Chapter 268 - 114: Confrontation 4
She was even happier than Song Yunzhao to see Qin Xiyue become a laughingstock. Thinking of this, she said, "Grand Tutor Qin is a man of profound learning and integrity in office, but what a pity his descendants are such a disappointment."
Han Jinyi nodded. If that weren’t the case, Qin Xiyue would never have entered the palace. Grand Tutor Qin had her enter the palace, very likely to secure a path for his son.
Feng Yunjin looked up. "I hear they’re going to redo the Autumn Examination."
"Really?" Lu Zhixue was a little surprised. ’If they hold the exam again, does that mean the Emperor will be lenient about what happened before?’
She didn’t know how deeply her father was involved, but she hoped he would get through it unscathed.
"I believe so," Feng Yunjin nodded, then looked at Song Yunzhao. "Does Song Jieyu know about this?"
Song Yunzhao shook her head. "I haven’t received any news. However, the Emperor is a wise monarch. He certainly won’t disappoint the scholars. After so many years of arduous study, they can’t just be sent home like this."
Feng Yunjin didn’t believe that Song Jieyu was unaware. The one leading the protests outside the palace was her own cousin.
However, when she learned that Song Buran had actually submitted blank exam papers, she was deeply impressed. In the entire examination hall, he was the only one to submit blank papers for all three sessions. The only other person to submit blank papers for two sessions was Song Jieyu’s cousin-in-law.
’Honestly,’ Feng Yunjin thought, ’Song Jieyu’s luck is incredible. It’s one thing for her to be favored in the palace, but for her family to bring her glory from the outside as well... what a powerful boost that is.’
The cheating scandal had blown up to such a degree that it was no longer just about leaked exam questions. A letter from home had cryptically informed her that the scandal had swept into the court, escalating into a fierce struggle between the Left and Right Ministers.
Many officials were implicated this time. The Emperor certainly wouldn’t punish all of them, but many key supporters of the two ministers were bound to be out of luck.
The Emperor had always wanted to reclaim full authority over the court. This time, the Song Family had personally handed a knife right into His Majesty’s hands.
For this contribution alone, Song Buran’s rise to prominence was foreseeable. If he could pass the re-examination and make the list, he would likely be even more celebrated than the top scholar.
’This sort of thing can’t just be envied. It’s not just a matter of luck or fortune. It requires the decisiveness to act when necessary and the strategic cunning to plan ahead.’
The Emperor was already fond of Song Jieyu. Now that the Song Family had done so much to ease his burdens, no one in the palace would be able to compare to her before the next concubine selection.
’As for us concubines from distinguished families, will the Emperor ever like us?’
’Definitely not.’
’Our entry into the palace was a compromise the Emperor made with his courtiers.’
’Our situation is even more precarious than that of the three concubines and the Imperial Concubine back then. The Emperor is not the same man he was five years ago. He no longer needs to force himself to dote on us the way he doted on them.’
Feng Yunjin saw this clearly, which was why she was trying so hard to adjust her own position in the harem. Rather than pinning her hopes on the Emperor’s affection, it was better to build a good relationship with Song Jieyu.
She had observed her carefully for several months. Song Jieyu might seem overbearing, but her actions were methodical and she always followed the rules. Furthermore, she was not narrow-minded.
The incident with Lu Zhixue was a case in point.
She knew that Song Jieyu monopolized the Emperor’s favor and detested sharing it. When someone tried to compete with her for the Emperor’s affection, her counterattacks were incredibly fierce.
As for herself, she held no extravagant hopes for the Emperor’s favor. If the Emperor had shown her affection at the beginning, she certainly wouldn’t have refused it, but it was clear she didn’t have that kind of luck.
Befriending Song Jieyu might not get her what she wanted, but at least she wouldn’t become her stepping stone.
Feng Yunjin had once hesitated between Qin Xiyue and Song Yunzhao, but as time went on, she ultimately decided to align herself with Song Jieyu.
