TSNCWEM Chapter 50

Hearing Lu Zhixue’s loud words, Song Yunzhao, who hadn’t walked far, caught every word clearly.

She turned back, her dark eyes fixed on Lu Zhixue, and loudly said, “Miss Lu, your words are quite interesting. According to you, following Miss Qin around all the time means you’re clinging to her.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Lu Zhixue fumed. She and Qin Xiyue came from equivalent family backgrounds, so what clinging?

“Oh, so Miss Lu knows the word ‘nonsense.’ I thought you didn’t,” Song Yunzhao sneered. “Miss Lu, who prides herself on being a lady from a prestigious family, actually engages in gossiping behind people’s backs. Truly, one can’t judge a book by its cover.”

When it came to insults, Song Yunzhao never lost!

“You…”

“I know I’m great. I never talk behind people’s backs. I always say what I think directly,” Song Yunzhai’s voice was cold and dripping with sarcasm. “I’m not from a noble family, so I can’t use my status to suppress others, nor do I look down on people with my nose in the air. Isn’t that right, Miss Lu?”

Lu Zhixue was so angry she wanted to roll up her sleeves and beat her up. People started coming out to watch the commotion, making her feel humiliated.

At this moment, Helan Yun also came out and said to Song Yunzhao, “What’s there to argue about? People are not always what they seem. You’re too kind, and that’s why people bully you. Would Lu Zhixue dare to mock me or Han Jingyi? No, they target you because they think you’re easy to bully. You’re silly to argue with them.”

Song Yunzhao was surprised by Helan Yun’s comment. She agreed—the sharp tone was almost as good as her own.

Helan Yun was getting influenced by her!

“Helan Yun!” Lu Zhixue was trembling with anger.

“Oh, my ears aren’t deaf. Why so loud?” Helan Yun wasn’t afraid of Qin Xiyue, let alone Lu Zhixue. “Lu Zhixue, you can bully Song Yunzhao, but you can’t bully me. She’s under my protection now. Try bullying her again!”

The surrounding crowd buzzed, their eyes falling on Song Yunzhao.

Song Yunzhao felt completely exposed. With Helan Yun’s statement, she could feel Qin Xiyue’s gaze on her like a meteor crashing down, sparking and exploding.

She really thanked Helan Yun. As a minor character, she was now even more insignificant.

“County Princess Ming’an, Zhixue meant no harm. Don’t misunderstand,” Qin Xiyue said with a smile, stepping forward. “It’s getting late, and we should head to Qiushui Pavilion. Let’s not waste everyone’s time, okay?”

Song Yunzhao noticed Qin Xiyue subtly shifting the blame for wasting time onto Helan Yun. When she read the book, she had a good impression of the protagonist as an inspiring figure. But now, being in the situation, she sensed a manipulative undertone.

Helan Yun had a history of getting agitated around Qin Xiyue. Quickly walking up to her, Song Yunzhao said seriously, “Miss Qin, it’s Miss Lu who mocked me first. The County Princess just spoke up for justice. How is that wasting everyone’s time? If anyone is to blame for wasting time, shouldn’t it be Miss Lu for provoking first? I know there’s some misunderstanding between you and the County Princess, but it’s not fair to push the blame onto her, right?”

Helan Yun was about to curse, but hearing Song Yunzhao’s words, she realized—indeed, this had nothing to do with her.

Qin Xiyue wasn’t a good person after all.

“Miss Song, you’ve misunderstood me…” Qin Xiyue frowned slightly.

“Miss Qin, you always claim that this person or that person misunderstood you. Why do you have so many misunderstandings? In all my life, I’ve hardly ever had to clarify misunderstandings.”

The classic phrase for a manipulator is always, “Don’t misunderstand me.”

Song Yunzhao felt incredibly conflicted. She realized she might have been blind while reading the book. Back then, she saw the protagonist as tragic yet inspiring, someone rational who knew what she wanted and pursued it firmly.

Such a character could definitely earn readers’ favor. A strong female lead had to be self-reliant and intelligent, avoiding foolish mistakes.

But when she became the stepping stone for the protagonist’s rationality, she just felt like swearing. Indeed, you don’t know the pain until it hits you.

“What misunderstanding? It’s just hypocrisy!” Helan Yun felt refreshed, finding Song Yunzhao more agreeable. “What’s there to talk about with her? Let’s go!”

Helan Yun dragged Song Yunzhao away, completely ignoring Qin Xiyue’s embarrassed and awkward expression. At the intersection, they ran into Song Yexi, who noticed their not-so-happy looks and asked, “What’s wrong?”

