“What are you carrying? Rushing around like that—it doesn’t look like anything good.”
Xie Linlang was exasperated. Well, she’s my mother alright—never holds back.
“Mother, this is an important matter entrusted to me by the Noble Concubine. I need to get my brother to take care of it immediately,” Xie Linlang explained. Then, fearing her mother might think Yunzhao was causing them trouble, she quickly added, “Our Yuquan Pavilion only managed to gain a foothold thanks to the Noble Concubine. Naturally, we can’t afford to neglect her affairs.”
Hearing this, Madam Yao quickly said, “Then hurry! Her matters must not be delayed.” She then gave an additional reminder, “Come back early—don’t make me worry.”
“I understand, Mother.” Xie Linlang dashed toward the door, calling for someone to prepare a carriage as she went.
Watching her daughter’s excitement, Yao Shi figured it must be something good and felt somewhat reassured. When it came to the Noble Concubine, her children remained tight-lipped—no matter how much she asked, they never said a word. As a mother, she understood the necessity of discretion concerning palace affairs, but she also worried. What if their youth leads to mistakes? What if they accidentally offend someone important?
Noble Concubine Song had undoubtedly been a benefactor to their family—even her eldest son’s marriage was thanks to her influence. Yao Shi was deeply grateful. Her eldest son was merely a scholar and had yet to pass the imperial exams, so marrying the daughter of a county magistrate was certainly reaching above their station.
But Yao Shi was filled with anxiety. Climbing the ranks wasn’t as simple as it seemed.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the residence, Xie Jinshu paced back and forth after reading Song Yunzhao’s letter, turning in circles to the point that Xie Linlang felt dizzy watching him.
“Second Brother, what exactly are you thinking?” she asked.
Xie Linlang couldn’t put down Romance of the Western Chamber—many of its words captivated her.
“Under the moon, beneath the western chamber, the wind lifts the half-open door. The shadow of flowers brushes the wall, I mistake it for my beloved’s arrival.”
No wonder it was called Romance of the Western Chamber. The more she thought about it, the more she adored it. If they truly staged excerpts as a play, she was certain people would love it.
Xie Jinshu finally halted and said, “Starting the theater troupe won’t be difficult, but making it successful will be hard. At the very least, we need performers skilled in opera. But what if those performers belong to other troupes? If they learn our plays and then leave, what do we do?”
Xie Linlang frowned. “That’s definitely a big problem. Why don’t we just buy some performers?”
Xie Jinshu shook his head. “That would take too long. If we buy them, we still have to train them—it’s time-consuming.”
“Then what’s your plan?” Xie Linlang pressed her brother.
“I’ll inquire around—see if there’s a theater for sale. If we buy the whole thing, including its performers, and have them sign contracts, we won’t have to worry about them leaving,” Xie Jinshu replied.
Linlang thought this was a good idea. “But things aren’t usually that convenient.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Jinshu said. He had his own methods but didn’t want to explain them in detail to his sister. “Just wait for my news. If we need to send a message to the Noble Concubine, how do we do that?”
“The Noble Concubine said that if we have a letter, we should send it to Madam Song,” Linlang explained.
“Madam Song isn’t going to Yucheng anymore?” Jinshu asked in surprise.
Linlang shook her head. “Probably not. She sent two concubines to Yucheng to serve the master.”
Jinshu nodded. “If that’s the case, it makes things much easier. I wonder where the Noble Concubine found this Wang Shifu—the play he wrote is truly impressive.”
“Right? Yunzhao is amazing. No matter who wrote it, once it reaches our Yuquan Pavilion, it’s ours to use,” Linlang said.
Jinshu nodded. “Go visit Madam Song. No need to say much—just treat it like a social call.”
Linlang agreed. Since they’d be relying on Madam Song to handle future letters, it was crucial to maintain a good relationship with her. She had been right to get close to the main branch of the Song family early on.
Jinshu was consumed with preparations for the theater troupe, while Linlang handled the smaller details. The siblings barely had time to rest, prompting their mother, Yao Shi, to seek out her eldest son.
Xie Jingguan did not stop his younger siblings. Instead, he advised his mother, “Jinshu is calculating, and Linlang isn’t reckless. Mother, why don’t the two of us head south alone this time? Our family has received much kindness from the Noble Concubine—we can’t afford to disappoint her.”
Since even her eldest son said so, Yao Shi had no choice but to relent, taking only him back to Xuanzhou.
