I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

"That’s fine, then. Is there anything here you need me to do?" Han Jinyi agreed. In her heart, Yun Zhao’s business was more important.

Song Yunzhao racked her brains. ’What could it be?’

Suddenly, an idea struck her. She smiled and said, "We eat mooncakes for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and I’d like to make some novel types. Two heads are better than one, so it would be even better if you could help me."

Han Jinyi looked at Song Yunzhao teasingly. "I’m not very skilled in the kitchen, but I can lend a hand."

If Yun Zhao was personally making something to eat, it had to be for the Emperor. In that case, she definitely had to help.

Song Yunzhao breathed a small sigh of relief. Han Jinyi treated her well. Knowing that the flower arranging was a trap, she couldn’t possibly let her fall into it.

For her, she was even willing to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty in the kitchen. Their bond of friendship grew even stronger.

Song Yunzhao was afraid that Qin Xiyue would manage to rope Han Jinyi into her flower arranging scheme, so she had Han Jinyi come over to help the very next day.

Han Jinyi agreed, and when she came over the next day, Song Yunzhao heard her mention that Qin Xiyue had indeed visited the previous night to invite her to go flower arranging.

Song Yunzhao was left speechless.

’The protagonist’s halo is too powerful,’ she thought. ’Thank goodness I moved fast.’

The two of them tinkered with mooncakes in Wangyou Palace. Han Jinyi had no real ideas; the mooncakes she’d eaten in past years only had a few types of fillings, and she could only think of sweet ones. Because of the whole flower-arranging affair, she casually mentioned flower-petal fillings. Song Yunzhao was instantly reminded of the flower pastries from a later era and immediately nodded, thinking it was a great idea.

Thus, Han Jinyi embarked on a journey of trying to create various types of floral mooncakes.

Song Yunzhao, on the other hand, decided to make ham and egg yolk ones. This savory type had never appeared in "the book." The Emperor didn’t care for sweets, so this savory flavor should be to his liking.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival neared, the Emperor once again took up residence in Taiji Palace, not entering the harem for several days. Meanwhile, Song Yunzhao and Han Jinyi were happily absorbed in making mooncakes behind closed doors at Wangyou Palace. She had a good idea of what was happening with the flower arranging but didn’t send anyone to spy for information, wanting to avoid arousing the protagonist’s suspicion.

Two days before the Mid-Autumn Festival, Song Yunzhao’s mooncakes were finally complete. She and Han Jinyi ate lunch together to celebrate. Later that afternoon, just as she was hoping to catch her breath and rest, Anshun came rushing in.

"Your Ladyship," Anshun said, "your cousin has sent a message. He says that with the Autumn Examination approaching, some scholars have gotten their hands on a set of test papers that are supposedly very good at predicting the questions. He wants to know if you want to buy a copy."

Song Yunzhao’s eyes flashed. Looking at Anshun, she asked, "Did my cousin say where the test papers came from?"

"The exact source isn’t clear, and not many candidates can get ahold of them, but they are very expensive. Your cousin only found out because a good friend of his revealed the information," Anshun replied.

Song Yunzhao answered directly, "Have my cousin buy a copy. Tell him to try his best to figure out the source of the papers, but not to take any risks." She paused for a moment. She had wanted to say that her cousin should ideally get proof of the purchase, but that would be a little too obvious.

Song Bomming was no fool; when this incident eventually came to light, he would surely be suspicious of her actions.

Even with her closest family, she couldn’t let them know her true intentions.

Anshun quickly complied. "Then I shall go and inform your cousin right away."

"Go on," Song Yunzhao nodded.

After Anshun left, Song Yunzhao heaved a long sigh of relief. The number of test papers was small and the price was steep, which meant the number of people involved was limited.

For Song Bomming to have a friend who thought to pass this news to him, it seemed her cousin had managed to make a trustworthy friend in his short time in the capital.

She couldn’t let her cousin lose a friend like that. When the time came, she would have to save him if she could.

At this thought, Song Yunzhao cheered up. The plan was going smoothly, which greatly improved her mood.

A day later, after Song Yunzhao had finished breakfast, she heard from Yulu that Qin Xiyue had come to call on her.

She froze for a moment, hesitating. She didn’t really want to see her, but turning her away would make it seem like she was afraid.

’How annoying. The protagonist’s methods are just so unpleasant. To see her or not to see her—neither was an appealing option.’

To avoid tipping her hand, Song Yunzhao decided to meet with her after all and see what Qin Xiyue’s purpose was.

Following Yulu into the hall, Qin Xiyue stepped forward and saluted Song Yunzhao. "This concubine greets the Concubine. Please forgive me for this presumptuous visit."

Song Yunzhao maintained her smile. ’How am I supposed to respond to that? She’s covered all the bases, leaving me no room to say anything at all.’

"Please, sit, Consort Qin. We’re practically old acquaintances; there’s no need for such ceremony," Song Yunzhao said with a smile, instructing Yulu to serve tea.