Chapter 456 - 234: What a Bizarre Plot Development

Chapter 456: Chapter 234: What a Bizarre Plot Development

Seeing the surprise on Yun Zhao’s face, He Lan Yun said uncomfortably, "Ms. Cao is a very good person. If it weren’t for her younger brother, why would the legitimate eldest daughter of a Duke Mansion marry a widower? Governor Ding’s first wife passed away from illness, leaving a daughter. The girl was only six when Ms. Cao married him. She has been raising the child as her own, and her life there has been decent enough."

Song Yunzhao listened to He Lan Yun. ’She must be quite close to that young lady from the Cao Family.’ In this world, people were always faced with difficult circumstances and choices. It wasn’t strange, in this era, for Miss Cao to make such a sacrifice for her brother.

In fact, it was the best choice. If they couldn’t secure Cao Jitong’s ducal title, what good end could she, the legitimate daughter, have expected?

If her own brother didn’t become the Duke and the title went to another clansman, the fate of the siblings would have been grim.

Song Yunzhao sighed with emotion. She had always felt wronged by her many years of struggle against Mrs. Cai—her own mother, after all. But now, hearing Miss Cao’s story, she suddenly felt her own situation wasn’t so bad.

She had grown so accustomed to battling Mrs. Cai over the years that it no longer made her sad or hurt her.

But Miss Cao’s situation had been completely different. She had always been the apple of her parents’ eye. When she came of age, her family would have carefully selected a suitable husband for her—handsome, young, and from an impressive family. Upon marriage, she would have been the wife of the eldest son, the future Lady of the Family.

Unfortunately, with Duke Cao’s sudden death, she had no choice but to marry a widower with a child. Most young women would not have been able to accept such a fall from grace.

Not only did this Miss Cao accept her fate, but she also managed to live well. That was no simple feat.

’Anyone whom even He Lan Yun likes must have some remarkable qualities,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’After all, considering He Lan Yun’s old, insufferable personality, most people couldn’t stand her.’

With this in mind, Song Yunzhao felt even more strongly that He Lan Yun and Cao Jitong would make a good match. Unfortunately, judging from the tone He Lan Yun used when mentioning Cao Jitong, it probably wouldn’t happen.

’Oh well, it’s just my own idea. Ultimately, it’s He Lan Yun’s marriage; she should be the one to decide.’

"For this Lady Ding to be able to raise her predecessor’s child and educate her so well shows she must be a gentle and kind person," Song Yunzhao said, continuing He Lan Yun’s train of thought.

He Lan Yun sighed. "I don’t know when I’ll get to see Ms. Cao again. Let’s not talk about it; it’s just too sad. Yun Zhao, there’s something I want to tell you, but I don’t know if it’s appropriate."

"Since when does the County Princess worry about whether something is appropriate?" Song Yunzhao teased.

He Lan Yun was at a loss for words.

’Laugh, go ahead and laugh. I’m used to it. As if anything nice could ever come out of Song Yunzhao’s mouth.’

She decided to just be blunt and threw her hands up. "Fine, I’ll just say it. Princess Fuke asked my mother to arrange a meeting with you, but my mother hasn’t agreed yet."

This took Song Yunzhao by surprise. She looked at He Lan Yun and asked, "Princess Fuke wants to see me? Why?"

They had never met before; there had to be a reason.

He Lan Yun scoffed. "Do you have some kind of misunderstanding about your current status? You’re a pregnant concubine, the Emperor’s absolute favorite. Countless people on the outside are trying to get in your good graces."

"Really?" Song Yunzhao was stunned. "All I’ve felt is a lot of people wanting me and my child dead."

He Lan Yun was shocked into silence. "You really dare to say anything. I stand in awe."

"There’s nothing I can’t say to you. Our friendship can handle it."

"That’s true." He Lan Yun instantly brightened. "Let me tell you, Princess Fuke is formidable. The Empress Dowager is targeting you now, isn’t she? If you ally with Princess Fuke, the Empress Dowager will have to be a little more wary."

