their respective seats according to their rank, and the atmosphere was somewhat solemn.
As soon as Jiang Nan entered the palace, her gaze was precisely fixed on Empress Hesheli, who was sitting on the phoenix throne.
The Empress changed into a more solemn bright yellow auspicious robe with phoenix and peony patterns.
An attempt to restore the majesty of the Empress.
But upon closer inspection, one can see the undisguised fatigue and slight redness in her eyes.
It's obvious that she cried today, and even with makeup, it's difficult to completely cover it up.
Jiang Nan chuckled inwardly, thinking, "I'll listen to Kangxi and not lay a hand on anyone."
But since they all want to cause trouble for me, isn't it reasonable to hurl a few insults and collect some interest first?
He quickened his pace, entered the hall, and respectfully bowed, his voice clear and resonant.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless blessings and peace."
After she finished bowing, she stood up on her own without waiting for the Empress to tell her to get up.
His gaze fell concernedly on the Empress's face, and he feigned surprise by raising his voice slightly.
"Oh dear, Your Majesty, why are your eyes so red and swollen? It looks like you've been crying for a long time! This won't do."
Her tone carried an exaggerated worry, as if she genuinely cared about the Empress.
"Your Majesty, you are carrying the legitimate son of the emperor, and you are very precious. You must relax and not get angry like this, lest you harm the imperial fetus."
Empress Hesheli was taken aback by her sudden concern.
The pent-up frustration that I had finally managed to suppress resurfaced.
She suppressed her anger and tried her best to keep her voice calm.
"Thank you for your concern, Consort Jin. I am fine. I was just angered by a shameless woman and have been holding it in for a while."
Jiang Nan immediately went along with her words, looking indignant and ready to stand up for her.
"Oh? Which clueless dog servant dares to anger Your Majesty? Your Majesty, tell me, and I will scold her for you. I will make sure she is thoroughly humiliated and that Your Majesty can vent her anger."
The Empress looked at her pretentious expression and felt a burning hatred in her heart.
You bitch! You're the one who angered me.
Are you still pretending to be a good person here?
She took a deep breath and said coldly.
"No need for Consort Jin to worry. She's just a clown. I have plenty of ways to deal with her and teach her a lesson sooner or later."
"Oh? Waiting for her? And you'll teach her a lesson? That's good, that's good!"
Jiang Nan nodded repeatedly as she listened. This was a big show being arranged for her, and she was really looking forward to it.
The show hadn't even started yet, so let's keep going. Her next words were even more jarring.
"I knew it! Your Majesty, you are still too young and inexperienced. You can't help but cry when you suffer a little grievance. It's really not the behavior of a mother of the nation. From now on, for the sake of the little prince in your womb, you must learn to take care of your health and be more open-minded. Have your maid prepare more cooling and detoxifying tea for you to drink often to clear your heart fire."
These words, seemingly meant to comfort, were in fact aimed at the Empress's very core.
It implies that she is young, immature, and narrow-minded.
The other concubines in the hall were terrified, and they all lowered their heads, not daring to breathe.
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The Empress's face turned ashen instantly, and it took her a while to suppress her anger and prevent her from erupting on the spot.
She really didn't want to engage in any more verbal arguments with Jiang Nan that would only make her feel frustrated.
I just want to end this embarrassing, chaotic reflection as soon as possible.
She gritted her teeth and changed the subject in a curt tone.
"Consort Jin, why are you talking so much today? Usually when you come to pay your respects, don't you rush back after performing the rites?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nan had a look of sudden realization on her face, patted her forehead, and laughed.
"Oh dear, what a forgetful thing I am! I was so busy worrying about Your Majesty's health that I didn't have anything important to do today. I was quite free, so I stayed here to listen to Your Majesty's instructions and learn some manners."
Without waiting for the Empress's invitation, she walked to the empty chair at the head of the left side.
She sat down gracefully and adjusted herself into a comfortable position.
They were clearly there to cause trouble.
Her presence made the atmosphere in the hall even more eerie.
According to the procedure, the next step should be for Consort Niohuru and the other concubines to pay their respects to the Empress.
Consort Niohuru rose calmly and performed the proper rites.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects."
The other concubines also stood up and said in unison.
"This humble servant greets Your Majesty the Empress."
The Empress glanced at Jiang Nan, who was leisurely and carefree beside her, and felt a tightness in her chest.
I've lost all motivation to give a lecture.
She managed to raise her hand, her voice hoarse.
"Get up, everyone."
After expressing their gratitude, the concubines rose and took their seats.
Everyone's eyes were drawn to Jiang Nan, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
They couldn't help but sigh at Consort Jin's arrogance, which seemed to grow worse every day.
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