Chapter 758 - 535: Your Sister Song Fears Nothing

Chapter 758: Chapter 535: Your Sister Song Fears Nothing

Entering the inner chamber, Yun Zhao looked at Feng Yi as they sat on a soft couch to talk.

Feng Yi held Yun Zhao’s hand. "For the trip to escape the summer heat, I’ve issued a decree for the Zhao Family to accompany us."

Song Yunzhao was a little surprised. "Why?"

’He wouldn’t have made such a decision unless it was for something important.’

"Just today, the old master of the Zhao Family presented the final work of the great scholar Chen Jinfang from the previous dynasty, the *Chen’s Star Scripture*. It is a great service to the court. As for the study of astrology, although I only know the basics, the Astronomical Bureau is going wild over the news. I can’t suppress it."

Song Yunzhao’s expression soured. "The Zhao Family really knows how to scheme. To present the book at this exact moment... such loyalty to the country."

Detecting the sarcasm in her words, Feng Yi squeezed her hand. "I know you’re upset."

"Of course I’m upset. The Zhao Family knows they can’t suppress me with Zhao Ling’e alone, so now they’re trying to establish a foothold through meritorious service. This time, I won’t be able to hold them down. What a fine plan, what a clever move, how impressive!"

Yun Zhao was genuinely angry. ’Scholars are always so scheming,’ she thought, but for now, she was truly at a loss.

Feng Yi looked at Yun Zhao. "I’m telling you this so you’re aware. Don’t let anyone use this to provoke you."

They both knew exactly who he was talking about.

Song Yunzhao sneered. "The Zhao Family thinks this will stop me from touching Zhao Ling’e? They’re dreaming! The Old Zhao Family had better pray to a Bodhisattva that Zhao Ling’e doesn’t try anything. If she dares to make a move, I’ll make sure she goes back missing an arm or a leg. It seems demoting her last time made the Zhao Family think I’m afraid of them!"

She wasn’t some kind-hearted Bodhisattva. But last time, Zhao Ling’e had been cautious, only offending her slightly with words, so she hadn’t wanted to hand out a punishment that was too severe, lest it tarnish her own reputation.

But in the Zhao Family’s eyes, it probably looked like she was afraid of them.

What a joke. Her, afraid of them?

Feng Yi knew Yun Zhao would be furious. He squeezed her hand again. "I’m telling you this so you don’t fly into a rage over it. It’s not worth it. And so you can be prepared."

A thought suddenly struck Song Yunzhao. "Could this be where the Zhao Family’s one hundred thousand taels of silver went? To buy this book?"

Feng Yi spread his hands. "It’s possible. But you have to understand one thing: everyone knows this book exists, but no one knew who had it. The fact that the Zhao Family managed to find and buy it shows their capability."

"One hundred thousand taels for a single book. No wonder the Zhao Family is so confident. By presenting this book, they’ve guaranteed the Astronomical Bureau will speak well of them. It was truly worth it."

’The scholars’ methods are on another level,’ she thought. ’They’ve struck a blow she can’t even retaliate against.’

But now, Song Yunzhao was suddenly filled with fighting spirit. She looked at Feng Yi and said, "Don’t worry. This time, I’m going to watch and see what Zhao Ling’e does. That was one hundred thousand taels of silver. She can’t possibly let all that silver be spent on just a book. There must be another move planned."

"Some officials have already submitted memorials arguing that the punishment for Lady Zhao last time was too severe. I have suppressed them all and paid them no mind."

Song Yunzhao was speechless.

’So the Zhao Family is testing the waters. They know it will be difficult to restore Zhao Ling’e’s rank, but by raising the issue now, it will be much easier to bring it up again later.’

’The Zhao Family is large and has an excellent reputation. Compared to Grand Tutor Qin, whose influence was like a setting sun, their situation is clearly much better.’

’Grand Tutor Qin’s downfall was due to the Qin Family’s lack of heirs and the scarcity of promising young men in their clan. Moreover, Grand Tutor Qin was old and knew his time was short, which made him act rashly. That was how Feng Yi and I seized the opportunity to take him down in one fell swoop.’

’The Zhao Family is far more formidable than the Qin Family. They have many promising descendants, a good reputation, and Zhao Ling’e is known for being both talented and beautiful. And as for me?’

