Song Yunzhao drank the porridge in her bowl in one gulp and placed the bowl on the table with a loud “bang.”
Helan Yun was startled, “What’s going on? Are you trying to start a fight?”
“Princess of Ming’an, given our relationship, do you think there’s anything good to talk about? Do you think my family is inferior to yours, that you can use your power to oppress me?” Song Yunzhao used her words to preemptively strike, cutting off Helan Yun’s escape route.
Considering her prideful nature, if she originally intended to use her power to oppress, being called out on it would surely make her feel embarrassed.
Helan Yun frowned, “When have I ever used my power to oppress anyone? It’s just the two of us talking, what’s wrong with that?”
Song Yunzhao was taken aback, so it was really just a chat?
“Then your manner of speaking is quite unique.”
“What do you mean?” Helan Yun felt she was being mocked, but she had no proof.
“What did you want to talk to me about?” Song Yunzhao changed the topic and picked up her chopsticks to continue eating.
Helan Yun looked at Song Yunzhao with difficulty, but seeing her eat so heartily, she thought for a moment and brought her own food over.
Song Yunzhao: …
That was unexpected.
But, she couldn’t flip the table, as her food was still on it.
Might as well make do.
Helan Yun, unaware of being disliked, took a bite of her food and, feeling a balance had been achieved between them, said, “You handed it in so quickly, your embroidery must not be good.”
Song Yunzhao looked at Helan Yun with a faint expression, knowing that if someone didn’t know how to speak, they should understand the principle of keeping their mouth shut.
“Who said my embroidery isn’t good? I think it’s pretty good.” Song Yunzhao retorted, genuinely feeling confident about her work.
Helan Yun saw Song Yunzhao’s attempts to put on a brave face and couldn’t be bothered to expose her, instead saying, “Why didn’t you accept the favor from the Qin family?”
Don’t talk deeply about shallow relationships, wasn’t that a basic principle?
Song Yunzhao finally understood why Helan Yun always got so angry whenever she encountered Qin Xiyue.
Thinking this, she suddenly felt that Helan Yun was rather pitiful. She countered, “Do you have a betrothal with Young Master Ji?”
Helan Yun stiffened, “Why are you asking this? Is it any of your business?”
“You know the answer.”
Helan Yun was infuriated but realized she had crossed the line. She cleared her throat, “I didn’t mean anything by it, just curious.”
“I didn’t mean anything either, just curious.”
Can we talk properly?
Helan Yun noticed Song Yunzhao was different from most women. After a brief silence, she raised her head and looked at her, saying confidently, “So what if we don’t have a betrothal? We’ve been childhood sweethearts. It’s Qin Xiyue who’s harboring ill intentions towards Brother Yunting.”
“But every time you argue, your Brother Yunting always sides with Miss Qin.”
Helan Yun felt like she was going to explode, glaring fiercely at Song Yunzhao.
This metaphorical stab made her spit blood.
Song Yunzhao met her gaze, unafraid.
Helan Yun grew even angrier, suddenly feeling defeated, “I just don’t understand. Clearly, we should be the closest.”
Song Yunzhao looked at her, feeling pity for her, like a big dog that had been abandoned.
But this topic was too deep for her to respond to.
Helan Yun seemed not to wait for Song Yunzhao’s answer, poking at the tofu in her plate with chopsticks, muttering, “What’s so good about Qin Xiyue pretending to be prim and proper?”
Song Yunzhao couldn’t answer that. Men tended to like women who appeared obedient and gentle.
“I didn’t have to participate, but I came because I couldn’t swallow this bitterness.”
Song Yunzhao’s mouth twitched, not knowing what to say, “But you can’t gamble your entire life on this.”
Helan Yun snorted at Song Yunzhao’s words, “What do you know? Qin Xiyue thinks she’s better than me. I want to show her how great I am.”
Song Yunzhao thought to herself that Qin Xiyue might not even notice. After all, Qin Xiyue was the protagonist, destined for ultimate victory.
Thinking this way, she felt that Helan Yun’s luck was really bad, getting hit both inside and outside the palace. It was truly miserable.
“What kind of look is that? You think I’ll lose?”
“I don’t care what I think, I care what you think.”
Helan Yun: …
She was so mad.
Helan Yun put down her chopsticks, full of anger!
Song Yunzhao calmly finished her meal and got up to leave.
Helan Yun watched her, hurriedly getting up to follow, “Wait, you’re leaving already?”
Song Yunzhao looked puzzled, “If not, what are we doing here?”
“How can you be so rude? I’m still talking to you.”
“Princess, do you think any of your words are something I can respond to? Aren’t you just making things difficult for me? You’ve made it so hard for me, and if I don’t leave, would that make me a fool?”
