Song Jinxuan paid no mind to Song Yunzhao’s cold expression, following her inside and promptly taking a seat.
Song Yunzhao’s lips twitched, utterly baffled. Comparing the Song Jinxuan from the book to the one before her now, the differences grew increasingly peculiar.
Unaware of Song Yunzhao’s strange gaze, Song Jinxuan steadied herself and feigned nonchalance as she said, “The letter has been sent. If all goes smoothly, Father should arrive in the capital ahead of schedule.”
“Since the matter is settled, why are you here?” Song Yunzhao was puzzled. They weren’t even fake sisters—there was no need for such closeness.
“You…” Song Jinxao felt as if her throat had been struck, gritting her teeth as she retorted, “I refuse to believe you don’t want to enter the palace.”
Song Yunzhao looked at Song Jinxuan with utmost sincerity and replied, “I truly don’t.”
She wasn’t lying. She genuinely had no desire to enter the palace, but participating in the selection was still necessary.
Song Jinxuan was stunned. H-How was that possible?
Who wouldn’t want to rise to the top in a single step?
Perhaps it was the sheer honesty on Song Yunzhao’s face, but Song Jinxuan fell silent for a long moment.
“Mother favors Eldest Sister. If you don’t seize this chance to secure a path for yourself through the selection, what good marriage can you expect from Madame in the future? Aren’t you thinking of yourself?”
Song Yunzhao looked at Song Jinxuan in surprise, never expecting her to say such things.
Song Jinxuan tightened her grip on her handkerchief. “I know these words disrespect Madame, but every word is sincere. It’s not just you—I think the same way about my own marriage. My mother has always been despised by Madame. I know full well that securing a good match won’t be easy for me. Aren’t you truly afraid?”
In the book, Song Jinxuan had also participated in the selection but, like the original host, fell victim to Song Qinghan’s schemes. Though she wasn’t as unfortunate as the original host—whose reputation was ruined and face scarred—she left a terrible impression on His Majesty. When marriages were arranged for the eliminated candidates, Song Jinxuan missed out on that honor. Later, after returning home, Cai Shi used His Majesty’s disdain for Song Jinxuan to manipulate Consort Che and her daughter, ultimately marrying her off to a poor Cultivated Talent.
At this thought, Song Yunzhao frowned slightly.
Seeing Song Yunzhao’s frown, Song Jinxuan assumed she had persuaded her and quickly added, “Third Sister, there’s no deep-seated grudge between us. Shouldn’t we join forces to overcome this predicament? My expectations aren’t high—I don’t seek to enter the palace. I only hope to participate in the selection and earn a good reputation, so I can secure a favorable marriage later. I won’t compete with you for the riches of the palace.”
Song Yunzhao was genuinely tempted. Song Qinghan was the third female antagonist in the original book, with considerable destructive power. If she could ally with Song Jinxuan, it might indeed be a wise choice.
However, Consort Che and her daughter were exceedingly cunning. She didn’t believe that just because she was a transmigrator who knew the book’s plot, she could act recklessly and command the winds and rains.
An alliance was still necessary.
But how to form one required finesse.
“What do you want me to do?” Song Yunzhao asked curiously.
Hearing this, Song Jinxuan breathed a slight sigh of relief. “Aunt will surely insist that Mother bring Fifth Sister along. When the time comes, I’ll find a way to make Mother take me as well. All I ask is that you, Third Sister, don’t stand in my way.”
Song Yunzhao thought it was some major matter and immediately said, “If it’s about this, I agree to help you.”
Song Jinxuan was overjoyed. Since she had always been at odds with Song Yunzhao, she had been afraid Yunzhao might undermine her efforts later. “Thank you, Third Sister.”
“Take care, I won’t see you out.”
Song Jinxuan: “…”
She left seething with anger.
Even when forming an alliance with her, this Song Yunzhao remained as detestable as ever.
After Song Jinxuan left, Song Yunzhao carefully reviewed the plot from the book. She knew that before the Imperial Harem Draft was widely opened, First Madam and Cai Shi would still clash several times, and Song Qinghan wouldn’t remain idle either—she would constantly visit Dingnan Earl Manor to curry favor.
