Chapter 389 - 167: Barbed Words
Song Yunzhao watched with a cold detachment. Her intuition told her there was definitely some friction between Consort Shu and An Fangyi.
’Her memory of this part of the book was hazy.’ She couldn’t recall any more details, only that Consort Shu’s eventual downfall was a joint effort by Qin Xiyue and An Fangyi.
She studied An Fangyi closely and saw a flash of disgust deep in her eyes. Although it vanished quickly, she trusted that she hadn’t been mistaken.
Immediately after, she heard An Fangyi speak. "I’m sorry to disappoint you, Consort Shu. This concubine simply doesn’t care for strolls, not that I am unable to take them."
Listening to those barbed words, Song Yunzhao became even more certain of her suspicions.
"Whether you walk or not, and how you walk, has nothing to do with me. And it’s not your place to interrupt when I am questioning someone." Consort Shu huffed, looking directly at Han Jinyi. "Han Guipin, you speak. With my status, I am at least entitled to ask a few questions. Consort Zhuang, wouldn’t you agree?"
Consort Zhuang had always maintained the image of a kind and understanding person. Even though she was furious that Consort Shu had hijacked the scene and stolen her thunder, she didn’t let it show on her face. She only said, "Of course Consort Shu is entitled to ask."
Consort Shu lifted her chin slightly, looking at Han Jinyi. "Speak. What is all this commotion about today?" She paused. "Wait." Then she looked at Yunshang. "Go to the Palace Justice Department and fetch Yan Yu. Have her come listen as well, so Han Guipin doesn’t have to waste her breath repeating herself."
’Inviting Consort Shu was absolutely the right decision,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’That kind of authority... it’s something my rank could never project in front of Consort Zhuang. Rank is one of those things you don’t notice normally, but at critical moments, it’s everything.’
Yunshang acknowledged the order and turned to leave. Consort Zhuang couldn’t stop her, nor would it be proper to try. A hint of displeasure already colored her expression, but Consort Shu paid her no mind, which was infuriating.
Several palace attendants were kneeling in the middle of the courtyard, but almost no one paid them any attention.
Song Yunzhao recognized Han Jinyi’s attendant, Ying Chun. Ying Chun knelt there with her head slightly bowed, and her frail figure made Song Yunzhao’s heart ache a little.
’This is how palace struggles are. The people closest to you are always the first to suffer.’ That was why she strictly disciplined her own attendants, telling them to be cautious in their words and actions to avoid giving anyone leverage against them. If a situation arose where she couldn’t save them, their lives would be thrown away for nothing.
While they waited for Yan Gongzheng, Song Yunzhao began to feel a little uncomfortable from standing for so long, so she took a few steps to stretch.
Consort Shu glanced at her, as if suddenly remembering something. She snapped at Han Guipin, "What are you standing there gaping for? Bring a chair for Song Zhaoyi! She’s carrying our Emperor’s first child. Nothing can be taken lightly. If anything happens to her here in Liu Hua Palace, not a single person present will escape blame."
Song Yunzhao: ...
’There’s no need to threaten people like that.’
Han Guipin quickly agreed and ordered some palace attendants to bring out several chairs. It wasn’t just for Yun Zhao; there were chairs for Consort Shu and Consort Zhuang as well. Consort Shu, as if it were her right, sat down immediately.
Seeing this, Consort Zhuang thought, ’Am I supposed to stand while Consort Shu sits?’
That was impossible, so she sat down as well.
Han Jinyi led her attendants back and forth several times until every concubine present had a seat. When the chairs ran out, the lower-ranking concubines had to make do with embroidered stools.
However, no one complained. Sitting was better than standing, and their legs were genuinely getting sore from being on their feet for so long.
After taking her seat, Song Yunzhao exchanged an imperceptible glance with Feng Yunjin before looking away. Then, she turned to Consort Zhuang and said, "Zhaoyang Palace is quite a distance from Liu Hua Palace. I’m surprised you arrived so quickly, Your Ladyship. It’s no wonder everyone in the palace says you are the most just, and that one can’t go wrong asking you to preside over matters."
Hearing this, Consort Zhuang immediately became wary. Meeting Song Yunzhao’s smiling eyes, her guard went up even higher. She chose her words carefully, "Like you, Song Zhaoyi, I was simply out for a walk and happened upon this. Since I’m here, I must at least ask what’s going on."
Qin Xiyue gazed at Song Yunzhao. Although only a few days had passed since they last met, Song Yunzhao’s complexion seemed even better now.
’They say that if a pregnant woman becomes more beautiful, she’s likely carrying a girl. If her complexion worsens during pregnancy, she’s likely carrying a boy.’
’Song Zhaoyi is so beautiful she practically glows. She must be carrying a daughter. A daughter would be for the best.’
Song Yunzhao noticed Qin Xiyue’s gaze and saw that her eyes were fixed on her belly. She subtly shifted her body to the side. ’Being watched by the protagonist is never a good thing.’
Fortunately, Yan Yu arrived quickly. She entered Liu Hua Palace and, seeing so many people seated in the courtyard, froze for a moment. She quickly recovered and stepped forward to offer her salutations. "Greetings, Consort Shu, Consort Zhuang, Song Zhaoyi, and all the mistresses."
At this, Song Yunzhao looked toward Consort Zhuang and Consort Shu. As expected, it was the domineering Consort Shu who took charge.
"Yan Gongzheng, there has been a theft in Liu Hua Palace. I believe it is the duty of the Palace Justice Department to investigate such matters, which is why I had you summoned. Since you are here, you may begin the investigation."
Yan Yu: ...
’Are we getting straight to the point like this?’
’All my prepared opening remarks are useless now.’ But Yan Yu reacted quickly, bowing and saying, "This is indeed my duty. Rest assured, Your Ladyship, the Palace Justice Department will conduct a thorough and clear investigation."
Hearing this, Consort Zhuang glanced at Yan Yu and said languidly, "Since you’ve said so, Yan Gongzheng, Consort Shu and I will wait and see."
Song Yunzhao’s eyes fell upon Han Jinyi, only to see that Han Jinyi was looking at the kneeling Le Chun, her expression tinged with worry.
Song Yunzhao steadied herself. ’As long as Le Chun didn’t do it, Yan Yu wouldn’t dare show blatant favoritism with so many eyes watching. There’s still a chance to turn this around.’
Yan Yu looked at the two kneeling figures and took a few steps forward. "Who is the accuser in this matter of theft?"
"It was me."
Song Yunzhao heard An Fangyi’s palace attendant, Wanqiu, speak up.
"Since you are the accuser, you may speak first," Yan Yu said.
"Yes," Wanqiu replied. "This servant has some casual dealings with Han Guipin’s attendant, Ying Chun. A while ago, this servant wanted to embroider a small table screen and knew that Ying Chun is skilled with a needle and has some embroidery patterns that are uncommon in the palace. So I went to her to ask for some guidance..."
Song Yunzhao’s heart skipped a beat as she listened. ’Something from "a while ago"... This was clearly planned long in advance. And they’re specifically targeting Ying Chun’s strengths. This is going to be difficult to handle.’
’A targeted setup like this is usually hard to break out of. And seeing how diligently Qin Xiyue rushed over, I can’t help but suspect she had a hand in this.’