It was early in the morning. Could something have happened again?

Song Yunzhao maintained a smile.

Helan Yun, in a good mood, told Song Yexi about Song Yunzhao confronting Qin Xiyue and concluded, “I’ve always said Qin Xiyue is pretentious, but no one believed me. Now you see, right?”

Song Yunzhao looked at Helan Yun. If she knew, then why did she always lose her cool around Qin Xiyue?

Song Yexi was shocked and asked Song Yunzhao, “Really?”

Song Yunzhao nodded.

Song Yexi, angry, said, “I never expected them to be like this.”

She knew Lu Zhixue had a difficult personality and could understand her mocking Yunzhao, but she hadn’t expected Qin Xiyue to twist the truth.

“I always thought Qin Xiyue was fair and just,” Song Yexi said disappointedly. “I guess I misjudged her.”

“I told you all along, but you didn’t believe me!” Helan Yun was still indignant, even her own brother thought she was just jealous of Qin Xiyue.

“Sorry, County Princess,” Song Yexi said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Helan Yun waved her hand dismissively, “Never mind, I won’t hold it against you.” She then looked at Song Yunzhao.

Song Yunzhao felt some pressure.

She tentatively said, “Should I apologize to you too? If I’m sincere, will you accept? Remember our first meeting…”

“Shut up,” Helan Yun said, her face darkening.

Song Yunzhao laughed, “See, even you know you weren’t entirely right back then. So, why don’t you stay calm and think before speaking when you see Qin Xiyue?”

“Do I need your advice?” Helan Yun said, lifting her chin.

“Yes, just a small reminder,” Song Yunzhao thought that her stubborn temper was something else.

After a moment, Helan Yun asked, “Was I really stupid back then?”

“Well… not really,” Song Yunzhao laughed. “It’s just that you get a bit too excited when you see Miss Qin.”

Song Yexi listened without interrupting, finding their conversation amusing.

Helan Yun’s face darkened further but she didn’t say anything more.

Song Yunzhao changed the topic, turning to Song Yexi, “Sister Yexi, are we painting today?”

“Yes, you need to take this seriously. You’ve missed the previous contests, and if you don’t perform well, people might talk,” Song Yexi reminded. “Many ladies have been sent out of the palace recently, and less than half remain.”

Song Yexi’s expression wasn’t great as she continued, “Maybe after today, I might have to leave the palace too. If I do, you need to be more careful.”

Song Yunzhao thought about Song Yexi’s painting skills, which were comparable to her own. With her beauty as an advantage, she might have a slight edge. As the competition grew fiercer, leaving the palace earlier might not be the worst outcome. She pondered and said, “Let’s do our best. If we can take another step forward, we should.”

If she could secure an imperial marriage, it would be advantageous despite being a double-edged sword. For a marriage without love, the decision was easier.

Song Yexi smiled at this. “Alright, let’s give it a try.”

Helan Yun, listening nearby, added, “Anyway, the Song family can only have one girl stay, maybe none.”

Song Yunzhao: …

Song Yexi: …

Arriving at Qiushui Pavilion, they saw that there weren’t many ladies left. It made the space feel much more open. Clearly, many had been eliminated.

They found a good spot with a nice view. Song Yexi was called aside by a girl in a pink dress, leaving Helan Yun and Song Yunzhao alone. Helan Yun looked at Song Yunzhao with a conflicted expression, indicating she wanted to say something but was hesitant.

“County Princess, you can speak freely,” Song Yunzhao said.

Helan Yun took a breath and lowered her voice, “What do you think of Ji Yunting?”

Hmm?

Song Yunzhao was taken aback and said, “Why are you asking me this? I’ve only met him a few times, so how could I judge his character?”

Ji Yunting was someone Helan Yun held dear. It wasn’t something she could comment on lightly.

“Why can’t you say? I’ve noticed you have a keen eye, so I thought I’d ask.”

Song Yunzhao glanced at Qin Xiyue and her group who had just walked in and sat far from them. She turned back to Helan Yun and thought carefully before saying, “I don’t think much of him. He knows you like him, and he probably knows Qin Xiyue has feelings for him too. But have you seen how he reacts when you and Qin Xiyue have conflicts?”

Helan Yun was stunned.

“I think it’s not wrong to not like someone, but you must be clear with them. Don’t let them misunderstand or give them false hope. Has Ji Yunting ever told you he doesn’t like you?”

Helan Yun subconsciously shook her head.

“See, I knew it. With your pride, if he had told you, you wouldn’t cling to him.”

