Song Yexi, worried about Song Yunzhao, stepped forward and said, “Momo[mfn]Referring to an older female servant [/mfn], I want to take care of my sister. She’s hurt this badly, and as her older sister, I am at fault for not watching over her.”
The stewardess gave Song Yexi a cold glance, “Miss Song will be well cared for by the palace staff. There’s no need to worry.”
Frowning, Song Yexi wanted to say more, but the stewardess continued, “If someone confesses today, they will only be punished once. If we find out who did it, they will no longer be tolerated in the palace.”
Hearing this, Song Yexi closed her mouth, realizing she couldn’t look after Yunzhao. Staying here was also fine; she could see who was behind the incident.
Song Yunzhao, dazed, returned to her room. The maid who escorted her said, “Miss Yunzhao, please sit still. I’ll fetch water for you to wash up. The physician will arrive soon.”
“Thank you”, Song Yunzhao replied.
The maid went to get water, and Song Yunzhao noticed a hole in her skirt at the knee, indicating the force of the impact.
The physician arrived quickly, frowning at Song Yunzhao’s wounds. Even though he cleaned them gently, Song Yunzhao winced in pain.
The maid, seeing the beautiful lady’s pained expression, felt heartbroken. Her teary eyes and red-rimmed eyelids made her look as if she had applied rouge, making other people’s hearts race.
“Miss Song, please bear with it. It will be better soon”, the maid couldn’t help but comfort her.
In real pain, Song Yunzhao nodded, unable to speak.
After the agonizing cleaning, Song Yunzhao finally sighed in relief. The physician said softly, “Apply ointment to these abrasions promptly and avoid getting them wet. You need to rest for four to five days before walking.”
Hmm?
Four to five days?
Did that mean she didn’t need to learn the rules?
Song Yunzhao’s eyes brightened, it was the silver lining.
The physician applied ointment and bandaged her carefully, instructing the maid on how to change the dressings before leaving.
Song Yunzhao comfortably sipped tea and snacked in her room, while the hesitant stewardess reported her injury to Zhang Maoquan.
Zhang Maoquan was stunned by the news. Injured again?
He asked the messenger, “What happened? Explain clearly.”
The young eunuch replied, “The matter is still under investigation. It’s unclear if Miss Song’s fall was accidental or deliberate. However, the lady who collided with her claimed she was pushed and then hit Miss Song.”
Zhang Maoquan thought Miss Song was quite unlucky. This likely wasn’t accidental, but without evidence, he couldn’t say much. He told the eunuch, “Tell the stewardess to investigate thoroughly.”
Regardless of the Emperor’s intentions towards Miss Song, he needed to be clear in case the Emperor asked.
“Yes, I will.” The eunuch left quickly, not daring to delay.
Considering how to report this to the emperor, Zhang Maoquan looked up and saw Xu Sixi watching from the steps. His expression changed to normal, and he walked over briskly.
“Chief Zhang, what happened? You seem upset. If you need any help, just ask. We’re all serving the Emperor and will help each other”, Xu Sixi said, eyes fixed on Zhang Maoquan with a smile.
Internally cursing, Zhang Maoquan said, “It’s just a small matter, with some underlings failing in their duties. A few instructions will suffice. No need to trouble Chief Xu.”
Both had served the emperor from early on. After the Emperor’s ascension, they rose in rank but never got along and their rivalry only got more intense.
The positions close to the emperor were limited. While neither dared challenge Meng Jiuchang, neither wanted to be under the other’s thumb.
Nowadays, the Emperor’s special treatment towards Miss Song was kept under wraps, and it must not be leaked to Xu Sixi. Hearing his question, Zhang Maoquan had to be on guard.
“Is that so?” Xu Sixi didn’t believe a word, watching the eunuch leave, deep in thought. “If there’s no issue, that’s good. I have some errands to run, so I’ll be off.”
Zhang Maoquan bowed and, after Xu Sixi left, immediately dropped his smile, internally cursing him as a dog. He collected himself, thinking that this matter had to be reported.
He stepped up, entering the side hall. Not seeing Meng Jiuchang, he knew he must be on duty before the emperor. Zhang Maoquan called over an attendant and instructed, “Go ask Chief Meng if the emperor can see me now.”
“Yes,” the young eunuch nodded and quickly left.
The rules of the main hall were strict. One day, when he could replace Meng Jiuchang, things would be easier.
The young eunuch returned quickly, saluted, and said, “Chief Zhang, the Emperor is busy. Chief Meng said to wait if you have something important.”
What could Zhang Maoquan do but wait?