"Why is that?"

"Princess Fuke is the daughter of the late Emperor’s Consort Rong. You’ve never met Consort Rong, but when she first entered the palace, even the Empress and the Highly Noble Princess Consort had to yield to her. If the positions of Empress and Imperial Concubine hadn’t already been filled, she would have been granted the rank of Imperial Concubine at the very least. She wasn’t just beautiful; she was formidable. She holds some leverage over the Empress Dowager."

Song Yunzhao understood instantly. ’That kind of leverage must be a powerful deterrent, but one that can’t be used lightly. That’s why Princess Fuke dared to return to the Capital City—she knew the Empress Dowager wouldn’t dare make things too difficult for her.’

’Moreover, Princess Fuke knows her own value. First, she has a decent relationship with the Emperor. Second, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager have a strained relationship, and the Empress Dowager wants to control the harem. Therefore, the Emperor needs someone to keep the Empress Dowager in check.’

’Since I haven’t fully established my power yet, Princess Fuke is the most suitable candidate.’

’Anyone in this story with a name and a part to play is a force to be reckoned with.’

"Let me think about it before I give you an answer." Song Yunzhao certainly couldn’t agree immediately. She had yet to personally gauge Princess Fuke’s character. Besides, her fate was inextricably linked with the Emperor’s. She had to inform him about this potential meeting and see what he thought.

She couldn’t risk a great loss for a small gain.

He Lan Yun nodded. "Alright, I’ll wait for your word. It’s not at all surprising that Princess Fuke wants to team up with you. Her return to the Capital City may seem glorious, but her position is unstable. She has to work hard to secure her footing, so it’s only natural she’d bet on you."

Song Yunzhao shot He Lan Yun a look. ’What does she mean "it’s only natural"? The way she says it makes me sound like some oddity.’

He Lan Yun didn’t notice Yun Zhao’s subtle shift in mood. She leaned in, lowering her voice. "Princess Fuke’s two sons are already married, but a husband hasn’t been chosen for her daughter. With the Prince Consort having passed away, they need to put down roots in the Capital City. That makes Princess Duanjing’s marriage crucial. You understand, right?"

Suddenly, Song Yunzhao wished she didn’t.

Just as she was thinking this, she heard He Lan Yun say, "Your eldest paternal cousin isn’t engaged yet, is he? The third-place scholar! If we weren’t such good friends, I’d definitely be vying for him myself."

"What do you mean by that?"

"With my personality, it’s better if I don’t go and wreak havoc on your family. We might end up not even being friends anymore, and that’s just not worth it."

Song Yunzhao was speechless.

’Oh, I should really thank you for that.’

The two grew more cheerful as they chatted. He Lan Yun added, "Oh, and get this, after Ji Yunting returned to the Capital City, the Ji Family actually had the nerve to sound me out. Isn’t that ridiculous?"

What?

Song Yunzhao sat bolt upright in shock. "They actually did that? That’s outrageous!"

’Wasn’t hurting her once enough? They actually want a second round!’

"I know, right? Even though I was in love with Ji Yunting for so many years, when I moved on, I moved on for good. A good horse doesn’t go back to old pastures. But I have to say, Ji Yunting does seem different this time. He was so ambitious when he was posted away from the capital, but he came scurrying back in disgrace because he couldn’t handle the new environment. I almost feel sorry for him... but then I see Madam Ji’s face, and all I can think is how great it is that he’s back."

Song Yunzhao fell silent. ’What a bizarre plot twist.’

"Aren’t the Ji Family and the Wang Family discussing a marriage alliance? I saw Miss Wang talking with Young Master Ji just today." Song Yunzhao was stating a plain fact, without any embellishment.

"Oh, that. I know about it. Madam Ji thinks Miss Wang is a fine choice, and the Wang Family seems agreeable to the match. But from what I can tell, Ji Yunting isn’t interested. It probably won’t happen."

Song Yunzhao: ?