Helan Yun felt a bit guilty, thinking that might not be entirely true.

“Three-legged toads are hard to find, but there are plenty of two-legged men. If he doesn’t like you, why keep chasing him? A girl’s true feelings are precious; we should cherish ourselves. From a high place, you’ll see there are plenty of handsome men in the world. Why fixate on one flower when the meadow is full of beautiful ones?”

Helan Yun: …

Can I really think this way?

Can I really do this?

Wouldn’t I be called fickle?

“But I like him,” Helan Yun said, a bit embarrassed. “We grew up together, and he used to be so good to me.”

“What do you like about him? That he was good to you? But now he’s good to other girls.”

Helan Yun’s face twisted. Can’t you say something nice?

“But he really was good to me before.”

“An abyss has an end, but the human heart is unfathomable. The most elusive thing in the world is a man’s changing heart.”

Helan Yun: …

Seeing Helan Yun’s pale and grim expression, Song Yunzhao realized she might have been too harsh. She coughed lightly and said, “Think about it. You’re suffering now because of another girl’s mistreatment. What about the future? Are you willing to be wronged for him your whole life?”

Helan Yun raised her eyebrows, “Of course not!”

“Exactly. You don’t want to be wronged, and he won’t compromise for you. So, what do you like about him? Do you like that he doesn’t value you and wrongs you?”

Helan Yun’s chest heaved with anger, “Can’t you say something nice?”

“Sure, I can, but do you want to hear a bunch of lies?”

Helan Yun fell silent.

Song Yunzhao didn’t say anything further. Even between friends, there needed to be boundaries.

In Qiushui Pavilion, the ladies gathered in groups, chatting and laughing. Outside, young palace maids refilled tea pots. The time was approaching.

Before the steward matrons arrived, Helan Yun asked, “If it were you, what would you do?”

“Me?”

Song Yunzhao met Helan Yun’s conflicted gaze and thought for a moment before asking, “Do you want the truth or a lie?”

Helan Yun glared at her, “The truth!”

“If this affection is meant to last, then keep it. If it’s unrequited, let it go.”

“What?”

So… heartless?

Helan Yun was momentarily stunned, not knowing how to respond.

Song Yunzhao was straightforward and decisive, not one for ambiguity. For her, there was no such thing as an ambiguous period. She either liked someone or she didn’t.

The so-called ambiguous period, in her view, was just being a jerk.

Her thinking might be understood in modern times but was quite unconventional in the current era.

At that moment, Matron Zhang and several others arrived. Helan Yun turned back, and Song Yunzhao listened as the matrons explained the rules for the day’s painting session.

Song Yunzhao felt Matron Zhang’s gaze sweep over her, but she pretended not to notice.

Soon, palace maids distributed brushes, ink, paper, and various colors, filling the large table.

Song Yunzhao felt a headache coming on. She didn’t know what to paint. In modern times, she had learned some traditional Chinese painting and bird-and-flower themes, but she wasn’t proficient. She could barely produce something that might fool laymen but wouldn’t impress experts.

If she were asked to draw a game character, she would excel. But alas, this era lacked computers and anime. She was a hero without a battlefield.

She thought for a long time. The others had already started, but she still couldn’t decide. Remembering Song Yexi’s advice, she couldn’t just give up and had to strive for excellence.

With her skills, aiming high might still not surpass the protagonist and other notable ladies.

After much contemplation, Song Yunzhao finally started painting.

Lacking in skill, she compensated with creativity.

In the distance, Song Qinghan watched Song Yunzhao’s back with a hint of satisfaction. Others might not know, but she was well aware that Song Yunzhao’s painting skills were mediocre. No matter how well she did today, she would still be overshadowed.

Thinking this, Song Qinghan felt more relaxed with her own strokes, confident she wouldn’t be the one at the bottom.

As time passed, more ladies finished their paintings. Song Yunzhao was also wrapping up, carefully adding the final touches. She exhaled deeply, placing her brush on the rack to let the paint dry.

She glanced around and noticed only a dozen others hadn’t submitted their paintings yet. Helan Yun was no longer in sight.

When Song Yunzhao handed in her painting, she met Matrom Zhang’s forced smile with a gentle one of her own, watching Zhang Momo’s face become even stiffer.

Poor Matron Zhang, she must have scared her.

Leaving Qiushui Pavilion, Song Yunzhao quickly found Song Yexi and joined her on a goose-neck chair by the shimmering lake. She smiled, “The scenery here is beautiful. Imagine boating on the lake in summer, admiring lotuses and fishing. In autumn, you could enjoy the fresh lotus pods.”

