Chapter 511 - 289: Not Surprising at All

Chapter 511: Chapter 289: Not Surprising at All

Although Qin Xiyue’s glance was subtle, Yun Zhao had been keeping a close watch on her and caught the look.

’Not surprising in the least.’

Thinking back to their chance encounter outside the palace, Yun Zhao never would have thought she and the "female lead" would be entangled for so long. After all, their first meeting had been quite amicable. The one who had been unfriendly was He Lan Yun.

Yet somehow, as time went on, she had become friends with He Lan Yun and, conversely, rivals with Qin Xiyue.

The pavilion fell silent for a moment before Qin Xiyue spoke. "It’s been a while, Zhaoyi. Seeing you today, your complexion is marvelous. The little prince in your womb must be a quiet one."

Song Yunzhao simply smiled and deflected, changing the subject. "Qin Wan Yi, your complexion is also quite good. The climate here at the traveling palace is certainly restorative."

Qin Xiyue looked at Song Yunzhao. ’I should leave quietly, not provoke her.’ But for some reason, she just couldn’t accept it. Seeing Song Yunzhao as she was now sparked a malice in her heart that she couldn’t contain. She hated this feeling, but she couldn’t suppress it.

"I just heard something, though I’m not sure if it’s true. They say the defeated Tusi from the Southern Border has selected over a dozen beauties to send to the Capital City, his own sister among them. I hear she’s quite stunning. I wonder, has Zhaoyi heard this news?"

’You held all that in just for this?’

Song Yunzhao put on an indifferent expression. "From some barbaric land, an uncivilized tribe... even if they have beauties, how can they compare to the well-bred ladies of the Capital City? They’re nothing more than a passing novelty. That said," she continued, "I am quite curious to see what these beauties look like. With so many people talking, each description is different. I’m actually looking forward to it."

The smile on Qin Xiyue’s face faltered. She hadn’t expected Song Yunzhao to react this way. Seeing her casual air, a clear sign that she truly wasn’t bothered, made Qin Xiyue’s own composure start to crack.

"You are right, Zhaoyi. I’m quite curious as well. Perhaps we will be able to see them before long."

"I hear the beauties from the south are skilled singers and dancers. It would be wonderful if a few could remain in the palace. The songs and dances here are always the same old routines. This time, we might finally see something new."

Qin Xiyue: ...

"If they were to remain in the palace, they would likely be granted official ranks. Wouldn’t it be improper to have them sing and dance then?"

Song Yunzhao looked at Qin Xiyue with a shocked expression. "Even the ladies of the Capital City must display their talents. Why should it be any different for them? In your eyes, Qin Wan Yi, are these barbarian beauties somehow more precious than our own?"

That wasn’t what Qin Xiyue meant at all, but Song Yunzhao had saddled her with such a heavy accusation that, for a moment, she didn’t know how to respond.

Song Yunzhao couldn’t be bothered to engage with her further. ’I already know the female lead’s goal. She’s just trying to provoke me with these talented beauties from the ethnic minority.’

’As if I’d fall for her trap?’

’She just wants me to worry day and night about losing favor, hoping I’ll do something rash out of anxiety or let my anger harm my health.’

’Besides, I’m not just one person anymore.’

’Just the sight of Qin Xiyue is irritating now. The way she is, she’s straying further and further from the image of the female lead in the book.’

’The female lead in the book was also cunning and strategic, bold and insightful in her actions, and would resort to special measures when the situation called for it. But she was never this loathsome.’

’In novels with a strong female protagonist, very few are innocent flowers, unless they’re some ridiculously perfect Mary Sue. It’s perfectly normal for characters to use every trick in the book to compete and survive.’

’But to see a character’s personality collapse as completely as Qin Xiyue’s... this is a first.’

"Enjoy the scenery, Qin Wan Yi. I’ll be on my way." Song Yunzhao rose to her feet, supported by Xiangxue, and went straight down the steps. After a few paces, she turned her head back to look at her. "Qin Wan Yi, you aren’t the only clever person in this world. Watch yourself."

Qin Xiyue’s expression darkened. Watching Song Yunzhao’s retreating back, she felt a surge of shame and anger, and her face grew even more grim.

Hua Ying looked at her mistress with concern. "My Lady, we should head back," she whispered. "You’ve only just begun to recover. Your health must be the priority."

A sneer touched Qin Xiyue’s lips. "Was I not telling the truth? Why is she the only one who can win favor with just a pretty face, while others cannot?"

"My Lady," Hua Ying pleaded, glancing around nervously. Only after confirming they were alone did she feel a slight sense of relief. "Please, let’s go back."

Qin Wan Yi rose, her gaze fixed on the distance. "I just can’t accept it," she said softly. "Because of me, my father had to retire from his post and return home. Wang Xuanfan was reduced to a commoner, and Cao Dingwen was executed. Everyone has had it so hard, so why does Song Nanzhen get to be the Minister of Revenue? His Majesty talks about being fair... Hah. I hardly think so."

Hua Ying was nearly frightened to death, wishing she could stuff a handkerchief in her mistress’s mouth and drag her back.

Seeing her expression, Qin Wan Yi said no more, simply turning to descend the steps and walk off.

Hua Ying let out a sigh of relief and hurried to catch up, whispering, "Yourong from the Empress Dowager’s side told me today that in a few days, Shouci Palace will bring Miss An back in."

Qin Xiyue sneered. "Brought in, sent out, then sent out and brought back in again. They’ve repeated this charade several times, become a complete laughingstock, and have nothing to show for it. The Empress Dowager is getting old, and that An Shutong has her own agenda. The Empress Dowager’s plans are not guaranteed to succeed."

"My Lady, are you really going to join forces with Shouci Palace?" Hua Ying was very worried. If something were to go wrong, knowing the Empress Dowager’s personality, she would surely push her mistress out to take the fall. Why was she doing this?

Qin Xiyue didn’t answer, her pace quickening. ’At this point, do I have any other choice?’

’If I want to turn my situation around, I have to gamble everything.’

"It’s not as if I’ll be doing anything personally. What are you so afraid of?" Qin Xiyue scoffed. "If you’re that scared of dying, I’ll have you reassigned tomorrow."

Hua Ying didn’t dare say another word, but her heart filled with unease, even a sense of dread.

’No one who opposes Song Zhaoyi has ever come to a good end,’ she thought, a chill running down her spine. ’I’m scared.’

Qin Xiyue walked faster and faster. She knew she should calm down, wait patiently and scheme meticulously as she had before. She couldn’t be rash. But it was as if a fire raged in her heart, one that simply could not be extinguished.

The fire made her feel feverish. By the time she came to her senses, she was standing not far from Shouci Palace, staring up at the gilded plaque. The two words, "Shouci Palace," reflected a cold light in the sun, and her agitated, burning heart slowly began to cool.

’The beauties from the Southern Border haven’t even entered the palace. How can I be this agitated?’

’The Empress Dowager has been fuming at the traveling palace, just looking for an opportunity to make things difficult for Song Yunzhao. With these beauties from the Southern Border coming to the Capital City, she is certain to make a big move.’

’All I need to do is fan the flames.’

’I cannot let myself get trapped in the middle of it.’

’Qin Xiyue, you no longer have the Qin Family to back you. You must act with even more calm and caution than before.’

She squeezed her eyes shut, then turned and walked back the way she came.

’I just need to wait a little longer.’