TSNCWEM Chapter 27

Cai Shi enthusiastically discussed with Master Song what to prepare for Song Qinghan’s entry into the palace. If it was through the grand selection, there was no need for a dowry, but if it was through the recommendation of the Count Mansion, she could bring some personal belongings.

Madam Cai had this in mind, thinking that it would be wise to bring more money for protection in the palace.

Song Yunzhao ate her meal without showing any emotion. She kept glancing at Song Boyue, who was listening attentively. She slowly lowered her eyes. In the book, Song Boyue was close to Song Qinghan, and when the original character met her tragic end, this brother never spoke a word of fairness for her.

Reading the book, she had only thought the original character was foolish. Now that she had become the original character, the feeling was truly soul-crushing.

Tut.

She had tried to strengthen their sibling relationship, but he was unresponsive.

She wasn’t shameless enough to keep trying without  any reciprocation. 

After the meal, Song Yunzhao didn’t want to stay any longer and directly got up to leave.

Master Song glanced at his daughter and said with concern, “You’ve been out all day and must be tired. Go back and rest early.”

Song Yunzhao flashed a sweet smile, bowed, and then walked out gracefully.

Song Qinghan watched Song Yunzhao’s triumphant departure, angrily crumpling her handkerchief in her palm. She dared not act out in front of her Father, so she had to hold it in.

Song Yunzhao didn’t care about those matters, she went back, washed up, and fell asleep. In her dreams, everything was possible.

She slept sweetly and woke up to the morning light, hearing voices outside. She slowly sat up, lifted the embroidered lotus flower bed curtain, slipped on her shoes, and walked out.

“What are you talking about, so happily?”

“Miss, you’re awake?” Qian Cao immediately came over, carrying clothes to serve the lady. “This morning, the kitchen servants brought back news that a court minister submitted a proposal to the emperor to open the selection process widely. Miss, this is really good news.”

Song Yunzhao was stunned. She remembered the news should come a day later in the book, but she could have remembered wrong. She immediately smiled and said, “It is indeed good news.”

Jiang Xiang brought in a copper basin and wrung out a towel to wash the lady’s face, happily saying, “The news has reached the Eldest Young Lady, and I went to check. I heard she was very angry and left early with Madam to go to the Dingnan Mansion.”

“So early?” Song Yunzhao asked in surprise.

“Miss, it’s already the hour of Si (9am-11am); it’s not early.” Qian Cao said helplessly. Since the Master allowed the miss to greet Madam on the first and fifteenth of each month, she had become quite fond of sleeping in.

Song Yunzhao felt a rare moment of embarrassment, realizing her stomach was empty. After washing up, she sat down for breakfast, which was simple: a plate of small steamed buns, a bowl of rice porridge, and two small vegetables dishes.

Just as she finished her meal and before she had fully digested it, Song Yexi arrived.

Song Yunzhao welcomed Song Yexi in and heard her say, “Yunzhao, did you know? The emperor has approved the court ministers’ proposal to open the selection process.”

Song Yunzhao appropriately showed a look of surprise, “Is there really such a thing?”

Song Yexi observed Song Yunzhao’s expression closely, seeing her genuine surprise, and realizing she really didn’t know. She sat down and said, “My mother sent someone to inquire. They said that as long as the young lady meets the age requirement, she can participate in the selection. You and I can both participate.”

Seeing the undisguised joy on Song Yexi’s face, Song Yunzhao also smiled, “I didn’t expect such good news.”

“Indeed,” Song Yexi laughed, “Just think of all the effort your sister put in for this entry into the palace, and I feel sorry for her. Yunzhao, you don’t know, but the Eldest Young Lady of the Dingnan Mansion has a difficult personality, and Eldest Miss has suffered a lot in front of her.”

Song Yunzhao couldn’t hide her schadenfreude, and her mouth twitched. She looked at Song Yexi and said, “It seems my Aunt wants you to participate in the selection, Sister Yexi. Congratulations, congratulations.”

Song Yexi let out a long breath, glanced at Song Yunzhao with a complicated expression, and after a moment, said, “If it were just Qinghan and me participating, I wouldn’t be afraid. But if you’re going too, I might as well just go for the experience. If it weren’t to vent my frustration, I wouldn’t even go.”

Song Yunzhao understood what Song Yexi meant. She couldn’t stand that Song Qinghan had used underhanded methods to cut off her hope of entering the palace. She just wanted to see Song Qinghan humiliated and watch Song Qinghan lose out to her own looks.

“Thank you for your kind words, Sister Yexi, but I’m afraid you might be disappointed. I probably can’t participate in the selection,” Song Yunzhao sighed.

Song Yexi immediately understood why and smiled, “Yunzhao, there’s no need to worry. I’ve already asked my mother to stand up for you. Just wait for the good news.”

Song Qinghan still thought she could dominate the Song family? She should reconsider her position!

Song Yunzhao looked surprised and hesitated, “Sister Yexi, even if Aunt steps in, I’m afraid it will be hard to convince my mother. How can I let Aunt run around for my sake? Let’s forget it.”

Song Yexi looked at Song Yunzhao, seeing that she truly didn’t want to participate in the selection. She was momentarily taken aback but said, “Yunzhao, don’t blame me for speaking plainly. Given the way your mother treats you, if you don’t participate in the selection, your future marriage prospects might be difficult. You should think more about yourself.”

“Thank you, Sister Yexi, I just…” Song Yunzhao sighed, showing a reluctance to say more.

Song Yexi slammed the table, “What are you afraid of? I’m telling you, my mother has already written a letter to my father and sent it overnight to Yucheng. Once Uncle sees my father’s letter, he will surely support you in the selection. You don’t need to worry.”

Oh, wow.

Song Yunzhao didn’t expect that in order to contend with Cai Shi and her daughter, the First Madam and her daughter would actually bring in the First Master Song.

Although she had her own way to convince her Father to let her participate, having her Uncle’s support would be even better.

This was indeed a pleasant surprise. Could this be a case of “while the snipe and the clam grapple, it’s the fisherman who profits”?

Song Yunzhao revealed a delighted smile but then said with some concern, “Sister Yexi, won’t it trouble Uncle too much?”

“Family matters are never a bother,” Song Yexi said as she stood up. “Yunzhao, the court’s decree hasn’t been officially issued yet, but my mother says it will be soon. From the issuance of the decree to the public selection process, there will be time for preparation. This way, we can wait for my Father’s reply. Don’t worry, there’s no need to be afraid.”

 

Song Yunzhao immediately expressed her heartfelt gratitude, and Song Yexi was very pleased, thinking that Song Yunzhao was a conscientious person who would remember the kindness of the Main Branch of the family when she entered the palace.

Hmph, Song Qinghan dared to scheme against her, so she had to release her anger.

Anyone from the Song family could enter the palace, but not Song Qinghan!

Song Yunzhao watched Song Yexi leave with her head held high and full of fighting spirit, contemplating whether to stir the pot a bit more.

She wanted to see Cai Shi and her daughter furious yet unable to do anything about it!