Chapter 675 - 453: The Eldest Prince’s Pride

Chapter 675: Chapter 453: The Eldest Prince’s Pride

Previously, Song Yunzhao had deliberately shown favor to Xu Anchen and his wife to sow discord within the Marquis Wuxin Mansion. When the Song Family later used Song Qinghan’s situation to apply pressure, the couple seized the opportunity to demand their own separate residence. Marchioness Wu Xin, acting as the mother-in-law, had never paid much attention to her eldest daughter-in-law and assumed she could easily control her. But who would have known that as soon as the households separated, Mrs. Pan would quietly seize control of the finances while the Marchioness was preoccupied with matters concerning Xu Ji.

Furthermore, with her husband’s support, she replaced many of the stewards, big and small. As a result, it was no longer easy for information to be passed from inside her residence to the outside.

Qin Xiyue was in the palace, so her impression of the Marquis Wuxin Mansion was stuck in the time before she arrived. With her own family fallen and her information outdated, how could she possibly succeed by judging people based on old perceptions?

At least, in Qin Xiyue’s eyes, Mrs. Pan was a pliant woman with no backbone. ’What good is someone like that, even if she is the Young Madam?’

But now, this very person she looked down upon had cut off her source of information.

Song Yunzhao was playing Go with Consort Shu, but even the cool breeze off the lake couldn’t soothe the consort’s agitation.

The case of the snake had reached a dead end. After all, no one could possibly track down that one specific snake in such a vast garden.

"I’ve already had people secretly question those at Pingyun Pavilion, but there’s no useful information," Consort Shu said.

The displeasure in Consort Shu’s tone was obvious. Yun Zhao placed a stone on the board without looking up, then spoke in a slow, deliberate manner. "I know this isn’t easy. Since no one can provide any useful clues, it means the deed was done with extreme secrecy. At the very least, everyone who handled it is one of Qin Wan Yi’s trusted confidants. How many people in the entire palace can achieve that?"

Consort Shu’s expression soured. "So, tell me, how are we supposed to investigate now?"

"Unless we can pry open the mouths of Qin Wan Yi’s confidants, I’m afraid we won’t find anything." Song Yunzhao had to hand it to her, but that only made her more frustrated. ’When will I finally be rid of Qin Xiyue?’

In front of Consort Shu, however, she suppressed her own temper. ’If I lose my composure, I’m afraid she’ll do something irrational again.’ She had to steady the consort’s nerves, so she said comfortingly, "Since she’s made a move, she must have a goal. That means we’ll have another chance to catch her."

"Then what is she after?"

"To climb higher, of course."

Consort Shu was speechless.

"Pah! In her dreams." Consort Shu would never allow Qin Xiyue to win the Emperor’s favor. When Grand Tutor Qin fell from power, her own father had played a major role. If Qin Xiyue rose, she would be the first person to come after her.

"Look at everything she’s done so far; we’ve been helpless against her. This points to a very important fact, one we’ve been ignoring."

"What fact?"

"It seems the network Grand Tutor Qin left behind for Qin Wan Yi is far more extensive than we ever imagined."

Consort Shu froze for a moment, then slammed her hand on the table in a fit of anger. "You’re right! How did I not think of that?"

Song Yunzhao stared at the Go board, where the pieces lay scattered from the force of Consort Shu’s blow. She was speechless for a moment. Then, with a sweep of her hand, she cleared the board completely, leaving no trace of their game.

Consort Shu was furious. "You’re cheating! I was about to win."

Song Yunzhao smiled gently. "You’re clearly the one who struck first."

Consort Shu thumped her chest in frustration.

’She had a point.’

She had someone clear the game away, and a tranquil quiet returned to the room. Looking at Consort Shu, she said, "In that case, we must first pull her out by the roots. You’re an old hand at this sort of thing, Sister Shu. It’s best if you handle it."

Consort Shu took a deep breath. ’What does she mean, I’m an old hand at this?’

