Chapter 415 - 193: You Don’t Want to See Song Yunzhao Triumphant Either, Do You?

Chapter 415: Chapter 193: You Don’t Want to See Song Yunzhao Triumphant Either, Do You?

Family visits to a concubine in the palace were generally very discreet. Just like when her mother came to visit Yun Zhao, she would come and go quietly.

She’d had a few run-ins with Princess Consort Wan since entering the palace. ’To be honest, these talented women with their ethereal auras are always so proud. They would never stoop to something so common.’

Besides, Princess Consort Wan was different from Princess Consort Zhuang and Consort Shu. She didn’t like to go out or socialize much, maintaining the image of a recluse who kept to herself.

The last incident at Shouci Palace, when Princess Consort Wan made an appearance, was only because Nanny Yu had persuaded Nanny Nie, setting off a chain reaction.

’So, what about now?’

Before, without an Empress Dowager, concubines could see their families whenever they wished. Now that there was one, Xiangxue said Princess Consort Wan had to get her permission to let her family in. ’This is basically a stranglehold.’

’Considering my relationship with the Empress Dowager, seeing my family won’t be easy.’

"I heard from the little palace maid next door that there were no plans for a party at first. But Mrs. Yao came to visit Lady Wanfei, and unexpectedly, Princess Consort Zhuang also happened to drop by Roufu Palace with a whole entourage. Once they were all together, they started insisting that Lady Wanfei host a banquet, and that’s how it all started."

Song Yunzhao thought, ’What a coincidence. Roufu Palace is right next to my Wangyou Palace, yet they’re throwing a party and didn’t even invite their neighbor. They’re clearly singling me out to embarrass me.’

’The feeling is subtle, like being ostracized by a clique in school. It doesn’t cause any physical harm, but the mental blow is huge. A more fragile person might even get depressed over it.’

Xiangxue did her best to downplay the incident. She didn’t want her mistress to get upset, which would be bad for her health.

But seeing her mistress’s expression, Xiangxue lost some of her confidence. She thought for a moment before whispering, "Mistress, how about I go out and ask them to keep their voices down?"

"I don’t own the roads in the Imperial Palace. Am I supposed to control who walks on them and how much noise they make?" Song Yunzhao scoffed. "If word of this got out, my reputation would be dragged through the mud again."

’Princess Consort Zhuang is leading this. Just as I’d expect from someone allied with the Empress Dowager—always finding new ways to make me miserable.’

’But it’s strange. During the An Shutong incident, I sent a message to Zhaoyang Palace telling Princess Consort Zhuang to take note that Qin Xiyue had been away from the main hall for a while. Why isn’t she going after Qin Xiyue? Why is she targeting me again?’

’I was hoping to watch the tigers fight from a mountaintop, to see Princess Consort Zhuang and Qin Xiyue tear each other apart while I happily enjoyed the show.’

’But in the end, I didn’t get to enjoy their drama; I ended up starring in my own.’

’How infuriating is that?’

"Mistress, you needn’t worry about such a trivial thing. It’s just a party. They’re only acting this way because they’re jealous of the Emperor’s favor you enjoy."

It would be a lie to say Song Yunzhao wasn’t angry, but she wasn’t furious either. It was more like a knot of frustration stuck in her throat, one she couldn’t swallow or spit out.

"You have a point. I am the Emperor’s most favored concubine. Why would I let their jealousy get to me?"

Hearing her mistress say this, Xiangxue smiled. "Palace banquets are always the same song and dance anyway. Since you’re pregnant, Mistress, going would just be exhausting. It’s actually better this way."

"That makes sense." Song Yunzhao waved a hand, dismissing Xiangxue.

***

Inside Roufu Palace, the gentle melody of lutes and flutes filled the air. Women in magnificent gowns and floral hair ornaments gathered in bustling, festive crowds.

Princess Consort Wan was in high spirits today. A light purple gown highlighted her noble and proud air as she moved among the guests. The silk scarf draped over her arms swayed gently with each step, and a bright smile replaced her usual aloof expression.

