I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

"You came all this way just to tell me this?" Mrs. Cai was furious. ’Her, bow her head to Song Yunzhao?’

’With Song Yunzhao’s personality, even if I did bow my head, she’d never let it go. I gave birth to her; don’t I know what kind of person she is?’

Hearing her younger sister’s tone, Madam Ding Nanbo knew this trip had been for nothing. "I’m only doing this for your own good. Right now, Yun Zhao is just a Concubine. In the future, she might rise even higher. When that time comes, do you expect the First Madam of the main family to handle all matters involving the palace? *You* would become a real laughingstock then. Bu Yue would also be dragged down by you. What kind of good marriage prospects could he hope for?"

Mrs. Cai’s face was as black as the bottom of a pot. This time, she didn’t say a word.

Seeing this, Madam Ding Nanbo took a breath and said slowly, "What you’ve done makes it difficult for me to face Yun Zhao. When you first arrived in the Capital, you should have at least brought her to the Uncle Mansion for a visit."

Mrs. Cai remained silent. ’Easy for her to blame me now,’ she thought. ’She never said a word about it back then.’

"I’ll swallow my pride this time. I’ll go to the palace and speak with the Concubine. The two of you can’t go on like this. If the Concubine is willing to yield, you can’t be willful anymore," Madam Ding Nanbo instructed.

Mrs. Cai scoffed internally. ’In her dreams. With Song Yunzhao’s stinking, stubborn personality, she’ll never bury the hatchet with me. No matter what I say, my sister won’t believe me. It’s better to let her go and get a talking-to from Song Yunzhao herself. That would be more effective than anything I could say.’

"If that is what you wish, Sister, then by all means, go," Mrs. Cai said.

Madam Ding Nanbo nodded in satisfaction. "That’s more like it. The hour is late, so I’ll be on my way. I’ll speak with you again after I leave the palace."

After seeing her guest off, Mrs. Cai’s mood soured even further.

’Her own sister, coming to persuade her to bow her head for the sake of profit. So much for sisterly affection.’

As dusk settled, lanterns were lit one by one, both inside and outside the palace. Wangyou Palace, in particular, was brightly lit and bustling with activity.

Song Yunzhao’s residence was quite lively. Word had spread that the Emperor had dined at Wangyou Palace with Han Guipin and two other concubines, which had given everyone in the palace quite a shock.

Everyone knew how protective Song Jieyu was, treating the Emperor like he was tied to her sash, wishing she could hide him away at all times. Yet now, she was willing to let Han Guipin and a few others meet the Emperor at Wangyou Palace.

No one could guess what Song Yunzhao was thinking, but the result was clear for all to see: at least they could now meet the Emperor.

’They never knew it would be so difficult to see the Emperor after entering the palace.’

Because of this, the number of visitors to Wangyou Palace suddenly surged.

Song Yunzhao hadn’t expected this outcome either. It was the New Year, so she couldn’t just turn people away with a sour face. Fortunately, when the First Madam entered the palace, she immediately found an excuse to send everyone away, finally able to breathe a small sigh of relief.

When the First Madam saw Song Yunzhao, she asked in surprise, "Why is it so lively here today, Concubine?"

Song Yunzhao: ...

It was a long story, like that of a motherless child.

After learning the truth of the matter, the First Madam smiled and said, "People are driven by profit. It’s not strange at all."

Song Yunzhao nodded. It was true.

Seeing that Yun Zhao was not in high spirits, the First Madam changed the subject. "Concubine, you asked me to come. Is there something you need?"

Hearing this, Song Yunzhao looked at the First Madam. "Eldest Aunt, when you attend the palace banquet, many people will surely try to probe you for information. When they do, you don’t need to cover things up for me and my mother. Just tell them the truth."

The First Madam hesitated. "That won’t be good for you, Concubine."

Song Yunzhao’s expression was cold as she said, "My relationship with my mother was a certain way before, and it will be the same in the future. It won’t change for any reason. Therefore, the more clearly people understand this matter, the better. Right and wrong, filial or not—I don’t care what they say. In short, the more people who know about this, the less danger there will be for me."

People have long used her relationship with Mrs. Cai to cause trouble. Right now, she was only a Concubine, so the damage from this matter wasn’t too high. But once she advanced further, it could become a major problem.

’If I were to bow my head to Mrs. Cai for the sake of my reputation, wouldn’t I just be playing right into her hands?’

Given Mrs. Cai’s personality, Song Yunzhao would rather flip the table than bow her head to her.

Therefore, the First Madam’s attitude at this time was crucial.

The First Madam clearly understood the danger involved. She looked at Yun Zhao and said, "Since you’ve made your decision, Concubine, I will naturally make the arrangements for you. However, you must explain things clearly to your father later."

So as not to damage the bond between father and daughter.

Song Yunzhao smiled and said, "I will explain it clearly to my father. As for my eldest uncle and my cousin, I’ll have to ask you, Eldest Aunt, to write them a letter and explain."

It would be most beneficial for Yun Zhao if everyone in the family presented a united front.

The First Madam nodded. "Rest assured, I will explain it clearly to Gui Ti as well."

Song Yunzhao sighed. "I’m sorry to trouble you, Eldest Aunt."

"It’s nothing. A family should watch over and help one another," the First Madam said with a gentle expression. "There is one more thing. Your second uncle’s family has also come to Shangjing for the New Year. They asked me to pass on their greetings to you."

Song Yunzhao was quite happy to hear this. "I haven’t seen Second Uncle and Second Aunt in a long time. Are they well?"

"They are doing very well," the First Madam said cheerfully. "The Xie family’s business has benefited greatly from your influence this year, and your second uncle’s business has improved a lot as well."

Song Yunzhao understood. The Xie family couldn’t repay her directly, so they had taken an indirect route.

The First Madam took an envelope from her sleeve. "Your second uncle asked me to give this to you."

Song Yunzhao was taken aback. "Eldest Aunt?"

"Your expenses in the palace are high, and managing all the connections is not easy. Take it. Besides, you’ve earned this," the First Madam said, placing the envelope directly on Yun Zhao’s desk. She lowered her voice slightly. "Your second uncle also asked me to inquire... should he continue the business with the Xie family?"

"He’s asking me?" Song Yunzhao asked in surprise.

The First Madam smiled. "Of course, he’s asking you. If you feel it’s inappropriate, your second aunt will cut off the business dealings with her maiden family. Your interests come first."

Whether it was the Xie family profiting from the disaster relief efforts in the south or their contributions during the recent snow disaster, they had now made a name for themselves in the Capital City. A large part of that was, of course, thanks to Yun Zhao.

The Xie family was naturally willing to have more dealings with the Song Family, but in business, there’s no sense in one party always giving without receiving. That kind of arrangement wouldn’t last long.

Rather than the two families turning against each other over profits in the future, it was better to clarify things now.

Ultimately, it all depended on Yun Zhao’s wishes.