TSNCWEM Chapter 45

Song Yunzhao was carried back to her quarters. Pretending to be a lifeless figure was quite exhausting.

She heard the stewardess say, “Don’t crowd around here. You few, go back first… Chief Steward Zhang, why are you here?”

Chief Steward Zhang?

Where did the Chief Steward come from?

Song Yunzhao perked up her ears to eavesdrop. She heard the stewardess’s footsteps getting further away and got anxious. Don’t leave; I won’t be able to hear anything!

As the footsteps faded, she felt the noise in the room suddenly disappear.

She felt inexplicably uneasy.

The stewardess cautiously greeted Zhang Maoquan with a smile, bowing, “Chief Steward Zhang, it’s just a small matter; why come yourself?”

She was only responsible for the selection and didn’t expect to disturb Zhang Maoquan, naturally feeling uneasy and wondering how the news got out.

Zhang Maoquan, with a stern face, said, “His Majesty happened to pass by the library and heard that someone fainted, so he sent Imperial Physician Tian to diagnose. Stewardess, lead the way. I’ll wait outside.”

“Yes.” The stewardess didn’t believe His Majesty just happened to go to the library, let alone personally fetch a book. But she dared not ask further and said to Tian Shuyang with a smile, “Please, Imperial Physician Tian, follow me.”

“Thank you.” Tian Shuyang returned the salute and followed inside.

Not many came with them, but those related to Song Yunzhao, like Helan Yun and Qin Xiyue, did. They didn’t expect to encounter this scene and remained silent.

Song Yexi felt even more anxious and uneasy, her face pale, hands twisting a handkerchief. Was this a good or bad thing?

Song Yexi didn’t understand, so she remained stern and silent, not daring to show fear.

Soon, Tian Shuyang came out with his medical kit, bowing to Zhang Maoquan, who nodded, “Imperial Physician Tian, follow me to report to His Majesty.”

This meant reporting to the Emperor.

The stewardess hurriedly saw them off. Once they left, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Who would’ve thought the Emperor wouldn’t notice those that almost drowned, but took note of the one fainted from the heat?

However, the Emperor hadn’t yet reviewed the ladies and didn’t know their appearances, so it seemed Miss Song was extremely lucky.

“Ladies, please return. The embroidery results should be announced soon.”

Everyone dispersed. Though Song Yexi felt uneasy, she knew it was best to leave now and followed the others.

While pretending, Song Yunzhao actually fell asleep, unaware of what had happened.

Elsewhere, the news quickly spread that the Emperor had sent the Imperial Physician to diagnose Song Yunzhao, causing quite the stir.

Especially those two who had fallen into the water felt the disparity.

Song Qinghan couldn’t believe her ears. The Emperor sent the Imperial Physician for Song Yunzhao?

Her expression slipped, and she quickly lowered her head to hide it. How could Song Yunzhao be so lucky?

Zhao Xiaoyu whispered, “Qinghan, your sister is quite capable; she might have a great destiny.”

Zhao Xiaoyu also felt uncomfortable. They were all there for the selection, so how could Song Yunzhao be luckier?

The girl who fell into the water was worse off than Song Yunzhao, and what was the result?

Elsewhere, the stewardesses noticed that no one cared about the results and shook their heads. The young girls were too inexperienced, not understanding the gravity of such matters.

Besides those who had fallen or fainted, everyone was present. All the embroidery was hung up, and the chief stewardess allowed everyone to view it before announcing the results.

The results were exactly as Song Yunzhao had read in the book: Qin Xiyue’s double-sided embroidery and Lu Zhixue’s unique technique stood out. Qin Xiyue’s double-sided embroidery was slightly better, earning her first place, with Lu Zhixue close behind.

At that moment, the results of the selection shifted everyone’s envy and jealousy from Song Yunzhao to Qin Xiyue and Lu Zhixue.

Qin Xiyue remained modest as always, while Lu Zhixue felt her second place was deserved, having believed she would be first. She hadn’t known Qin Xiyue had learned double-sided embroidery.

Helan Yun stood in front of Song Yunzhao’s embroidery, silently looking at her work.

What did she embroider, a fat cat pouncing on a butterfly?

The cat, fat and chubby with a head bigger than its body, looked quite odd but somewhat appealing after a while.

She wondered if her eyes were deceiving her. Song Yunzhao shamelessly claimed her embroidery was good.

Song Yunzhao’s embroidery drew a crowd. Someone laughed first, and soon the laughter grew louder.

