TSNCWEM Chapter 64

First Madam observed Cai Shi’s expression and couldn’t help but twitch her lips. She had already heard from her daughter about the selection process. When Song Qinghan returned to the family, she tried to twist the truth, but this time, First Madam didn’t let Yexi remain silent. Instead, she exposed everything Song Qinghan had done.

As a result, Song Qinghan’s reputation was utterly ruined. Third Master was furious and confined her to the ancestral hall for reflection.

The Song family was thrown into an uproar. First Madam, knowing that Yexi had a good relationship with Yunzhao, felt reassured and naturally wanted to establish Yunzhao’s authority in the family. 

Although Song Qinghan’s expulsion from the palace couldn’t be publicly announced, it wasn’t something that could be completely hidden either. Fortunately, the family now had Yunzhao, who had been granted the title of Noble Concubine.

Among the sisters, one soared to great heights while the other fell into the mud. Although Song Qinghan’s actions would affect the other young ladies, Yunzhao’s status as a Noble Concubine minimized the damage to the family’s reputation. After all, how could someone with a tarnished reputation become a Noble Concubine?

If not for Yexi’s marriage prospects, First Madam might have torn into Song Qinghan herself. 

Following closely behind were Song Jinxuan and Xie Linlang. The two didn’t dare to look around once inside. Song Jinxuan was extremely nervous, silently thankful that she had sided with Song Yunzhao. Being included in the family audience meant her future marriage prospects would improve.

Xie Linlang, on the other hand, was brimming with joy. The brighter Yunzhao’s future, the less likely she would have to degrade herself as someone’s concubine. She didn’t ask Yunzhao to support the Xie family, but as long as Yunzhao could look out for them and prevent others from bullying them, that would suffice.

Their family ran a legitimate business and avoided underhanded dealings. As long as no one deliberately sabotaged them, they could continue their trade successfully.

Recalling what her family had told her, Xie Linlang felt more confident. Betting everything on Yunzhao had indeed been the right choice. Over time, their relationship evolved beyond mere allegiance, and seeing Yunzhao thrive made her genuinely happy.

Song Qinghan, meanwhile, felt uneasy looking at Song Yunzhao. She didn’t want to be here today, but since Song Yunzhao had summoned her specifically, she couldn’t refuse. Looking at Song Yunzhao, resplendent on the throne in her opulent attire and adorned with jewelry, she seemed utterly different from the person Song Qinghan remembered.

Now, reflecting on what Song Yunzhao used to be like:

Always clad in plain skirts, with barely any hairpins to adorn her hair. Today’s grandly dressed Song Yunzhao had finally become the very version of her that Song Qinghan had once feared most. 

First Madam, seeing that Cai Shi was still dazed, cursed her incompetence in her mind before stepping forward and bowing. “Your servant greets Noble Concubine.”

Her voice snapped Cai Shi out of her trance. She stiffly stepped forward to bow, her lips tightly pressed together without saying a word.

Yexi, Song Jinxuan, and Xie Linlang followed, paying their respects, while Song Qinghan stood at the back, stiffly lowering her head in a bow.

Song Yunzhao didn’t even glance at Cai Shi and her daughter. Instead, she looked warmly at First Madam and smiled. “Aunt, how have you been? It’s been a while, and I’ve missed you.”

First Madam was taken aback, feeling honored, and quickly said, “Your servant is doing well, and so is the family. Third master asked me to pass on a message: take care of yourself in the palace and prioritize your well-being.”

Hearing this, Song Yunzhao felt a twinge of sourness in her heart—she missed her father.

In this world, if anyone genuinely cared for her, it was her father.

Although this care was something she had intentionally sought, her father had reciprocated with sincere paternal love.

“Thank you, Aunt. Please convey to my Father that he doesn’t need to worry—I’m doing very well in the palace,” Song Yunzhao replied with a smile. 

First Madam, smiling, agreed. She carefully examined Yunzhao’s complexion and found that she looked great. With a smile, she said, “After you were granted the title of Noble Concubine, many people came to the house to congratulate us. Even the Countess of Dingnan personally visited. She mentioned you and expressed regret about not being able to bring you into the count’s manor back then.”

