Chapter 438 - 216: What Else Could Meng Jiuchang Say? He Was Impressed!

Chapter 438: Chapter 216: What Else Could Meng Jiuchang Say? He Was Impressed!

Xiangxue shook her head. "I didn’t hear Chief Steward Zhang mention this."

Song Yunzhao figured the matter hadn’t been decided yet. But knowing the Emperor’s personality, a welcoming banquet was surely unavoidable. The Empress Dowager’s actions, however, would definitely displease him.

She guessed it was likely because of the palace attendant who had been beaten to death. The Empress Dowager was expressing her dissatisfaction with the Emperor.

Song Yunzhao felt the Empress Dowager still didn’t understand her place. She was trying to coerce her son by pulling rank as his birth mother, completely ignoring how little affection there was between them.

Still, it was precisely because she was his birth mother that she dared to cause such a scene.

It was just like the situation with An Shutong. Any other young lady would have been too ashamed to show her face at the traveling palace again after what happened last time. But with the Empress Dowager’s backing, it was no problem at all.

This train of thought reminded Yun Zhao of her own family. Although she was now a favored concubine carrying the Emperor’s first child, the Song Family’s position in the Capital City remained precarious.

’Why?’

’Because the Song Family has no high-ranking officials at court, my foundation is shallow. I rely solely on the Emperor’s favor. The day I lose it, I’ll be like a rootless duckweed, left for others to cut down.’

Song Yunzhao sighed. ’Why must everyone in the palace engage in these struggles, and the courtiers at court fight in their factions?’ Now that she was in the eye of the storm, she finally understood what it meant to be swept along by forces beyond her control.

"My Lady, Princess Consort Wan is hosting a tea party tomorrow and has sent you an invitation." Shizhu hurried in, holding a gilt-edged invitation, followed by Le Chun, Princess Consort Wan’s chief palace maid.

"I pay my respects to Song Zhaoyi," Le Chun said, stepping forward to curtsy.

Song Yunzhao smiled. "Rise. Is Princess Consort Wan well?"

"Her Highness has felt much better since arriving at the traveling palace. The Imperial Physician checked her pulse yesterday and said she’s out of danger," Le Chun replied respectfully.

"That’s wonderful news." ’Princess Consort Wan’s illness is mostly psychosomatic,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’Being able to resolve things in her own mind is more powerful than any elixir.’

Le Chun smiled and added, "Her Highness’s health has greatly improved, and her palace is right next to the Hundred Flower Garden, where the scenery is lovely. So Her Highness would like to host a tea party and invite you over for tea."

Song Yunzhao agreed without hesitation. "An invitation from Princess Consort Wan is one I will gladly accept."

Le Chun was taken aback. She had thought Song Zhaoyi would refuse, not agree so readily. A faint sense of relief washed over her, and she smiled. "My mistress will surely be very happy to hear this. The accompanying noble women and young ladies will also be invited. We will definitely make sure Your Highness has a wonderful time."

After Le Chun left, Song Yunzhao mused, ’Princess Consort Wan has never been one for hosting parties or seeking the spotlight. Scholarly women like her tend to have a high opinion of themselves. It seems she’s finally decided to descend from her pedestal and join the rest of us mortals.’

’Making a living through palace intrigue is a tough gig.’

Without any specific order from Yun Zhao, Shizhu went to gather information. She returned shortly after. "Princess Consort Wan has invited practically everyone. All the ladies I was able to check on have agreed to attend."

Song Yunzhao wasn’t surprised. Nanny Yu, who was beside her, commented, "It seems Princess Consort Wan can’t sit still any longer. My Lady is with child, the Empress Dowager has taken Miss An under her wing, and Consort Zhuang, Qin Wan Yi, and the others are all watching like hungry tigers. If she doesn’t make a move soon, her title as a concubine will be worthless."

Nanny Yu’s words made Song Yunzhao burst out laughing. Xiangxue and the other maids also broke into wide smiles.

Shizhu then said, "Nanny, do you think Princess Consort Wan invited His Majesty?"

Nanny Yu thought about it seriously. "She probably will, but it’s hard to say if the Emperor will go."

’Feng Yi definitely won’t go,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’After all, he has an "Evil Concubine" like me in this palace.’

