I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Feng Yi watched Song Yunzhao, who was placated in no time. ’Her temper comes as quickly as it goes,’ he thought. ’How can there be someone so easily satisfied in this world?’

The two of them admired the moonlight for an hour before the Emperor carried Song Yunzhao inside.

Song Yunzhao had dressed so beautifully today precisely to make the Emperor stay. Besides, she had made some special preparations. When her outer robes were removed to reveal her undergarments, the Emperor was indeed taken aback.

Satisfied, Song Yunzhao took the initiative and moved toward him. Soon, the two were entwined.

Outside the hall, Meng Jiuchang stood watch under the eaves. Seeing Zhang Maoquan arrive to relieve him, he thought to himself, ’This kid has a good eye, latching onto Song Jieyu so early.’

Zhang Maoquan pretended not to notice Meng Jiuchang’s appraising gaze. He stepped forward with a smile and said, "Manager Meng, you should go get some rest. I can take it from here."

Meng Jiuchang didn’t refuse. He had to be up early for morning duties, and he wouldn’t be able to manage if he didn’t get some sleep soon.

Once Meng Jiuchang left, Zhang Maoquan stood guard outside, his face all smiles. When he had heard about tonight’s events, he was so shocked he nearly jumped out of his skin.

’Song Jieyu has quite the temper, but what’s more surprising is that the Emperor actually chased her all the way to Wangyou Palace.’ Thinking back to how things used to be and looking at the present, it was no wonder Consort Shu wanted to deal with Song Jieyu. ’The comparison is just infuriating.’

Word of what happened at the Qixi Festival banquet spread quickly. Song Yunzhao had expected some courtiers to impeach her, but surprisingly, there was no movement. She could ignore the others, but even the Right Assistant Prime Minister hadn’t made a move. It seemed Princess Consort Wan’s father was far more patient than his daughter.

Although no one impeached her, Song Yunzhao had now thoroughly cemented her reputation as the favored concubine. After all, she was now a woman the Emperor would chase after.

"My Lady."

Song Yunzhao put down her brush and looked at Nanny Yu with a smile. "Nanny, what is it?"

"Anshun has returned with a letter from the Song Mansion," Nanny Yu said, presenting the letter.

Song Yunzhao took it and asked Nanny Yu, "I heard Consort Lu had an argument with Princess Consort Wan today?"

"Not quite an argument, just a bit of bickering," Nanny Yu replied softly. "Although the Emperor didn’t punish Princess Consort Wan for the incident at the Qixi Festival banquet, Your Majesty rewarded you the next day, which was like a slap in the face to Lady Wanfei. When Consort Lu’s title was revoked, Princess Consort Wan mocked her. Consort Lu is just getting even now."

Song Yunzhao nodded slightly. These were minor matters. The alliance of the three concubines had been completely shattered by her, and now they were each acting independently, trying to win over the other concubines.

Han Jinyi had come to complain to her several times. Princess Consort Zhuang had invited her for tea on a few occasions, and each time she was terrified. She didn’t dare to offend her and couldn’t easily refuse, but she certainly couldn’t align herself with her either.

Song Yunzhao was only a Concubine right now. She understood Han Jinyi’s predicament but couldn’t really help.

Princess Consort Zhuang was just inviting her for tea; she hadn’t done anything out of line.

She could only suggest that Han Jinyi feign illness. ’If I were also promoted to a high-ranking concubine, I wouldn’t have to be so timid in my actions.’

At this thought, Song Yunzhao felt deflated. Given the Emperor’s stinginess, her promotion to a high-ranking concubine was likely a distant prospect. She would have to keep working hard.

Song Yunzhao first opened the letter from the Matron. It began with the matter of Song Qinghan’s marriage. Even after learning about the illegitimate son, Song Qinghan hadn’t given up on the engagement. Reading this, Song Yunzhao let out a scornful laugh.

’What a fool. This time, she’s really done herself in.’

