I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Song Yexi chimed in with a laugh, "Why build one from scratch? Just buy an existing one and hang up the Yuquan Building sign."

Song Yunzhao paused, then suddenly smiled. "You’re right. I was overcomplicating things. But I imagine it’s not easy to buy one right now, is it?"

Xie Linlang added from the side, "Not just anyone can run a successful restaurant. For one located near the traveling palace, you need connections to make a profit."

Song Yunzhao understood. The traveling palace was filled with high-ranking officials and nobles. Given how frequently banquets were held, if Yuquan Building could open a branch here, they could make a fortune just by catering the food and wine, to say nothing of the storytellers and opera troupes—both of which were also major sources of income.

Xie Jinshu must have already established his own network of contacts to even dare suggest this. Song Yunzhao thought for a moment and said, "In a few days, when I have some free time, I’ll host a banquet as well. I’ll have the storyteller from Yuquan Building perform. We’ll have to see about the venue, but if there’s enough space, we can even stage a few operas."

’I’m the Emperor’s favored concubine now. There’s bound to be some celebrity effect.’

Xie Linlang asked, "Won’t this cause you trouble?"

"What trouble could it be? We’re cousins. It’s perfectly justifiable for me to look after my own family," Song Yunzhao said with a smile.

An indescribable feeling washed over Xie Linlang. ’Back then, I was just trying to pave the way with money, but I never expected it would actually lead to such a wide, open road to success.’

"Everyone out there knows we’re cousins now. The Xie family’s businesses in the Capital City have already benefited greatly from your reputation. I think we should drop this. I don’t want to cause you any more trouble."

Xie Linlang shook her head. ’And then there’s Qin Xiyue. From the sounds of it, her family background is extraordinary. It can’t be easy for Yun Zhao to contend with her.’

Madam Song glanced at Xie Linlang and said with a smile, "Linlang, since the Zhaoyi has said so, you can rest assured. Besides, Yuquan Building’s reputation is not just for show. As long as you do a good job and bring honor to the Zhaoyi, that will be more than enough."

Hearing Madam Song say this, Xie Linlang finally nodded in agreement.

’She and Yun Zhao were on good terms, but she worried that Yun Zhao’s constant support for the Xie family might cause dissatisfaction within the Song Family. Now that Madam Song had expressed her support, she could finally relax.’

As they were all talking, Yulu walked in from outside with a peculiar expression on her face.

Yun Zhao looked up and saw her at once. "What is it?" she asked.

"Mistress, General Manager Meng had the two eunuchs who blocked Madam Song beaten to death. It was done right at the palace gates, and he even summoned the other Palace Attendants to watch."

The hall fell silent in an instant.

The eyes of Madam Song and the others landed on Yun Zhao, tinged with worry.

It was a good thing that the Emperor was willing to seek justice for Yun Zhao, but to have men beaten to death and force others to watch—wasn’t this escalating things too far?

But Yun Zhao instantly understood Feng Yi’s intentions. ’He had already issued a decree for my aunt and family to enter the palace, yet they were still obstructed. Whether the Empress Dowager did it on purpose or not, it was a direct slap to the Emperor’s face.’

’What’s more, the Emperor intends to curb the Empress Dowager’s interference in the management of the harem. This is his first move.’

’And unfortunately, I, Song Yunzhao, have become the spark for this first battle.’

’Here I am again, the biggest, roundest, most eye-catching melon in the patch. It’s so hard to just watch other people’s drama when I’m either the drama everyone is watching or on my way to becoming it.’

’My goal was to be the Imperial Concubine who watches the drama, but now I’m the Imperial Concubine everyone is watching. This is a serious deviation from my life’s goals and chosen path.’

Song Yunzhao looked at Yulu and asked, "Where is Meng Jiuchang?"

"General Manager Meng has already returned to report on his orders."

Song Yunzhao nodded slightly. "Have Anshun come here."

"Yes."

Anshun entered the hall shortly after. "Mistress."

"Take a trip to Consort Shu’s residence. Tell her I’m inviting her for tea this afternoon." Song Yunzhao looked at Anshun. "If Consort Shu asks about the executions, tell her the truth. Be sure to explain everything with perfect clarity."

