I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

’The Emperor really goes to great lengths for his harem,’ she thought.

’In any case, the outcome is good. It’s what I wanted, so all’s well that ends well.’

Song Yunzhao hugged the Emperor’s waist tightly. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I know you did this for me. I’m so deeply touched."

’It would be even better if he wasn’t using me as a pawn.’

The two didn’t get a chance to rest, as there was a palace banquet that evening. Meng Jiuchang soon arrived to escort the Emperor to Taiji Palace. Song Yunzhao, for her part, also had to dress and do her makeup, a process that would take a considerable amount of time.

Song Yunzhao saw the Emperor to the door. Feng Yi stood under the eaves, looking at all the palace lanterns hanging there, and then at the door god paintings Song Yunzhao had put up herself. He turned back to gaze at her. "I heard you weren’t able to hang your palace lanterns. Next year, I’ll hang them for you."

With those words, Feng Yi departed in a hurry.

Song Yunzhao, however, stared at his retreating figure, a bit stunned. ’It almost seems like the Emperor is fleeing in a panic. Is it just my imagination?’

Song Yunzhao didn’t dwell on it. The Emperor’s thoughts were as deep as the ocean; one could guess forever and never fathom their depths.

Inside the hall, Nanny Yu and the others were already bustling about. They laid out the evening’s attire for inspection, checking for any wrinkles, stains, or imperfections. Xiangxue was taking out the jewelry box to select pieces for the banquet.

This was Yun Zhao’s first New Year’s banquet since entering the palace, and making her debut before the court’s noble women was a crucial event. It wasn’t just Nanny Yu and her staff who were anxious; Yun Zhao herself placed great importance on it.

’Everyone says I’m a temptress who has monopolized the Emperor’s favor. I can’t let them think the Emperor is so shallow that he only cares about a pretty face, nor can I allow these noble women to look down on me.’

’Relying on looks alone? Was there any shortage of beauties in this harem?’

’Of course not. But to succeed on looks alone? I’d have long since met the same fate as Zhu Cairen and Chen Chengyi.’

For a formal occasion like this, she couldn’t afford a frivolous look; she needed something more dignified. Given her natural features, she decided to aim for a style that was bright and elegant.

’If I really make myself look like a temptress, it might be fine for a promotion to concubine. But if I want to climb any higher, that reputation would be a serious problem.’

She wasn’t even considering the position of Empress right now. As long as there was no Empress above her, it didn’t really matter if she held the title herself. A favored concubine could monopolize the Emperor’s affection, but an Empress could not.

Tsk.

’What a hassle.’

Carefully applying her makeup in the mirror, she drew the outer corners of her eyes with a slight downward curve to look less flirtatious. This time, she also defined the arches of her brows, giving her a more dignified air that toned down her naturally striking features.

Xiangxue watched intently from the side. When her mistress finished her makeup, she thought it was truly magical. Her mistress now possessed an air of authority, with less of her usual gentle and easygoing demeanor. Xiangxue carefully committed her mistress’s techniques to memory.

Once her makeup was done, Song Yunzhao went to choose her gown. Nanny Yu had prepared three sets, and her eyes immediately fell upon a bright purple palace gown. Its long train was draped over the couch. When she put it on, it enhanced her stunning beauty and gave her an air of magnificence. Her entire presence was transformed.

Nanny Yu and the others stared, momentarily stunned. Song Yunzhao gave a faint smile and sat on the couch near the window. She looked at Xiangxue and said, "Go and see if my eldest aunt has arrived at the palace. If she has, please bring her here first."

Xiangxue quickly assented and hurried off.

Nanny Yu smiled from the side and said, "Many noble ladies are coming to the palace today. Now that you are so favored by His Majesty, my lady, many will surely come to pay their respects."

Song Yunzhao wasn’t surprised. The social networking of court ladies was an unavoidable reality, regardless of time or place.

She wasn’t some celestial fairy, aloof from worldly matters. She could not avoid such things, nor did she want to.

***

The palace was bustling with activity as everyone prepared for the evening’s banquet.

Meanwhile, outside the palace, the atmosphere in the Song Family residence was tense. In the West Courtyard, everyone held their breath, not daring to make a sound.

It was supposed to be a joyous day, but the mistress of the courtyard could not attend the palace banquet. The guest list clearly stated that the Eldest Madam was to attend. That would have been tolerable on its own, but then her husband, the master, was also summoned to the banquet by the Emperor for his contributions to disaster relief. How could she possibly contain her fury now?

Song Buran, the family’s Eldest Master, was serving as an official away from the capital and couldn’t return for the New Year. Fortunately, the Second Master and Second Madam had arrived in the capital, livening up the Song Family residence.

The Eldest Madam was speaking with the Second Madam. "The main branch only has our Yun Mei left here. Bo Chang must lead his younger brothers in the New Year’s vigil in the outer courtyard, so it’s not proper for him to enter the inner courtyard. I’ll have to entrust Yun Mei to your care, Sister-in-law. Please look after her."