’Tsk, my reputation is a mixed bag, I suppose.’

"Fine. Let them bring it on. I want to see what kind of waves Zhao Ling’e can make on my turf here in the harem." Song Yunzhao was no longer angry. Things had already reached this point; anger was useless. It was better to calm down and carefully consider her next move.

"Let’s go out and eat first."

Yun Zhao composed herself and walked out hand in hand with Feng Yi. Feng Ze was happily playing with his younger brother, the large couch by the window covered with toys.

Nanny Yu was outside with the servants, setting the table for dinner. Having calmed her emotions, Yun Zhao sat down next to her son and asked him in a gentle voice about his studies lately.

While playing with his brother, Feng Ze replied to his mother, "I have to practice martial arts for one hour every day now. Father Emperor says I can’t skip practice or be lazy, and that only with perseverance can I achieve something. The master teaching me is incredible. He was a famous general on the battlefield..."

Feng Ze’s eyes shone as he spoke. Yun Zhao watched him. ’He isn’t even old enough for proper schooling yet,’ she thought, ’but he’s already so sensible and unafraid of hardship.’ She knew Feng Yi deserved much of the credit for his upbringing; he had been personally guiding and leading him every step of the way.

Yun Zhao turned her head to look at Feng Yi and saw him smiling as he gazed at the three of them—mother and sons. Under the lamplight, his eyes were exceptionally gentle.

In that single moment, Yun Zhao suddenly felt the knot of anger in her chest dissolve.

She couldn’t help but break into a smile. Feng Yi was startled for a moment, then began to smile along with her.

’How silly.’

Yun Zhao had the wet nurses take the two children to wash their hands. Dinner was already served outside. She rose and walked over to Feng Yi, bending slightly to look at him.

Feng Yi was taken aback.

He reached out and pinched her cheek. "What is it?"

"I just suddenly feel very happy."

Feng Yi looked bewildered.

Yun Zhao took his hand and led him outside, saying as they walked, "Feng Yi, just a moment ago I was furious about the Zhao Family’s actions. But when I saw you smile just now, all my anger vanished. Do you know why?"

"Why?"

"Because I already possess the peerless, great treasure that Zhao Ling’e and the entire Zhao Family will want their whole lives but never obtain. I’ll allow them to be jealous of me. It’s just a shame that jealousy is all they’ll ever have."

The peerless, great treasure, Feng Yi, was speechless.

"You... you really dare to say anything!" Feng Yi said with a look of helpless resignation. If word of this got out, it would be a huge scandal.

"Just you wait. On this trip to the traveling palace, I will make Zhao Ling’e explode with anger but be utterly helpless. I’ll make the Zhao Family so frantic they’ll be jumping up and down and spitting blood, but they won’t be able to do a single thing to me."

Feng Yi looked at her vibrant smile, brimming with fighting spirit. ’Alright, then,’ he thought. ’I’d like to see that myself.’

’It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Yun Zhao make a move. To be honest, I kind of miss it.’

After a satisfying dinner, Feng Yi still had matters to attend to for the next day’s departure, so he returned to Taixi Hall first.

Feng Ze did not leave that night. Feng Yun clung to his older brother and took him to his own bedchamber.

Yun Zhao checked the things she would need for the journey again, focusing on items they could use in the carriage. Everything else had already been packed, sealed in boxes, and would be transported out of the palace tonight.

In the middle of the night, she sensed someone get into bed beside her. Yun Zhao groggily opened her eyes and heard Feng Yi say, "Go back to sleep. We have to wake up early tomorrow."

Deep in sleep, Yun Zhao drifted off again at his words. When she was woken up later, she remembered that Feng Yi seemed to have come back, but the space beside her was already empty. He had left again.

"Mistress, the Emperor left a message. He said you are to lead the other concubines and depart from the palace by carriage first. As for the Empress Dowager, His Majesty personally went to see her this morning to give Nanny Yao instructions, so you don’t need to worry about it."

A warmth spread through Song Yunzhao’s heart. She had been thinking she would have to go to Shouci Palace early to pay her respects for appearance’s sake, but she hadn’t expected Feng Yi to have already smoothed the way for her.