I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Han Jinyi and An Fangyi had always kept to themselves. An Fangyi usually didn’t even require her to go to Feishuang Hall to pay respects. Although they lived in the same palace, the two of them rarely saw each other.

That was why today’s events seemed a little strange.

’Or maybe I’m just overthinking things.’ Han Jinyi sighed softly and pushed open the window to look outside. The sky was a dull, heavy gray, and her interest immediately waned. She closed the window again.

After nightfall, the autumn rain began to PITTER-PATTER against the window. The noise kept Song Yunzhao from sleeping, and she tossed and turned restlessly.

From what she had heard today, one thing was certain: the cheating scandal was about to come to a close. The reopening of the Autumn Examination was a clear signal.

The Emperor had been too busy to set foot in the harem lately, likely because he was working to purge the influence of the Left and Right Ministers. Even if he couldn’t completely suppress them, crippling their key supporters was a good start.

It was a good thing for Song Yunzhao that the Emperor was consolidating his power. If he had to continue acting according to the whims of his courtiers, he would have to grit his teeth and tolerate the women of the harem, no matter how much he disliked them.

On the other hand, as the Emperor’s authority grew, he could act as he pleased. This was undoubtedly beneficial for a favored concubine like her.

She was just hoping the cheating scandal would conclude quickly and the Autumn Examination would reopen. If her cousin could achieve a high ranking then, the Song Family would finally have a firm foothold.

Once her father returned from his disaster relief duties, the Emperor would surely reward him. If he could get a promotion, the Song Family would have at least some foundation in the Capital City.

If her cousin passed and received an official appointment, she wondered if he would continue his studies to become a scholar at the Hanlin Academy or choose a provincial post. The former was the choice of many students, but Song Yunzhao felt that while a provincial post was arduous, it allowed one to gain experience, delve deep among the common people, and understand local governance. In the future, when he ascended to the imperial court, he would be able to speak with substance and confidence.

However, that was not for her to decide. Her cousin would surely discuss how to proceed with his political career with his father and her own.

After several days of continuous, gloomy rain, the sky finally cleared, and with it came good news: the Autumn Examination was to be reopened.

The entire Capital City was shaken. Countless students wept in the streets, holding each other. Song Yunzhao was filled with emotion. ’This is just like the college entrance exams being reinstated in a later era.’

That day brought not only the good news of the Autumn Examination’s reopening but also the news that fifteen officials, major and minor, involved in the cheating scandal had been dealt with. The main culprit, who had stolen the exam papers and circulated them, was sentenced to immediate execution. The other officials involved were exiled or demoted according to the severity of their crimes. None were pardoned.

It was said that on the day of the execution, the public execution grounds were packed with students, and their cheers were unending.

Ruining a scholar’s future was akin to murdering their parents, so this result brought great satisfaction to everyone.

The Right Minister’s faction suffered heavy losses this time, while the Left Minister fared much better in comparison. The balance of power in the court had been slightly disrupted.

No one expected that when reopening the Autumn Examination, the Emperor would once again appoint the Right Minister as the chief examiner.

Song Yunzhao was speechless.

’Fine. The main character will be the main character. Not just anyone could pull off a move that slick.’

With the balance broken, it wouldn’t do for the Right Minister to be powerless against the Left Minister. Reappointing him as the chief examiner sent a clear signal: the Emperor believed the Right Minister had been deceived and was unaware of the truth in the cheating scandal. This added some leverage to the Right Minister’s position in court. On the other hand, although he was the chief examiner, his authority was greatly diminished, because above him was the Emperor himself.

This year’s candidates would be, in the truest sense, the Emperor’s Imperial Students.

Song Yunzhao heaved a long sigh of relief. All that was left was to wait for the results of the Autumn Examination. She wasn’t asking for him to place in the First Class; as long as her cousin ranked in the top ten, landing in the Second Class would be a joyous occasion.

Song Yunzhao was in a great mood. The more she thought about it, the happier she became. At that very moment, Palace Supervisor Yan Yu arrived to request an audience.

Song Yunzhao then remembered that she had asked the Palace Justice Department to assign her new Palace Attendants. ’This one is certainly lucky, arriving just when I’m in a good mood.’

"Let her in," Song Yunzhao said with a smile.

Palace Supervisor Yan Yu was an unremarkable-looking woman with a round face and kind eyes. Her first impression was that of someone easy to get along with.

But Song Yunzhao knew that someone easy to get along with would never have made it to the position of Palace Supervisor. ’Managing several hundred people in the Six Departments is no simple task.’

"This servant pays her respects, My Lady," Yan Yu said, stepping forward to curtsy.

Song Yunzhao glanced at her and said coolly, "Rise, Palace Supervisor Yan. It’s just a matter of adding a few Palace Attendants. There was no need to trouble the Palace Supervisor to make a personal trip."

Her words carried a subtle barb. Although Song Yunzhao was in a good mood, she couldn’t let Yan Yu underestimate her.

"It is all this servant’s dereliction of duty. The Palace Attendants by Your Ladyship’s side should have been replenished long ago. For making such a mistake, I beg for punishment, My Lady."