Hearing this, Song Yunzhao felt immensely satisfied. Back then, Cai Shi and Song Qinghan had guarded against her as if she were a thief. Now that she was a Noble Concubine, even the Countess of Dingnan likely resented her sister for not allowing Yunzhao into their family.

If she had been able to leave the Song family through the Dingnan Count manor, that family would certainly have benefited from her rise. But now? Ha.

Thinking of this, Song Yunzhao turned to Cai Shi and said slowly, “Back then, I had no choice. Life at home was difficult. I wanted to visit Aunt at the Count’s manor, but it wasn’t up to me to decide. Madam, don’t you agree?”

Confronted by the her question, Cai Shi’s face turned purple with suppressed anger. Even though the Noble Concubine was her biological daughter, now that she held such a high status, Cai Shi could no longer reprimand her.

Forcing down her rage, Cai Shi gritted her teeth and replied, “Noble Concubine is blessed. Why would you need to seek other paths?”

Listening to Cai Shi’s begrudging and insincere flattery, the Yunzhao felt it wasn’t satisfying enough. She wanted to tear away Cai Shi’s facade. After living under her for more than ten years, every moment had been tense and suffocating.

Thinking about those days, she couldn’t help but feel aggrieved. Both of them were daughters—why did she have to endure so much suffering while Song Qinghan didn’t?

With that thought, the smile on the Noble Concubine’s face disappeared. She looked at Cai Shi and mockingly said, “Madam, you didn’t expect me to have such a blessing, did you? For so many years, you treated me with disdain and cruelty, wishing I didn’t exist as your daughter. In your heart, only Song Qinghan mattered. Even now, you probably wish that Song Qinghan were the one sitting here. Unfortunately, your lack of virtue has led to teaching a daughter of the same kind.”

“You…” Cai Shi instinctively wanted to scold her but was stopped by a light nudge from First Madam. Realizing her place, she gritted her teeth and said, “Of course, whatever the Noble Concubine says is true. Your servant has nothing to add.”

The Noble Concubine chuckled lightly. “Exactly. Winners write the rules, and losers remain silent. Even if you have something to say, you can only hold it in. I do wonder, though—does my dear maternal family regret it now? All these years, I never existed in their eyes. And now that I’ve risen to the top, it’s too bad for them—they missed their chance to benefit.”

Cai Shi felt a wave of dizziness at the her words. On the day she was granted the title of Noble Concubine, Cai Shi’s family summoned her back to reprimand her, with her brother and mother both voicing their grievances. But hadn’t they themselves never made any effort to see the Yunzhao all these years? 

“Noble Concubine, don’t go too far. You must know that even as a Noble Concubine, you still need the family’s support,” Cai Shi said through clenched teeth.

The Noble Concubine laughed at this. “Yes, I do need family support. I have my father—what does that have to do with you? You’ve always seen me as an eyesore, so naturally, I won’t bother helping those who hinder me.”

Hearing this, Cai Shi’s heart skipped a beat. After a moment of thought, she said, “But the Master is growing older. Surely you’ll need the help of your siblings in the future.”

“Are you referring to Song Boyue? What relationship does he have with me? All these years, when you and your daughter bullied me, where was he? Did he ever speak a word of fairness for me? Since I couldn’t rely on him then, I certainly won’t count on him in the future. Besides, I still have my younger brother Song Boming, and there’s also my cousins Song Boran and Song Bochang.”

Hearing this, First Madam unconsciously straightened her back.

At this point, Cai Shi truly began to panic. She hadn’t taken her and Song Qinghan’s strained relationship with Yunzhao seriously. After all, she believed that the Noble Concubine still needed the support of her siblings, and her son was undoubtedly her first choice for that role.

As long as the Noble Concubine needed Boyue, she had nothing to fear.

But what had she just said? 

Song Boming?

The concubine-born son of Concubine Che?

The Noble Concubine was deliberately slapping her face!

Cai Shi couldn’t hold back anymore. How could Song Boming compare to Boyue?

Seeing that Cai Shi was beginning to struggle for breath, Yunzhao sneered and stopped paying attention to her. Instead, she turned to Song Jinxuan. “Second Sister, how are Concubine Che and Second Brother?”

Facing Cai Shi’s murderous glare, Song Jinxuan took a deep breath and said, “Concubine Che is alright, but she seemed to upset Madam recently and was punished to kneel for half a day, injuring her knees. She’s been confined to bed since then but should recover in about half a month, according to the physician. Boming is working hard on his studies and hopes to pass the scholar’s examination. My mother and I try not to disturb him.”

