I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

’Passionate, righteous young scholars are the perfect people for a task like this—rallying the public to pursue justice and fight evil to the bitter end.’

Anshun asked no further questions. He simply accepted the order and left the palace.

Song Yunzhao summoned Xiangxue and her other maids to help her with her hair and attire. Once she was ready, she led her attendants toward Taiji Palace.

This time, Meng Jiuchang was far more enthusiastic. Seeing Song Yunzhao arrive, he personally went out to greet her, pushing Zhang Maoquan right aside. "Lady, what brings you here at this hour? The Emperor is currently occupied. If you would please wait a moment, I shall announce your arrival."

Song Yunzhao was a little taken aback by Meng Jiuchang’s enthusiastic reception, but she remained perfectly composed. She nodded. "Thank you, Manager Meng."

Meng Jiuchang smiled, uttered a humble reply, and went into the hall to announce her presence.

Only then did Zhang Maoquan get an opportunity. He greeted Song Jieyu and said in a low voice, "Be careful, my Lady. The Emperor is not in a good mood today."

Song Yunzhao gave a slight nod. "Do you know why, Chief Steward Zhang?"

Zhang Maoquan shook his head. "His Majesty has looked grim ever since court ended."

’So it’s something from court,’ Song Yunzhao sighed inwardly. ’My luck is really bad. The poor Emperor... the news I’m bringing will probably only make him even more furious.’

’Good thing I’ve been making him nourishing soups these past few days. Otherwise, I’d really be worried he’d get sick from anger.’

When Zhang Maoquan caught sight of Meng Jiuchang emerging from the corner of his eye, he immediately took a step back.

"My Lady, His Majesty bids you enter," Meng Jiuchang said with a smile.

Song Yunzhao nodded and stepped into the main hall.

The hall was filled with the cool air of autumn. Song Yunzhao saw the Emperor was still reviewing memorials. She stepped forward and curtsied. "I pay my respects to the Emperor."

"Rise." Feng Yi set down his brush and looked up at Yun Zhao. "What brings you here all of a sudden?"

Song Yunzhao was a very sensible person. As long as no one in the harem was causing her trouble, she would rarely set foot in Taiji Palace. She only ever came to lodge a complaint.

Seeing her here now, Feng Yi subconsciously assumed someone in the harem had provoked her again.

’Come to think of it,’ he mused, ’with what just happened to Chen Guoji, everyone is trying to keep their heads down and avoid trouble. Who would be foolish enough to pick a fight with her now?’

At this moment, Feng Yi didn’t even realize that his perception of her had slowly shifted. He used to think of Song Yunzhao as a troublemaker, but now, his first assumption was that if she came to complain, someone else must have started it.

"Am I not allowed to come? Did I disturb the Emperor?" Song Yunzhao managed a difficult smile.

Feng Yi beckoned to her, and Song Yunzhao took the cue, stepping forward.

"Go on, then. What is it this time?"

’That tone immediately irritated Song Yunzhao. What was that supposed to mean? Did that "this time" imply I was always causing trouble?’

’Hmph. Once I’m finished with this major examination-question case, I definitely won’t be coming back here so readily.’

Seeing the look on Song Yunzhao’s face, Feng Yi was both exasperated and amused. ’Can’t I say anything to her anymore?’

’Song Yunzhao watched the Emperor laughing so heartily. What was so funny?’

’I’m not a comedian who can make people laugh just by showing my face.’

Seeing Song Yunzhao’s utterly bewildered expression, Feng Yi laughed even harder. He stood up, took Yun Zhao’s hand, and led her to the large daybed by the window.

The moment Meng Jiuchang saw this, he immediately ordered tea to be served. He even had some small, thoughtful pastries brought to their table.

’Song Yunzhao watched the incredibly sycophantic Meng Jiuchang. ’This man might be unscrupulous at times, but to have become the Grand Steward in the Emperor’s service, he must be quite capable indeed.’

After composing herself, Song Yunzhao put on a hesitant expression. Looking up at the Emperor, she said softly, "I do have a matter of great importance to discuss with the Emperor. It’s just that... it’s so significant, I don’t quite know where to begin."

It was rare to see Song Yunzhao in such a state. Feng Yi smiled and said, "You’ve always been so direct. What could possibly have you this troubled? This is a rare sight indeed. Tell me what it is. I will see that justice is done for you."

’Song Yunzhao felt reassured. ’The Emperor is quite perceptive after all. That was exactly what I was waiting to hear.’

She put on an expression of grim resolve, as if she had burned all her bridges. Gritting her teeth, she took the examination paper her eldest cousin had bought from her sleeve. She held it up with both hands and presented it to the Emperor. "Emperor, please look at this first."

’Time to light a candle for the Emperor. As expected of the male lead in a romance drama, he’s either in the middle of something awful or on his way to it.’

Feng Yi gave Yun Zhao a suspicious look, but smiled. "What’s all this mystery? What is it?"

’Song Yunzhao said nothing. ’Right now, silence is a form of kindness. I should let the Emperor process this on his own.’

Feng Yi’s smile slowly vanished. The veins on the hand gripping the examination paper bulged. His breathing grew ragged, and a fiery glint flickered in his eyes.

Song Yunzhao: ...

’Good thing I kept my mouth shut.’

Page after page. He read through every single one, carefully and intently, from start to finish.