However, though Song Jieyu had been favored for months, there was still no good news from her belly.
’Thinking about it, the three concubines and the Imperial Concubine haven’t had any happy news either,’ she mused. ’Could it possibly be a problem with the Emperor?’
She only dared to think such a thing. She wouldn’t dare utter a single word of it aloud.
She even hoped that Song Jieyu would give birth to the Emperor’s eldest son. Having thrown her lot in with Song Jieyu, she naturally wanted her to soar to greater heights.
Han Jinyi took a bite of roasted pear. Its slight tartness was balanced with a sweetness that was perfectly to her liking. She immediately urged everyone to try some.
Lu Zhixue used a small silver knife to cut a piece and pop it in her mouth. She frowned slightly. It was a little sour, but just the right amount, and it was indeed delicious.
"If they redo the exam, the scholar rankings are sure to be very different this time," Han Jinyi said with a smile.
"Of course. How can those good-for-nothing freeloaders compare to scholars with real talent?" Lu Zhixue retorted.
Song Yunzhao smiled faintly, and Feng Yunjin laughed as well.
The four of them didn’t disperse until 5:00 PM. Lu Zhixue’s Yihua Palace was closer, so she soon waved goodbye to the other two at a fork in the path.
Han Jinyi and Feng Yunjin continued on. After passing through the East Imperial Garden, Liu Hua Palace was visible in the distance. Feng Yunjin looked at Han Jinyi. "Talking with Song Jieyu is such a pleasant experience. No wonder you two hit it off from the start."
Han Jinyi chuckled. "That was unexpected, but the Concubine’s temperament really is easy to get along with."
’Easy to get along with? Not necessarily,’ Feng Yunjin thought. ’But having someone like her as an ally is certainly a good thing.’
"Autumn is just around the corner, and in a few more months, it will be the new year. This year has really flown by. It’ll be over in the blink of an eye."
"Yes, it has." Han Jinyi nodded slightly. The new year would be here soon.
"At the new year’s banquet, do you think our families will be able to attend?"
Han Jinyi was taken aback for a moment, then shook her head. "How would I know that? But I hope so."
If her mother could attend the palace banquet, it would be an honor she, as a daughter, could bring to her family.
"Yes, I hope so too." After saying this, Feng Yunjin bid farewell to Han Jinyi and continued on her way, walking into the autumn wind.
Han Jinyi stared at Feng Yunjin’s retreating back for a long while before entering the gates of Liu Hua Palace. She didn’t expect to run right into An Fangyi, who was out for a stroll. She stepped forward to curtsy. "I greet An Fangyi."
An Fangyi gave a faint nod and looked at Han Jinyi. "I thought I heard Feng Xiaoyuan’s voice just now."
Han Jinyi smiled and replied, "Yes, Feng Xiaoyuan and I were walking the same way."
An Fangyi said no more and turned to walk toward her own Feishuang Hall.
Han Jinyi returned to her Qiulan Palace with a smile still on her face. Once inside her inner chambers, she looked at Wenxia and asked, "Why was An Fangyi taking a walk in the courtyard at this hour?"
Wenxia had been on duty at Qiulan Palace all day. Hearing the question, she replied, "I didn’t see anyone come to visit An Fangyi..." She paused for a moment. "However, she did leave Liuyun Palace this afternoon and was gone for over an hour before she returned."
"Do you know where she went?"
"I don’t know. Should I go and ask around?"
Han Jinyi shook her head. "No need. It was just a casual question."
That’s what Han Jinyi said, but she felt a flicker of doubt. An Fangyi rarely left Liuyun Palace. To be gone for over an hour in this weather... she definitely wasn’t out admiring flowers or strolling through the gardens. She must have gone to see someone.
Han Jinyi then recalled An Fangyi’s earlier question. It was as if she had been waiting specifically for her to return.