Chapter 475 - 253: Going Our Separate Ways

Chapter 475: Chapter 253: Going Our Separate Ways

Song Yunzhao spun a tale with a straight face. "I heard a few things from Chief Steward Zhang. You know he’s one of the Emperor’s men, so he’s a bit better informed."

Song Nanzhen breathed a sigh of relief. This daughter of his had never been one to take a loss lying down, not even as a child. If she ever suffered a setback, she was sure to find a way to get even.

’She was only afraid he would take his anger about her coming to the traveling palace out on Minister Cao. Although she knew he disliked Minister Cao’s actions, when you’re under someone else’s roof, you have to know when to bow your head.’

"That’s good, then. That’s good."

Song Yunzhao kept her smile in place. ’My father is wonderful in every way, except for some of his deeply ingrained, old-fashioned ideas.’

’For instance, my father was convinced that men shouldn’t meddle in the affairs of the women’s quarters. That’s why my childhood there was so difficult—not because he didn’t care, but because he was kept in the dark.’

’Later, when I learned how to report what was happening, my father would still protect Mrs. Cai to save face. So even when he was defending me, Mrs. Cai had figured out his temperament and grew audacious, completely unafraid.’

’When I got a little older, I dared to pick fights with Mrs. Cai, turning the women’s quarters into a constant state of chaos. My father saw that it was like playing whack-a-mole—as soon as he’d solve one problem, another would pop up. Unable to control either of us, he finally began to reflect that perhaps his methods were wrong.’

’So, when dealing with her father’s stubborn, old-fashioned mindset, Song Yunzhao certainly wasn’t going to admit to anything. Otherwise, he would lecture her endlessly, and that was just a headache she didn’t need.’

’Having morals and principles is a good thing. In the world of court politics, such qualities would be a great blessing if he were serving a wise and just ruler.’

’But sometimes, it’s not so perfect. Take a place like the women’s quarters—is that really a place where reason and rules apply?’

The father and daughter hadn’t seen each other in a long time. Song Nanzhen studied his daughter, asking about her life in the palace. Song Yunzhao told him about it honestly, carefully selecting matters that were connected to the imperial court.

Her main goal was to impress upon him how intertwined the imperial court and the harem were.

She couldn’t guarantee her safety simply by choosing not to get involved in certain matters.

She was especially detailed and clear when explaining the incident where Xie Linlang, He Lan Yun, and Song Yexi were injured.

Song Nanzhen was silent for a long time before looking at his daughter with a soft sigh. "Your aunt told me about it. Madam Ji refuses to let the Xie family come and express their gratitude. At the end of the day, it’s because I’m useless."

Song Yunzhao was not pleased to hear this. She looked at her father and said, "The Ji Family’s deep roots were built up over generations. Our Song Family was once glorious, and we can still strive to catch up. To say nothing of my cousin, who has a brilliant future ahead after winning third place in the imperial examination, you and Uncle have been conscientious and diligent officials for many years. If you and Uncle didn’t have such a sterling reputation, how could you have been promoted so quickly?"

Song Nanzhen: "..."

’He felt his daughter’s assessment of their family’s standing was a little off. Their ancestors’ glory was a thing of the distant past. Catching up would be easier said than done.’

Just as he was thinking this, he heard his daughter continue, "The court is full of high-ranking ministers who do nothing but occupy their posts. Why can’t honest officials like you and Uncle advance further? Father, if you don’t change your way of thinking, what will you do when I give birth? If the Emperor bestows a noble title upon our family, how will you be able to bear that weight?"

"What?" Song Nanzhen was dumbfounded. "Don’t speak such nonsense. You are merely a Zhaoyi. How could you possibly earn a noble title for our family? Do not speak so recklessly, lest you invite disaster."

Song Yunzhao realized something. ’My father has been serving conscientiously at the lower ranks for too many years. The constant suppression he faced in his official career has cultivated a cautious nature in him, so he always prioritizes stability above all else. But in the current climate, the Song Family needs to be more than just stable—we need to be more assertive.’

Her eyes darted about. ’The direct approach isn’t working,’ she thought, ’time for a softer one.’ Time to play the victim.

"Father, I have no other choice. I’m carrying the Emperor’s first child, which has already made me a thorn in everyone’s side. If I can’t use this opportunity to advance and secure my footing, it will be incredibly difficult for me to get ahead once others give birth to an heir, given my family’s status. Surely you don’t want to see your daughter bullied and humiliated in the harem, do you?"

"Of course not," Song Nanzhen said with a frown.

"Father, why are the three concubines so arrogant in the palace? It’s because their families support them, so much so that even the Emperor has to show them some deference. Years ago, when An Fangyi lost her struggle against them, everyone else involved was demoted. Only she was able to keep her rank as a Fangyi, and that was because Duke Dingguo had her back. Father, I am all alone in the palace with no one to rely on. The Emperor’s favor is as fleeting as morning dew; it can vanish in an instant. How can I depend on that? The only person I can truly count on is you."

Hearing his daughter’s words, Song Nanzhen felt a growing sense of guilt. "It’s all my fault for being useless. Now you have to suffer because of it."

"Whatever grievances I suffered in the past are over, but I don’t want to be wronged again. Father, you can make sure I’m never wronged again, can’t you? And you don’t want your future grandchild to suffer in the palace either, do you? You are the only one who can hold up the sky for me, Father. I can’t trust anyone else!"

Song Nanzhen took a deep breath. Gazing into his daughter’s expectant eyes, he nodded firmly. "Rest assured, I will never let you be wronged again."

’It’s just a matter of climbing the ranks, isn’t it?’

’I’ve always acted with integrity. Why shouldn’t I be able to advance?’

’An official like me is far better than those leeches who prey on the common folk.’

"I knew you dote on me the most, Father." Song Yunzhao took out a handkerchief and dabbed at the corner of her eye. "Your daughter and your future grandchild are counting on you."

Song Nanzhen had little desire for high office or great wealth, but he could not disappoint his daughter. Her life in the palace was already so difficult; this was the least a father could do for her.

Song Yunzhao surreptitiously studied her father’s expression. ’The pep talk seems to have worked,’ she thought, breathing a small sigh of relief. ’My father just has too much of that gentlemanly air about him, always concerned with maintaining decorum as an official.’

’You may be concerned with decorum, but I have no intention of being left to wither away in the palace!’

The details of the meeting weren’t important; what mattered was that Yun Zhao was very satisfied with the outcome. After leaving her father, she went to see her aunt.

The First Madam had been waiting, and upon seeing Yun Zhao approach, she hurried out to greet her.

Once they were in the inner chamber, the First Madam spoke. "I figured you and your father would have much to talk about after so long, so I didn’t want to intrude. I’m sorry to have made you take the trouble of coming all this way."

"Aunt, please don’t say that. It’s thanks to your help that my days in the palace are even a little bit easier." Song Yunzhao meant every word. ’The First Madam really is an incredibly capable ally.’

The First Madam offered a few modest words, then looked at Yun Zhao and added, "After your father arrived at the traveling palace, I told him what happened with Linlang and Ye Xi’s injuries. He mentioned that he wants to pay a visit to the Left Minister. What do you think? This matter must be resolved. If we let it hang like this, I’m afraid people will think our family is ungrateful."

The First Madam had an extremely poor impression of Madam Ji and wanted nothing to do with her. She wished the matter could be settled at once so that they could all go their separate ways and never have to interact again!