As the weather grew hotter, Song Yunzhao’s palace was stocked with ice basins. The Noble Concubine’s allowances weren’t enough for her to enjoy ice continuously throughout the day—it was carefully rationed, used only during the hottest hours.
After handing off Romance of the Western Chamber, she felt a sense of relief. Anshun even returned with silver from Linlang—the profits from her previous storybooks. Her private stash had grown a little fuller, ensuring she’d have money to buy ice throughout the hottest season.
“Master,” a voice called.
Song Yunzhao waved her fan lazily, eyeing Yu Lu’s troubled expression. “What is it?” she asked, her tone languid from the oppressive heat.
This dreadful weather drained even the energy to speak.
“The Emperor has summoned Consort Shu to accompany him.”
Song Yunzhao frowned slightly. “When did this happen?”
“Fifteen minutes ago.”
For news to spread across the palace in that short time—impressive speed.
Song Yunzhao calculated quickly. The Emperor hadn’t stepped into the harem for half a month, and yet the first one summoned was Consort Shu.
Had she been too passive?
Her expression tightened. She looked at Yu Lu again and asked, “Do you know why Consort Shu was summoned to accompany him?”
Yu Lu shook her head.
“Go find Anshun—have him investigate,” Song Yunzhao instructed immediately.
Zhang Maoquan had been trying to foster good relations with Wangyou Palace, which meant Anshun interacted with him frequently. Getting a bit of information from him should be possible.
“Yes, mistress, I’ll go at once,” Yu Lu responded.
After Yu Lu left, Song Yunzhao carefully tried to recall the book’s plot, but she couldn’t remember anything matching this development.
Before Anshun’s report arrived, Han Jinyi entered.
Once inside the inner hall, Han Jinyi wasted no time. “Prime Minister Lu was reprimanded by His Majesty.”
Song Yunzhao blinked in surprise before quickly grasping the meaning. Wasn’t Prime Minister Lu Consort Shu’s father?
“He was reprimanded?” she asked.
Han Jinyi nodded and lowered her voice. “Prime Minister Lu wanted to transfer all of the Court of Judicial Review’s authority to the Ministry of Justice. The Minister of Justice is one of his men. Just two days ago, someone even filed an impeachment against my father.”
Song Yunzhao’s heart jolted—of course. Han Jinyi’s father was the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.
Her mind whirred rapidly before she muttered, “Was this aimed at me?”
Han Jinyi was close to her, and those opposing Song Yunzhao couldn’t move against her directly for now. Instead, they must have decided to cut off her strongest allies—starting with Han Jinyi.
“My father had someone send me word. That’s how I found out. Though it’s not entirely about you—he and Prime Minister Lu have always clashed politically. Prime Minister Lu is merely using this as an excuse,” Han Jinyi scoffed.
Song Yunzhao’s face darkened—this wasn’t looking good.
She lacked political allies in court precisely because her family held no official positions.
This lack of information was dangerous.
Take this situation for example—she knew the Emperor had summoned Consort Shu to accompany him, but she had no idea why.
Right now, the harem was an unstable sieve of gossip, lacking trusted managers. In the novel, it was only later—once the Emperor fully consolidated his power in the court—that the harem was properly reorganized.
Prime Minister Lu making a move against the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review—it was a roundabout way of sending her a warning.
Such audacity! Such arrogance!
For the first time, Song Yunzhao truly understood the Emperor’s frustration and helplessness. When you lack people and power, others trample over you—and you can’t even fight back.
“Yunzhao, are you alright?” Han Jinyi asked, watching her with concern. Song Yunzhao’s face was pale—perhaps she had spoken too soon and should have eased into the topic.
Song Yunzhao shook her head. Looking at Han Jinyi, she asked, “Has my uncle and father been impeached as well?”
Her family hadn’t sent her word.
Han Jinyi hesitated.
“Jinyi, tell me the truth,” Song Yunzhao urged.
Han Jinyi nodded slightly. “Actually, as soon as you gained favor, someone submitted an impeachment petition. However, because of your father’s lower-ranking position, it wasn’t too severe. But your uncle—his case is more serious.”
Song Yunzhao felt a heavy weight settle in her heart. Her uncle oversaw the salt trade, he was a lucrative and highly scrutinized position.
Becoming a Noble Concubine hadn’t brought blessings to her family—it had only invited trouble. At this moment, guilt pressed down on her.
