I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

’Maternal grandfather.’

Song Yunzhao looked at Feng Yi. Those words sounded so incredibly dear.

’The more I think about it, the happier I feel. For the Emperor to say those words himself means he’s already considering a higher rank for me in the future.’

Outside, Nanny Yu and the servants set out lunch. Only then did she call them in from behind the curtain.

Song Yunzhao hopped off the soft couch, took Feng Yi’s hand, and led him outside. Seeing her practically bubbling with joy, Feng Yi felt his own spirits lift.

After lunch, Feng Yi, ignoring whether the courtiers outside were about to raise hell, held Yun Zhao and took a nap with her before getting up and heading to Taixi Hall.

Song Yunzhao was ecstatic. Her father had been made a Marquis.

However, the thought that Mrs. Cai would also be elevated to a Marchioness dampened some of her joy.

’Sigh.’

’If only I could separate the two of them.’

It was a bit of a shame that Madam Song couldn’t receive a title this time, but ’there will be other opportunities in the future.’

Now that her family had a marquisate, they were supposed to enter the palace to express their gratitude. Song Nanzhen would see the Emperor, and Mrs. Cai would see the Empress. But since the harem had no Empress, she would have to come to Yun Zhao.

Yun Zhao didn’t want to see her alone, so she mentioned it to Feng Yi. He then excused the newly appointed Marquis Wenxin and his wife from the formal thanks, saying they could just come to the palace together for the Eldest Prince’s full-month celebration tomorrow.

Song Yunzhao thought this was an excellent idea and specifically sent a message to Madam Song, asking her to come to the palace early tomorrow.

As for whether Mrs. Cai came with Madam Song, Song Yunzhao couldn’t be bothered.

The timeline was tight, so the Six Departments worked through the night to prepare Yun Zhao’s ceremonial robes. Yan Gongzheng personally came to Wangyou Palace, mainly to bring staff from the Clothing Bureau to take Song Yunzhao’s measurements. The deadline for the robes was so urgent that all the embroidered pieces had to be distributed among the embroideresses to ensure completion by the next day. As a result, nearly half of the embroideresses in the Clothing Bureau were rushing to finish this one ceremonial outfit.

Yun Zhao had to admire Yan Gongzheng’s professionalism. Once the robes were finished, she brought them to Wangyou Palace late at night for a fitting, accompanied by several embroideresses from the Clothing Bureau carrying sewing kits, ready to make on-the-spot adjustments if the size wasn’t right.

When Song Yunzhao tried it on, it was indeed a little loose. She watched as the embroideresses’ needles flew, altering the fit for her. After they finished, they even pressed it flat with an iron.

The irons of ancient times were different from those of later generations. They were heated with charcoal, so temperature control was crucial. She watched with some anxiety. If the temperature was too high, a whole section of the skirt would be ruined and would have to be re-embroidered.

Once it was completely fixed, the fit was perfect. Only then did Yan Gongzheng take her leave with her staff.

Yun Zhao had someone bring out the prepared pouches and reward each of them with one. Watching them leave happily, she couldn’t help but recall how her relationship with the Clothing Bureau hadn’t been very good when she first entered the palace.

’Time really changes everything.’ Now, she and the Clothing Bureau could get along so well.

The next morning, Yun Zhao woke up very early. Beside her, Feng Yi opened his eyes as well. After collecting himself, he asked, "What hour is it?"

Song Yunzhao half-sat up, lifted a corner of the bed curtain to look outside, and before she could see clearly, she heard Meng Jiuchang’s voice calling for the Emperor to rise.

Feng Yi sat up and smiled at Yun Zhao. "It’s rare to see you up so early. Are you scared?"

Song Yunzhao did feel a little unsure, but she stubbornly lifted her chin and said, "I’m not scared at all. I have the Emperor to back me up."

Feng Yi was amused. He lifted the curtain, got out of bed, and looked at Yun Zhao. "It’s still very early. You can sleep a little longer."

He had the morning court session to attend; there was no point in her getting up so early.