Helan Yun had never encountered someone as unreasonable as Song Yunzhao, even more so than herself, and she couldn’t win the argument.
Seeing Helan Yun’s reaction, Song Yunzhao felt a rare twinge of guilt. “Princess, shall we go back together?”
“Hmph!” Helan Yun felt slightly better, “How can there be someone as infuriating as you?”
“Not at all, not at all, I’m far from being as infuriating as you, Princess.”
Helan Yun took a deep breath but couldn’t hold back and stormed off!
Why did she even bother talking to Song Yunzhao?
Song Yunzhao followed behind Helan Yun at a short distance, sighing inwardly at her fiery temperament. If she didn’t restrain herself, she would suffer more in the future.
But why pity someone with a higher status? Better to pity herself first.
When the two of them returned to Qiushui Pavilion, most people had already submitted their embroidery, while some were outside stretching their legs, clearly not intending to go far. She glanced around and returned to her seat.
Song Yexi had just handed in her embroidery and returned to see Yunzhao. She quickly sat down and asked, “Where did you go? You took so long to come back.”
“I went to eat something.” Song Yunzhao smiled at Song Yexi. “Sister Yexi, you should eat something too. I think we’ll have to wait a while for the results. With so many pieces of embroidery to review, it’ll take quite some time.”
Song Yexi hesitated, feeling a bit hungry, “Where can I eat?”
Song Yunzhao pointed out the place, and Song Yexi reminded her, “Don’t wander off. I’ll be back soon.”
Song Yunzhao obediently agreed with a sweet smile.
Song Yexi felt reassured and left, stopping to chat with the walking ladies outside. Song Yunzhao noticed many people following her.
She smiled, leaning on the table to rest for a while.
Song Yexi was more smooth and considerate, which was a good thing.
The gentle spring breeze carried the fragrance of lotus leaves from Kunlun Lake, making her sleepy. In her drowsiness, she seemed to see her past self.
She didn’t know what she was smiling at, her face beaming as she walked home. Suddenly, she turned and looked back, meeting someone elses eyes across the illusory space. Song Yunzhao jolted awake.
She lifted her head, noticing sweat on her forehead, and wiped it clean with a handkerchief, feeling more comfortable.
“Miss Song, are you alright? Why are you sweating so much?”
Song Yunzhao looked up, seeing Han Jinyi standing before her table, and smiled, “It’s nothing. I took a nap and ended up sweating.”
Whether she believed it or not, Song Yunzhao watched Han Jinyi nod slightly and then said, “Many people are admiring the lake view over there. Would you like to join?”
“No, thank you. I just broke a sweat, and the wind might make me catch a cold.” Song Yunzhao declined, avoiding crowded places where trouble could easily arise.
“It was thoughtless of me.” Han Jinyi apologized.
Song Yunzhao couldn’t quite grasp why Han Jinyi was striking up a conversation with her. After some thought, she asked, “Aren’t you going to have a look, Miss Han?”
Han Jinyi shook her head, “I don’t care much for crowds either. Sorry to disturb you, Miss Song.”
Watching Han Jinyi leave, Song Yunzhao felt more puzzled but sensed no malice, thinking she might have just wanted to chat.
No longer sleepy, Song Yunzhao got up and walked around the pavilion to stretch. She heard people talking nearby about going boating and smiled, leaning against a pillar to watch the crowd.
Groups led by Helan Yun and Qin Xiyue formed distinct factions, amusingly clear.
She knew the rapid faction formation was related to their family standings, but it had nothing to do with her.
With Helan Yun’s presence, events had significantly diverged from the book’s trajectory. At least in the book, without Helan Yun, no one dared openly oppose Qin Xiyue.
Even if Song Qinghan envied the protagonist, she only acted carefully after staying in the palace.
Thinking of this, Song Yunzhao looked for Song Qinghan but couldn’t find her in the crowd, frowning slightly.
Sitting outside Qiushui Pavilion on a goose-neck chair, the scenery was picturesque with lotus fields swaying in the breeze, and girls in splendid attire playing on the shore, a beautiful sight.
When Song Yexi returned from her meal, she saw Song Yunzhao leaning on the chair, gazing into the distance. In the sunlight, her smile seemed to glow.
She knew her cousin was beautiful, but at that moment, Yunzhao appeared more beautiful than ever.
Song Yexi slowed her steps, not wanting to disturb the beauty, but Yunzhao still turned to look at her, smiling, “Sister Yexi, you’re back?”
Song Yexi couldn’t describe her feelings at that moment. She walked over with a smile and sat across from Yunzhao, “Why sit here instead of joining them?”
“Too many people mean trouble. I don’t want any trouble.” Song Yunzhao said, looking at the crowd.