An idea sparked in her mind. Song Yunzhao turned to Shizhu. "Go find Chief Steward Zhang. Tell him I’ll be attending Princess Consort Wan’s tea party tomorrow. Have him pass the message to the Emperor, so I won’t seem rude if His Majesty happens to stop by and I’m not here."

Shizhu gave a cheerful "yes" and headed out. Xiangxue, on the other hand, looked thoughtful for a moment before her lips curved into a knowing, silent smile.

Nanny Yu also glanced at her mistress with a smile. ’Tsk, our lady really knows how to play the game.’

’She’s sending the Emperor a message.’

Seeing Xiangxue’s happy smile, Song Yunzhao said to her, "Pick out a beautiful outfit. We should attend the party in style tomorrow."

"As luck would have it, the Imperial Etiquette Bureau delivered some new clothes before we left the palace, and you haven’t worn them yet. There’s a long, trailing gown of deep crimson with scattered gold embroidery. I’m sure you’ll love it," Xiangxue said with a smile.

Nanny Yu added from the side, "That set of pink pearl jewelry the Emperor gifted you last time would be a perfect match."

Song Yunzhao glanced at the two of them. ’They really aren’t worried about my reputation as the ’favored concubine’ being too quiet.’ Her original intention was to go and make a statement anyway, so she was happy to oblige.

If Princess Consort Wan dared to invite her, she certainly dared to attend.

Given their relationship, she didn’t believe for a second that Princess Consort Wan’s intentions were entirely pure.

It was stuffy in her chambers, so after handling a few minor affairs, she went out to a pavilion to enjoy the cool breeze.

Xiangxue had to prepare the clothing, so she had Yulu accompany her mistress.

Yun Zhao took Yulu to the pavilion. Seeing the lovely scenery by the lake, she decided to stroll slowly along the shore instead. Walking under the shade of the trees was quite pleasant.

She hadn’t gone far before she spotted Lu Zhixue in the distance, splashing by the lake’s edge with her attendants. A boat was waiting nearby. Curious, she headed in that direction.

「Meanwhile」

Feng Yi had just set down a report. He hadn’t had a moment’s rest all morning. Though he was supposedly here to escape the summer heat, he, the Emperor, still had to govern personally. Reports from every corner of the land were sent to the Capital City before being rerouted to the traveling palace.

Zhang Maoquan entered to make his report at that exact moment. Feng Yi was taken aback when he heard the news. ’Yun Zhao has never been fond of parties, yet she’s going to Princess Consort Wan’s tea party this time? And she made a point of telling me...’

At this thought, Feng Yi looked toward Meng Jiuchang. "Has anyone from Princess Consort Wan’s side come?"

Meng Jiuchang was left speechless.

’What rotten luck. The Emperor was busy when the message from Princess Consort Wan’s residence arrived, and I hadn’t found the chance to report it yet. Now Zhang Maoquan has beaten me to it, making me look like I’ve failed in my duties.’

"Replying to Your Majesty, a steward from Princess Consort Wan’s residence did indeed come by. He said that Princess Consort Wan wished to come and pay her respects," Meng Jiuchang answered immediately.

’Paying respects was just an excuse; inviting the Emperor to her party was the real reason.’

Feng Yi raised an eyebrow, and after a moment, he chuckled in amusement.

’Zhaozhao is using all her little tricks on me. She’s telling me I’m not allowed to agree.’

With this in mind, Feng Yi looked at Meng Jiuchang. "Just say that I am busy with official duties. There is no need for Princess Consort Wan to come pay her respects."

"Yes."

’What else could Meng Jiuchang say? He was thoroughly impressed.’

’Look at Song Zhaoyi. What a brilliant move. She settled the matter without even showing her face.’

He glanced at Zhang Maoquan, who had run the errand for Song Zhaoyi, and grew more irritated the more he thought about it. ’That brat has some incredible luck.’

Zhang Maoquan was well aware of the daggers Meng Jiuchang was shooting him with his eyes, but he pretended not to notice. Seeing the Emperor had no further commands, he simply bowed and withdrew. ’Getting the job done is what matters most.’

When Princess Consort Wan received Meng Jiuchang’s message, her expression clouded over. Seeing this, Nanny Sun tried to console her. "Your Highness, the Emperor has been swamped with work since arriving at the traveling palace. Even Song Zhaoyi rarely gets to see him. Besides, tomorrow is just a tea party, not a formal palace banquet. It’s perfectly fine if the Emperor doesn’t attend."