Chapter 508 - 286: The Emperor Is Becoming Increasingly Considerate

Chapter 508: Chapter 286: The Emperor Is Becoming Increasingly Considerate

The day to return to the Capital City soon arrived. Song Yunzhao’s luggage was already packed, and Anshun was leading men to load the trunks onto the carriage. Yun Zhao herself was already dressed and ready. Feng Yi had already informed the Empress Dowager that she would not be traveling with the main party, so all she had to do was wait for the appointed hour to board her carriage ahead of time.

The Empress Dowager was naturally displeased. However, since she had allowed Song Yunzhao special treatment when they left the Capital City, she could hardly refuse it for the return journey. She was left stewing in silent anger, her expression sour.

Consort Shu, who was not on good terms with the Empress Dowager, pretended not to notice.

Wang Zhaorong was even less inclined to serve the Empress Dowager with the same devotion as before. When the Wang Family had fallen into crisis, she had gone to plead with the Empress Dowager, only to be turned away. The Empress Dowager hadn’t even shown her face; Nanny Yao had simply come out to announce that her mistress was feeling unwell and had retired to bed.

’"Retired to bed?" What a joke. She just refused to help.’

Besides, she was no longer one of the three concubines. What did the Empress Dowager’s scowl have to do with her? She was just a pitiful Zhaorong now.

As for Princess Consort Wan, she had never been close to the Empress Dowager. She wasn’t one for eloquent pleasantries and carried herself with the aloof air of a scholar. If even Consort Shu wasn’t making an effort, she certainly wouldn’t.

Thus, the atmosphere in the hall grew quite delicate. With Consort Shu and Princess Consort Wan acting like statues, who among the remaining women would dare to overstep them?

Qin Xiyue sat among the crowd, her eyes sweeping across the room. Her gaze lingered on Wang Zhaorong for a moment before she looked away.

Her own father had been forced into retirement, and Wang Zhaorong’s family had all but bankrupted themselves just to spare Wang Xuanfan’s life. She couldn’t understand it. Song Yunzhao’s father was the one who benefited from their misfortune, so why on earth was Wang Zhaorong suddenly getting close to her?

’Their families were practically ruined because of her! They should be mortal enemies.’

’She had always thought the former Princess Consort Zhuang wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, and this proved it.’

’If this keeps up, isn’t Song Yunzhao going to win over everyone in the harem?’

Qin Xiyue seethed with anger, but for now, she had no solution.

’Song Yunzhao was merely the daughter of a lowly County Magistrate, yet in just a year or two, her father had risen to the position of Chief of Staff. Meanwhile, she, the daughter of the Grand Tutor, had to watch her own father be forced into retirement.’

’And now... even Ji Yunting was going to marry Xie Linlang, and everyone knew Xie Linlang and Song Yunzhao were the best of friends.’

’Why? Why did everyone she had a connection with somehow end up involved with Song Yunzhao?’

’It shouldn’t be like this. She didn’t know exactly how things *should* be, but she had a strong feeling this wasn’t it.’

Han Jinyi gently nudged Feng Yunjin.

Feng Yunjin tilted her head slightly, giving her a questioning look.

Han Jinyi discreetly gestured toward Qin Xiyue, then quickly averted her eyes to avoid being noticed.

Feng Yunjin glanced over at Qin Xiyue before looking away again. "Pay her no mind," she whispered. "Let’s just focus on getting back to the Capital City safely."

Han Jinyi nodded. She wasn’t sure if she was just being paranoid, but she felt Qin Xiyue’s gaze lingering on them, making her deeply uncomfortable.

Song Yunzhao boarded her carriage at just the right time. The interior was lined with thick cushions, and large, soft pillows rested on the seat. To keep her from getting too hot, one side of the pillows was woven from ivory silk, cool and refreshing to the touch.

When the midday heat became too intense, her carriage would even be supplied with a basin of ice. The journey was long, and transporting ice was difficult, so only the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and she enjoyed such a luxury.