Noble Concubine hadn’t expected Song Jinxuan to dare to speak out against Cai Shi so openly. It seemed that Concubine Che was no longer intimidated by Cai Shi. If Song Boming succeeded in passing the scholar’s examination, their position would become even more stable. With Song Jinxuan being on good terms with her, she might even be able to offer them some support.

Yunzhao knew that Concubine Che was an ambitious person. While she didn’t mind letting her have her small victories, she wouldn’t allow her ambitions to disrupt the family’s balance. Minor conflicts were acceptable, but nothing too significant. 

Looking at Song Jinxuan, she said with a meaningful tone, “Let Second Brother focus on his studies so he can achieve great things. A man of seven feet tall should have broad ambitions and not be confined to the backyard.”

Song Jinxuan’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly said, “Rest assured, Noble Concubine. I’ll relay your advice to my Second Brother when I return.”

Noble Concubine turned to Xie Linlang and said, “It’s been a while, cousin. I’ve missed you, so I specifically asked for you to visit. Seeing that you’re looking well reassures me.”

“Thank you, Noble Concubine, for thinking of me. I’m eating and sleeping well,” Xie Linlang replied playfully.

First Madam smiled at Xie Linlang’s response, as did Song Yexi and Song Jinxuan, who stood beside her.

Xie Linlang had a knack for getting along with people. While her relationship with Song Qinghan was average, she got along well with Song Yexi and Song Jinxuan, and even First Madam was interacting with her more frequently these days.

Noble Concubine smiled as she said to Xie Linlang, “When I joined the palace selection, aside from the silver my Aunt and Father gave me, you also gave me some silver to use. I’ve always remembered this kindness.”

Xie Linlang froze, surprised that Yunzhao would frame that amount of silver as a contribution to her entry into the palace. She quickly responded, “It was just a small amount of silver; Noble Concubine need not keep it in mind.” 

“For the Xie family, it might have been a small sum, but for me, it was very significant,” Noble Concubine said with a smile.

Xie Linlang understood that Yunzhao was saying this for the Song family’s benefit, signaling the First Madam that she was grateful to the Xie family and that they could count on the Song family’s support in the future.

Warmth filled Xie Linlang’s heart, as she also realized that Yunzhao was likely worried about her becoming a concubine and wanted to help prevent that from happening.

Moved by these thoughts, Xie Linlang stepped forward and retrieved a palm-sized wooden box from her sleeve. “This is something you left with me long ago. I’ve been meaning to return it, so I brought it today.”

Noble Concubine chuckled. “I’d forgotten about it, but you remembered.” She looked at Xiang Xue.

Xiang Xue quickly stepped forward to take the box and presented it to the Noble Concubine with both hands.

Noble Concubine opened the box, her eyelids twitching slightly. She calmly closed the lid and handed it back to Xiang Xue, saying, “Put it away, and bring me a few boxes from the study.”

Xiang Xue immediately complied and soon returned with Shi Zhu, both carrying stacks of boxes.

Noble Concubine smiled. “I’ve prepared some small gifts for everyone.” 

The First Madam tried to decline, reasoning that Yunzhao had only recently been granted the title of Noble Concubine and should keep such items for herself. She was about to voice her refusal when Yunzhao said, “Aunt, don’t refuse. It’s just a token of my appreciation.”

First Madam sighed lightly. “Thank you for your generosity.”

Xiang Xue had memorized which box was meant for whom. She distributed them accordingly, including several boxes for the men of the family, such as Song’s Third Master, and for cousins from the extended family. Even Song Boyue and the other young masters received gifts, though the contents of each box differed.

On the surface, the Noble Concubine left no room for criticism.

Just as Xie Linlang had given her a stack of banknotes, the Noble Concubine gifted her two storybooks and a gold hairpin engraved with the imperial workshop’s mark. This hairpin was a symbol of status, ensuring that Xie Linlang wouldn’t be looked down upon when attending banquets or social events.

Imperial workshop items weren’t something just anyone could possess.

Noble Concubine also remembered Jiang Xiang, Qian Cao, and Luo Momo and brought them up to the First Madam.

