I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Huayang Palace was described many times in the book. It fit the female lead’s persona—low-key and understated, elegant but not extravagant. The decorations within the hall showed not the slightest breach of etiquette.

To put it more plainly, it was the high-end, minimalist style of a later era.

Song Yunzhao was the complete opposite of Qin Xiyue. Her palace was filled with many small trinkets, and the scattered odds and ends gave it a very lived-in feel.

If she had to boast, one could tell at a glance that she was someone who loved life.

Song Yunzhao didn’t like her rooms to be too empty, but she wasn’t a hoarder either. She was just a typical person who enjoyed life, placing every beloved item somewhere she could see it with a simple glance, which always lifted her spirits.

When Qin Xiyue saw Song Yunzhao arrive with the Emperor, the expression on her face nearly crumbled.

Song Yunzhao clicked her tongue as she sized up Qin Xiyue’s complexion. It was pale and wan, but given that she herself was a master of disguise, she was certain Qin Xiyue had powdered her face to look even more pathetic.

"This concubine greets Your Majesty, the Emperor, and Song Jieyu."

Before Feng Yi could speak, Song Yunzhao immediately stepped forward to help her up, saying quickly, "Consort Qin, there’s no need for such ceremony. You don’t look well; you should rest. You’re a patient now. The Emperor won’t blame you for your lack of courtesy."

Qin Xiyue: ...

Feng Yi: ...

Qin Xiyue felt Song Yunzhao’s immense strength as she was half-helped, half-dragged, and firmly pushed down into a chair. Her expression stiffened for a moment.

Feng Yi watched Song Yunzhao’s little maneuver, and the corner of his mouth twitched. ’Is she afraid I would go help Consort Qin, so she decided to make a preemptive strike?’

’She certainly has a unique personality.’

Since he was the one who had spoiled her, Feng Yi didn’t see it as a flaw. After taking his seat, but before he could even speak, Song Yunzhao had already occupied the empty spot beside him.

Feng Yi glanced sideways at Song Yunzhao, who returned his look with an enthusiastic smile.

Their silent exchange was completely unconcealed. A creature like the Emperor would never bother to hide his expressions for the sake of any concubine, and Song Yunzhao was acting deliberately. In the eyes of others, however, it seemed as though the Emperor and Song Jieyu shared an incredible rapport.

Qin Xiyue was starting to lose her composure, forcing herself to remain silent.

Song Yunzhao winked at the Emperor.

Feng Yi turned back and finally looked at Qin Xiyue. "What did the Imperial Physician say?" he asked.

Before Qin Xiyue could speak, Nanny Zhuo stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Physician said the Noble Consort was poisoned. Fortunately, the dose wasn’t large; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable."

"Poisoned? Where did the poison come from?" Feng Yi’s expression grew grave.

Song Yunzhao thought, ’Just keep up the act. Qin Xiyue spread the news about the poisoning long ago. The fact that you can still pretend not to know just proves what a scumbag you are.’

’But he was her kind of scumbag.’

"The poison was in the flowers. These past few days, the Noble Consort has been helping Chen Guoji with flower arrangements, only to fall victim to this vicious plot. I beg Your Majesty to bring justice for the Noble Consort," Nanny Zhuo said, quickly kneeling.

Feng Yi looked at Qin Xiyue. "Do you suspect Chen Guoji is behind this?"

A hint of hesitation appeared on Qin Xiyue’s face, casting a shadow of sorrow over her beautiful features and making her look exceptionally pitiable. "In response to Your Majesty, this concubine wouldn’t dare to say for certain, but the Imperial Physician did confirm the poison came from the flowers. It’s just... this concubine has never had any grievances with Chen Guoji. There is no reason for her to harm me."

Hearing this, Nanny Zhuo grew anxious and cut in, "Your Majesty, the Noble Consort is simply too kind. Chen Guoji may not show anything on the surface, but she has privately complained to others that the flower arrangements were her idea, yet everyone in the palace gives the credit to our Noble Consort. Such resentful words are clear proof of her dissatisfaction!"

"Nanny, do not speak such nonsense without proof," Qin Xiyue quickly scolded.

But Nanny Zhuo insisted, "Your Majesty, this servant would not dare utter a single false word. Beauty Zhen herself confirmed it. It was to Beauty Zhen that Chen Guoji voiced her complaints."

Song Yunzhao cheered internally. ’What a seamless performance from this master and servant duo.’

Song Yunzhao immediately feigned a look of surprise. "Beauty Zhen? She is a grateful person. When she was being given a hard time before, it was Consort Qin who came to her rescue."

Qin Xiyue: ...

’I’ve never seen anyone so determined to ruin the show!’

Feng Yi shot Song Yunzhao a look, but she avoided his gaze. Putting on a suspicious expression, she continued, "That Chen Guoji seems quite clever; I never thought she’d act so foolishly. Knowing full well that Beauty Zhen is grateful to the Noble Consort, she still dared to complain in front of her? She must have some serious nerve, or just be incredibly naive."