The Emperor’s departure was marked by a formal send-off from the local officials. By the time all the ceremonies were complete, it was nearly Noon. Song Yunzhao enjoyed a pleasant nap, and when she awoke, the carriage had already left the grounds of the traveling palace. She lifted the curtain and looked out at the vibrant green rice paddies on both sides, a sight that brightened her spirits.

The journey out had felt arduous, but the return trip was even more difficult. Her belly was much larger now, and by the latter half of the journey, Feng Yi noticed her growing more haggard by the day. Finally, he simply had her join him in the Dragon Chariot.

The Dragon Chariot was far more comfortable than Yun Zhao’s carriage. It was pulled by six magnificent steeds, and its suspension was so masterfully crafted that the ride was remarkably smooth.

Feng Yi still had to review his memorials in the chariot. Whenever Yun Zhao woke up, she would open her eyes to find him reading and writing comments on them. Occasionally, he would even summon his ministers for questioning. During those times, she would conscientiously draw the small privacy curtain and remain perfectly silent.

The courtiers felt a bit awkward. With Song Zhaoyi present in the Emperor’s Dragon Chariot, they found it difficult to speak as freely as they normally would.

Song Yunzhao simply pretended she didn’t exist, feeling not a shred of embarrassment. ’The Dragon Chariot is this comfortable,’ she thought. ’Am I the sort of person who would sacrifice her own comfort for the sake of a few awkward glances?’

When they finally returned to the Capital City, Yun Zhao let out a long sigh of relief. They had made it.

Seeing her looking so drained, Feng Yi felt a pang of concern. "I’ll have Zhang Maoquan escort you back first," he said softly.

Song Yunzhao immediately perked up. "Will that be all right?" she asked.

"It’s fine. It is my command, and you need only obey it."

Song Yunzhao was overjoyed. She loved it when the Emperor pulled rank like this for her benefit. With that, she departed cheerfully.

Feng Yi smiled and shook his head. If she had stayed, she would have had to face the welcoming courtiers, followed by a banquet. She wouldn’t have had the stamina for it.

Song Yunzhao truly was exhausted. Returning to her own Wangyou Palace felt like a wonderful homecoming. She collapsed onto her bed and fell asleep instantly.

Knowing of her impending return, the Palace Attendants at Wangyou Palace had already cleaned the residence from top to bottom. Fresh flowers adorned the windowsills, and platters of fresh fruit sat on the tables. The air within her bed-curtains was filled with a fragrant blend of flowers and fruit, a perfect aroma to drift off to sleep with.

Anshun led the men in with the trunks, while Nanny Yu directed the staff to unpack everything piece by piece. The whole of Wangyou Palace was a hive of activity, but Yun Zhao slept through it all, oblivious to the world.

When she finally awoke, the sky outside was pitch-black. She rose and summoned a servant, only then learning that the Emperor was hosting a banquet for his courtiers in the main hall that evening.

’The Emperor really has it tough,’ she mused. ’After such a long and tiring journey, he still has to work overtime at night.’

After she finished her dinner, an Imperial Physician was already waiting outside.

Yun Zhao was taken aback; she hadn’t summoned an Imperial Physician. Nanny Yu smiled. "The Emperor sent for them."

"Then have them come in," Song Yunzhao said, marveling at how thoughtful the Emperor was becoming.

The diagnosis revealed no major issues. After such a long journey, all she needed was a few days of rest.

Song Yunzhao had someone give the Imperial Physician a reward silver. She had eaten well on the Dragon Chariot, so she was in good health; it was only her sleep that had suffered a little.

Having slept too much during the day, Song Yunzhao wasn’t the least bit tired that night. To pass the time, she picked up one of the new storybooks that had been delivered.

’That Zhang Maoquan really is competent. They had all just returned together, yet he still remembered to have new storybooks delivered for her. If a man that capable wasn’t a chief steward, who else could be?’

She was halfway through the book when she heard a commotion outside. Glancing through the window, she saw Feng Yi’s silhouette appear in the lamplight.

’It was so late; she hadn’t expected him to come.’

Song Yunzhao immediately rose to greet him, but Feng Yi caught her by the arm at the doorway. "What’s your hurry?"

"Because I wanted to see you sooner."

Feng Yi swept her up into his arms.