I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

And what happened?

Next thing she knew, her father was clashing with the Song Family again.

Consort Lu had a very uneasy feeling. Song Yunzhao was just too uncanny; nothing good ever came from crossing paths with her.

Seeing Jiang Quan return, Consort Lu immediately asked, "Did you get a clear answer? What exactly is going on?"

Jiang Quan stepped forward at once to report, "Your Ladyship, the Right Minister was not the one who leaked the exam questions. He is currently investigating the matter himself."

Consort Lu grew even more anxious upon hearing this. "It wasn’t Father’s doing, but with the title of chief examiner, there’s no way he can easily get out of this."

Jiang Quan fell silent for a moment. That was true. Even if the Right Minister was truly innocent, he would inevitably be accused of negligence and dereliction of duty.

"Did my father say anything else?" Consort Lu asked anxiously.

Jiang Quan nodded. "The one leading the troublemaking is Song Jieyu’s cousin. The Right Minister’s intention is for Your Ladyship to go to Song Jieyu and try to persuade her."

Consort Lu nearly choked. ’He wants me to go beg Song Yunzhao for a favor?’

Seeing the dark look on his lady’s face, Jiang Quan said cautiously, "The Prime Minister means that if Your Ladyship can persuade Song Jieyu, then as long as Song Buran stops leading the protests, the others won’t be a concern. Once the matter is thoroughly investigated, it will be easy to resolve. However, Song Buran is very difficult to deal with. The Prime Minister is afraid that simply clearing things up won’t be enough, and that he will continue to cause trouble afterward. The Emperor is already displeased with several high-ranking ministers and might deliberately vent his anger on them."

Consort Lu had a massive headache. "Can’t we deal with a mere Song Buran?" she said angrily.

"The Prime Minister said that one Song Buran is naturally not a concern, but Song Jieyu is currently in favor," Jiang Quan said.

Consort Lu slammed her palm on the table. ’Song Yunzhao, Song Yunzhao, it’s always Song Yunzhao!’

’Why is she the reason for my misfortune every single time?’

"What else did my father say?" Consort Lu asked, her face wooden.

Jiang Quan shook his head.

Consort Lu waved her hand to dismiss him, then sat alone, carefully pondering the matter.

Yunshang came in with a cup of tea. "Your Ladyship, please have some tea."

Consort Lu was in no mood for tea. She asked Yunshang, "Tell me, should I go see Song Jieyu?"

Yunshang didn’t dare to speak rashly. After a moment of thought, she said, "Your Ladyship, the Prime Minister must have his reasons. This servant is of shallow knowledge and doesn’t quite understand."

Consort Lu took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Right now, just thinking of Song Yunzhao made every part of her ache.

Song Yunzhao, however, was oblivious to Consort Lu’s predicament. The Emperor was busy handling the major case and had no time to think of her. Knowing that everything was fine with her family, she happily began preparing to write a new play.

Xie Jinshu had been so helpful, so of course, she had to return the favor. She decided to produce *Peony Pavilion*. She remembered the most classic lyrics, but some parts were a bit fuzzy, so she would have to fill in the gaps herself.

A love story between a human and a ghost was still quite novel here. She couldn’t say for sure if it would be a hit, but she was certain that many people would love Du Liniang.

Song Yunzhao was completely engrossed in writing her new play. When she heard Nanny Yu announce that Consort Lu had come to visit, she wondered if the sun had risen in the west.

"Please have Lady Lu take a seat in the hall. I will change my clothes and be right there." When Song Yunzhao didn’t go out, she dressed more simply. Consort Lu was of a higher rank, and it would be a great discourtesy to receive her dressed like this. She didn’t want to be unjustly accused of disrespect.

After changing her clothes, Song Yunzhao went to see Consort Lu. She curtsied as soon as she entered the room. "This concubine greets Lady Lu. I apologize for making you wait."

’One must be humble when necessary. Her rank is what it is.’

"Song Jieyu, there is no need for such ceremony. I came unannounced, so you are not to blame for the wait."

Song Yunzhao was quite surprised to hear Consort Lu’s words. She smiled and sat down. "Thank you for your understanding, Your Ladyship. May I ask what instructions you have for me today?"

Consort Lu looked at Song Yunzhao, who seemed much more easygoing in Wangyou Palace than she was outside, and felt that something was very odd.

Remembering the purpose of her visit, Consort Lu’s expression soured. She composed herself and said, "Regarding the matter with the Imperial Kitchen last time, I was supposed to give you an explanation. However, that palace attendant in my service committed suicide, making it difficult to trace who was behind her."

Song Yunzhao observed Consort Lu’s demeanor. ’So many days have passed since that incident. I don’t believe for a second she’s here to talk about that.’ However, since she had already reaped the benefits, she replied magnanimously, "Since the palace attendant took her own life, she must have been prepared for it. Your Ladyship needn’t blame yourself. It’s all just the work of those villains plotting against us."

Hearing this, Consort Lu cast a surprised glance at Song Yunzhao. ’Why does she seem especially agreeable today?’

An idea sparked in Consort Lu’s mind. Deciding to take advantage of the good atmosphere, she brought up what her father had told her. "...Blowing this matter out of proportion won’t do anyone any good. Why not quit while you’re ahead?"