Song Yunzhao hadn’t even been this nervous during her initial selection as a concubine. Her promotion ceremony was being held today along with the full-month celebration. Since she was only being promoted to a concubine and not made the Empress, the rites weren’t that complicated. Moreover, the harem had no Empress, she didn’t get along with the Empress Dowager, and the Emperor hadn’t told her to go kowtow at Shouci Palace, so the ceremony itself wouldn’t be difficult.

But her unease wasn’t just about the promotion. It was more because she now had Feng Ze. Her status in the eyes of the courtiers would be different from now on, and her every move would be scrutinized by more people.

That’s why she had risen early to dress and prepare, determined not to give anyone a single thing to criticize.

"I’m wide awake now, so why sleep more?" Song Yunzhao shook her head and followed Feng Yi outside.

Meng Jiuchang and the other eunuchs were already waiting. Seeing them emerge, they immediately bowed.

Song Yunzhao began to dress Feng Yi, who stood with his arms outstretched, letting her work. He said, "The Minister of Rites will come today to preside over your promotion ceremony. Since there is no Empress in the harem, the process is very simple. Just follow the rules to receive the edict, then kowtow in the direction of the Ancestral Temple."

Song Yunzhao nodded. "I know. Don’t worry, I won’t make any mistakes."

Putting on the Dragon Robe was a complicated affair, with layer after layer. Song Yunzhao couldn’t manage it all. After helping Feng Yi into his inner robes, she stepped aside to let Meng Jiuchang and his attendants take over.

Feng Yi pursed his lips in a smile. Song Yunzhao pretended not to see it.

Once he was ready, Feng Yi left with Meng Jiuchang and the others. Song Yunzhao then began to prepare her own outfit.

The ceremonial robes of a Ming Fei were much heavier, grander, and more luxurious than those of a Zhaoyi. Wearing them made her feel as if her head was several pounds heavier. Fortunately, it wasn’t too hot this time of year. Still, piling on layer after layer was definitely not a comfortable experience.

After she finished getting ready, she ate a simple breakfast. She avoided congee this time, not daring to have anything soupy for fear she might need to use the privy later. After eating some more substantial food and touching up her makeup, she went to see Feng Ze first.

Nanny Qi had already changed him into bright red silk swaddling clothes. His little face was washed clean. A month after his birth, Feng Ze looked completely different from when he was a newborn.

Yun Zhao played with the baby for a while before Nanny Yu hurried in to tell her it was time to receive the imperial edict. The Minister of Rites had arrived.

The Minister of Rites was in charge of all matters of royal ceremony. He had the perfect dignified air for it and knew the procedures by heart. He read the imperial edict and directed the kowtow to the Ancestral Temple. His deputy stood beside him, presiding over the etiquette, reciting a line for each kowtow Yun Zhao performed. By the time the whole procedure was over, she had no idea how many times she had bowed her head to the floor.

It wasn’t until the Minister of Rites said, "Congratulations, Lady Ming," that it was all over.

Everyone in Wangyou Palace rejoiced. From that moment on, Yun Zhao accepted the golden seal belonging to a Ming Fei, officially making her one in name and in fact.

"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Zeng," Song Yunzhao said with a smile.

This was Zeng Yan’s first time meeting her. After all, her reputation preceded her, and there were far too many rumors about Ming Fei. But seeing her now, she didn’t seem as spoiled and domineering as the stories claimed. As an outer court official, it was inappropriate for him to linger, so he took his leave after presiding over the ceremony.

Song Yunzhao returned to the main hall to rest. Her knees were sore from kneeling so much on the hard flagstones.

Shizhu came forward to massage her legs, carefully lifting the hem of her skirt, afraid of wrinkling it. Qingfeng came over to help, holding up the skirt so Shizhu could work more easily.

Xiangxue brought over half a cup of tea. "Your Ladyship, please moisten your throat."

Song Yunzhao took a small sip, not daring to drink too much, and set the cup down after moistening her throat.

Yulu lifted the curtain and entered, curtsying. "Your Ladyship, Madam Song has arrived."

Song Yunzhao’s face lit up. "Please have my aunt wait in the hall." She then paused. "Is my aunt alone?"

Yulu quickly replied, "My apologies, I wasn’t clear. The Marchioness Wenxin is here as well."