Since her Father had many official duties, she sent him off thoughtfully and then decided to return to the West Courtyard with a bit of fanfare.
Since the First Madam wasn’t there, she made sure to bid farewell to Song Yexi, who tried to persuade her to stay, but eventually let her go.
After Yunzhao left, Song Yexi’s smile faded, and she stared out the window in silence.
Wang Momo gently asked, “Miss, why did you try to keep the Miss in the main house? I think it’s better for her to return to the West Courtyard.”
“Now that Third Uncle is back in the capital, Yunzhao has his support. I’m worried that this may change the situation in the Count residence.”
Wang Momo smiled, “Are you worried about that? No matter what, someone from our main house has to be selected; otherwise, Third Master cannot give an explanation to the First Master. As for the third branch, it’s none of your concern, Miss.”
Song Yexi knew that Momo didn’t understand her meaning, but she didn’t want to explain further and just nodded.
Meanwhile, Song Yunzhao made a conspicuous return to the West Courtyard. On the way, she saw the hurried figure of Song Jinxuan, who seemed to be coming from Cai Shi’s courtyard.
Luo Momo had already prepared everything in the new courtyard. As soon as Yunzhao sat down, Qian Cao came in to report, “Miss, the Second Young Lady is here.”
Hmm?
Surprised, Song Yunzhao quickly responded, “Invite her in. It’s been a while since I last saw Second Sister.”
Song Jinxuan, looking somewhat displeased, entered and remarked, “It seems you’re quite happy now, Third Sister.”
Sensing the sarcasm in Jinxuan’s tone, Yunzhao retorted, “Second Sister, I don’t know where you’ve been mistreated, but don’t take it out on me. If that’s the case, you might as well leave.”
Song Jinxuan’s mouth twitched, “Your arrogance is really growing; you can’t even take a single word of criticism anymore.”
Song Yunzhao asked someone to serve tea and spoke in a neutral tone, “Second Sister, this isn’t the first time you’ve criticised me.”
Song Jinxuan was left speechless. Song Yunzhao dared to challenge even the Madam; previously, Jinxuan would have dared to provoke her, but now, she wouldn’t even think of it.
“I came to tell you something,” said Song Jinxuan, looking at Song Yunzhao. She decided not to beat around the bush; her sister was like a firecracker, ready to explode with the slightest provocation.
“What does Second Sister want to say?” Song Yunzhao could roughly guess the subject.
“You just came back from the East Courtyard, so you might not know. Mother and Aunt have agreed that our family will send two candidates to the Count mansion: Song Yexi and Song Qinghan,” Jinxuan said, watching Yunzhao’s face closely for any reaction.
Yunzhao’s expression didn’t change; she lazily replied, “What’s the point of telling me this? I never intended to go.”
Of course, she didn’t want to enter the palace as a concubine; she was eyeing the arranged marriage by the Emperor.
Jinxuan was disappointed not to see any sign of reluctance or desire in Yunzhao’s face. “This is a great opportunity to rise to the top. Are you really not interested?”
Yunzhao shook her head. “Entering the palace as a concubine is no good. Once you’re in the imperial city, it’s like being in the deep sea. There are selections every three years, and there are countless beauties. Do you really think you can come out on top, Second Sister?”
Of course, Jinxuan wasn’t sure, but she couldn’t bear not to try. It was the palace, after all.
Seeing Jinxuan’s changing expression, Yunzhao knew she wanted to fight for Concubine Che and Song Boming. But what did that have to do with her? Concubine Che had often backstabbed her.
After a long silence, Jinxuan slowly said, “If I want to go, can you help me? Name your conditions.”
Yunzhao was taken aback. Such a good deal was handed to her on a silver platter?
Of course, she agreed!
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.” Jinxuan knew Yunzhao didn’t want to enter the palace and wouldn’t want to see Song Qinghan succeed.
“As long as you can participate, regardless of the means?”
“Yes.”
Yunzhao immediately said, “Alright, my condition is simple: make sure Concubine Che takes good care of Father.”
Only then would Cai Shi stop targeting her.
While Jinxuan and Song Boming were growing up, Concubine Che often stepped back and avoided competing with Cai Shi, which was unacceptable.
“That’s it?” Jinxuan was stunned. Such a good deal?
“That’s it.”
“Deal.”
Song Jinxuan thought that Song Yunzhao might have become foolish after falling ill. Her mother was already vying for favor. What kind of condition was that? It was practically free.
Jinxuan left happily, and that night, Yunzhao received good news: Concubine Che had sent soup to her Father, and he spent the night in her room.
Concubine Che was certainly efficient, showing her sincerity.
After a good night’s sleep, Yunzhao knew she also needed to show some sincerity, so she went out early in the morning.
Song Qinghan heard the news and hurried back to her mother`s room, only to find that someone was moving out.
Previously, Third Madam had Concubine Che live in a downtrodden house to embarrass her, intending to move her elsewhere before Lord Song returned to the capital. But Lord Song returned earlier than expected.
Because of Song Yunzhao’s matter, Cai Shi was already utterly humiliated. And before she could catch her breath, Concubine Che stabbed her in the back.
That morning, the Third Master ordered someone to tidy up the side room in Song Jinxuan’s courtyard and had Aunt Che move there without informing his main wife.
Cai Shi was sulking in her room when Qinghan arrived.
“Mother, is Concubine Che moving out?” Qinghan frowned, feeling that their situation had worsened after Yunzhao’s big scene.
Cai Shi, not wanting to lose face in front of her daughter, forced a smile: “Your Father is in the capital now, so it’s not appropriate for her to stay here. Let’s not discuss this. Today, you and Yexi must be careful at the Count mansion and listen to your aunt.”
Distractedly, Qinghan replied, “Alright,” before asking, “Mother, did you know that Yunzhao left the house early this morning?”