Song Yexi felt like she had descended from the clouds into the mundane world, realizing she had been overthinking. She glanced at the ladies crowded by the lake, feeding the fish, and instinctively said, “You’re right, with so many people, accidents are bound to happen.”
Song Yunzhao had only said it casually, knowing that in the book, nothing untoward happened that day. Only the heroine and Lu Zhixue’s superior embroidery skills made them stand out, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.
But Song Yunzhao had forgotten one thing: this time, there was an unpredictable variable, Helan Yun.
When she heard someone shouting, “Someone’s fallen into the water, help!” she was stunned.
Song Yexi quickly stood up, grabbing Yunzhao’s hand, “Let’s go over there together, don’t act rashly.”
Song Yunzhao grabbed Song Yexi’s hand in return, “Why should we go?”
Song Yexi replied, “Should we just wait here? That would give people a reason to criticize us.”
Not helping someone who’s fallen into the water would ruin their reputation, at least they should make an effort.
Song Yunzhao said, “Wait.”
Song Yexi watched as Song Yunzhao ran out of Qiushui Pavilion, found a bell hammer from somewhere, and struck the bell hard.
The clear bell sound instantly spread out, and soon after, everyone heard Song Yunzhao shouting, “Someone’s fallen into the water, come and help!”
Song Yexi nearly lost her breath. Was that bell supposed to be rung casually?
But there was no time to worry. She ran over, glared at Yunzhao, and then pulled her towards the stewardess. Along the way, they met palace servants and eunuchs who had come running at the bell sound, and they immediately led the way to rescue.
Song Yunzhao followed Song Yexi, running out of breath, completely exhausted.
When she saw the palace servants and eunuchs rescuing the person in the water, she leaned against the wall, panting heavily.
Song Yexi was also out of breath, but at that moment, the two young ladies glanced at each other and suddenly smiled softly.
Song Yunzhao realized she still didn’t fully understand Song Yexi.
Song Yexi sighed inwardly, still underestimating Song Yunzhao’s boldness.
“Why did you ring the bell?” Song Yexi asked breathlessly.
“I carefully observed that there were so many ladies playing by the lake, feeding fish, but did you see any eunuchs or palace maids around?”
Song Yexi thought for a moment, her breathing pausing, “I don’t think so.”
Song Yunzhao nodded, “We are just minor candidates and definitely can’t send away so many people. But as you said, we can’t stand by and do nothing. With our speed, finding help quickly would be too slow. What if a life was lost? So ringing the bell was the only option.”
Song Yexi agreed with Song Yunzhao’s reasoning but worried, “What if the higher-ups blame you?”
Song Yunzhao knew it wouldn’t happen, as the bell was for notifications. But Song Yexi didn’t know that, hence her worry.
She said, “Didn’t we arrive this morning by ringing the bell and following instructions? In such an emergency, I think the stewardesses will understand.”
Song Yexi was still a bit worried, but since it had already happened, worrying was pointless. She could only think about how to respond later.
The two sisters leaned against the wall, panting, while the eunuchs had already dived into the water to rescue the fallen ladies. One of the rescued girls had fainted and was carried to a side hall, while the other, with a pale, lifeless face, was wrapped in clothes and taken to Qiushui Pavilion for comfort.
“Miss Song, we are grateful to you for today’s help. Without you, those two girls might have been in grave danger. You truly are a kind and helpful person.”
Song Yunzhao looked up at Qin Xiyue’s group standing in front of her, blinking, and then said with a bewildered expression, “Miss Qin, your words are too heavy; I can’t bear them. I only thought it was crucial to save lives since it was a matter of life and death. I didn’t know if the stewardesses would punish me for ringing the bell.”
Hearing Song Yunzhao’s worried tone, Qin Xiyue said, “Miss Song, don’t worry. We will all speak up for you.”
Song Yunzhao looked at Qin Xiyue, sensing something was off but unable to pinpoint it.
As she pondered, she heard Helan Yun’s voice, “Qin Xiyue, stop pretending. Song Yunzhao comes from a low background and might not understand the palace rules, but you and I, coming from families that visit the palace annually, should know that the bell is for notification. Ringing it is not a problem, so what is there to fear?”
Song Yunzhao suddenly understood Helan Yun’s words. She knew it was fine to ring the bell, but given her status, she shouldn’t know this. Qin Xiyue, with her superior background and knowledge of the rules, should know this but had subtly implied she would help, making Song Yunzhao owe her a favor.
Song Yunzhao was shocked. She hadn’t expected this from the protagonist.
Perhaps Song Yunzhao’s surprise was too genuine, causing Qin Xiyue to pause before saying, “Princess of Ming’an, why say things to disturb people? The bell is indeed for notification, but not everyone can ring it.”