Song Yunzhao didn’t even need to lift a finger; Song Qinghan was digging her own grave.

She had previously told the Matron not to interfere, and the Matron’s letter confirmed she hadn’t tried to stop the marriage. However, even after the Matron told the Marquis Wuxin Mansion about her poor relationship with Song Qinghan, they still insisted on the union. The marriage contract had now been issued and the engagement was set, just waiting for her father’s return to fix the wedding date.

The Matron also wrote that the Marquis Wuxin Mansion had said that once Song Qinghan married into the family, the illegitimate son’s mother would be sent out of the mansion to a country estate. However, the Matron felt things wouldn’t be so simple. If they were really going to send her away, why wait until after the wedding?

Song Yunzhao wasn’t going to concern herself with this. If Song Qinghan wanted to ruin her own life, that was her business. The Marquis Wuxin Mansion had already been informed of her terrible relationship with Song Qinghan. If they tried to use her name to their advantage in the future, they couldn’t blame her for not showing them any courtesy.

Finally, the Matron mentioned a few things about the Qixi Festival banquet, reminding Yun Zhao to act cautiously in the palace.

Song Yunzhao knew that Princess Consort Wan’s family and the others would spread rumors about the Qixi Festival banquet, so she wasn’t surprised at all. They wanted to brand her with the title of an Evil Concubine.

At this thought, Song Yunzhao scoffed. ’In that case, they’re bound to be disappointed.’

Putting the letter away, Song Yunzhao looked at Nanny Yu and asked, "Will the noble women be entering the palace for the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet?"

Nanny Yu replied, "Ordinarily, yes. But since there is no Empress in the palace, after His Majesty ascended the throne, the noble women have not been required to enter the palace for festivals other than the New Year. Even for the New Year’s festival, it was the Imperial Concubine who hosted, but she has since passed away. As for how things will be arranged this year, this old servant wouldn’t dare to guess."

Song Yunzhao smiled. ’That’s right. With no Imperial Concubine, what will happen during the festival season this year?’

She said softly to Nanny Yu, "Nanny, how can we be the only ones to worry about this for His Majesty? Don’t you agree?"

Nanny Yu’s mind worked quickly. She immediately said, "You are right, My Lady. I’m sure the other high-ranking concubines would be more than willing to share the Emperor’s burdens."

Song Yunzhao smiled.

"This old servant will see to it at once," Nanny Yu said, bowing as she retreated.

Song Yunzhao had a feeling that the Right Assistant Prime Minister was holding back, waiting for the right moment to deliver a fatal blow. Since that was the case, she might as well keep Princess Consort Wan and the others busy.

’There is nothing more tempting than the vacant position of Imperial Concubine.’

Soon, a rumor began to circulate through the palace. The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet was approaching, and the New Year’s banquet was only a few months away. In past years, the Imperial Concubine had hosted. If the noble women were to enter the palace this year, someone had to receive them. Word spread everywhere that His Majesty intended to appoint a new Imperial Concubine.

Everyone knew the rumor was false, but the desire of the three concubines to become the Imperial Concubine was very real.

「Huayang Palace.」

Qin Xiyue looked at Hua Ying and said, "Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Someone must be fanning the flames from behind the scenes. Go find out where this rumor started."

Hua Ying agreed, then added, "My Lady, you must also make plans for the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet. Since the Qixi Festival banquet, the Emperor has only visited the harem three times, and each time he went to Wangyou Palace. If the one in Wangyou Palace were to announce good news, it would be a great disadvantage to you."

Hearing this, Qin Xiyue’s expression soured. She looked at Hua Ying and said, "Has Qin Song done what I asked him to do?"

Hua Ying shook her head. "This servant does not know. Perhaps we should summon him and ask."

Qin Xiyue nodded slightly. ’I can’t back down this time.’ Her father had sent a message telling her to win the Emperor’s favor no matter what. She didn’t know why her father was in such a hurry, but vying for favor was incredibly difficult.