I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Song Yunzhao was unaware of what was happening with the Song Family. After Anshun returned to the palace, he reported to her that he had asked Song Bomming for help. Although she was a bit surprised, she said nothing.

Anshun was slightly relieved to see that the Concubine was not displeased. He spoke softly, "I also sent people to watch those scholars. However, it’s inconvenient for eunuchs like me to get involved personally, as we are easily recognized. At the same time, I was afraid using outsiders would get us noticed. That’s why I had to go to Young Master Song. Please forgive me, Your Grace."

Hearing Anshun’s words, Song Yunzhao felt a pang of empathy. ’Eunuchs like Anshun really are different from ordinary men; their voices give them away instantly.’ She said, "It was my lack of consideration. You did the right thing. And it’s good training for my older cousin, too."

Anshun hadn’t expected the Concubine to say that, and an indescribable emotion washed over him. ’Who ever shows us eunuchs any respect? But Her Grace has never treated us like dirt under her heel, and now she’s even saying this.’ He silently vowed to be completely and utterly loyal to his master from that day forward.

Song Yunzhao looked at Anshun, thought for a moment, then added, "Keep a close eye on this matter for the time being. You must be extremely cautious. If you discover anything, you must secure evidence."

Although Anshun didn’t know why his master gave such an instruction, he etched her words into his mind.

Song Yunzhao let out a long sigh. ’This is a golden opportunity to win the Emperor’s favor. I can’t believe how slow I’ve been, keeping my eyes fixed on this tiny little turf war in the harem. It’s true what they say—you have to get out and see the world, or you’ll really turn into an idiot cooped up in one place.’

’I’m a woman who knows the plot! I can totally help the Emperor eliminate his opponents and find a different path to promotion. Why bother fighting to the death with the original heroine? Isn’t that just stupid?’

’Yes.’

Song Yunzhao pressed a hand to her forehead. ’Those palace-intrigue dramas completely misled me. I actually thought entering the palace was all about fighting with other women.’

’But it’s not too late to wake up now.’

With a plan in mind, Song Yunzhao began to wait for news. But before anything definite arrived, Song Guiyi and her husband reached the capital with their children.

When Anshun brought her the news, Song Yunzhao thought, ’My aunt must be thrilled.’

After a moment’s thought, she selected a few gifts and had them sent out of the palace. Since her marriage, Song Guiyi had given birth to a son and a daughter: her daughter, Zhong Runyi, was now three, and her son, Zhong Minxing, was two.

She chose gifts for the two children: a pair of small golden bracelets for Zhong Runyi and a gold lock for Zhong Minxing. She also included a box of small toys from the Ministry of Industry for them to play with.

This time, she had Nanny Yu go out of the palace to deliver the gifts on her behalf. When Nanny Yu returned, she described the meeting to Yun Zhao in detail.

"Young Madam Zhong looks to be in excellent spirits, and the two children are fair and adorable. In fact, the little girl’s eyes and brows bear a slight resemblance to Your Grace. Young Madam Zhong was very grateful for your gifts and asked me to convey her thanks. She also sends her regards."

Song Yunzhao hadn’t seen Song Guiyi in several years, so she was content just knowing that she was doing well. "Did you happen to see my cousin-in-law?"

Nanny Yu shook her head. "Not long after Mr. Zhong arrived in the capital, your cousin took him out. I heard from the Madam that they went to visit his mentor about the Autumn Examination."

’Song Bomming certainly knows how to get things done,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’With the Autumn Examination just around the corner, taking Zhong Yingzhang out to make connections can only be beneficial. The chance to receive some pointers from a renowned mentor is a wonderful opportunity.’

That evening, Feng Yi made a rare visit.

Song Yunzhao’s face lit up with delight as she welcomed him in. "It seems good things really do come in pairs today," she said with a smile. "I am overjoyed that Your Majesty was able to come."

Feng Yi was exhausted. The disaster relief report from the Minister of the Ministry of Justice presented numerous problems to be solved, and he had spent the entire day in discussion with his courtiers. Wanting to unwind, his feet had carried him to Wangyou Palace.

The moment he stepped inside, he was met by a jubilant Song Yunzhao. The sight of her radiant smile instantly made him feel a little more at ease.

"What’s the other good news? Tell me," Feng Yi said as he sat down beside Yun Zhao, leaning back against a soft pillow to relax, just as she was doing.

He had always been a man who abided by etiquette, yet Song Yunzhao paid it little mind, especially within Wangyou Palace, where she prioritized comfort above all. At first, he found her lack of decorum improper. But then he discreetly tried her way and discovered it was, in fact, quite comfortable. Bit by bit, he had been led astray by her.

"My older cousin and her husband have arrived in the capital. Isn’t that good news?" ’The exam leak scandal should break soon,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’I need to start laying the groundwork with the Emperor.’

’No matter what happens, the lion’s share of the credit for this must go to the Song Family. Since the Emperor wants to promote my father, our family must have the confidence and standing to back it up.’