I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Feng Yunjin caught a glimpse of the Eldest Prince at the entrance of the hall. Seeing his cheerful smile, she couldn’t help but smile as well.

Nanny Qi curtsied and led the Eldest Prince away.

Feng Yunjin followed Xiangxue into the hall and approached Ming Fei to pay her respects.

Yun Zhao waved her hand. "There are no outsiders here. Please, sit."

Feng Yunjin insisted on finishing her curtsy before rising. After taking a seat with a smile, she saw Yun Zhao’s rosy complexion and the sparkle in her eyes, and knew at once that she was faring well.

Shizhu had attendants bring in tea and pastries. Ai Ju, who served Feng Yunjin, withdrew with them.

Leaving only Xiangxue to attend them, Song Yunzhao looked at Feng Yunjin and asked, "You’re here so early. Did something happen?"

"There is something, but I’m not sure if it’s true, and I can’t quite make up my mind," Feng Yunjin said with a frown.

Song Yunzhao looked at her. ’For her to be so indecisive, this must have something to do with Qin Xiyue.’

Just as she thought, Feng Yunjin continued, "Ever since the first group of palace attendants left, things haven’t been peaceful. Chief Steward Zhang is now leading his men to investigate everyone who has a record of being punished, and I heard a few of them have started making a scene."

Song Yunzhao was a little surprised, as Zhang Maoquan hadn’t reported back to her yet. "When did this happen?"

"Just this morning."

Song Yunzhao nodded. ’No wonder. Zhang Maoquan must have felt a trivial matter like this wasn’t worth bothering me over.’

But seeing the look on Feng Yunjin’s face, she asked, "Did you discover something?"

"I wouldn’t call it a discovery." Feng Yunjin began slowly, hesitating. "I just happened to see Fang Ping, who serves Qin Wan Yi, speaking with one of those people the other day. It was only a fleeting glance, so I can’t be certain I saw it right."

’Song Yunzhao hadn’t found any of Qin Xiyue’s people on the list for the first wave of dismissals. That means she’s trying to preserve her power base.’

’Even though Grand Tutor Qin has retired to his hometown, the people he left behind in the palace still take orders from Qin Xiyue, which is why she operates with such ease.’

’Now that I’m clearing these people out, she’s naturally going to try and protect some of them.’

’If I manage to eliminate all the eyes and ears Grand Tutor Qin left behind, it will be much more difficult for her to gather information or make any moves in the future.’

’The female lead’s intelligence is always on point. She’s definitely going to test the waters.’

Song Yunzhao looked at Feng Yunjin. "Who did you see?" She then had Xiangxue summon Anshun. After Feng Yunjin described the person’s appearance, Anshun recognized them immediately and left to report to Zhang Maoquan.

Seeing that Feng Yunjin still looked troubled, Song Yunzhao said, "All of you supported me in this matter and handed over your lists. For that friendship alone, I will make sure these people are properly settled."

Hearing this, Feng Yunjin replied, "This is the Emperor’s decree; you’re only acting on his orders. Besides, with you here, it’s not like we’ll be at a disadvantage in the future. It doesn’t make much difference whether these people stay or go. Letting them leave the palace now allows them to keep their lives and get some money. It’s a good outcome for them."

Song Yunzhao agreed with that point. She said softly to Feng Yunjin, "The Emperor is extremely determined to clean up the harem. Furthermore, these are all people left over from the late Emperor’s reign. The fact that the Emperor has waited this many years to act is already a sign of his utmost benevolence."

Feng Yunjin understood. ’A new emperor brings his own court. The Emperor hadn’t touched the harem before, but now that the imperial court is stable, it’s only natural that he would want to clean house in the palace as well.’

"I’m just worried that with such a major move, those people will come to hate you."

"They’re being sent out of the palace. What does it matter if they hate me?"

"I’m worried about those who remain. The relationships within the palace are so complex; it’s impossible to fully uncover every connection," Feng Yunjin said.

Song Yunzhao smiled. "This is only the beginning. After the selection next year, a new batch of palace attendants will arrive. By then, the only ones remaining will be the personal attendants serving the concubines."

Feng Yunjin was startled. ’It seems the Emperor truly intends to purge the entire harem. In that case, I can rest easy.’

"Lately, Qin Wan Yi has been frequently visiting Shouci Palace to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager. And every time, she invites the concubines from Qingyun Palace and Lin Hua Palace to go with her. Is that really alright?" Feng Yunjin asked, concerned.

’How could it not be a problem? The female lead certainly knows how to get under your skin.’

’She, a mere Wanyi, goes to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager every single day, while none of the three high-ranking concubines are anywhere to be seen. Isn’t that just a perfect way to showcase her own filial piety?’

’She’s given up hope of winning the Emperor’s affection and has decided to latch onto the Empress Dowager for good.’

’The Empress Dowager needs a pawn to lead the charge right now, someone to pave the way for An Shutong’s arrival in the palace next year. It’s a case of getting a pillow just when you’re feeling sleepy. The two of them must have hit it off instantly.’

"Qin Xiyue is getting desperate. She wants to protect her people, but she can’t do it alone. This is her way of asking the Empress Dowager for help." Song Yunzhao scoffed. "But I’m afraid she’s wasting her breath."

"You mean...?"

"You can’t say that everyone who has ever been punished in the palace was entirely at fault, but there’s some truth to the saying that it takes two hands to clap. As long as we find any wrongdoing, they will be dealt with according to palace regulations," Song Yunzhao stated decisively.

"Wherever there are people, there will be conflict. Even when new palace attendants arrive, they will eventually form their own factions."

"Yes, but it’s still better than letting these people, who hold so many secrets, remain."

"That’s true."

"In that case, help me spread a rumor."

"Go on."

"Just say that you just heard from me that the Emperor intends to completely purge the harem and will be selecting new palace attendants to fill the vacancies next year."

Feng Yunjin was taken aback. "Aren’t you afraid things will truly descend into chaos?"

"It’s easier to fish in murky waters!"

"Alright." Feng Yunjin understood Yun Zhao’s intention. She hesitated for a moment before adding, "What about the concubines in Qingyun Palace and Lin Hua Palace? Should we try to win them over? I was thinking I could leak some information to them first."

Song Yunzhao shook her head. "There’s no need."

Feng Yunjin glanced sideways at Yun Zhao.

Yun Zhao gave a soft laugh. "We’ve been in the palace for three years now. That’s more than enough time for them to have made their choice. If they choose to stand with Qin Xiyue, it means they’ve resolved to take that gamble. If they don’t want to be dragged down with her, they will have already figured out a way to distance themselves. It doesn’t matter what we do."

Feng Yunjin sighed. She understood now: Yun Zhao had no intention of interfering with the concubines of those two palaces. She was leaving them to make their own choices.

’Yun Zhao’s approach was the right one. If they chose to side with Qin Wan Yi, they were choosing to oppose Yun Zhao. Under those circumstances, how could anyone expect Yun Zhao to show them kindness?’

"Then I’ll go and take care of it now." Feng Yunjin had always been a decisive person. "I’ll ask Lu Pin to join me. With her involved, the news is guaranteed to spread quickly."

Song Yunzhao smiled and nodded. "Then I’ll have to trouble you both."

Feng Yunjin hurried away, and the warmth in Song Yunzhao’s eyes slowly faded to ice. She knew Qin Xiyue wouldn’t give up.

’In a "strong female lead" story, the protagonist’s most essential qualities are tenacity and an unwillingness to ever admit defeat.’