In the book, Consort Che had waited until Third Master Song arrived in the capital and, coinciding with His Majesty’s expansion of the Imperial Harem Draft, forcefully pushed Jinxuan into the selection through Third Master Song’s influence.
But now the plot had changed. Because she had given them an idea, Consort Che and her daughter clearly had other schemes in mind. However, for now, it posed no harm to her, so she would just go along with it for the time being.
She was very eager to witness Song Qinghan being repeatedly humiliated by Chu Yuying at Dingnan Earl Manor. Unfortunately, Song Qinghan cared too much about her reputation and would certainly not let anyone see her in such a disheveled state.
Her inner gossip-loving, drama-watching soul was burning fiercely, but she had no chance to witness it.
What a pity.
“What’s such a pity?”
Song Yunzhao was startled. Seeing Xie Linlang enter, she realized she had accidentally spoken her thoughts aloud and quickly covered up, “I was just lamenting that although we’re in the capital, we’re confined to the inner courtyard and can’t go out to explore.”
Xie Linlang instructed Huazhi to place the brocade box she was carrying on the table and said with a smile, “I brought you some snacks.”
Given how smoothly their cooperation was going, their relationship had become much closer than before. Xie Linlang felt that Third Young Lady was truly quite likable.
“What’s this?” Song Yunzhao glanced at the three-tiered brocade box, adorned with gold-inlaid openwork carvings. Just the box alone was worth a considerable amount.
As someone currently impoverished, she couldn’t help but covet it. She wondered when she would ever achieve financial freedom.
Xie Linlang opened the brocade box and took out the contents layer by layer, arranging them on the table. “These are all famous pastries from Sanyuan Restaurant in the capital. My eldest brother had them sent in. Try them and see.”
The first layer contained a plate of white jade osmanthus cakes, almost translucent in appearance, with golden osmanthus flowers visible inside. The faint fragrance of osmanthus was delightful even before tasting.
The second layer held ruyi rolls, which were different from those of other establishments. Made from yam cake and filled with crushed candied dates, they were shaped like ruyi scepters and glazed with a light honey syrup. They were refreshing with a hint of sweetness—just the right level of sweetness.
The third layer featured rose shortbread, which melted in the mouth. The rose aroma was rich, with a slight sweetness, and they were shaped like rose blossoms, making them visually appealing.
Sanyuan Restaurant?
This was the famously renowned restaurant from the book, a gathering place for gossip and a must-visit spot for excitement—truly a paradise for those who loved drama. Unfortunately, her father hadn’t arrived yet, and she couldn’t leave the house. How depressing.
Song Yunzhao ate to her heart’s content. Only after finishing did she remember to ask Xie Linlang, “Did they only send these to you and me?”
Xie Linlang understood what Yunzhao meant and replied softly with a smile, “They sent some to everyone in the manor.”
Song Yunzhao found Xie Linlang’s temperament quite compatible with her own and said, “That’s good.” She paused for a moment before adding, “Your brother must have spent quite a bit, then.”
The pastries at Sanyuan Restaurant weren’t cheap, and with so many people in the eastern and western courtyards, the Xie Family had truly put effort into making Xie Linlang feel comfortable living here.
Moreover, in the original story, Linlang’s eventual entry into the Prime Minister’s Manor was closely tied to the Xie Family’s vigorous support and scheming.
Xie Linlang didn’t mind the expense. “What’s a little money? Besides, only you and I get the most famous and expensive treats from Sanyuan Restaurant here.”
Song Yunzhao couldn’t help but laugh at this. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone—I know better than to bite the hand that feeds me.”
Linlang’s eyes curved into smiles as she joined in the laughter. In high spirits, she added, “I also have important news for you. Don’t rush to Dingnan Earl Manor because of the selection—it seems there’s been a change.”
Huh?
Song Yunzhao stared at Xie Linlang in astonishment. She knew about the change only because she was aware of the plot—how did Linlang know?