Thinking of her father and her aunt, she felt ashamed. How could she face them?
Noticing Yunzhao’s troubled expression, Han Jinyi said, “My father told me that the Emperor intercepted the impeachment petitions before they could be acted upon. It shows that His Majesty values you—don’t panic.”
Song Yunzhao nodded slightly. She had been living comfortably in the palace, unaware of the turbulent dangers in court.
“Did Minister Han say anything about my uncle’s situation?” she asked.
Han Jinyi shook her head. “If you want to know, I can ask.”
“Thank you, Jinyi.”
“No need for such courtesy between us. I’ll go now, and once I have news, I’ll return,” Han Jinyi assured her.
After seeing Han Jinyi off, Song Yunzhao could no longer feel the lightheartedness from earlier. This isn’t sustainable. But trying to build her own power right under the Emperor’s nose was practically suicide.
The palace was full of leaks—not because there weren’t people managing it, but because the Emperor lacked trustworthy consorts to maintain order. Though he had showered her with gifts, he had yet to grant her a title or promotion. It was clear she wasn’t counted among his trusted figures.
Being too passive was clearly not an option—she wasn’t some insignificant court figure destined for obscurity.
“Master.”
“Come in,” Song Yunzhao said upon hearing Anshun’s voice.
Anshun entered and performed a bow. “I’ve inquired—after Consort Shu entered the hall, His Majesty dismissed the attending servants. Later, I spoke with Chief Eunuch Zhang. Based on his tone, it seems Consort Shu angered the Emperor and was reprimanded.”
Song Yunzhao’s expression flickered. The Emperor couldn’t move against Prime Minister Lu directly, so he let Consort Shu take the scolding instead.
How vengeful.
She sensed an opportunity—one she couldn’t afford to miss.
Turning to Anshun, she instructed, “Tell the imperial kitchen to prepare a bowl of ginseng soup.”
“Yes, Mistress, I’ll handle it immediately.”
Since the soup wouldn’t be ready for a while, Yunzhao used the time to prepare herself. She then sent Yu Momo to Taiji Palace to relay a message through Zhang Maoquan, hoping to see whether the Emperor would allow her to deliver the soup personally.
If His Majesty intended to embarrass Consort Shu further, he would surely let her in.
Song Yunzhao had no intention of confronting Consort Shu directly while her footing remained uncertain, but if Prime Minister Lu had struck first, he shouldn’t be surprised by retaliation.
Her prediction was correct—Taiji Palace sent word that she could come.
Fully dressed in her finest attire, she waited as Anshun returned with the ginseng soup.
Handing the soup to Xiang Xue, Song Yunzhao finally made her way to Taiji Palace.
Under the scorching sun, she made her way forward. Even though Qing Feng held the umbrella for her, the heat still reddened her face.
Zhang Maoquan had been expecting Song Yunzhao’s arrival and had been waiting outside the hall. Seeing her approach, he hurried forward. “Your servant greets the Noble Concubine.”
“Rise, Chief Eunuch Zhang. This hot weather has burdened you with waiting out here,” Song Yunzhao said with a smile.
“It is my duty. Please, follow me,” Zhang Maoquan said, leading the way.
Song Yunzhao stepped forward and lowered her voice. “Chief Eunuch Zhang, how is His Majesty’s mood today?”
Zhang Maoquan silently noted that Noble Concubine Song was certainly no ordinary woman—she dared to ask such things, and since she asked, he would answer. He cleared his throat and lowered his voice in warning, “His Majesty is likely not in the best of moods. Noble Concubine, please be mindful.”
Everything was as Song Yunzhao had expected. She nodded. “Thank you.”
Zhang Maoquan’s gaze swept over her, and inwardly he clicked his tongue in amusement. She came well-prepared. Just look at her attire, and then think about Consort Shu’s reaction upon seeing her—it delighted him.
As Song Yunzhao entered the hall, Zhang Maoquan stepped forward and announced, “Your Majesty, Noble Concubine Song has arrived.”
Song Yunzhao advanced and curtsied. “Your servant greets His Majesty.”
Hearing this, Feng Yi looked up and studied her for a moment before saying, “No need for such formalities, my dear concubine. Rise.”
Only then did Song Yunzhao stand. She turned to Consort Shu and bowed slightly. “Your servant greets Consort Shu.”
