Chapter 523 - 301: Going into Labor

Chapter 523: Chapter 301: Going into Labor

’Song Yunzhao figured she couldn’t count on Feng Yi to rush back. This book world had its own set of rules. Based on her experience so far, many of the things that had happened to her were completely inexplicable. Things that clearly had nothing to do with her would still end with her taking the fall. Even when she wasn’t the one causing trouble, she was still the one who suffered.’

’She’d always wanted to be a spectator to other people’s drama, but instead, she was always the main event.’

’How utterly hopeless.’

’This time, according to the unwritten rules for a male protagonist, there was an eighty-percent chance Feng Yi wouldn’t make it back in time.’

’Rather than rely on him, she’d better rely on herself.’

Song Yunzhao was a woman of action. In the harem, only two people could stand against the Empress Dowager: Consort Shu and Princess Consort Wan.

Her relationship with Princess Consort Wan was superficial, so she would have to count on Consort Shu.

So, Song Yunzhao wrote a letter to the First Madam of her house, mainly to inquire about recent goings-on at the Right Minister’s residence and see if there was any leverage for a trade.

She was a little disappointed by the reply. The Right Minister had been behaving himself recently, not getting involved in any trouble, which left her with no room to maneuver.

’Since that was the case, her only option was to approach Consort Shu directly and negotiate terms.’

With her large belly, it was inconvenient for Song Yunzhao to go out, so she could only have Nanny Yu make the trip to invite Consort Shu to Wangyou Palace.

Consort Shu arrived the next day. Upon entering Wangyou Palace and sizing up Song Yunzhao’s complexion, she raised an eyebrow and remarked, "You seem to be in good spirits, Song Zhaoyi."

Song Yunzhao invited Consort Shu to sit, then smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Your Ladyship."

Consort Shu...

’When Song Yunzhao smiles at me like that, it’s never a good sign.’

Consort Shu had suffered at her hands too many times and couldn’t help but be wary. "Why did you ask me here, Song Zhaoyi?"

’I’d better not beat around the bush. If we go in circles, I’ll be the one to lose out in the end.’

Song Yunzhao glanced at Consort Shu and said with utmost sincerity, "Properly, since I am the one with a request, I should have paid a visit to Zhaoyu Palace myself. However, my condition makes it truly inconvenient, so I had to ask you to come here, Your Ladyship. Please forgive my discourtesy."

Consort Shu instinctively sat up straighter. "That’s a small matter, Song Zhaoyi, don’t give it another thought," she said, looking at her. "Just tell me what you need."

"In that case, I will be direct." Song Yunzhao dropped the pleasantries, her expression turning serious as she looked at Consort Shu. "Before the Emperor left incognito, he told me he would be back within a month. The date is fast approaching, but no word has come back, and I’m very worried."

Consort Shu...

’How infuriating.’

’No one knew the Emperor had left incognito, yet Song Yunzhao was not only informed beforehand, he even told her when he would be back.’

Seeing the subtle shift in Consort Shu’s expression, Song Yunzhao sighed softly. "My due date is near, and the Emperor was worried about our child. Now, I’m worried that he won’t be able to return as scheduled, and I’ll go into labor."

Consort Shu understood. Song Yunzhao was worried someone would try to harm her during childbirth.

’It’s true. With the Emperor away, the Empress Dowager holds the most power in the harem. If the Empress Dowager really decided to do something, what could a woman in the middle of childbirth possibly do?’

’She would be like fish on a chopping block.’

The moment Consort Shu imagined that scenario, her expression grew serious. Looking at Song Yunzhao, she asked, "Why should I help you?"

’The risk is too great. If I really go up against the Empress Dowager, I’m afraid I won’t be able to hold my own.’

’As a concubine with no favor and no children, I really don’t have much to back me up.’

"If you help me this time, Lady Shufei, I will be sure to speak of your merits to His Majesty upon his return. Furthermore, I will owe you a favor. In the future, if you ever need anything, I will not refuse as long as it’s within my power to help."

’Asking for a reward for me from the Emperor?’

Consort Shu was a little tempted.

’Song Yunzhao owing me a favor?’

Consort Shu was very tempted. After all, the advice Song Yunzhao had given in the past had helped her father avoid danger several times. A favor from her was quite valuable.

Consort Shu knew how cunning Song Yunzhao was. For her to offer such terms, she must be genuinely terrified for her safety.

At this thought, Consort Shu suddenly asked, "Aren’t you afraid I might have ill intentions toward you?"

Song Yunzhao gave a faint smile. "While you may have a bit of a temper, Your Ladyship, you have always been a reasonable person. There is no conflict of interest between us, and we have even cooperated successfully several times. I don’t believe you would do such a thing; there’s no benefit in it for you. After all, this is the Emperor’s first child. If something were to happen to my child and me, the Emperor would certainly seek justice. I’m sure Your Ladyship would not want to get caught up in that kind of danger."

’For once, Song Yunzhao’s judgment isn’t half bad,’ Consort Shu thought. She snorted. "I can’t be bothered to plot against you. It’s too much effort for no reward."

"You are right, Your Ladyship."

Consort Shu stood up. "Let me be clear. I don’t have the final say in this harem. I can only promise to do my best."

"I am certain you will do your best, and for that, I am already endlessly grateful," Song Yunzhao said.

Consort Shu nodded and left.

Song Yunzhao breathed a sigh of relief. ’I knew she wouldn’t refuse, but I didn’t expect her to leave without demanding any other conditions. I was fully prepared to be fleeced, but she just left.’

’She’s actually kind of cute, completely clueless about how to swindle someone. No wonder she was eliminated by the book’s heroine in the end.’

’In this world, there are no absolutely good or bad people. It all just depends on whose side you’re on.’

As her due date approached, not only did Feng Yunjin and her other friends visit every other day, but the Imperial Hospital also assigned a Medical Woman to attend to her almost constantly. The Medical Woman checked the baby’s position daily, which made Yun Zhao grow tense as well.

’This is my first time giving birth in two lifetimes, and Feng Yi isn’t even here. Plus, I have to watch out for two huge threats in the harem: the Empress Dowager and Qin Xiyue.’

For her part, Qin Xiyue knew she and Song Yunzhao were not cut from the same cloth, so she stayed away and didn’t make a nuisance of herself. The Empress Dowager also completely ignored Song Yunzhao, acting as if she couldn’t care less about the child in her womb.

This caused a split in the harem’s attitude toward Wangyou Palace. Concubines who had little to do with the palace kept a respectful distance, while those closer to Yun Zhao couldn’t help but feel it was unfair to her.

Near the end of the month, Song Yunzhao received the first letter from the Emperor, and she breathed a small sigh of relief. Although she knew he was protected by guards, the long silence had naturally made her worry.

After reading the letter, Song Yunzhao fell silent. The river canal project had indeed run into a major problem. Feng Yi was furious and naturally couldn’t be concerned with her situation. And, just as she had thought, the Emperor’s return would be delayed.

’Thankfully, I had a backup plan.’

The Emperor wrote that he would have Meng Jiuchang keep a close eye on Wangyou Palace, so she shouldn’t worry. He also told her that Meng Jiuchang was in possession of a Token he had given him. If a real emergency occurred, the Token would be delivered to her.

Song Yunzhao hadn’t expected Feng Yi to make such an arrangement. She was stunned for a moment, then she smiled. ’I guess he has a conscience after all.’

The labor pains began suddenly in the middle of the night. Yun Zhao was jolted awake by the agony, and instantly, the lamps throughout Wangyou Palace were lit as everyone bustled into action.