Chapter 295 - 122: Consort Lu’s Hidden Attribute
There weren’t that many women in the harem; you could count those with any standing before the Emperor on one hand. Aside from the three concubines, Song Yunzhao and Qin Xiyue were currently the most favored. Below them was Han Jinyi, the Noble Consort, and further down were Lu Zhixue and Fan Qingru.
This reminded Song Yunzhao of Feng Yunjin. She was still a small concubine, with no suitable opportunity for a promotion in sight. Song Yunzhao made a mental note. Feng Yunjin had helped her a great deal, and she couldn’t be the type to burn bridges.
’I’m not about to share the Emperor’s favor. If others have the skill, they are welcome to try and take it. It’s a testament to their own abilities if they can snatch it from me.’
’Whether it’s Han Jinyi or Feng Yunjin, neither seems particularly interested in the Emperor’s favor at the moment. Or perhaps, the Emperor’s attitude and my complete monopoly on his affection have made them change their approach to rising through the harem’s ranks.’
Whatever the case, as long as their interests didn’t clash, Song Yunzhao was more than willing to support Feng Yunjin.
With this in mind, Song Yunzhao’s gaze on Consort Lu became calculating. ’Looks like I might have to fleece Consort Lu this time.’
Consort Lu inadvertently met Song Yunzhao’s eyes and immediately felt a chill run down her spine. Her skin prickled. ’Did I catch a draft last night?’ she wondered.
After hearing Song Yunzhao, Consort Zhuang’s mind raced. She looked at her and said, "Song Jieyu, you certainly have a way with words. However, I’m afraid Consort Lu and I are willing but unable to help. His Majesty is currently busy with the snow disaster, leaving no opportunity for an audience. But you, Song Jieyu, are enjoying the height of imperial favor and see the Emperor often. If you were to put in a good word, this matter would surely be settled. I wonder, would you be willing to take on this task for everyone’s sake?"
’So she’s trying to drag me into this?’
’Of course not.’
Song Yunzhao was no fool. Consort Zhuang was always scheming; if she agreed now, she’d likely fall right into one of her traps. So she replied, "Consort Zhuang, you flatter me, and I shouldn’t refuse. However, when I am with the Emperor, I never discuss harem affairs. The Emperor also dislikes me meddling in such matters. I’m afraid I must disappoint you."
’When it was time to use the Emperor as a shield, Song Yunzhao wouldn’t hesitate to pull him out. This was the moment for her powerful patron to shine. What was the point of having him if she just let him collect dust?’
Consort Zhuang didn’t believe a single word. But since Song Yunzhao had put it that way, what could she do? It wasn’t as if she could go to the Emperor to verify it.
Hearing this, Consort Lu, much like Consort Zhuang, didn’t believe a word of it. ’Song Yunzhao’s mind has more twists and turns than a lotus root has holes. She doesn’t meddle?’
’If she *doesn’t* meddle, then how come no other woman in the harem can get near the Emperor? If she actually *did* start meddling, would she be making a play for the Empress’s throne?’
’Hmph. What a hypocrite.’
"The year-end banquet is a major affair," Consort Lu interjected. "The Emperor will be bestowing rewards upon the harem. It’s one thing for you to ignore daily matters, Song Jieyu, but how can you shirk your duty this time?" She was prodding her. This was no time for false modesty; it was a prime opportunity to claim credit.
Song Yunzhao watched as the utterly oblivious Consort Lu twisted the knife in Consort Zhuang’s back yet again, blurting out everything Consort Zhuang had been desperately trying to avoid saying. Seeing the barely-contained fury on Consort Zhuang’s face, Song Yunzhao fell silent.
’Consort Lu is a double-edged sword, cutting whoever tries to wield her!’
’When I read the book, how did I never notice this hidden attribute of Consort Lu?’
’She’s doomed to be forever alone.’
After a long silence, Consort Lu looked unhappily at Song Yunzhao and Consort Zhuang. "Why is no one talking? Was I wrong?"
Song Yunzhao mentally lit a candle for herself. ’Why hadn’t I just made an excuse to skip this tea party?’
Consort Zhuang was also filled with regret. Why had she come along? Why couldn’t she have just stayed put?
"Since Consort Lu has said everything there is to say, I have nothing to add," Consort Zhuang said, her voice tight. "In any case, I only brought this up in passing. What Song Jieyu decides to do is her own business. I’ve just remembered something I must attend to. You two continue your tea; I’ll be taking my leave."
Consort Zhuang couldn’t stand to be there a moment longer, afraid she would flip the table if she stayed.
Consort Lu watched Consort Zhuang prepare to leave without the slightest intention of stopping her. ’She shouldn’t have come in the first place,’ she thought.
However, when Song Yunzhao also moved to take her leave, Consort Lu became displeased. She still had questions for her, and with Consort Zhuang gone, it was the perfect time. She immediately insisted she stay.
Song Yunzhao had no choice but to first see off the visibly irate Consort Zhuang before returning to her seat. By now, she had lost all interest in the real reason for Consort Lu’s invitation. She just wanted to return to Wangyou Palace and catch her breath.
Oblivious to Song Yunzhao’s thoughts, Consort Lu sat back down and said directly, "I have something I want to ask you. It wasn’t convenient to say it while Consort Zhuang was here. Thankfully, she was sensible enough to leave."
Song Yunzhao didn’t want to hear it. She had a feeling it was nothing good.