I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Song Yunzhao set down her teacup and said in all seriousness, "I love to eat and drink, but I know nothing of the craft of tea growers or Imperial Chefs."

Consort Lu couldn’t help but laugh out loud. "That’s certainly true. Given our status, why would we ever need to do such things ourselves?"

Princess Consort Zhuang also let out a laugh. "Indeed. However, Consort Lu doesn’t seem entirely clueless. I’ve heard the Right Minister is working so tirelessly for the victims of the snow disaster that he’s neglecting his own rest, even arranging for padded winter coats and other supplies. Such concern for the people’s welfare... he is truly befitting of a Prime Minister."

At Princess Consort Zhuang’s words, Song Yunzhao glanced at her. Princess Consort Zhuang’s father, Left Assistant Prime Minister Wang Xuanfan, was part of the Left Minister’s faction. With the Right Minister making such a major comeback, the Left Minister was probably the last person who wanted to see it happen.

Her expression grew more intent, and she turned her gaze toward Consort Lu.

Consort Lu looked at Princess Consort Zhuang with a smug expression. "My father has always sought to ease His Majesty’s burdens and resolve the people’s hardships. This is hardly worth mentioning; it is simply what he ought to do as Prime Minister. Speaking of which, why has Lord Wang been so quiet lately? When the court is in difficulty, the Assistant Prime Minister should take the initiative to relieve His Majesty’s worries. Why is he hiding away and enjoying his leisure?"

Song Yunzhao fought to hold back a laugh. ’Sometimes, you just have to love Consort Lu’s personality.’

Princess Consort Zhuang let out a soft sigh. "My father wishes he could, but his health has not been good lately."

"So that’s how it is. If Lord Wang is unwell, he should be taking a proper rest. I think you, Princess Consort Zhuang, should advise your father not to cling to his power so tenaciously. While Lord Wang is taking it easy and recuperating during a disaster like this, I can only imagine how much the people will suffer if they are not properly resettled."

The smile vanished from Princess Consort Zhuang’s face. She looked at Consort Lu and said coolly, "You need not trouble yourself with this, Consort Lu. My father is only slightly indisposed. He will be fine after a few days of rest."

"How convenient to fall ill at such a time," Consort Lu sighed, her voice laced with concern. "I wonder how many people with no food to eat and no clothes to wear will freeze to death in this cold winter."

Princess Consort Zhuang: ...

Song Yunzhao: ...

’What a difference a few days make.’ Song Yunzhao would have never imagined it. ’What kind of miracle pill did Consort Lu take? Her verbal combat skills have shot through the roof.’

’Downright infuriating.’

With the two concubines at each other’s throats, Song Yunzhao was naturally content to sit back and enjoy the show.

’Eating these delicate pastries, sipping this exclusive tea... life doesn’t get much better than this.’

Princess Consort Zhuang glanced at Song Yunzhao out of the corner of her eye, sensing that something was amiss. ’Why is Song Yunzhao so quiet today?’ She took a deep breath. ’I’ve been too rash and made myself a spectacle for others.’

Song Yunzhao pretended not to notice Princess Consort Zhuang’s gaze and kept her head down, sipping her tea. She wasn’t an idiot. ’Why would I get involved in their squabble at a time like this?’

Just as she was thinking this, she heard Princess Consort Zhuang speak again. "The end of the year is fast approaching. I wonder what the plans are for this year’s banquet."

Upon hearing this, Consort Lu frowned, clearly displeased. The New Year’s banquet was coming up. ’It would be humiliating to attend if I’m still just ’Consort Lu’ by then.’

She wondered if her father’s recent accomplishments would be enough to help her win back her honorific title. The thought reminded her that she had lost her title because of Song Yunzhao, yet her hope of regaining it was also because of Song Yunzhao.

’Do I owe her something from a past life? Why does my fate have to be so tangled up with hers?’

At this thought, Consort Lu’s eyes suddenly lit up. She immediately chimed in with Princess Consort Zhuang, "The New Year should be lively so that the coming year can be smooth and prosperous. Speaking of which, this will be the first New Year in the palace for Song Jieyu and the others. It really ought to be celebrated properly."

Song Yunzhao looked up at Consort Lu, at a complete loss for words. ’What an absolutely useless ally. I should just write her off completely!’

Princess Consort Zhuang glanced toward Song Yunzhao as she added pointedly, "Consort Lu has a point. Furthermore, the guest list for the New Year’s congratulations at court must be carefully drafted."

Suddenly, the pastries no longer tasted fragrant, and the tea felt scalding hot. ’Why on earth have these two suddenly teamed up to put me on the spot?’

’I can never be allies with Consort Lu,’ she thought. ’I can’t handle someone who can’t tell friend from foe and switches sides so casually.’

’Princess Consort Zhuang is threatening me. Back home, I have a troublesome birth mother. If Princess Consort Zhuang puts Mrs. Cai’s name on the guest list, there’s no telling what she might do to embarrass me at the banquet.’

"Your Ladyships both make excellent points. However, this servant is of humble status and little influence. For a grand New Year’s banquet, we should just follow along and enjoy the festivities," Song Yunzhao said slowly, offering them a faint smile. "To hear such words from you two, I’m sure the other ladies will be overjoyed. They will surely be grateful to Your Ladyships."