Consort Shu forced a smile. “No need for such formality, Noble Concubine. Please, rise.”
“Thank you, niangniang” Song Yunzhao said gracefully, standing upright.
Her slender frame was accentuated by the fitted, wide-sleeved gown she had deliberately chosen, making her figure seem even more delicate. Her glossy black hair was styled into twin coils, each adorned with a golden hairpin featuring tiny pearl tassels. As she moved, the tassels emitted a faint sound, swaying gently with her movements. It lent her an effortless allure—yet she carried herself elegantly, her demeanor was calm and composed, beautiful but never vulgar, leaving a striking impression.
Consort Shu felt an unbearable tightness in her chest. Song Yunzhao really is here to undermine me. Why did she have to arrive now, of all times? She was clearly here just to make things difficult.
Song Yunzhao didn’t bother hiding her intentions. She carried a bowl of ginseng soup forward and stopped in front of the Emperor, speaking slowly. “I had the imperial kitchen specially prepare this soup for Your Majesty. You work tirelessly for the nation—your health should always come first.”
“You are thoughtful indeed,” Feng Yi said, lifting his eyes to meet hers. Seeing the radiant and confident smile on her face—one that seemed touched by the warmth of summer—he found the corners of his own lips lifting unconsciously.
These past days, Wangyou Palace had remained silent. And yet, the moment Consort Shu was summoned to accompany him, Song Yunzhao showed up.
Feng Yi suspected that he had caught onto her little scheme.
And then there was Prime Minister Lu’s recent actions. This time, Feng Yi had no intention of preserving Consort Shu’s dignity—he would let Song Yunzhao openly compete for favor right in front of her.
“As long as Your Majesty is happy, I do not find it tiring at all,” Song Yunzhao said sweetly, personally placing the bowl of ginseng soup in front of him, even handing him a spoon with delicate care.
Feng Yi: …
This was a gesture he couldn’t refuse.
So, he picked up the bowl and took a sip. The familiar taste filled his mouth, reminding him that last time, she had also brought him ginseng soup. His amusement became impossible to conceal.
Consort Shu stared blankly at the scene before her, momentarily dazed. She had always been cautious in front of the Emperor, fearing that any misstep might displease him.
But how could Song Yunzhao be so audacious in his presence?
Out of the corner of her eye, Song Yunzhao discreetly observed Consort Shu’s gradually darkening expression and felt delighted. She couldn’t defeat her directly, but targeting her family and those close to her—like Han Jinyi—was pure shamelessness.
For someone like Consort Shu, showing her courtesy would be a disservice to herself.
With practiced ease, Song Yunzhao began grinding ink, her wrist moving fluidly as the scent of fresh ink permeated the air.
Feng Yi glanced at Song Yunzhao, and she returned the look with a dazzling smile.
Feng Yi: …
She’s really planning to stay, huh?
Fine.
If she walks into the lion’s den, she shouldn’t expect mercy.
“Slow down,” Feng Yi said seriously. “With your clumsy hands, you’ll end up splattering ink everywhere.”
“Who’s clumsy?” Song Yunzhao retorted. “I was raised properly. These hands only grind ink for Your Majesty—I haven’t even done it for myself. If you keep insulting me, I’ll…”
“You’ll what?”
“I’ll grind another one!”
“Fine.”
“You don’t care about me at all, Your Majesty.”
Consort Shu couldn’t bear it any longer. However, since the Emperor hadn’t spoken, she didn’t dare leave. Her eyes bore into Song Yunzhao, who was deliberately acting spoiled in front of her. It wasn’t just frustrating—it made her want to slap the woman right out of the room.
How could Song Yunzhao behave so boldly in front of the Emperor? And rather than being angered, he actually indulged her, even laughing along.
Since when had the Emperor acted this way?
Was it simply because of Song Yunzhao?
A true temptress!
Song Yunzhao had successfully provoked Consort Shu’s resentment, and knowing she had accomplished her goal, she feigned embarrassment, covered her face, and fled in mock disgrace.
Feng Yi: …
Consort Shu: …
She simply stood there, watching Song Yunzhao run.
How dare she?
She really dared!
Still reeling from the moment, Consort Shu turned back to look at the Emperor—only to see a helpless yet indulgent smile on his face.
And in that instant, her heart sank.
Consort Shu had never considered Song Yunzhao a threat. To her, she was just another low-born woman who had climbed her way up through sheer looks. Once the Emperor’s initial fascination waned, dealing with her would be easy.
