Third Master Song felt his heart soften under his daughter’s expectant gaze. He reached out and ruffled her hair before saying, “Very well. But remember, Jing City is not like Nanyu. You must exercise restraint.”
“Thank you, Father. I understand. I absolutely won’t cause you any trouble.” Song Yunzhao inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. As long as she could leave the house, things would be manageable.
The novel she had transmigrated into, in order to advance the plot and create conflict, didn’t impose the same strict constraints on women as real ancient dynasties did. Hence, she had been confident her father would relent.
Third Master Song had numerous affairs to attend to upon assuming his post in the capital. Song Yunzhao thoughtfully saw him off, then made a conspicuous return to the West Courtyard.
Since First Madam was absent, she specifically went to bid farewell to Song Yexi. Though Song Yexi repeatedly urged her to stay, Song Yunzhao politely declined and left with an air of nonchalance.
After Song Yunzhao departed, the smile gradually faded from Song Yexi’s face. She stood silently by the window, lost in thought.
Mama Wang, observing from nearby, said softly, “Miss, why insist on keeping Miss Zhao in the main house? This old servant believes it’s better for Miss Zhao to return to the West Courtyard.”
This Miss Zhao was no pushover. Given how fiercely she had clashed with her own mother, having her stay in the main house might not bode well.
Without turning her head, Song Yexi replied, “With Third Uncle in the capital, Sister Zhao now has backing. I fear matters concerning the Count’s Mansion may take an unexpected turn.”
Mama Wang chuckled. “So that’s your concern. No matter what, the eldest branch must contribute one person. Otherwise, Third Master won’t be able to justify things to the First Master. As for how many the third branch sends, even if they fight tooth and nail, it has nothing to do with you. There’s no need to worry, Miss.”
Song Yexi knew Mama Wang hadn’t grasped her meaning, but she didn’t feel like explaining further. She merely nodded perfunctorily.
Meanwhile, Song Yunzhao made a showy return journey to the West Courtyard. Along the way, she spotted Song Jinxuan’s hurried figure retreating into the distance, seemingly coming from Cai Shi’s courtyard.
Mama Luo had already led the servants in tidying the courtyard. Before Song Yunzhao could even settle properly, Qiancao entered to announce, “Miss, Second Miss is here.”
Hmm?
Song Yunzhao was somewhat surprised. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she smiled and said, “Quickly invite her in. It’s been a while since I’ve seen Second Sister. I’ve actually missed her.”
Song Jinxuan entered with a displeased expression. Noting that Song Yunzhao seemed to be in good spirits, she remarked, “Third Sister seems quite happy now.”
Hearing the sarcastic tone, Song Yunzhao immediately retorted, “Second Sister, if you’ve suffered some grievance elsewhere, don’t come here to vent. If that’s the case, you may leave.”
Song Jinxuan’s mouth twitched. “Your airs grow grander by the day. Can’t even take a single remark?”
Song Yunzhao instructed a servant to serve tea and replied indifferently, “It’s not as if Second Sister is just learning this today.”
Thoroughly rebuffed, Song Jinxuan felt her temper deflate. Song Yunzhao dared to trample even her own mother’s pride underfoot. While she had once dared to provoke her, now she didn’t even dare entertain the thought.
“I came to tell you something,” Song Jinxuan said, looking at Song Yunzhao. She decided to be direct. Her younger sister was like a firecracker, exploding at the slightest provocation.
“What does Second Sister wish to tell me?” Song Yunzhao asked, already having a fair idea of what it might be.
“You just returned from the eastern courtyard, so there’s something you might not know yet. Mother and the eldest aunt have agreed that our mansion will send two people to the Count’s Mansion—one is Song Yexi, and the other is Song Qinghan.” Song Jinxuan finished speaking and watched Song Yunzhao’s expression closely, hoping to discern something from her face.
Song Yunzhao’s expression didn’t change in the slightest as she lazily replied, “Second Sister, why are you telling me this? I have no intention of going.” (5,0);
Yeah right!
