Chapter 288 - 120: Borrowing Strength to Strike
The Song Family was not as large, prosperous, or powerful as the Qin Family, but she knew how to find allies. She had no intention of taking all the credit for herself; it was better when everyone benefited.
And so, Song Yunzhao summoned Feng Yunjin, the brains of the operation; Noble Consort Han, the woman of action; and Lu Zhixue, the sharp tongue, to start their little clique’s meeting.
After the three of them heard Song Yunzhao out, Feng Yunjin was the first to voice her support. She fully understood the true purpose behind Yun Zhao’s plan.
’Gaining merit was secondary; the main goal was to share the credit. And it was perfectly clear whose credit they would be cutting into.’
Han Jinyi sighed. "With all this snow, who knows how many common people are enduring the cold and hunger. It’s good that we can do something to help."
Ever since her father returned from providing disaster relief, she had been corresponding with him and came to feel that the suffering commoners were truly pitiable. Now that she was faced with this situation and knew she could help, she was naturally willing to lend a hand. What’s more, she could also earn a good reputation. It was killing two birds with one stone, so of course she agreed.
Lu Zhixue hadn’t considered any of that. But when she heard Song Yunzhao mention Qin Xiyue distributing congee, she was certain this was just Song Yunzhao being petty, unable to let Qin Xiyue steal her thunder. And yet she had the gall to talk all high-and-mighty about easing the Emperor’s worries and serving the people.
’Hmph. That mouth of Song Yunzhao’s spouts nothing but lies. You can’t believe a single word she says.’
However, she was willing to do anything that made Qin Xiyue lose face, as she herself had suffered at Qin Xiyue’s hands before.
And so, Lu Zhixue agreed as well.
"If we want to make clothes, we’ll need fabric, cotton, and embroideresses for the needlework. If we’re going to make a large quantity, that will require a lot of materials and people," Feng Yunjin said.
Han Jinyi said, "As for fabric and cotton, we can lead by example and call upon the ladies of the Capital City to donate. Fabric should be manageable, but cotton is another matter. Even wealthy households would find it difficult to provide a large amount."
Song Yunzhao thought for a moment, then said, "The common people don’t all use cotton to keep warm. They can’t afford it, so they often use things like willow catkins, poplar catkins, rice straw, and reed catkins for warmth. We’ll have to use whatever we can get. This is no time to be picky."
"That’s a good idea." Lu Zhixue nodded. "I’ve been to a country estate before. The tenant farmers there use those things to make padded clothes."
"It won’t be easy for us to do all this from within the palace. We need someone to spearhead the effort," Feng Yunjin said, looking at Yun Zhao.
Song Yunzhao nodded. "I think Consort Lu would be a perfect fit. What do you think?"
"Consort Lu?" Lu Zhixue exclaimed in surprise.
’What a joke. How is she suitable? From where I’m standing, she isn’t suitable at all.’
Han Jinyi turned her head to look at Lu Zhixue. "If Lady Lu won’t do, did you want to pick between Lady Wanfei and Consort Zhuang?"
Lu Zhixue fell silent. On second thought, Consort Lu was a better choice than them.
Feng Yunjin smiled, pursing her lips. She instantly understood Song Jieyu’s intention. This was a move to use Consort Lu’s temperament to put pressure on Princess Consort Wan and Princess Consort Zhuang. Princess Consort Wan was one thing; with her aloof airs, she probably wouldn’t care much for this matter. But Princess Consort Zhuang was a different story.
"Lady Lu is indeed a suitable candidate. Furthermore, the Right Minister’s influence has waned due to the cheating scandal, so he must be looking for an opportunity to recover his standing. Now that you’ve given this opportunity to Consort Lu, the Right Minister—who sees things much more deeply and broadly than she does—will naturally know what to do."
For instance, something like conscripting all the embroideresses in the Capital City to rush the production of padded clothing is something a man with the Prime Minister’s authority could do, but not them, concubines of the inner palace.
Qin Wan Yi has Grand Tutor Qin, and now their side can get the Right Minister on board.
Song Yunzhao praised her internally. ’As expected of the heroine’s strategist from the novel. Her mind is sharp.’
Once the four of them had reached an agreement, they split up to take action. Feng Yunjin took Han Jinyi and Lu Zhixue to arrange for the fabric, cotton, and embroideresses, while Song Yunzhao went to seek out Consort Lu and propose a partnership.
「In Cuiwei Palace.」
Consort Lu was drinking tea and admiring the snow. Outside, palace attendants were busy sweeping, and there wasn’t a single clear spot to walk in the courtyard. She was too lazy to go out. It was far more comfortable to stay inside, drinking tea by the warmth of her brazier.
"Who is it?" Consort Lu paused, then frowned. "Song Jieyu? It’s freezing, and the paths are treacherous. What is she doing here at Cuiwei Palace?"
"Song Jieyu says she has a matter to report to Your Highness," Yunshang replied.
Consort Lu let out a cold laugh. ’I don’t believe that for a second.’ But then she recalled that she had benefited from associating with Song Yunzhao last time. The woman didn’t pay visits lightly. What if there was actually a good opportunity in it for her?
"Show her in," Consort Lu said lazily.
Song Yunzhao had trudged all the way here through the snow. The wooden clogs she wore were of little use; if her shoes hadn’t been so thick, her feet would have been soaked through.