Inside, Feng Yi stared at the memorial, a mocking smile playing on his lips as he slammed it on the table. They treated him like a fool.
Meng Jiuchang, seeing the Emperor in a bad mood, held back his report. Better to wait than risk taking the blame for Zhang Maoquan.
Feng Yi stood by the window, watching the armored guards. How many were loyal to him?
Last year, he placed a trusted aide in the south as a prefect, planning to promote him to the Six Ministries[mfn]Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Rites, Ministry of War, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Works[/mfn] after some achievements. But word leaked, and he was framed before settling into the position.
Feng Yi knew the cabinet and the Six Ministries were united against him, trying to undermine his power.
He sneered.
A mere pawn was thrown out, and they swarmed like dogs for a bone.
“Meng Jiuchang.”
“This servant is at your service.”
“Take the new coloured glass cup that arrived yesterday and deliver it to Consort Shu[mfn]a Consort is of a 3rd rank after the Empress[/mfn].”
“Yes.”
Meng Jiuchang promptly obeyed but wondered about the Emperor’s intentions, as he hadn’t granted Consort Shu’s request yesterday.
All the concubines had been eyeing that glass cup, so the others wouldn’t be happy it went to Consort Shu.
Zhang Maoquan waited in the side hall, watching Meng Jiuchang leave hurriedly. He cursed, knowing Meng Jiuchang hadn’t reported his request.
Not wanting to wait longer, with Meng Jiuchang gone, Zhang Maoquan saw his chance.
He quickly left the side hall, heading straight to the main hall, where the guards saluted him.
Zhang Maoquan entered without looking at them.
“Your servant greets Your Majesty,” he said, kneeling.
Feng Yi, not looking up, simply said, “Speak.”
“Your Majesty, I’ve just received news that Miss Song was injured.”
Feng Yi paused, remembering who Miss Song was—ah, that troublemaker. Looking at Zhang Maoquan, he asked, “What happened?”
Relieved that the Emperor had inquired, Zhang Maoquan explained, “Today, several matrons were teaching the rules to the young ladies. Miss Song was knocked down and said it was deliberate. The details are still under investigation at Zhichun Palace, but I heard Miss Song was seriously injured, needing four to five days of rest.”
Feng Yi: …
Tsk, Song Yunzhao’s luck was always off, encountering trouble whenever he saw her.
It made him feel less unlucky himself.
Feeling a bit better, Feng Yi saw through Zhang Maoquan’s intentions.
He instructed, “Go see what’s happening, but don’t disturb anyone.”
“At once”, Zhang Maoquan replied.
Zhang Maoquan left the hall feeling refreshed. He knew he’d guessed right—the Emperor treated Miss Song differently.
Not disturbing anyone meant not disturbing Miss Song. He would directly ask the stewardess.
He rushed to Zhichun Palace, where Song Yunzhao, full and content, was sleeping soundly.
Stewardess Zhang, busy and frazzled, heard Zhang Maoquan’s arrival and felt a pang of unease, hurrying to greet him.
“This old servant greets Chief Zhang. What brings you here? Any orders from above?” she asked with a smiling face, ushering him into the main hall.
Zhang Maoquan, stern and upright, asked, “I heard Miss Song is injured. What happened, Matron?”
Matron Zhang had a vague suspicion but hearing Zhang Maoquan ask, her heart skipped a beat.
Her eyes flickered before she said, “It’s all my fault for not handling things well and disturbing Chief Zhang. While learning the rules today, some of the ladies couldn’t endure and accidentally fell, causing others to fall and implicating Miss Song.”
“Is that so? Matron Zhang, you’re a smart woman. Don’t cover for anyone.”
Cold sweat trickled down Matron Zhang’s back, but she smiled even more sincerely, “Chief Zhang, I’ve served here at Zhichun Palace for decades. You know, I’ve always been fair and wouldn’t dare speak falsely.”
Zhang Maoquan sneered inwardly, not believing her, “Good that you know.”
Matron Zhang bowed as she saw Zhang Maoquan leave, her face changing as she hurried inside, burning a received letter with a flint. Her expression was uncertain.
She knew this was a troublesome task. She couldn’t offend Zhang Maoquan or the person who conveyed the message, leaving her in a difficult position.
Matron Yin entered, smelling something burning. She frowned, “Got rid of him?”
Matron Zhang nodded, “How did it go on your end?”
“What else? She stubbornly claims she was jealous of Miss Song and deliberately caused her harm, taking full responsibility”, Matron Yin didn’t care much. Such incidents occurred during every selection.
Some unlucky ones always paved the way for others.
Who was to blame?
Naturally, those whose families used them as stepping stones.
Matron Zhang snorted, “So that’s settled?”
