I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

The First Madam let out a sigh of relief. She knew Song Yunzhao wasn’t that kind of person, so she brought up the marriage candidate they were considering for Song Hongjiao. "Your uncle has taken a liking to him. He’s a Provincial Graduate, quite learned, and diligent in his studies. His father is a Scholar who, after failing the provincial exams several times, lost heart and opened a private school to teach. The young man is the second of three brothers."

Song Yunzhao was a little surprised. "I thought my uncle would arrange a marriage for my cousin Hong Jiao here in the Capital City."

The First Madam sighed. "That was the original plan. We thought that with a marriage alliance in the Capital City, she would have some support in the future."

Song Yunzhao nodded. ’It wasn’t to boast, but she was now the Emperor’s favored concubine. Her father and uncle had always maintained good reputations as officials. Aside from her poor relationship with her mother and sister, Song Qinghan, the family was basically without any major flaws.’

’Under these circumstances, there should be no shortage of families wanting to form a marriage alliance with them. If they chose carefully, it wouldn’t be difficult to arrange a match for Song Hongjiao in the Capital City.’

’However, from the sound of it, there must have been another reason.’

"Then why did my uncle change his mind?"

"Hong Jiao is an illegitimate daughter. Even with a favored Concubine in the palace, the families who came to propose marriage either offered an illegitimate son or had a poor reputation themselves. We aren’t picky about the groom being an illegitimate son, but very few of them also came from a good background and were well-educated. And even for the few decent ones, they came from large families with many brothers and a lot of internal strife. I couldn’t send Hong Jiao into that to suffer."

Song Yunzhao nodded slightly. ’The First Madam had always treated the illegitimate daughters well. For a legitimate wife to be so thoughtful on their behalf showed she was truly compassionate.’

"First Aunt, you’ve always been kind-hearted. My cousins are fortunate to have you."

The First Madam smiled at Song Yunzhao’s praise. "I was the one who approved of their birth mothers entering the household. They have been well-behaved since, and I personally oversaw the children’s upbringing. We’ve shared a bond like mothers and daughters. While I can’t say I see them as my own flesh and blood, I would never harm them. Besides, if their marriages are arranged well, they can be a source of support for their siblings and cousins in the future."

Song Yunzhao took the lesson to heart. ’She knew she could never be as magnanimous as the First Madam. It was precisely because she couldn’t that she admired her all the more.’

’Thinking back, for all these years, although her uncle had concubines, he had always treated his wife with the utmost respect. That was why she, in turn, considered his interests in everything and treated his illegitimate children with kindness.’

’Her own branch of the family, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. Mrs. Cai was narrow-minded and selfish. Her father felt only lukewarm affection for his wife and doted on Aunt Che, throwing their home into constant turmoil. Forget the illegitimate daughters—even she, the legitimate daughter, was despised by Mrs. Cai. A harmonious household was nothing but a dream.’

’Mrs. Cai was selfish, and Aunt Che was no saint either. Mrs. Cai lacked the First Madam’s ability to keep the concubines in line, while Aunt Che was both bold and favored. In any case, she saw the whole messy state of her family with perfect clarity.’

’That was why she didn’t object to Song Bu Yue pursuing his studies. She hoped he could make a future for himself and one day act as a check against Song Buming. That way, Aunt Che wouldn’t be able to get completely out of control.’

’With Aunt Che keeping Mrs. Cai occupied, Mrs. Cai would be too bogged down by internal household struggles to find time to make trouble for her.’

’Mrs. Cai would never change, and Aunt Che was ambitious. The best solution was to just let the two of them fight it out. Only then could Song Yunzhao have some peace and quiet.’

"So, is my cousin Hong Jiao’s marriage settled then?" Song Yunzhao asked.

The First Madam shook her head. "We haven’t formally discussed the engagement yet; we’re waiting for word from your uncle. However, I have a feeling it will work out. Your life in the palace isn’t easy, and the family can’t be a burden to you. If Hong Jiao marries a Provincial Graduate who isn’t grasping for power, our family’s reputation as a scholarly household will only grow, which is better for you. Besides, the young man himself is quite decent. Though his family’s station is a bit low, as long as he is capable, Hong Jiao will see better days in eight or ten years."

Song Yunzhao was silent for a moment. "When my cousin Hong Jiao gets married, I’ll contribute to her dowry."

The First Madam smiled. "Of course. Hong Jiao would be delighted. It’s not easy marrying into a high-status family. If we were to covet wealth and status, marrying our girls off as concubines into such families or even as primary wives to their illegitimate sons, their lives would truly be miserable."

"Did someone want to take my cousin Hong Jiao as a concubine?" Song Yunzhao asked, her brow furrowing.

The First Madam scoffed. "In their dreams. A girl from our family will never be some man’s concubine."

’So it really happened.’ Song Yunzhao’s expression darkened. "First Aunt, you did the right thing. Marrying a Provincial Graduate may mean a humble start, but her life will get better and better."

’A proper wife could hold her head high for all to see. A concubine, however, would spend her entire life unable to do so.’