Song Yexi’s face turned grim. She knew Yunzhao was favored by the Emperor today, and these people, envious and jealous, wanted to find something to bring her down. Her embroidery became the target.

Song Yexi felt frustrated, wishing Yunzhao had practiced more to avoid ridicule.

Helan Yun glanced at the crowd with disdain, “What’s so funny? Even if Song Yunzhao’s embroidery isn’t the best, it’s better than some. At least it’s medium level. Those who got lower have no right to laugh. It’s ridiculous.”

Song Yexi sighed with relief. She didn’t expect the Princess of Ming’an to defend Yunzhao and remembered this favor.

Helan Yun pushed through the crowd, walking away, then turned back to Song Yexi, “Come with me to check if Song Yunzhao has woken up. I don’t want fake concern; if you want to see, then see.”

Song Yexi, who wasworried about Yunzhao, quickly followed. Going alone would invite gossip, but with the Princess of Ming’an, she felt secure.

“Thank you for speaking up for my sister today, Princess.”

Helan Yun huffed, “I wasn’t speaking for Song Yunzhao, just couldn’t stand those petty people. They think they’re above everyone. You’re better than your sister, more articulate.”

Song Yunzhao’s mouth could infuriate anyone.

Song Yexi was amused and troubled, accompanying Helan Yun back to Yunzhao’s quarters.

A palace maid greeted them, “Greetings, ladies.”

“No need for formalities. Get up. How’s Song Yunzhao? Is she awake?” Helan Yun asked directly.

“Miss Song hasn’t woken yet.”

“She can really sleep.” Helan Yun snorted, then told the maid, “Bring her dinner; her sister and I will stay.”

The maid hesitated, instructed not to leave, but smiled, “I’ll ask the maid next door to fetch it. Let me make tea for you.”

As the maid left, Helan Yun commented, “See how well they do their job.”

Song Yexi quietly took note. Palace workers were thorough.

She checked on Yunzhao, who was indeed still asleep, with a fine sweat on her forehead. Gently wiping it, she felt Yunzhao’s temperature wasn’t high and felt relieved.

The room smelled faintly of herbal medicine, indicating Yunzhao had taken some.

Helan Yun observed Song Yexi caring for Yunzhao, commenting, “I heard your family split long ago, but you still take good care of your cousin.”

Song Yexi, slightly annoyed, calmly replied, “After our grandparents passed, my father and uncle worked in different places, so we split the family for convenience. But our homes are close, so we interact as before, and we are naturally close.”

Helan Yun knew there was more to the story and scoffed, “What’s there to hide? I could find out everything about your family.”

Song Yexi’s face stiffened, then firmly said, “Princess, our family’s matters don’t concern you.”

“Tsk.” Helan Yun snorted, “You have some backbone.”

Song Yexi felt irritable. If the disputes between her aunt and Yunzhao became known, it would harm Yunzhao more.

Thinking this, Song Yexi’s resentment towards Cai Shi grew. She had never seen a mother sabotaging her child.

Song Yunzhao, woke up and heard Helan Yun’s comment: “Princess, don’t bully my sister, or you’ll have to deal with me.”

So corny… it could kill her!

Helan Yun was angered, “Can’t you take a compliment?”

“Yunzhao, you’re awake?”

Song Yexi’s and Helan Yun’s voices overlapped.

Song Yunzhao sat up with Song Yexi’s help, placing a pillow behind her, “How do you feel? Any discomfort?”

“I’m fine now, just exhausted and overheated, which caused me to faint.” Song Yunzhao said with an apologetic look. She had genuinely fallen asleep afterward, and her fatigue wasn’t entirely feigned, making her explanation sound reasonable.

Helan Yun walked over, studying Song Yunzhao’s expression, and smiled, “Song Yunzhao, you’ve made quite a name for yourself today.”

Song Yunzhao guessed it had something to do with the Imperial Physician but pretended not to know. She said to Helan Yun, looking unaffected, “I just fainted from the heat. What’s so remarkable about that? Making a name for myself, Princess, you’re really exaggerating. Thank you.”

Seeing Yunzhao’s energetic demeanor, Song Yexi felt her worries significantly ease.

Helan Yun pointed at Song Yexi, “Ask your sister if you don’t believe me. Besides, what would I gain by deceiving you?”

Song Yunzhao, still wanting to tease her, replied sarcastically, “Really? Didn’t you just make snide comments about my sister?”

