I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Huayang Palace.

Qin Xiyue was playing a game of Go against herself. On the board, black and white stones battled fiercely. The white stones clearly had the advantage, but in the end, the black stones turned defeat into victory.

She fought back the urge to flip the board, stood up, and took a deep breath. Slowly, her reason returned.

Walking to the window, Qin Xiyue gazed outside. The year was about to end. She had been in the palace for so long, yet none of her goals had been met. Although her rank had been raised, she had not won the Emperor’s favor.

She knew entering the palace would not be easy, but she never imagined it would be this hard.

It wasn’t just her. Perhaps all the other concubines in the palace were also staring at Wangyou Palace, waiting to see when its resident would fall from grace so that others might have a chance to advance.

Consort Shu’s title being restored had seemed like an opportunity, but she hadn’t anticipated Song Yunzhao would react so quickly. Even less had she expected that the Emperor, despite setting foot in the harem, would still only visit Wangyou Palace.

’Behind the Right Minister earning merit this time, Song Yunzhao must have done something—something more than just donating silver. Otherwise, with Song Nanzhen in charge of the snow disaster relief, why would the Right Minister have secretly helped him?’

’That’s why Wangyou Palace showed no reaction when Consort Shu’s title was restored.’ She was certain of it now: Consort Shu and Song Yunzhao must have collaborated.

This situation was far too disadvantageous for her. The most pressing matter at hand was how to break Song Yunzhao’s monopoly on the Emperor’s favor.

Among the three high-ranking concubines, the relationship between Consort Shu and Song Yunzhao was somewhat baffling. However, since the snow disaster had benefited the Right Minister, it was likely that Consort Shu would not cause trouble for Song Yunzhao anytime soon.

The three high-ranking concubines also included Princess Consort Zhuang and Princess Consort Wan. Princess Consort Wan’s temperament was hard to handle; she put on the airs of a scholar and refused to come down to earth. Even if she were plotting something, with her personality, she would never take the lead, preferring to let others be her shield. Naturally, this was something Qin Xiyue was happy to see.

That only left Princess Consort Zhuang. Although she was easier to deal with than Princess Consort Wan, Princess Consort Zhuang was the most difficult of the three to negotiate with.

Princess Consort Zhuang had shown her goodwill, but she was still hesitant about collaborating.

But now, she had no more time to wait.

"My Lady, Consort Zhuang asks for your presence for tea."

"Did she say what it’s about?" Qin Xiyue asked, looking at Fang Ping.

Fang Ping said softly, "It seems the list for the New Year’s banquet is out."

Qin Xiyue’s expression turned serious. "Help me change."

If it was about this matter, she had to make the trip personally. Since Princess Consort Zhuang had invited her, there was probably a problem with the list.

In Zhaoyang Palace, Princess Consort Zhuang’s expression was ugly. Rouge, who was attending her, stepped forward and said softly, "Your Highness, as long as the Right Minister is here, Consort Shu was bound to get her title back sooner or later. There’s no need for you to be angry."

"I’m not angry about that," Princess Consort Zhuang sneered. "Look at the New Year’s banquet list."

Rouge stepped forward, picked up the list, and scanned it quickly. Then, with a look of surprise, she said, "The person from Song Jieyu’s family attending the palace is... Madam Song? This... This isn’t quite appropriate, is it?"

"Everyone knows Song Yunzhao doesn’t get along with her birth mother; their relationship is incredibly cold. We thought we’d get to see some drama when Third Madam Song came to the palace for the banquet." Princess Consort Zhuang gave a scornful laugh. ’They had wanted to watch a show, but the Emperor went and solved the problem directly.’

If Song Yunzhao had been the one to request Madam Song’s attendance, they would have had an opportunity to do something. But now that the Emperor had decided the matter himself, it wouldn’t be so easy for them to make a move.

For now, this was Song Yunzhao’s only vulnerability, and now that opportunity was gone.

How could she not be angry?

"Your Highness, Qin Wan Yi has arrived," Yun Dai reported, entering with a bow.

"Show her in," Princess Consort Zhuang said.

Soon, Qin Xiyue followed Yun Dai into the hall. She stepped forward and paid her respects to Princess Consort Zhuang. "This concubine greets Consort Zhuang. May Your Highness be well."

"Rise," Princess Consort Zhuang said with a beaming smile. "Sit and talk."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Qin Xiyue expressed her gratitude before taking a seat.

Rouge led a palace attendant in with tea and snacks. She smiled at Qin Xiyue and said, "Wanyi, please try these pastries. Her Highness specially ordered them from the Imperial Kitchen."

Qin Xiyue smiled and replied, "In that case, this concubine must have a taste." She picked up a piece with a silver fork and placed it in her mouth. After savoring it for a moment, she remarked, "This is rose cake, isn’t it? Though I don’t taste any rose petals."

"The roses were crushed for their juice, which was then kneaded into the dough. It was Her Highness who came up with this method."

Qin Wan Yi took the opportunity to praise Princess Consort Zhuang. After setting down her fork, she looked at Princess Consort Zhuang and said with a smile, "Your Highness doesn’t seem to be in the best of spirits today. Have you encountered some trouble? If Your Highness doesn’t mind this concubine’s foolishness, I would be willing to help share your burden."