I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

"Fortune is found through risk. Our family has a favored Concubine, so we have no choice but to grit our teeth and press forward. However, your father and your third uncle hold positions that are too low. They can’t help the Concubine—in fact, they might even hold her back. Gui Yi, there’s no such thing as having the best of both worlds. We can’t just think about what we stand to gain from the Concubine."

Song Guiyi couldn’t help but smile. "Mother, do you really think I’m that kind of person? I’m just worried that being so favored might not be good for her."

Hearing her daughter’s words, the First Madam glanced at her. "Ever since Yun Zhao entered the palace, she has been the sole recipient of his favor. In the past, the three concubines shared the Emperor’s grace, but now your third younger sister outshines them all. Do you really believe it’s simply because Yun Zhao’s beauty is so bewitching?"

Song Guiyi had only recently arrived in the capital and had but a scant understanding of its affairs. Hearing her mother, she asked, "Isn’t it?"

In her memory, even a few years ago when Yun Zhao was still little, her face had already blossomed with remarkable beauty.

So, she wasn’t surprised at all that Yun Zhao had won the Emperor’s favor after entering the palace.

"Of course not." The First Madam earnestly instructed her daughter, "It has been five years since the Emperor ascended the throne, and not a single Prince has been born in the harem. After Yun Zhao gained favor, she completely suppressed the three concubines. A pretty face alone isn’t enough to achieve that; this Emperor is nothing like the late Emperor."

Song Guiyi’s expression grew solemn. "Mother, are you saying the Emperor is using Yun Zhao to suppress the three concubines and their families?"

The First Madam was pleased. Her daughter understood with just a hint. She gave a slight nod. "It seems so. Back home, aside from clashing with your third aunt, when did you ever see Yun Zhao act so forcefully and domineeringly? But after she entered the palace, she received overwhelming favor. And along with that favor, she gained a reputation for being tyrannical and overbearing. Why do you think that is?"

Song Guiyi’s expression shifted, and she finally let out a sigh. "Are you saying Yun Zhao is doing this deliberately?"

"It’s more that she sensed the Emperor’s intentions and is acting in accordance with his wishes," the First Madam said with a smile. "Otherwise, with so many well-born ladies entering the palace at the same time, how could Yun Zhao be the only one to stand out?"

"But... that’s incredibly dangerous," Song Guiyi said, her face paling slightly.

"You’re right. That’s precisely why the Song Family must establish itself as quickly as possible. Why else would your third uncle go south for disaster relief? Why did your father arrange Lirong’s marriage in Yucheng? Now, not even your husband and your younger brother can remain uninvolved. This business with the leaked exam questions is certainly dangerous, but it’s also a huge opportunity."

Song Guiyi’s heart hammered in her chest, and she struggled to keep her expression neutral. "Mother, if this plan fails..."

"How could it fail if we give it our all? Failure is not an option!" the First Madam said with steely determination. "I’ve already written to your father. Many scholars are coming from Yucheng for the exam, including sons of the local elite. If we all join forces, can the Right Minister truly rule the court as he pleases? Besides, your father has his colleagues, old schoolmates, and fellow graduates. Once word gets out, anyone with a family member taking the exam, combined with His Majesty’s determination to get to the bottom of it, will ensure this matter isn’t simply dropped."

In that moment, Song Guiyi finally understood why her husband had looked so grave. The risks were immense. It was her first time experiencing anything like this, and she was a whirlwind of fear and hope, anxiety and anticipation.

"Mother..." Song Guiyi’s heart pounded. "If this truly succeeds, my brother and my husband will have performed a great service."

The First Madam nodded slightly. "There are tens of thousands of scholars, but how many does the Emperor ever remember by name? If they manage to catch his eye this time, their futures will be bright, provided they don’t stray onto the wrong path. Gui Yi, you must not breathe a word of this. Don’t mention it to your sisters, either."

"I understand." Song Guiyi nodded quickly. "I never expected to travel all this way home only to encounter something so momentous. When I return, I’ll finally have something to boast about to my mother-in-law."

Her mother burst out laughing. "If your mother-in-law heard that, she’d probably smack you."

Song Guiyi smiled. "My mother-in-law treats me like her own flesh and blood. She would only be happy for me."

The First Madam sighed softly. "You missed the good times. Back then, your father’s position was humble, so we had to settle for a slightly less prestigious match for you."

"Mother, how can you say such a thing?" Song Guiyi replied immediately. "My husband is ambitious and hardworking, my parents-in-law treat me kindly, and I am deeply grateful for the match you arranged for me."

Seeing her daughter defend her in-laws so staunchly, the First Madam smiled. "That’s good to hear. As long as your husband is driven, a comfortable life for you is not far off."

Song Guiyi thought so as well. She looked at her mother and changed the subject. "Before I leave the capital, I was wondering if it would be possible to see the Concubine? We sisters haven’t met in many years."