Understanding her sentiments, the First Madam quickly responded, “Luo Momo is no longer young. Third Master decided to let her retire and return home, while her grandson takes up a position in the front court. Jiang Xiang and Qian Cao have served Noble Concubine for many years and have done well. Third Master entrusted me to find good matches for them. When they marry, they’ll be granted their freedom, fulfilling their bond with the Noble Concubine.”

Noble Concubine knew her father wouldn’t neglect them, and her eyes reddened slightly. She said, “My father is considerate. Thank you, Aunt, for taking care of them.”

“It’s only right. They served under you so well; it’s what they deserve,” First Madam replied with a smile.

Yunzhao then said gently to the First Madam, “Since Jiang Xiang and Qian Cao are to marry, I, as their former mistress, must contribute to their dowries. And since Luo Momo is retiring, please help me send her some silver for her later years.”

At her words, Xiang Xue retrieved the remaining boxes and handed them to First Madam, who quickly accepted them.

“Noble Concubine, your thoughtfulness is truly their good fortune. It’s rare for servants to encounter a mistress as kind as you,” First Madam remarked earnestly. She had anticipated Yunzhao’s fondness for them and had done her best to assist, but she hadn’t expected her to be so thorough.

The more First Madam thought about it, the more she lamented Cai Shi’s foolishness. Such a remarkable daughter, and yet she had turned her into an enemy.

Noticing the time, First Madam rose to take her leave.

Since Noble Concubine’s current rank did not permit her to host a meal for her family, she instructed Yu Momo to personally escort them out. 

On the way back, Cai Shi wore a dark expression. Song Qinghan, who had remained silent the entire time, finally couldn’t hold it in and spat out bitterly, “A lowly person is flaunting their success!”

First Madam, walking ahead, turned back to give her a glance, prompting Song Qinghan to immediately shut her mouth. Though her voice had been low, she dared not risk the First Madam overhearing her.

However, Song Yexi, with a slight smirk, glanced at her knowingly. Song Qinghan pressed her lips tightly together, refusing to say more.

Once they exited the palace and boarded the carriages, First Madam breathed a small sigh of relief. She and Song Yexi shared one carriage, Cai Shi and Song Qinghan another, and Song Jinxuan with Xie Linlang took the third.

As soon as they were inside, Song Yexi laughed lightly. “Today was truly satisfying.”

First Madam, gently stroking the box in her hands, opened it slowly to reveal a red gemstone-adorned forehead band. She had long suffered from headaches during the winter, and the craftsmanship of the palace seamstresses was impeccable. The forehead band was carefully crafted, with the ruby being exceptionally pure, polished to a dazzling shine.

First Madam was delighted. This gift brought her more joy than any gold or silver would have—because it showed that Yunzhao thought of her as family.

Song Yexi leaned over for a look and was also pleasantly surprised. “Third Sister is truly thoughtful.” 

First Madam nodded slightly. “She’s a grateful child. Too bad your Third Aunt doesn’t share the same fortune.”

Song Yexi scoffed. “That’s her own doing.” With that, she opened her own box and let out a small gasp.

“What is it?” First Madam asked, hearing her reaction.

“Mother, look!” Song Yexi handed the box over.

First Madam saw a crimson gold dragonfly hairpin inlaid with gemstones. The hairpin stem was crafted using a gold filigree technique, the wings were adorned with rubies, and the dragonfly’s antennae tipped with pearls. Turning it over, the words Imperially Made were engraved on the back.

First Madam spoke softly, “Put it away carefully.”

Song Yexi nodded, her face glowing with a faint smile. “When I left the palace, Yunzhao told me that my good days were ahead of me. She was absolutely right.”

First Madam patted her daughter’s hand. “Don’t go showing it off once we return.”

Song Yexi nodded again, obediently.

Meanwhile, the mood in Cai Shi’s carriage was anything but cheerful. Seeing the silver hairpin inside her box, Cai Shi was so furious she nearly fainted.

Song Qinghan wasn’t faring any better. Inside her box was a jade ring—though the jade was of mediocre quality. It was the very same ring her grandmother had once let her play with during a trip back to the family estate. Upon their return to the capital, she had flaunted the ring in front of Song Yunzhao, even deliberately giving her one of the worst-quality pieces to demean her. 