Seeing her daughter in such high spirits, Mrs. Yao breathed a small sigh of relief. Ever since Song Zhaoyi had arrived in the palace, her daughter seemed to have lost her former verve. She had retreated into Roufu Palace, listless and seemingly ill all the time. Mrs. Yao, watching from outside the palace, had been worried sick. ’If this keeps up,’ she had thought, ’how can she possibly compete with Song Zhaoyi?’

Today, it seemed her old daughter was back. How could Mrs. Yao not be delighted?

’I really did the right thing by coming today,’ she thought. ’Princess Consort Zhuang was right. This is when my daughter needs my encouragement most.’

Princess Consort Wan was feeling wonderful. It was just like the old days—everyone flocked to speak with her, surrounding her. She was once again the center of attention.

’But when did things change?’

’Thinking back, it was after Song Yunzhao entered the palace.’

’The glory that belonged to the three concubines... she stole it, bit by bit.’

Princess Consort Zhuang glanced at Princess Consort Wan in the distance, then slowly approached Mrs. Yao. With a smile, she asked, "Madam, what do you think?"

Mrs. Yao regarded the sincere smile on Princess Consort Zhuang’s face. "You were right, Consort Zhuang. I haven’t seen Princess Consort Wan this happy in a very long time."

"Princess Consort Wan is pure and straightforward, not cunning and deceitful like some others. With your help, Madam, I’m sure she will rally her spirits soon," Princess Consort Zhuang said with a smile.

Mrs. Yao nodded slightly. "I must also thank you for your help, Consort Zhuang."

"You’re too kind, Mrs. Yao. We’re simply helping each other," Princess Consort Zhuang said softly. "By the way, have you heard about the summer retreat?"

Mrs. Yao looked at Princess Consort Zhuang, her expression unreadable, and shook her head. "I reside outside the palace, so I haven’t heard anything about a summer retreat. Is the court leaving the capital to escape the heat this year?"

Princess Consort Zhuang sneered inwardly. ’In the last two days, several courtiers have submitted petitions. Marquis Gu’en, in particular, cited concern for the Empress Dowager’s health, urging the Emperor to prioritize filial piety and take her to the traveling palace to escape the heat. How could Mrs. Yao possibly not know about this?’

"So you truly don’t know. It seems Prime Minister Yao hasn’t mentioned it to you," Princess Consort Zhuang said with a light chuckle. "I will need your help with this, Madam. Once it’s done, we’ll be even."

Mrs. Yao wasn’t angered by Princess Consort Zhuang’s barbed words. Instead, she smiled and said, "My husband rarely discusses official matters at home. These past few days, he has been preoccupied with the reinstatement of Song Zhaoyi’s father. How would he find the time to tell me about other things?"

Princess Consort Zhuang’s interest was piqued. She glanced sideways at Mrs. Yao. "I heard Mr. Song injured his leg. Has it healed so quickly?"

"Indeed. They say it takes a hundred days to recover from a serious injury to bone and sinew. This recovery has been rather fast," Mrs. Yao sighed, playing along.

Princess Consort Zhuang looked at Mrs. Yao. "Even if he’s healed and reinstated, he would just return to his original post. What is there for Mr. Yao to be troubled about?"

"It seems Your Highness is unaware. The Emperor intends to appoint Mr. Song as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue."

Princess Consort Zhuang’s composure finally cracked. ’Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue?’

’If he becomes the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Song Nanzhen would become a prominent official in the Capital City. That absolutely cannot be allowed to happen.’

’Song Yunzhao is already in the limelight. Song Nanzhen absolutely must not be allowed to rise any higher.’

"You’re not telling me all this by chance, are you, Madam?" Princess Consort Zhuang said, looking at Mrs. Yao.

Mrs. Yao put on a helpless expression. "Consort Zhuang, I am merely one of the noble women. I am powerless in such affairs. However, I imagine Your Highness would also be unwilling to see this appointment succeed, correct?"

’If Song Nanzhen becomes the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, it would be like the Emperor driving a wedge into the Six Ministries. And because of her father, Song Zhaoyi’s standing with the Emperor would become even more secure.’