I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Qin Xiyue didn’t reply to Hua Ying’s words, but she understood the situation perfectly. ’The Emperor’s favor toward Song Yunzhao doesn’t necessarily mean he truly likes her. It’s because he’s more wary of the daughters of his powerful courtiers. Ever since the selection, the Emperor has become increasingly assertive in court. I know exactly what that signifies.’

’Under such circumstances, how could the Emperor develop any affection for women like us? Even the three concubines have been distanced by him, which clearly shows his displeasure with the courtiers.’

’By contrast, Song Yunzhao’s family background is unremarkable; neither her uncle nor her father serves in the court. The Emperor would naturally prefer to dote on a woman who poses no threat.’

’Song Yunzhao probably thinks the Emperor’s affection is genuine, but she has no idea she’s standing on the edge of a cliff.’

At this thought, Qin Xiyue felt a sense of relief. Her decision was the right one. She couldn’t be hasty; a slow and steady approach was best.

On the morning of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Song Yunzhao rose with the Emperor. Feng Yi looked at Song Yunzhao and said, "I will come over for the evening banquet."

Song Yunzhao teased, "It’s fine even if Your Majesty doesn’t come to the banquet."

Feng Yi glanced at Song Yunzhao, who just smiled back at him.

Feng Yi snorted. ’She thinks I’m a bother. Her nerve is growing by the day.’

Song Yunzhao smilingly helped the Emperor dress, though only with his inner robe. Meng Jiuchang took over for the outer garments, and she sat to one side to watch quietly.

Her stare made Feng Yi feel rather exasperated. ’She has none of a proper lady’s modesty.’

Song Yunzhao saw the Emperor out, heaved a long sigh of relief, and didn’t hurry to wash up and change. She casually threw on an outer robe, leaned against a soft pillow, and started flipping through the new storybook Zhang Maoquan had sent over.

This time, there was actually a volume from Yuquan Building. ’But this one wasn’t written by them. It seems to be a storybook they received from someone else.’ She opened it and found it somewhat interesting—perfect for passing the time.

Xiangxue was with Shizhu, organizing the clothes she would wear today. Qingfeng went to check on breakfast, while Yulu stood by with other servants, ready to help her wash and dress. In an instant, Wangyou Palace was humming with activity.

Song Yunzhao became engrossed in the storybook. Seeing that the hour was growing late, Yulu came in to remind her. Only then did Song Yunzhao snap out of it and go to wash up.

Outside, Qingfeng was having the breakfast she brought laid out on the table. Xiangxue and Shizhu hung up the day’s outfit to prevent it from wrinkling. Song Yunzhao simply twisted her hair into a bun, secured it with a jade hairpin, and went to eat.

She ate simply in the morning, not as extravagantly as the three concubines, so the Imperial Kitchen prepared her meals much faster.

Song Yunzhao stirred the congee in her bowl and looked at Qingfeng. "Is it just plain congee for breakfast today?"

Qingfeng froze, then replied, "Yes. If Mistress dislikes the plain congee, this servant will have them prepare something else."

Song Yunzhao said nothing, her gaze lifting to the side dishes on the table. They were all meant to accompany congee: a plate of eight-treasure pickles, a plate of Rouge goose breast, a plate of fried pheasant cubes, and a plate of pickled bamboo shoots.

’I may prefer simple meals, but there’s a difference between simplicity and the Imperial Kitchen not putting in any effort.’

’Usually, I have two or three types of congee to choose from. Today, there’s only plain congee. Plain congee is for sick people.’

’This isn’t just a slight. This is someone clearly trying to put me down through my food.’

Song Yunzhao had always found it strange. She had never properly encountered any of the classic sabotage plots so common in tales of palace intrigue. ’So, it’s finally starting.’

Hearing this from the inner room, Xiangxue hurried out. She took one look at the breakfast on the table and turned to Qingfeng. "Have you lost your wits? Our mistress prefers simple meals, but that’s no excuse for the Imperial Kitchen to be so dismissive. Look at this spread! This is what low-ranking concubines are served."

At Xiangxue’s rebuke, understanding dawned on Qingfeng, and her face went pale. It was her oversight. She immediately dropped to her knees to beg forgiveness.

She had failed to notice the kitchen’s slight. That was her dereliction of duty.

Shizhu had a much fiercer temper than Xiangxue. She glared at Qingfeng and said, "The mistress’s kindness is her own affair. It’s not an excuse for us to slack off. I think you’ve gotten too used to the good life and forgotten your most basic duties!"

Shizhu grabbed a food box and began packing all the dishes from the table into it. Looking at her mistress, she declared, "This servant will go to the kitchen immediately. Those audacious bastards! I’ll show them who they’re dealing with."

’This isn’t a slight, it’s a slap in the face to Wangyou Palace! How can we just swallow this insult?’

This time, Song Yunzhao remained silent, allowing the furious Shizhu to march toward the Imperial Kitchen.