Chapter 8: Being a Rule Person

Twenty days had passed in the blink of an eye. Just when Nian Suxin thought she would peacefully leave the palace, she unexpectedly received a summons from Concubine Yi. Concubine Yi was known for her outgoing and straightforward reputation, but it was only when Nian Suxin met her that she realized this woman was quite shrewd.

Upon returning from Yikun Palace, Nian Suxin had just stepped into the courtyard where the palace maids lived when she received a summons from Consort De. This sudden and unexpected move made Nian Suxin feel amused and surprised. If she hadn't been summoned, she would have doubted whether Consort De was the same person she remembered.

Consort De was waiting for Nian Suxin to arrive. She had intended to select a few capable palace maids for Yinzhen, but before she could speak, one of the candidates was inexplicably chosen by Kangxi for Yinzhen. She wouldn't blame herself for this, nor would she dare to blame Kangxi. Therefore, she could only vent her dissatisfaction on Nian Suxin.

"Your servant pays respects to Consort De."

Consort De looked at Nian Suxin in front of her and noticed her youthful appearance, which would surely blossom into extraordinary beauty in the future. If Kangxi hadn't intentionally bestowed her to Yinzhen, this beauty would have become a concern for them.

"Rise," Consort De's brow furrowed slightly, her attitude cold and somewhat distant.

"Thank you, Consort De," Nian Suxin raised her head slightly. She didn't believe that she could win Consort De's favor by simply flattering her.

Seeing Nian Suxin's composed and respectful demeanor, Consort De's initial intention to engage in conversation instantly turned cold. With an unpleased expression, she said, "As a palace maid, it is proper to observe decorum. Nian, you should understand your boundaries and act accordingly, so as not to make mistakes and hinder your future prospects."

Listening to Consort De's cold words, a hint of resentment flashed in Nian Suxin's eyes. Consort De's words were too much. Was she insinuating that Nian Suxin didn't understand decorum and boundaries? Nian Suxin sneered inwardly but maintained a calm expression as she replied, "Your servant has been disrespectful. Having been away from the capital for these years, I seem to have forgotten the customs of the capital. I heard from my second brother that Prince Yong is rigorous and filial. I believe it is due to Consort De's excellent guidance."

Upon hearing Nian Suxin's words, Consort De's face contorted in anger. Was she mocking her false decorum or ridiculing her strained relationship with Yinzhen?

Glancing at Consort De's darkening expression, Nian Suxin continued, "I have taken note of Consort De's teachings and will certainly abide by the rules in the future, being a well-behaved person."

The mention of being well-behaved caused Consort De's already pale face to turn completely black. She knew very well how she had risen to her position. She didn't need anyone to remind her. Turning to Qin Mama, she looked at her with a questioning gaze. Nian Suxin didn't seem as soft and easily manipulated as she had heard.

Qin Mama also looked bewildered. She only knew that the information she had gathered was reliable, but she didn't realize that Nian Suxin was no longer the same person as described by others.

Even if the Nian family was not prominent, they still had the Emperor's support. It was not for Consort De to reprimand her. Was Consort De, a mere elevated concubine, trying to belittle Nian Suxin, disregarding the Emperor's favor?

"You understand, that's good," Consort De said.

Seeing the situation, Nian Suxin didn't back down. Instead, she even appeared happy and coquettishly said, "Consort De is indeed as broad-minded as others have said."

Consort De's face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot. Having been in the palace for many years, there were few things she couldn't control. Yet, this Nian Suxin, whom she had never taken seriously, had just slapped her in the face.

On the other side of the palace, Su Peisheng quickly walked up to Yinzhen and briefly informed him, "Master, Miss Nian has already left."

There was no change in Yinzhen's expression. His gaze was fixed on the direction of Yonghe Palace, thinking about the little fox who had made Ulanara suffer. He spoke in a calm tone, "It's good that she's gone."

Consort De had never liked him. From the moment she refused to raise him, their relationship had been filled with estrangement and formality. Anything good that Consort De could think of was only for Yinzhen. Now that he had finally encountered someone he could get along with, she had to interfere and put on airs. If it weren't for the Emperor's intentions and his own, she might have succeeded.

Yinzhen played with the prayer beads on his wrist, about to speak, but as if sensing something, his expression suddenly turned cold, and he swiftly turned his head, his gaze piercing towards a palace door behind him. Where his gaze fell, there was nothing but silence, as if everything that had just happened was just his imagination.

Seeing Yinzhen looking behind him, Su Peisheng followed his gaze but found nothing. He couldn't help but wonder, "Master, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," Yinzhen withdrew his gaze. After a moment of contemplation, he flashed a cold look. "Keep a close eye on Nian Suxin. Don't let anyone take advantage of her."

Su Peisheng acknowledged and agreed, but he was astonished. After following Yinzhen for so many years, this was the first time he had seen him so concerned about a woman!

The two of them walked away and soon disappeared within the palace walls. It was only after a long time that two figures appeared by the palace gate.

"Master..." Lin Yue turned to Yinti and called out softly.

"Are you saying that my fourth brother is still in the palace at this time because the Emperor has ordered it, or has the Crown Prince had some inappropriate thoughts again?"

"Master, after checking, it was indeed the Fourth Prince left by the Emperor. As for the reason, I do not know."

"How is the situation with the Noble Lady? Has the Concubine Yi taken any action?" Yinzhi's gaze was cold and sharp.

Lin Yue quickly lowered his head. The power behind the Nian family should not be underestimated. Despite the efforts of several factions to win them over, the Emperor had ultimately assigned them to the banner of the Prince Yong. At this moment, Yinzhi could feel the clear resentment towards the Emperor's favoritism towards Prince Yong, which led to his venting his anger on Noble Lady Nian, wanting to settle both old and new scores.

The master harbored a hint of resentment towards Prince Yong, or rather, towards every prince favored by the Emperor. If he spoke the truth, it would undoubtedly add fuel to the fire and further enrage the master.

Seeing Lin Yue's silence, Yinzhi knew that Noble Lady Bafujin had not accomplished the task. He remembered Concubine Yi's attitude towards him before, even though she showed some respect for the Ninth Prince, it was mostly perfunctory. Yinzhi pursed his thin lips, his gaze icy.

"Since Concubine Yi is unwilling to help, then we will have to rely on ourselves."

"Does the master mean..."

"I know that the Emperor will pave the way for the Crown Prince and promote the Fourth Brother sooner or later, but I cannot let my efforts go to waste." He wanted to see if the Nian family would have more options and if they could still fully support his good Fourth Brother.

He vowed not to let go of the struggle for the throne!