I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

The plan had been excellent, but no one could have possibly expected the Emperor to dote exclusively on Song Yunzhao.

"Yun Jin? Why are you coming from the east?"

Feng Yunjin heard the voice and snapped out of her thoughts. Looking up at the approaching figure, she stepped forward and curtsied. "Greetings, Noble Consort."

Qin Xiyue helped her up, smiling. "There’s no need for such formalities between us. I just went to visit An Fangyi and didn’t expect to run into you on my way out."

Feng Yunjin smiled in response. "I had nothing to do, so I came out for a stroll and ended up wandering quite far. I passed by Wangyou Palace and paid my respects to Song Jieyu. On my way back, I stopped by Yihua Palace to see Lu Pin. And now, I’ve unexpectedly run into you, Noble Consort."

Qin Xiyue paused. "You went to Wangyou Palace?"

Feng Yunjin wore a helpless expression. "I was so absorbed in the scenery that I didn’t realize I had wandered over to Wangyou Palace. I happened to run into one of its palace attendants, and it felt improper to just walk away. So I went in to pay my respects, just to avoid appearing rude."

Qin Xiyue chuckled. "That makes sense. After the Qixi Festival banquet, who in the palace would dare slight Song Jieyu? She hasn’t made an appearance since that day. Is she doing well now?"

"When I saw the Concubine today, her complexion looked good. However, we only exchanged a few words before I excused myself." Feng Yunjin looked at Qin Xiyue and added, "Fortunately, the Concubine didn’t make things difficult for me."

Qin Xiyue smiled gently. "Song Jieyu has a magnanimous nature; she wouldn’t trouble someone without reason. You don’t need to worry, Yun Jin."

"I haven’t interacted much with the Concubine. The last time I sought an audience was for Lu Pin’s sake, but I failed. I’m quite ashamed to admit it."

"Don’t blame yourself. Song Jieyu has always been like this. Even back in Zhichun Palace, she would never back down, not even against her own sister, Song Qinghan. Fortunately, the truth about Lu Zhixue’s situation eventually came out, so your efforts on her behalf weren’t in vain."

Feng Yunjin shook her head. "How could I dare take the credit? Song Jieyu was the one who exposed Zhu Cairen that day. It wasn’t my doing at all. Please don’t say that, Noble Consort. It truly makes me feel ashamed."

As they continued walking, they arrived at Yanqing Palace. Feng Yunjin looked at Qin Xiyue and asked, "Noble Consort, would you like to come in for a cup of tea?"

Qin Xiyue shook her head slightly. "It’s too late today. I shouldn’t disturb your rest. I’ll come visit another day."

Feng Yunjin agreed with a smile.

Qin Xiyue bid her farewell and departed. After a dozen steps, she glanced back and saw that the gates of Yanqing Palace had already shut.

She turned and continued walking. ’I don’t believe for a second that Feng Yunjin just "happened to be passing by" Wangyou Palace and decided to pay her respects. There’s definitely something going on that I don’t know about. And she also went to Yihua Palace... It must have something to do with Lu Zhixue.’

At this thought, Qin Xiyue’s brow furrowed. ’After that last incident, Lu Zhixue has hardly associated with me. I was too cautious. If I had known this would happen, I should have agreed to see her then.’

"I greet you, Consort Qin."

As Qin Xiyue passed the West Garden, she saw Chen Guoji picking flowers. Composing herself, she acknowledged her with a smile. "Picking flowers, Noble Consort?"

"Yes. I was idle and thought I would pick some flowers for arranging. I never expected to meet you, Noble Consort," Chen Guoji said with a smile. "With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, I wanted to practice arranging a few more vases to share with our sisters."

’Flower arranging? To share?’

"That’s a wonderful idea, it sounds very interesting. When you’re arranging flowers in a few days, Chen Guoji, would it be alright if I came to join in the fun?" Qin Xiyue asked with a happy expression.

Chen Guoji immediately smiled and said, "It would be my greatest fortune to have you there, Noble Consort."

Having made the arrangement with her, Qin Xiyue departed in high spirits.

Chen Guoji was overjoyed. She never imagined that simply picking a few flowers would allow her to form a connection with Consort Qin. Filled with delight, she carried her flowers back to Qingyun Palace.

Just then, Song Yunzhao was welcoming the Emperor into Wangyou Palace.

Feng Yi entered the hall and said to Song Yunzhao, "The Minister of the Ministry of Justice sent a report. Although there have been some hiccups with the disaster relief, things are generally going smoothly. However, due to the large number of refugees, he won’t be able to return to the capital until after the Mid-Autumn Festival."

Song Yunzhao was overjoyed. "Really? That’s a relief. As long as Father is proceeding smoothly, that’s what matters most. This is the first assignment Your Majesty has given him; he can’t afford to fail."

Feng Yi watched her, amused by her pretense. ’She’s obviously worried about her father’s safety, yet she insists on framing it in such solemn, dutiful terms. This woman is truly one of a kind.’

"What have you been busy with today?"

Upon hearing his question, Song Yunzhao shot the Emperor a look that was somewhere between a smile and a smirk. Then she said nonchalantly, "Oh, nothing important. Someone just wanted me to help introduce a Beauty to Your Majesty, that’s all."

Feng Yi was at a loss for words.

’So sarcastic,’ he thought. He smiled and asked her, "And what did you say to that?"