Chapter 420 - 198: Isn’t This an Unforeseen Misfortune?

Chapter 420: Chapter 198: Isn’t This an Unforeseen Misfortune?

The traveling palace was not like the Imperial Palace. Space was limited, and rooms had to be set aside for the courtiers, so even the concubines had to share quarters in groups of two or three.

The Empress Dowager, of course, had an entire palace to herself, and the three high-ranking concubines would not be sharing rooms. Since Yun Zhao was pregnant, the Emperor had specially chosen a quiet residence for her near the front hall. The others were not so fortunate and had to live together.

Although Song Yunzhao was prepared, the journey had been anything but easy. Feng Yi was worried about her and had an Imperial Physician check her pulse daily. Even so, her complexion was worse than it had been in the Imperial Palace.

Upon arriving at the traveling palace, she collapsed into bed and fell right to sleep, not caring whether or not she went to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager.

When she woke up, she learned that Han Jinyi and a few others had come to visit but had left upon finding out she was asleep.

After bathing and changing her clothes, she felt much more comfortable. Song Yunzhao sat by the window enjoying the cool air, sipping her bird’s nest soup and listening to Xiangxue and the other maids discuss matters of the traveling palace.

"The Empress Dowager isn’t seeing anyone either, so you don’t need to worry, My Lady," Shizhu said. "The Empress Dowager said that everyone should settle in today and that paying respects can wait until tomorrow."

Shizhu had barely finished speaking when Anshun hurried in. After bowing, she said, "My Lady, the Empress Dowager is hosting a banquet tonight and requests your timely presence."

Song Yunzhao was taken aback. "A banquet tonight?"

Anshun nodded. "Yes."

Xiangxue’s brow furrowed. "But wasn’t the Empress Dowager supposed to be resting today?"

"I’m not clear on the specifics; the word came from the Empress Dowager’s side. Otherwise, I can go and ask around," Anshun said hastily.

Shizhu’s face darkened. "My Lady, you’re pregnant, and the long journey was already taxing. Now the Empress Dowager is hosting a banquet and demands you attend? How can your body possibly endure that?"

Song Yunzhao felt a headache coming on. The rules at the traveling palace were much more relaxed than at the Imperial Palace. There was no curfew and fewer rigid regulations holding everyone back. Moreover, the late Emperor had built this traveling palace specifically for feasting and merrymaking. Needless to say, Song Yunzhao could already imagine that the Empress Dowager would be anything but quiet during their months here escaping the summer heat.

During the late Emperor’s reign, the court left the Capital City every year to escape the summer heat. Although the Empress Dowager was not favored back then, she was occasionally allowed to accompany the imperial retinue. Having grown accustomed to the late Emperor’s extravagant lifestyle, now that it was her turn to call the shots, she would naturally indulge herself however she pleased.

’Tsk.’

’What a pain.’

Song Yunzhao looked at Anshun. "Go find Zhang Maoquan and tell him the Empress Dowager has summoned me to a banquet. I dare not defy her decree, so I will attend as commanded."

Anshun immediately understood her lady’s intentions. She turned and hurried out, saying as she went, "I’ll go right away."

Song Yunzhao noted the time by the sky and began to change her clothes and arrange her hair. By the time she was ready, the appointed hour had arrived, so she set out for the banquet.

A Palace Attendant was already waiting outside to guide her. Upon seeing Song Yunzhao emerge, the attendant bowed and led the way, continuously describing the scenery. The traveling palace was built against a mountain, offering a new view at every turn and a pavilion every few steps. Towers and waterside gazebos were nestled into the landscape, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. The temperature was indeed much more comfortable than in the Capital City.

"There’s a spring on the back mountain and a large pasture at its base. If you are interested, Lady Zhaoyi, you could go take a look."

Song Yunzhao gave a slight nod. ’I can’t soak in a hot spring right now. And the pasture? Am I supposed to go there just to watch other people ride horses?’

’Not very interesting.’

The Empress Dowager’s residence was situated by a man-made lake where lotuses were in full bloom. Small boats glided back and forth across the water. Not far from the shore stood her palace, a magnificent structure of golden tiles and ornate, upturned eaves.