Then she heard Song Yunzhao add, "The Palace Attendants of Jincui Garden haven’t been granted any boons in years. This is a perfect opportunity for you, Sister, to petition His Majesty to bestow his grace upon them. You’ll earn a fine reputation for it. Wouldn’t that be killing two birds with one stone?"

Consort Shu understood. ’So Song Yunzhao just provides the ideas, and I have to do all the legwork!’

But she was genuinely tempted. Opportunities to build up her reputation like this were few and far between. It was rare for Song Yunzhao to present her with such a chance, and she was reluctant to let it go.

After all, she lacked the Emperor’s favor and held no special place in His Majesty’s heart. Future promotions would depend on her own accomplishments, not just her father’s standing.

Consort Shu knew Song Yunzhao meant well. She huffed and said, "Fine, I suppose I’ll put in some work on your behalf."

Song Yunzhao personally poured her a cup of tea. "Then I’ll have to trouble you, Sister Shu."

After drinking the tea and accepting this boon, Consort Shu looked at Song Yunzhao and added, "You still need to give His Majesty a heads-up. I don’t want to rush over to ask for this favor only to be rebuffed and lose face."

"Sister Shu, you’re selling yourself short. This is a good deed for all the Palace Attendants in Jincui Garden. How could His Majesty possibly refuse?"

’Feng Yi will understand the situation as soon as he hears about it and will surely play along.’

It was just that Consort Shu lacked confidence and wanted her to pave the way. So, Song Yunzhao flattered her a little, coaxed her into a better mood, and readily agreed to her request.

Consort Shu left in high spirits.

Just before she departed, Song Yunzhao added a reminder. "This time, you can’t let a single fish slip through the net. Also, Xu Ji will definitely try to pass information to this side. It will all depend on your skills, Sister."

Consort Shu agreed through gritted teeth, then left with a flick of her sleeves.

’If I don’t leave now,’ she thought, ’who knows what other errands Song Yunzhao will give me.’

’She has no problem shamelessly pushing all the tasks she can’t handle herself onto me.’

’It’s really not easy staying safely aboard Song Yunzhao’s ship.’

After Consort Shu left, Song Yunzhao sent word to Feng Yi.

Since arriving at the garden, Feng Yi had enjoyed a few relaxed days, but he had become busy again recently. Song Yunzhao didn’t go to see him; she would just send a message if she needed something, and he would come over if he had the time.

Feng Yi didn’t have time to return for lunch, but when he came back for dinner, he brought Feng Ze with him. The boy was covered in dirt from head to toe; who knew where he had been.

Feng Yi met Yun Zhao’s questioning gaze and said, "It’s nothing. He just went riding with the guards."

"Riding a horse? He’s so young!" Song Yunzhao was stunned.

"What are you thinking? A guard was on the horse with him."

Song Yunzhao breathed a sigh of relief. ’This man and his dramatic pauses, and he has the nerve to blame me for overreacting.’

Feng Yi chuckled. Just then, Feng Ze, having changed his clothes, came over and threw himself at his mother, whining that his thighs hurt.

Song Yunzhao didn’t ride much, but she knew that a beginner’s inner thighs were bound to be sore. She quickly asked him, "Should we put some ointment on it?"

Feng Ze immediately clamped his mouth shut.

’His Imperial Father said he was a little man, and little men don’t cry about pain.’

Song Yunzhao was speechless.

Feng Yi laughed even harder.

Feng Ze turned and ran off. Feng Yi quickly told Meng Jiuchang to follow him, then sent for an Imperial Physician to take a look at the boy’s legs.

After all that commotion, Song Yunzhao was at a loss for words.

Feng Ze refused to come over for dinner, eating in his own quarters instead.

Song Yunzhao needed to speak with Feng Yi anyway. Besides, ’children have their pride,’ she thought. She decided to give her son’s ego some time to recover and would go see him after she finished her discussion.

The matter she needed to discuss was important, and it would indeed be inconvenient to have Feng Ze present.