Now, the silver hairpin Cai Shi had once given to Song Yunzhao and the jade ring Song Qinghan had used to show off had been returned. Both mother and daughter knew exactly what this meant.

Neither of them could bring themselves to speak. Their expressions were grim, and the weight in their hearts was almost suffocating.

For all the heaviness in Cai Shi and her daughter’s hearts, Song Yunzhao’s mood was just as light and cheerful.

She could already imagine their faces when they saw the gifts in their boxes. She vividly remembered how, back then, Cai Shi had crafted an entire set of gold jewelry for Song Qinghan while brushing her off with a single silver hairpin.

She still recalled Cai Shi’s impatient and disdainful gaze, as well as the smug look on Song Qinghan’s face.

After enduring so much for so many years, she had always dreamed of throwing those two items back in their faces. Today, she had finally achieved that.

Noticing her mistress’s good mood, Xiang Xue thought of what Song Yunzhao had shared previously. She felt a pang of indignation for her mistress, realizing how much unfairness she had suffered in her family. However, as a servant, Xiang Xue knew better than to comment on her master’s household matters.

Still, it was disheartening to see that her own biological mother fell so short compared to her noble aunt.

“Master, would you like to rest for a while?” Xiang Xue asked with concern. 

Song Yunzhao was too excited to lie down. She looked at Xiang Xue and asked, “Did Noble Concubine Qin also meet her family today?”

Xiang Xue nodded, “Yes.”

Song Yunzhao nodded slightly. Since she and Qin Xiyue were both Noble Concubines, the sly Meng Jiuchang would undoubtedly avoid offending Qin Xiyue by arranging their family visits on the same day.

However, she didn’t mind. Whether the heroine cared was none of her concern.

After sending Xiang Xue off to attend to her tasks, she finally opened the box from Xie Linlang. Inside, she counted two thousand taels worth of silver banknotes. The denominations were small—ten taels, fifty taels, and one hundred taels—clearly chosen for convenient use and exchange within the palace.

Underneath was a letter written by Xie Linlang, which made Song Yunzhao grin. Linlang mentioned that her first storybook, Jade Hairpin, had gained immediate fame thanks to the live performance, making the pen name “Wanderer Without Return” widely recognized. Xie Jinshu was truly talented—following up quickly by launching her second storybook, Mandarin Duck Pendant. The love story between Zhou Sijing and Liu Peilan sparked heated debates, with some saying Liu Peilan was too fierce and that women should prioritize gentleness, while others praised Liu Peilan for kicking the scumbag to the curb and delivering a sense of satisfaction.

These controversies fueled the success of Mandarin Duck Pendant. Xie Linlang noted that the Xie family’s Yuquan Tower was thriving, with patrons flocking to hear storytellers perform Jade Hairpin and Mandarin Duck Pendant daily.

Finally, Xie Linlang mentioned that the silver was for Song Yunzhao to accept without hesitation, as Yuquan Tower had profited greatly from these two storybooks. She also expressed her excitement for Song Yunzhao’s next work.

Song Yunzhao couldn’t be happier. She wasn’t particularly talented but had learned to craft compelling conflicts and draw readers’ interest from standing on the shoulders of giants and observing much.

That she could succeed—and so spectacularly—exceeded her expectations.

She was overjoyed.

The Xie family was incredibly generous. They had initially paid one hundred taels for her storybook, which was already a high price, and now they had given her so much more. She understood that part of this was the Xie family’s concern that she might run short on silver in the palace.

In the palace, concubines’ monthly allowances were fixed, but relying solely on the allowance wouldn’t suffice for a comfortable life.

Concubines’ resources primarily came from three sources: first, their monthly allowances; second, the Emperor’s rewards; and third, support from their families.

After accompanying the Emperor, she returned the next day to find a box of various jewelry sent to her. Without that, she wouldn’t have been able to gift so much today. While the monthly allowance for a Noble Concubine was considerable, the jewelry meant to complement Noble Concubine attire couldn’t be touched. Other jewelry pieces were limited in number and had to be rotated to avoid appearing too shabby, lest she invite ridicule.

She hadn’t expected the Emperor’s reward, which conveniently solved her dilemma.

Indeed, clinging to a powerful backer brought rewards.

She needed to strategize how to take advantage of the Emperor’s resources to enrich herself. There was no way she’d spend her own money like a penniless person.