Helan Yun: …

As expected, this girl never lets anything slide.

However, today Helan Yun was composed, smiling faintly at Song Yunzhao, “Your fainting somehow reached the Emperor’s ears, and he sent Imperial Physician Tian to diagnose you. Song Yunzhao, you’ve been incredibly lucky, getting noticed by the Emperor. Among us, you’re the first. Congratulations.”

“What?” Song Yunzhao was genuinely shocked. What was this?

She turned to Song Yexi.

Seeing Yunzhao’s concerned expression, Song Yexi quickly explained, “Yunzhao, don’t worry. The Emperor was just at the library and heard about your fainting, so he had someone diagnose you. It was just a coincidence.”

Song Yunzhao felt something was off. According to the book, the Emperor wouldn’t do anything that didn’t benefit him.

The protagonist struggled in the harem for most of the book, battling other beauties for years before winning the Emperor’s suspicious, fickle, and vengeful heart.

As a minor character, what could she possibly have to make the Emperor show her favor?

Song Yunzhao immediately grew wary, sensing a trap.

But in front of Helan Yun and Song Yexi, she couldn’t show it, so she forced a smile of slight surprise and joy.

It was so difficult.

The Emperor definitely had ulterior motives, but how did he notice her?

Was it the night she smashed the copper basin against the wall?

If only she hadn’t done that.

It was all Helan Yun’s fault. She knew that getting involved with the protagonist and her enemies wouldn’t end well.

“Are you too happy to think straight?” Helan Yun said, noticing Song Yunzhao’s strange expression.

Song Yunzhao gave Helan Yun a haunted look, silently pleading for her to shut up.

Helan Yun somehow understood Song Yunzhao’s silent complaint and awkwardly closed her mouth.

But then she thought, why should she stay quiet? She wouldn’t!

“Song Yunzhao, in this embroidery competition, Qin Xiyue won the top prize with her magnificent double-sided embroidery. It’s a pity you didn’t see it.”

“Why does it matter if I saw it or not? You saw it, Princess. I have no grudges against Miss Qin. She won first place, and I applaud her.”

Helan Yun’s face darkened, and her hand shook with anger, “Fine, you’ve won this round.”

“Likewise.”

Song Yexi, listening, found it amusing and exasperating. How could these two be so childish?

“Yunzhao, the Princess means well. The fact that Imperial Physician Tian was ordered to diagnose you might be seen unfavorably by others. You need to be careful.” Song Yexi intervened.

Song Yunzhao nodded with a grimace, “I understand. Has dinner arrived? I’m starving.”

Helan Yun: …

Was she a reincarnated pig, thinking only about eating?

Song Yexi was embarrassed by Helan Yun’s expressive face and instinctively covered her own. Oh, how shameful.

Song Yunzhao, feeling justified, looked at Helan Yun, “Aren’t you hungry?”

Helan Yun subconsciously touched her stomach, feeling a bit hungry.

But was that the point?

The two stared at each other until Helan Yun conceded, admitting defeat in the face of Yunzhao’s thick skin.

“I’ll check on dinner. Yunzhao, freshen up a bit. I imagine people will come to visit you.” Song Yexi advised.

Song Yunzhao felt annoyed at the thought of dealing with insincere people and turned to Helan Yun, “Princess, for the sake of our friendship, could you help me fend them off?”

Now she recognized her value. Helan Yun coughed, giving Song Yunzhao a proud look, “Look at you.”

Song Yunzhao: …

Song Yunzhao quickly washed her hands and face and changed clothes. Before Song Yexi returned, there were already chattering voices outside, indicating everyone had returned from Qiushui Pavilion.

Soon, someone knocked on Song Yunzhao’s door, and a gentle voice called, “Miss Song, everyone is worried about you and came to visit. May we come in?”

The voice was unfamiliar. Song Yunzhao couldn’t tell who it was, knowing they wouldn’t be friends. Why waste time on such interactions?

In her hesitation, someone outside said, “Miss Song is so high and mighty. We’re here out of concern, and now we can’t even enter. She’s different from us, it seems.”

Those sarcastic words enraged Helan Yun, who immediately said, “Which family do you belong to? State your name. I’d like to see who you think you are to say such things. Do you know Song Yunzhao? Do you have any connection? Do you think visiting Song Yunzhao means you must be seen? Do you think you’re a deity in a temple whom everyone must worship?”

Helan Yun’s voice instantly quieted the outside.