Helan Yun pushed through the crowd, full of sarcasm, “So according to you, those two should have drowned? The bell can be rung but also can’t be rung?”
“Why twist my words?” Qin Xiyue sighed, “I just thought calling the stewardesses would be the best solution. This way, Miss Song could save people without taking a risk.”
“Yes, you’re so right. By the time you called someone, those two might have been ice cold in the pond.” Helan Yun rolled her eyes and looked at Song Yunzhao, “Look at you, normally so brave and smart, but still fooled by Qin Xiyue.”
Huh?
Song Yunzhao was shocked. Had she just been called brainless by someone she thought was brainless?
“Princess of Ming’an, Xiyue was only worried about Miss Song being punished. Don’t maliciously speculate on her intentions.” Lu Zhixue frowned and said.
“Lu Zhixue, you’ve been Qin Xiyue’s sidekick for over ten years. You think everything she does smells sweet. Can your words be trusted?”
“Your foul language… is simply unreasonable.”
“Yes, I’m unreasonable. At least it’s better than pretending to be nice.”
Song Yunzhao hid behind Helan Yun, watching the drama unfold between the protagonist and supporting characters. It was quite lively, though she wished she wasn’t the catalyst.
Song Yexi tightly held Song Yunzhao’s sleeve, looking at everyone, “Ladies, the stewardesses will naturally handle this matter. We should first check on the two fallen girls.”
Song Yunzhao glanced at Song Yexi, who didn’t look back but grabbed her and walked away.
Song Yunzhao followed suit, lifting her foot. Her Aunt had asked Song Yexi to take care of her, and she was genuinely doing so.
It was quite surprising how sincere her Aunt and cousin were.
In such a situation, Song Qinghan was nowhere to be seen.
In reality, Yunzhao didn’t need protection; she had confidence in what she did, but Song Yexi didn’t know that.
The stewardesses arrived quickly, their expressions unpleasant.
“On the first day of the selection, such an incident occurred. This is the first time in history. We old folks have never seen anything like it before.”
This made everyone’s faces burn; it was a clear scolding for their carelessness.
Song Yunzhao hadn’t harmed anyone; she had saved people. She wasn’t guilty but felt it was meaningless to be scolded sarcastically.
“If that’s the case, the ladies must learn the palace rules.”
What?
Then they were punished with standing.
Yes, collective punishment.
The afternoon sun was scorching. Song Yunzhao could hear Helan Yun gritting her teeth beside her.
She felt equally speechless. She had saved people and still got punished.
Song Yexi, on the other hand, was relieved. Punishment meant it was smoothed over, and the stewardesses wouldn’t mind Yunzhao ringing the bell.
Her eyes scanned the crowd and saw Song Qinghan and Zhao Xiaoyu at the back. They had returned at some point, but she didn’t know where they had been.
It was impossible for Song Yunzhao to stand and be punished all the time. She calculated the time and, feeling it was about right, rolled her eyes and fainted.
“Miss Song fainted.”
“Stewardess, someone fainted.”
The crowd turned chaotic. Song Yunzhao kept her eyes closed, sensing many people surrounding her, chattering, buzzing…
“Stewardess, Miss Song is young and can’t endure this. She should rest first.”
Qin Xiyue’s voice.
“Young? Qin Xiyue, can you speak properly? Song Yunzhao clearly exhausted herself running to save people and was punished, so she fainted.”
Helan Yun’s voice.
“Stewardess, my sister’s health is fine. She just recovered from a minor illness before the selection and has faced so much today. That’s why she’s weak. Please call someone to take a look at her.”
Song Yexi’s voice.
“Stop arguing, all of you, stand still.”
Song Yunzhao soon felt herself being lifted and placed on a flat board, then carried away.
She could still hear Helan Yun and Qin Xiyue bickering, and she even heard Song Qinghan’s voice, but it soon faded as she was carried away.
“Fainted from the sun?” Feng Yi looked at Zhang Maoquan, pausing slightly with his brush remaining in the air.
“Yes, two ladies fell into the water today. Miss Song rang the bell and led the rescue. She ran around and was punished to stand under the sun, so she fainted.” Zhang Maoquan recounted meticulously.
He thought the Emperor might be interested in this girl, given their connection.
But this girl seemed frail, even fainting from the sun. She would suffer greatly in the palace.
Feng Yi’s eyes stayed on the paper. Knowing Song Yunzhao’s cunning nature, she must have feigned fainting to avoid punishment.
Others wouldn’t dare, but she certainly would.
“Send Tian Shuyang to check on her.”
Zhang Maoquan was stunned. The Imperial Physician?
This would stir things up and put Miss Song in a difficult position.
What did the Emperor mean by this?
