Chapter 544 - 322: How Can the Difference Between People Be So Great?

Chapter 544: Chapter 322: How Can the Difference Between People Be So Great?

Princess Consort Wan’s heart was in turmoil. ’If I side with Song Yunzhao now, wouldn’t that be the same as bowing my head to her?’

She couldn’t bring herself to do it, and for a moment, her expression soured.

Song Yunzhao wasn’t a mind reader. Seeing Princess Consort Wan’s ever-changing expression, she couldn’t guess what was going through her head.

’The thoughts of an artistic concubine have always been beyond the grasp of a worldly Beauty like me. We’re just not on the same wavelength.’

Song Yunzhao’s current situation was also grim. The Empress Dowager was watching her like a hawk, and next year’s concubine selection was just around the corner. She had to seize real control over the palace before then.

After all, she had a son to protect and couldn’t afford the slightest carelessness.

Although she and Consort Shu weren’t in the same boat, they had cooperated many times. They both knew where the boundaries lay, and their collaborations had always been pleasant, so there wouldn’t be any issues in the short term.

Princess Consort Wan was a different matter. The two had never worked together, their relationship wasn’t close, and they’d had a few minor disagreements. Winning her over was an important task for Song Yunzhao.

Only if the three concubines were united could they prevent the Empress Dowager from finding an opportunity to exploit.

Song Yunzhao’s mind raced. After a moment of thought, she said, "This matter won’t be easy to handle. If you have any good suggestions, Princess Consort Wan, why not share them so we can discuss them together? This is, after all, a major affair in the palace."

What suggestions could Princess Consort Wan possibly have on such matters? She had no interest in these worldly affairs.

But she didn’t want to be outdone by Song Yunzhao, and the inner conflict was killing her.

"What good ideas could I have? You and Consort Shu can just handle it as you see fit." Princess Consort Wan sighed. ’I’m just not cut out for struggles over power and profit.’

Hearing the slight petulance in her tone, Song Yunzhao suddenly understood. She immediately adopted a righteous and stern voice, "How can you say that, Princess Consort Wan? You’ve been in the palace for many years; you’ve seen and experienced so much more, so you certainly have more experience than I do. It’s just that you have always been kindhearted and don’t wish to hurt anyone’s pride, no matter the situation."

Princess Consort Wan felt a bit awkward. ’That’s not really it,’ she thought.

However, since Song Yunzhao was giving her both face and a way out, she took the opportunity to back down gracefully. Her attitude softened somewhat. "I’ve never really managed these things. Consort Shu is decisive, and you, Ming Fei, are also very capable. With the two of you, the matter will be handled well. If you don’t mind, just let me take it easy."

The message was clear: she wouldn’t get involved, so don’t bother her.

Song Yunzhao wasn’t surprised at all. She put on a troubled expression. "Of course I am willing to ease your burdens, Princess Consort Wan. I’m just worried that if the Empress Dowager finds out, she might think that Consort Shu and I are using our power to suppress you."

"You needn’t worry about that. If the Empress Dowager asks, I will naturally make things clear." Hearing this, Princess Consort Wan finally understood what Song Yunzhao was worried about.

After that roundabout exchange, both had achieved their goals. It was a happy outcome for everyone.

Song Yunzhao then returned to the main topic. "Princess Consort Wan, I was thinking that since we’re going to do this, we should lead by example. Consort Shu and I feel we should start with ourselves. What do you think?"

Princess Consort Wan was taken aback. She frowned instinctively and said, "None of the palace attendants in my Roufu Palace are in violation of the decree. Do they need to be replaced as well?"

"In the past, the Six Departments had a hand in all palace affairs. Although the Emperor’s current decree doesn’t mention their involvement, they likely know the lists of palace attendants and the various palace matters even better than you two. It’s impossible to exclude them completely."

Princess Consort Wan looked at Yun Zhao suspiciously. "What does that have to do with starting from our three palaces?"

Song Yunzhao fell silent at Princess Consort Wan’s question. ’Only someone who doesn’t live on mortal food could say something so... pure.’

’It seems those few arguments Princess Consort Wan had with me when I first entered the palace were the rare highlights of her life. No wonder she later preferred to keep her doors closed.’

"Of course there’s a connection, and a very significant one at that."

Song Yunzhao decided to give Princess Consort Wan a basic lesson in the art of palace intrigue. The Six Departments had been infiltrating the harem’s power structure since the time of the late Emperor. After the new Emperor ascended the throne, they never pulled back. Instead, they continued to share palace authority equally with the three concubines.

Now the Emperor wants to organize the harem but has shown no intention of involving the Six Departments. This is a disguised attempt to reclaim their authority. Would the people of the Six Departments agree to that?

If you take someone used to feasting on delicacies and tell them to eat plain porridge and simple dishes, would they do it?

Of course not.

Therefore, the Six Departments will definitely demand to assist. To show fairness, the three concubines must start with themselves to set an example.

Princess Consort Wan: ...

After listening, she was in a bit of a daze. She never imagined there could be so many twists and turns. She had been in the palace for so many years and had never noticed anything different. Yet, Song Yunzhao understood everything!

No wonder she had risen through the ranks so quickly, monopolized the Emperor’s favor, and given birth to the Eldest Prince. Princess Consort Wan felt utterly crushed.

’How can the gap between people be so vast?’

Song Yunzhao saw Princess Consort Wan’s expression change again and didn’t know which sensitive nerve she had struck this time. She decided to just keep her mouth shut.

After a while, Princess Consort Wan finally came back to her senses. Without looking at Song Yunzhao, she said directly, "Since you both intend to do it this way, then let’s do it this way."

She couldn’t out-argue Consort Shu, nor could she out-scheme Ming Fei. And since she didn’t want to get too close to the Empress Dowager, her only choice was to compromise.

The smile on Song Yunzhao’s face was sincere and tinged with delight. "Rest assured, Princess Consort Wan. Since the palace attendants in Roufu Palace do not violate the imperial decree, this will just be a formality. However, if you have any attendants you wish to replace, just write up a list. When the Six Departments send over new people, you can choose the ones you find suitable."

Princess Consort Wan shook her head and refused. Her attendants had been with her for so many years. If she cast them out at a time like this, how would they survive for the rest of their lives?

Song Yunzhao’s estimation of Princess Consort Wan rose. This was a little unexpected.

As Song Yunzhao left Roufu Palace, she stood at a fork in the road and suddenly smiled. The path to her left led to Wangyou Palace, while the one behind her led back toward Yaohua Palace. No matter which way she turned, she and Princess Consort Wan were neighbors.

Song Yunzhao knew what Feng Yi meant. He wanted her to plug up all the rat holes in the palace. But she wasn’t a goddess who could accurately pull out every single nail. She would have to find another way.

She couldn’t do it herself, but the palace attendants about to be sent away might be able to. She could work something out from that angle.

The palace attendants to be sent out were primarily those who had made mistakes, were old, or had disabilities.

It was only now that she learned there were even disabled people in the palace. Their disabilities weren’t severe—no one was missing arms or legs—but they might have inflexible limbs. These were typically people who had been punished within the palace but not expelled. Instead, they were settled in a remote corner to do menial labor to get by.

People who had been punished usually had stories to tell. Song Yunzhao decided to dig deeper.

It certainly wouldn’t be easy for these people to survive after leaving the palace. If she promised to arrange a proper settlement for them, she could probably trade it for the information she wanted.

She decided to send Anshun out to spread the word and see if anyone would take the bait.