She wasn’t coveting becoming an imperial consort—she was coveting an imperial marriage arranged by the Emperor.
Song Jinxuan failed to detect even a trace of reluctance or desire on Song Yunzhao’s face, feeling somewhat disappointed. “This is a golden opportunity to rise straight to the top. Are you really not interested?”
Song Yunzhao shook her head. “What’s so great about becoming an imperial consort? Once you enter the imperial palace, it’s like sinking into an abyss. With the Imperial Harem Draft held every three years and countless beauties across the land, Second Sister, are you absolutely certain you could emerge victorious in the end?”
Song Jinxuan certainly wasn’t confident, but how could she resign herself without trying? After all, it was entering the imperial palace.
Seeing the shifting emotions on Song Jinxuan’s face, Song Yunzhao knew she wanted to take a gamble for Consort Che and Song Boming’s sake. But what did that have to do with her? Consort Che had never missed a chance to stab her in the back.
After a long silence, Song Jinxuan slowly said, “If I want to go, could you help me? Just state your conditions.”
Song Yunzhao was taken aback. Was such good fortune really falling into her lap?
Of course she should agree!
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.” Song Jinxuan knew that Song Yunzhao herself had no desire to enter the palace and wouldn’t want to see Song Qinghan succeed either. (5,0);
“As long as you can participate in the selection, it doesn’t matter how it’s achieved?”
“Correct.”
Song Yunzhao immediately responded, “Fine. My condition is simple: have Consort Che serve Father well.”
Only then would Cai Shi stop fixating on her.
As Song Jinxuan and Song Boming gradually grew older, and with their marriages still unsettled, Consort Che had been taking a step back when confronting Cai Shi over the past year. That simply wouldn’t do.
“That’s all?” Song Jinxuan was astonished. Was this really such a favorable deal?
“That’s all.”
“Agreed.”
Song Jinxuan thought Song Yunzhao might have lost her senses after her recent illness. Her mother was already vying for favor—what kind of condition was this? It was practically a free gift.
Song Jinxuan left happily. By evening, Song Yunzhao received good news: Consort Che had delivered warm heart soup to Father, and he ended up staying in her quarters that night.
Consort Che’s efficiency certainly demonstrated sincere cooperation.
After a good night’s sleep, Song Yunzhao calculated that there were only a couple of days left before the officials would petition the Emperor. She needed to show her sincerity, so she went out early in the morning. (5,0);
When Song Qinghan heard the news, she went to Cai Shi’s place, only to encounter Consort Che moving residences.
Previously, Cai Shi had humiliated Consort Che by making her live in the backhouse, planning to relocate her elsewhere before Third Master Song returned to the capital. Who knew Third Master Song would return ahead of schedule?
Cai Shi had been thoroughly embarrassed over the Song Yunzhao incident, and before she could recover, Consort Che stabbed her in the back again.
Early this morning, Third Master Song ordered someone to clear out the side room in Song Jinxuan’s courtyard and had Consort Che move in—without even informing Cai Shi.
Cai Shi was fuming in her room when Song Qinghan arrived at that moment.
“Mother, is Consort Che moving out?” Song Qinghan’s brow furrowed slightly, feeling that after Song Yunzhao’s recent big scene, her and her mother’s situation had become much more difficult.
Cai Shi didn’t want to lose face in front of her daughter, so of course she couldn’t mention that her husband hadn’t informed her in advance. Forcing a smile, she said, “Your father has arrived in the capital. It’s not proper for Consort Che to keep staying with me. Let’s not talk about this. Today when you go to the Count’s Mansion with Ye Xi, be careful in everything and always listen to your aunt.”
Song Qinghan responded absentmindedly, then her eyes flickered as she asked, “Yun Zhao left the mansion early this morning. Did Mother know about this?”
Cai Shi’s face darkened, her voice sharpening involuntarily, “She left the mansion?”
Today’s update is here. Thank you for your support, dear readers. Visiting relatives during the New Year is truly exhausting. Are you all visiting relatives too?