Anshun’s mind spun, and he understood immediately. ’The tea is just a pretense; passing on the message is the real goal. Mistress wants to ask Consort Shu to come and lend her authority to the situation.’

’However, given Consort Shu’s temperament, who knew if she’d be willing to help.’

"This servant will go at once." Anshun bowed and retreated.

After he had gone, Madam Song looked at Yun Zhao with worry. "Isn’t this all a bit too conspicuous?"

Song Yunzhao looked at Madam Song. "Aunt, the Emperor issued a decree ahead of time, and these men still dared to defy it. Don’t you think defying an imperial edict is a crime punishable by death?"

’It doesn’t matter who they were acting for. Defying an imperial edict is the ultimate crime.’

’Feng Yi seized on this point to make a ruthless move, one that would make the Empress Dowager feel the sting and not dare to meddle so recklessly in the future.’

’Were they just executing a few Palace Attendants?’

’No, this was a show for the Empress Dowager!’

Madam Song quickly understood. "I’m afraid," she said to Yun Zhao, "that the Empress Dowager will blame you for this."

"In that case, the Empress Dowager has far too many grudges to hold. Don’t worry, Aunt," Song Yunzhao said, smiling to reassure her family.

Song Yexi and the others looked pale. Song Hongjiao, in particular, had never witnessed anything like this. She could still vividly remember the arrogant, domineering faces of the eunuchs who had blocked their way at the gate, deliberately saying vile things to humiliate them.

And now, they had been beaten to death.

Song Hongjiao knew life in the palace wasn’t easy, but she’d never imagined it would be this harsh. ’If I were to enter the palace,’ she thought, ’I’m afraid I wouldn’t last very long.’

"Mistress, Consort Shu will be here shortly."

Shizhu rushed in to report, swift as the wind. Beads of sweat dotted her face, a clear sign she had run the entire way.

Yun Zhao was a little surprised. ’Why is Consort Shu coming over now? She knows I’m visiting with my family.’

"Let’s go out and greet her." Yun Zhao rose to her feet. Their previous collaborations had gone smoothly enough, so she was more than willing to show Consort Shu some courtesy.

’Especially since the woman lived for it.’

Sure enough, when Consort Shu swept in with her attendants and saw Song Yunzhao personally coming out to receive her, she couldn’t hide the smug satisfaction on her face. She looked at Song Yunzhao and said, "Oh my, there’s no need for Song Zhaoyi to come out and greet me personally. If the Emperor were to find out..."

"If the Emperor were to find out, he would only praise me for doing the right thing," Song Yunzhao cut in with a smile.

Consort Shu: ...

Everyone from the Song Family: ...

’We never knew you had it in you, Song Yunzhao.’

Consort Shu’s expression faltered. Just as she was about to speak, she saw Madam Song leading her family forward to pay their respects. "Greetings, Lady Shufei."

Consort Shu raised a hand. "Madam Song, there’s no need for such ceremony. Please, rise. I came unannounced and have disturbed your reunion with the Zhaoyi."

"Not at all. To be able to meet Your Ladyship is a blessing for me and my family," Madam Song replied with a smile.

Song Yunzhao interjected from the side, "It’s too hot to be talking out here. Let’s go inside."

Consort Shu lifted her chin and strode into the hall first. Yun Zhao was torn between laughter and exasperation. ’That’s Consort Shu for you, always putting on airs.’

Madam Song watched Consort Shu’s grand entrance thoughtfully. Seeing the way she and Yun Zhao interacted, it was apparent that their day-to-day relationship was quite good. The thought settled her heart a little.

Xie Linlang, walking behind Song Yexi and beside Song Hongjiao, noticed Song Hongjiao’s tense expression. She opened her mouth to say something but then closed it. In truth, she was a little nervous herself.

’She had heard of Consort Shu’s reputation even outside the palace. Among the three concubines, she was known to have the worst temper. The Emperor had once revoked her title, only to restore it later, which just went to show how capable she was.’