The Princess of Ming’an was known for her bad temper. If it weren’t for her argument with Qin Xiyue today, how would those two ladies have fallen into the water?

Though it was their bad luck to slip, her fiery nature that left no room for concession and also contributed to the incident.

Song Yunzhao gave Helan Yun a thumbs up.

Helan Yun snorted, raising her head disdainfully as if she were unimpressed by Song Yunzhao’s reluctance to show herself. She stepped out, closing the door behind her to prevent any prying eyes from looking inside.

Song Yunzhao clicked her tongue. Helan Yun was so easily provoked, no wonder she always ended up fuming.

However, sometimes she was quite endearing.

Song Yunzhao felt a bit guilty, wishing she had been a bit kinder when arguing with her before.

Standing outside, Helan Yun saw everyone take a step back, their faces looking uneasy.

“Who just spoke?”

No one answered.

Helan Yun scoffed, “Such a coward.”

At that moment, Qin Xiyue and Lu Zhixue arrived, hearing her words and looking over.

Not far behind them, Song Qinghan and Zhao Xiaoyu followed.

“Princess Ming’an, why are you so aggressive? We came out of concern,” someone in the crowd said, displeased.

“Concern? It seems more like you want to snoop around. Don’t use concern as an excuse. Do you think others can’t see through your little schemes?” Helan Yun’s eyes fixed on a pretty woman in the crowd, her ridicule undisguised.

“You… you’re simply too much!”

“Oh, and what if I am? Knowing Song Yunzhao is still sick, doesn’t she need proper rest? Are you all barging in to visit, hoping to exhaust her until she can’t recover?”

Those were harsh words, offending everyone. Even those genuinely concerned felt insulted and left in anger.

Seeing people leave, others followed suit, feeling it was shameful to stay.

Pleased with herself, Helan Yun turned to Qin Xiyue and the others, “What about you? Here to visit too?”

Faced with this, they couldn’t admit it.

Lu Zhixue, unhappy, said, “Princess Ming’an, your arrogance is impressive. How could we, humble girls, dare compete with you? Please, continue guarding the door. We must rest, we have no time for visits.”

Lu Zhixue’s face darkened as she turned back to her room, slamming the door.

Qin Xiyue, not wanting to argue with Helan Yun, nodded to Han Jinyi and Fan Qingru before returning to her room.

Fan Qingru, having no grudge with Helan Yun, nodded and left.

Han Jinyi, usually composed, paused and said softly, “Princess, was that necessary?”

Helan Yun replied, “You’re a good girl, but behaving like a wooden fish in a temple[mfn]She’s calling her boring [/mfn]. What’s the point?”

Han Jinyi left in anger. She tried to advise restraint, only to be called a wooden fish!

Helan Yun’s gaze finally fell on Song Qinghan and Zhao Xiaoyu, who turned and left before she could speak.

Boring.

She recalled how Song Yunzhao once infuriated her, prompting her to learn how to curse properly. Had she learned earlier, she wouldn’t have lost to Song Yunzhao.

Helan Yun, feeling proud of driving everyone away, returned to her room. But upon reflection, she felt she had been a fool for Song Yunzhao.

Meanwhile, Song Yunzhao enjoyed the meal her cousin brought, dining with her.

“Who knew the Princess had a warm heart. You can’t usually tell” Song Yexi sighed. Without the Princess, she wouldn’t have been able to hold those people back today.

Song Yunzhao munched on stir-fried bamboo shoots, swallowing before saying, “She’s okay.”

Song Yexi rolled her eyes, “You must thank the Princess properly. How should you do it?”

Song Yunzhao replied, “You don’t have to worry about it, Sister Yexi. I know how. The Princess won’t be impressed by ordinary gifts. I have a plan.”

“Good, as long as you know. Let me know if you need help.”

“Of course.”

After they finished eating, a palace maid came to clear the dishes.

Song Yunzhao looked at Song Yexi, “Tonight, Song Qinghan will surely come to you to inquire about what happened. Can you help me with something?”

Song Yexi looked at Yunzhao, “What is it?”

Song Yunzhao smiled kindly, “If Song Qinghan asks you what happened, just tell her the truth.”

Song Yexi was taken aback, then smiled, “That’s a good idea.”

Today, Chief Steward Zhang’s attitude towards Yunzhao was very respectful and tense. If Song Qinghan found out, she’d be anxious and upset. Given her nature, she wouldn’t sit idly by. There would be a show to watch.