Chapter 432 - 210: Song Zhaoyi is Like a Street Punk

Chapter 432: Chapter 210: Song Zhaoyi is Like a Street Punk

Song Yunzhao still couldn’t recall anything about this Princess Fuke, but she could already understand the stakes involved.

However, Feng Yi hadn’t mentioned this to her, which meant it was still uncertain whether Princess Fuke would return to the capital.

The four of them exchanged a glance, and Feng Yunjin said, "Zhaoyi, do you think we should help push this matter along?"

It would be to their advantage, after all.

Although Princess Fuke was said to be a difficult person to get along with, the fact that she could stand up to the Empress Dowager was a good sign for them.

Song Yunzhao shook her head. "Since Princess Consort Zhuang deliberately leaked this news, she’s clearly trying to give the Empress Dowager a heads-up. Under these circumstances, we shouldn’t do anything. For now, let’s focus on preparing for the banquets to be held by the various families outside the traveling palace."

The others nodded in agreement. After a bit more small talk, they dispersed.

That evening, the Emperor once again joined Song Yunzhao for dinner. However, she didn’t bring up the matter of Princess Fuke. Not many of the late Emperor’s children had survived; several princesses who got involved in the struggle for the throne had lost their lives. Princess Fuke and the Emperor were the late Emperor’s only two surviving children.

But Feng Yi didn’t stay the night. He looked at Yun Zhao and said, "There’s a flood in Jiangdong. I’ll be a bit busy these next couple of days, so take good care of yourself. If anything comes up, just have Zhang Maoquan handle it."

Song Yunzhao wasn’t surprised. ’Forget ancient times, even in the modern era, there are floods or droughts every single year, not to mention the occasional earthquake or volcanic eruption making an appearance,’ she thought. She asked with concern, "Is it serious?"

"It’s still under control for now." Feng Yi saw the worry on Yun Zhao’s face. "Don’t worry. After what happened last year, the court officials are much better at disaster relief than before. It’s a pity your father’s leg injury hasn’t healed yet, or this would be a good opportunity for him to earn merit."

Song Yunzhao quickly replied, "The court is full of capable officials. My father’s health is more important."

Feng Yi: "..."

’She’s quick on the uptake this time.’

"Get some rest. I’m leaving now."

Song Yunzhao stood up to see him out, saying as they walked, "You shouldn’t work too late, either. Your health is what’s most important."

Feng Yi nodded and reached out to stop Yun Zhao. "Don’t see me out any further."

Song Yunzhao stopped, a gentle smile on her face. "Alright." 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ

Feng Yi glanced at her one more time before turning and striding away.

Song Yunzhao returned to her hall. ’Being an emperor really isn’t easy,’ she thought. ’Even the Emperor has to work overtime. It looks like the courtiers won’t be able to escape it either.’

Under these circumstances, even the matter of Princess Fuke would have to be postponed if it were to be dealt with.

She had a good night’s sleep.

The next day, thinking of her family, Yun Zhao rose early. After breakfast, she waited for her visitors to arrive.

The Si hour was approaching, and still, no one had arrived. Song Yunzhao felt something was wrong and said to Zhang Maoquan, "I’ll have to trouble Chief Steward Zhang to go and see for himself."

How could Zhang Maoquan dare to refuse? He immediately said, "Rest assured, Zhaoyi. This servant will go and take a look right away."

Zhang Maoquan hurried along until he reached the palace gate, where he saw a group of people being blocked outside. He recognized Madam Song at a glance, and his expression instantly changed.

"Madam Song, why are you still here? The Zhaoyi has been waiting for a long time and is terribly worried." Zhang Maoquan called out loudly before he had even drawn close.

Madam Song was already furious, but she couldn’t cause trouble for Yun Zhao. Seeing Zhang Maoquan arrive, she felt a slight sense of relief, but her expression remained stern as she explained, "This subject informed the palace attendants at the gate that I had come by imperial command, but they didn’t believe me. I then presented the Zhaoyi’s pass, but they refused to acknowledge it, saying they now only recognize the Empress Dowager’s Token. Fearing the Zhaoyi would worry, I dared not leave and could only wait here outside the palace gate."