Song Yexi didn’t know what to say. How could she always think about food?

“Aren’t you worried about the results?” Song Yexi asked.

“What good will worrying do? There are so many people. With my face, they won’t easily dismiss me. I haven’t made any mistakes or been framed. I have a good reputation and beauty. They can’t get rid of me so easily,” Song Yunzhao said. She hadn’t done anything wrong or been set up, so it would be hard to dismiss her. She could stick around for a while.

Song Yexi was speechless but then laughed, “You’re right.”

Song Yunzhao laughed sweetly too.

Looking at Yunzhao’s smile, Song Yexi felt a bit dazed and softly said, “Yunzhao, if you manage to stay in the palace, have you thought about what you’ll do next?”

“No,” Song Yunzhao replied decisively. “There are many beautiful court ladies with good family backgrounds. The spots in the palace are limited, so I might not stay.”

“True,” Song Yexi sighed. “If we both get eliminated, our families will be disappointed.”

“Maybe not. Our families just wanted us to try and are probably prepared for us to be eliminated. Don’t think too much, Sister Yexi. Let’s take it one step at a time.”

Song Yexi couldn’t help but worry. Her Father’s and Third Uncle’s careers were full of setbacks due to a lack of support in the court. If this continued, it would be even harder for them to advance.

Seeing Song Yunzhao carefree, seemingly unconcerned about being chosen, she thought that with the way her Third Aunt treated Yunzhao, she likely didn’t discuss family matters with her. Third Uncle wouldn’t burden her with such heavy issues.

With this in mind, Song Yexi swallowed her words. If Third Uncle didn’t say anything, it wasn’t her place to instruct Yunzhao.

Soon, all the paintings were submitted, and they had to wait until the afternoon for the results. The court ladies paired up to play around Qiushui Pavilion.

Helan Yun dragged Song Yunzhao to go boating, while Song Yexi stayed on the shore, watching them.

On the boat, Song Yunzhao and Helan Yun sat quietly, unable to move around. The boatwoman slowly guided them across the water.

Helan Yun glanced at Song Yunzhao, who was leisurely dipping her hand in the water, and asked, “Aren’t you worried at all?”

“Of course, I’m worried,” Song Yunzhao replied.

Helan Yun almost rolled her eyes, “After the painting exam, we’ll probably move on to the selection process.”

Song Yunzhao was surprised, “That’s it? I thought we had to perform other talents too.”

She remembered reading in the book about big competitions for singing, dancing, and other skills. Song Qinghan had a great singing voice and had impressed many during those performances.

Fang Qingru from the Duke of Han’s Mansion has always been low-key, but she stood out with her dance skills. Now there’s no more of that?

“Who told you that?” Helan Yun asked, surprised.

Song Yunzhao met her gaze, unsure how to respond.

Just then, a small boat suddenly veered towards them, accompanied by Han Jingyi’s panicked screams. Song Yunzhao quickly grabbed the other oar and plunged it into the water.

With a loud “bang,” the two boats collided, water splashing into the cabin. The impact caused one side of the boat to lift, and with the rocking motion, both boats capsized, throwing everyone into the water.

Song Yunzhao grabbed the sinking Helan Yun with one hand and held onto the boat’s edge with the other. “I’ve got you. Don’t be afraid. Stay still, or we’ll all end up feeding the fish. Don’t move!”

Helan Yun, shocked by Song Yunzhao’s shout, froze and allowed herself to be pulled to the surface, gasping for air as she clung to the boat’s edge.

On the other side, Han Jingyi was rescued by the boatwoman, while an unfamiliar lady was pulled up by the other boatwoman, her frightened screams echoing. Helan Yun had to shout at her to calm her down.

The poor girl, terrified, let her tears fall silently.

Song Yunzhao asked Han Jingyi, “Miss Han, what happened? Why did your boat hit ours?”

Han Jingyi, finally composed, replied, “I don’t know. We came from the depths of the lotus leaves, and another boat hit us.”

Helan Yun and Song Yunzhao were helped onto a boat. Helan Yun, looking pale, asked, “Who hit you?”

Han Jingyi shook her head, “I didn’t see.”

Song Yunzhao looked around. The lotus field was dense with tall leaves, some rising high above the water, concealing much of the area.

Recalling Kunlun Lake’s layout, she told the boatwoman, “Row over there.”

“What are you doing?” Helan Yun, sensing something was off, felt uneasy.

“Of course, I am avenging grievances and settling scores!” Song Yunzhao replied with a kind smile.