Song Yunzhao glanced up, the corner of her lip curling slightly. ’I knew the Empress Dowager would choose this place.’

’In the book, this was where the late Emperor’s Empress stayed when she came to the traveling palace. It was an obsession for the Empress Dowager.’

She arrived just on time. By the time she reached the hall, it was already bustling with activity. Stepping through the door, she saw that it wasn’t just concubines in attendance; many noble women were also present, all with cheerful smiles. Tables had been set up in the hall, where some people were playing backgammon. Others joined in the fun by rolling dice and keeping score, surrounded by a boisterous, cheering crowd. The atmosphere was absolutely electric.

The moment Song Yunzhao entered, the boisterous hall paused for an instant. All eyes fell upon her. With the exception of the three high-ranking concubines, everyone else rose to greet her.

Song Yunzhao’s mind raced, but she said aloud, "Please, don’t stand on ceremony. Continue enjoying yourselves." With that, she stepped forward to greet the three concubines.

Princess Consort Zhuang was about to speak, but Consort Shu cut in first, "Why are you here? You’re carrying an imperial heir; you should be prioritizing your health."

The smile on Princess Consort Zhuang’s face froze.

Princess Consort Wan glanced at Consort Shu before turning her gaze back to Song Yunzhao. Song Yunzhao’s complexion was indeed poor; a long journey was no easy feat for a pregnant woman.

However, Princess Consort Wan said nothing, neither making things difficult for her nor speaking up on her behalf.

Song Yunzhao acted as if she hadn’t noticed the expressions of Princess Consort Zhuang or Princess Consort Wan. She smiled at Consort Shu and said, "Thank you for your concern, Lady Shufei. The Empress Dowager hosted this banquet and sent a special summons for me. Naturally, I had to come."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell silent once more.

Consort Shu had always considered herself outspoken, but it seemed Song Yunzhao was even bolder.

She was clearly implying that the Empress Dowager had malicious intentions.

Consort Shu disliked the Empress Dowager as well, so she had no intention of diffusing the situation for her. She said directly, "Hurry and sit down. Look how pale you are. If you’re not feeling well, just go back and rest. I’m sure the Empress Dowager won’t blame you when she finds out."

Song Yunzhao was a little surprised that Consort Shu was being so considerate. She smiled, thanked her, and took her seat.

Her seat was just below those of the three high-ranking concubines, but next to her was the irritating Princess Consort Zhuang, which was hardly a pleasant situation.

While Song Yunzhao was speaking with the three concubines, the game on the other side of the room broke up. Everyone returned to their seats, and the various ladies seemed to transform back into the dignified, virtuous noblewomen they usually were.

’It’s not like I’m here to bust a gambling ring,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’Look at this mess. I just arrived, haven’t done a thing, and I’ve already ruined everyone’s fun. If word of this gets out, my reputation for being overbearing will only grow.’

’Isn’t this just a disaster out of the blue?’

Just as she was thinking this, a Palace Attendant announced loudly, "The Empress Dowager arrives!"

Everyone quickly rose and bowed.

The Empress Dowager emerged, leaning on An Shutong’s arm, a kindly smile on her face. "You may dispense with the formalities. Be seated."

Everyone thanked her and returned to their seats.

Song Yunzhao discreetly glanced at An Shutong. ’The Empress Dowager still hasn’t given up,’ she thought. ’She’s determined to get An Shutong into the palace. You couldn’t tell anything from An Shutong’s expression, though. Then again, she is a major supporting female character in the book, after all, and her intelligence is off the charts. If she hadn’t been set up by the Empress Dowager last time, she wouldn’t have left the palace in such disgrace.’

Although the Empress Dowager had come up with a respectable excuse for it, everyone had their own conclusions about what had really happened.

The Empress Dowager ordered the banquet to begin. Instantly, the music of strings and flutes filled the air. Singers and Dancing Girls performed one after another, creating a tremendous clamor. Song Yunzhao was already exhausted from her journey, and she had to exercise considerable patience to get through the evening’s feast.