As soon as Zhang Maoquan heard this, his anger flared. He turned his head to glare at the two eunuchs guarding the gate. "The Emperor personally issued a decree for Madam Song to enter the palace and meet with Song Zhaoyi. You didn’t know?"

The faces of the gatekeeping eunuchs turned pale. They bowed hastily and said, "Chief Steward Zhang, please calm your anger. This servant truly did not know. It was not this servant’s shift yesterday, so I was unaware of the Emperor’s decree. Besides, ever since the Empress Dowager returned to the palace, all matters of audiences and visits require her approval, so..."

Zhang Maoquan kicked one of them, sending the eunuch sprawling to the ground. "You damned dog! You dare to ignore a decree from the Emperor himself? I see you’ve grown tired of living! Men, drag these two away! Their punishment will be determined after I report this to the Emperor!"

After saying this, Zhang Maoquan turned back to Madam Song, his face wreathed in smiles. "Madam, if you please."

Song Yexi and the others followed behind Madam Song. Watching the scene unfold, they felt a sense of vindication. It was Xie Linlang’s first time in the palace, so she was being extra cautious, keeping her head slightly lowered and not daring to look around, sticking close behind Madam Song.

When they arrived at Yun Zhao’s residence and she heard Zhang Maoquan’s account, Song Yunzhao’s expression naturally darkened. She looked at Zhang Maoquan and said, "Then I’ll have to trouble Chief Steward Zhang to mention this before the Emperor."

Zhang Maoquan heard Song Zhaoyi speak in a light and breezy tone, as if she didn’t care much, but this only made him more afraid to be negligent. ’If this master of his were angry, it would be one thing,’ he thought. ’The less angry she seems, the more trouble is likely brewing.’

"This servant will go at once." Zhang Maoquan didn’t dare to delay and immediately headed out.

Once Zhang Maoquan had left, Madam Song finally spoke. "Will this cause trouble for you, Zhaoyi?"

Yun Zhao shook her head. "Don’t worry, Aunt. It’s just a trivial matter."

’A trivial matter?’

Hearing this, a smile touched Song Yexi’s lips. ’To be able to say something like that, it seems Yun Zhao has found some solid footing in the palace.’

Yun Zhao then turned her gaze to Song Yexi and the others, her mood instantly brightening. ’The Empress Dowager was deliberately trying to humiliate me. If I were to get truly angry, I’d be falling right into her trap.’

"Ms. Xi, you’re looking well. It seems life with your in-laws is treating you kindly."

Song Yexi smiled. "It’s all thanks to the Zhaoyi’s good fortune."

Song Yunzhao shot her a playful glare, and the distance between the two sisters from their long separation instantly vanished.

When Song Yunzhao’s gaze fell upon her, Song Hongjiao immediately grew a little nervous. Song Yunzhao and Song Hongjiao hadn’t interacted much, but her impression of her was still decent. "Ms. Hong Jiao, there’s no need to be nervous. We’re sisters meeting just like we used to at home. I heard from Aunt that your husband will be taking the examinations next time. How are his studies going? Is he confident?"

Hearing Song Yunzhao’s gentle, soft-spoken words, Song Hongjiao gradually relaxed. She quickly replied, "I don’t inquire too much about my husband’s studies, but my father-in-law is very strict with his education, so my husband studies very late every night before resting."

Song Yunzhao was a little surprised to hear this and glanced at Madam Song.

Madam Song said with a smile, "Shiyan’s father is a Scholar, so he is very strict about his son’s studies."

Song Yunzhao nodded quickly. "One must endure the bitterest hardships to rise above others. After your husband works hard for a few years and passes the examinations, all his suffering will have been worth it."

Finally, Yun Zhao’s eyes landed on Xie Linlang.

Xie Linlang also raised her eyes to look at Yun Zhao. ’Come to think of it, it really has been a long time since they last saw each other.’

"Cousin, long time no see," Song Yunzhao said with a grin.

Xie Linlang: "..."

’That tone is just like a street hoodlum’s! She just knows how to tease me!’