But now, she no longer thought so.
For the first time, Consort Shu felt a looming crisis.
Feng Yi glanced at Consort Shu’s expression but quickly withdrew his gaze, his tone carrying hints of both displeasure and detachment. “Consort Shu, you may return.”
Seeing how differently the Emperor treated her versus Song Yunzhao, Consort Shu’s vision briefly blurred. She forcibly suppressed her emotions before bowing. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Her mind was in complete chaos—she needed time to think.
After she left, Feng Yi looked down at the mess of ink Song Yunzhao had left on the inkstone. Ink droplets were splattered all over—it was simply unbearable to see.
Grinding ink for him? She was grinding him down.
A shadow flickered through Feng Yi’s eyes. He hadn’t expected Song Yunzhao to show up today.
She must have found out. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have deliberately provoked Consort Shu.
Taking a silk handkerchief, Feng Yi wiped the edges of the inkstone. The pure white fabric quickly turned black as he cleaned up the mess. When he was done, the handkerchief was stained beyond recognition.
Tossing it aside, Feng Yi picked up the ink stick and rotated it slowly, watching the ink swirl in circles on the stone.
As dusk settled, Meng Jiuchang entered cautiously. “Your Majesty, it is time for your evening meal.”
Without raising his head, Feng Yi said, “Prepare to go to Wangyou Palace.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Meng Jiuchang’s heart skipped a beat. Today, Consort Shu had been reprimanded, Song Yunzhao had provoked her, and now the Emperor was going to Wangyou Palace?
Would he even return after his meal?
Meng Jiuchang hurried to deliver the decree.
Meanwhile, upon receiving the summons, Song Yunzhao smiled in satisfaction.
Just as she expected—the Emperor would come. She had personally handed him this golden opportunity to humiliate Consort Shu and Prime Minister Lu—how could he pass it up?
Song Yunzhao quickly prepared to receive him. As she stepped outside Wangyou Palace, she saw the Emperor descending from his sedan chair and hurried forward to greet him. “Your concubine greets Your Majesty.”
Feng Yi approached and personally helped her up. “Rise. Why did you come out?”
“I was so delighted to hear that Your Majesty was coming…” Song Yunzhao trailed off with a bashful look, gently wrapping her hand around his arm.
Feng Yi glanced down at his arm before flipping his hand to grasp hers instead. Song Yunzhao, momentarily surprised, peeked at him through the corner of her eye. When their gazes met, she quickly lowered her head, acting flustered.
Her reaction amused him.
Hand in hand, they entered the hall, where dinner was already set. The two of them took their seats.
Song Yunzhao personally served him a bowl of rice, smiling. “Your Majesty works tirelessly for the nation—please eat more.”
Feng Yi placed a serving of chilled lotus root cubes into her small bowl. “My beloved should eat more as well.”
Song Yunzhao looked at the dish—last time they dined together, she had found the lotus root refreshing and ate several bites. He had remembered.
Although both of them were merely playing a role, that brief moment of sincerity took her by surprise.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I never thought you would remember that I love this dish,” Song Yunzhao said, her delight genuine this time—no pretense.
Feng Yi chuckled. “I saw you enjoying it last time, so I took note.”
Standing on the side, Meng Jiuchang observed the exchange and couldn’t help but take another glance at Noble Concubine Song. No wonder everyone in the harem called her a sorceress—she truly knew how to captivate the Emperor’s heart.
With their pleasant mood carrying through dinner, Feng Yi naturally chose to stay the night at Wangyou Palace. Song Yunzhao thought to herself, Just as expected.
When news of the Emperor’s stay at Wangyou Palace reached Cuiwei Palace, Consort Shu completely lost control—she smashed every decoration in the room into shards!
Song Yunzhao!
Song Yunzhao, you have done it now!
Both Consort Shu and Song Yunzhao had visited Taiji Palace that day, yet by nightfall, the Emperor went to Wangyou Palace—not just for dinner but to stay overnight.
Where did that leave Consort Shu’s dignity?
She knew His Majesty was venting his anger about her father’s affairs through her, but what exactly had her father done wrong? Their family had contributed greatly to the Emperor’s rise to the throne. Even after he ascended, her father had continued to support him.
And now the Emperor was turning his back on them?
Was this his way of discarding them like worn-out tools?