Matron Yin looked at her, “Zhang Maoquan himself asked. Do you think the matter is settled?”
If no higher-up intervened, it would be fine. But now, with Zhang Maoquan involved, they couldn’t be careless.
“Then what do you suggest? We have limited power. That lady insists it was her doing. Unless we send her to the Court of Discipline for interrogation we can’t prove anything. But would Chief Zhang make such a fuss for Miss Song?”
Matron Zhang lowered her voice, her tone subtly nuanced. With many high-ranking concubines watching, if someone from Zhichun Palace stood out too soon, it might not be good.
Matron Yin, frustrated, thought and said, “Regardless, Miss Song seems fortunate. The one in power said a unique lady must emerge from the palace this year.”
Matron Zhang sighed, “Let’s leave it at that.”
Matron Yin patted her arm, “Don’t worry. I see Miss Song isn’t ordinary. Protecting her today might bring us blessings in the future.”
Matron Zhang shook her head, “I dare not hope for that, just pray for safe passage out of the palace.”
Matron Yin’s face momentarily darkened but then she chuckled, “True.” As she left, she said, “I’ll check on Miss Song. The other lady is your responsibility.”
“How to handle her?”
“Report it.”
Matron Zhang asked sourly, “To which consort?”
If Imperial Noble Consort Chu were alive, naturally to her. But with her gone, there were three consorts, and choosing one offended the other two.
“You’ve forgotten, the Emperor hasn’t decreed the consorts to oversee the selections. Report to Taiji Palace.”
Matron Zhang hesitated, “I should’ve been more detailed with Chief Zhang.”
She now had to run again, not just dealing with Zhang Maoquan, but also Meng Jiuchang and Xu Sixi, who she couldn’t provoke.
As they split up, neither noticed a figure fleeting past the back window.
Hearing Matron Yin’s words, Song Yunzhao’s face showed just the right amount of shock, “I had no grudge against Lady Zhang, who would’ve thought she’d harm me like this. It’s unbelievable.”
Matron Yin replied, “Miss Song, don’t be upset. Selection processes throughout history have always had some mishaps. With your luck, you’ll surely have great fortune.”
Song Yunzhao’s face lit up with a smile, “Thank you for your kind words, Matron. But what will happen to Lady Zhang?”
“Naturally, she will be sent out of the palace, and is no longer eligible to participate.”
Song Yunzhao showed a somewhat dissatisfied expression and said after a while, “Thank you for your efforts, Matron.”
Matron Yin noticed Song Yunzhao’s displeasure and knew she was unhappy with the outcome. If Song Yunzhao had come from a noble family, Lady Zhang wouldn’t leave the palace unscathed. But with her low status, no one would stand up for her.
Matron Yin thought that if Song Yunzhao could remain in the selection, her beauty alone could stir up the palace. She smiled and said, “Miss Song, you flatter me. This is what I should do. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”
Song Yunzhao handed her prepared silver notes, “For the matrons to have tea, thank you for your care.”
Matron Yin accepted them, “Thank you, Miss Song.”
After receiving the silver, future interactions were established. If Song Yunzhao rose in rank, it would be their good fortune.
After Matron Yin left, Song Yunzhao chuckled softly. The people in the palace were indeed excellent actors. If she didn’t know the truth from the book, Matron Yin might have fooled her.
Fortunately, these two matrons were fair in their dealings and didn’t disregard her.
Whether she was hit to shield the protagonist was unclear. In the book, the protagonist had only a minor fall and recovered quickly.
For her, it was abrasions and bleeding, truly a high-level injury for a mere pawn. The unjust misfortune was frustrating.
Meanwhile, Zhang Maoquan didn’t just rely on the matrons’ words. He personally questioned the involved ladies before reporting back to Taiji Palace.
“Out of jealousy?” Feng Yi sneered, thinking they must take him for a fool.
“Yes, the lady admitted it,” Zhang Maoquan knew it wasn’t simple, but without solid proof, imprisoning her would cause too much stir.
“Which family is she from?”
“The daughter of the Prefect of Fengyang Prefecture.”
“Fengyang…” Feng Yi considered, knowing Right Assistant of the Prime Minister[mfn]I am not sure which title they are referring to here so I might change it later[/mfn] Yao Zongjing was from Fengyang.
He instructed Zhang Maoquan, “Investigate Consort Wan’s recent activities.”
“Yes.” Zhang Maoquan left excited, knowing Xu Sixi was close to Consort Wan. If the Emperor dismissed her, Xu Sixi would lose his power, which would boost Zhang Maoquan’s motivation.
Zhichun Palace was lively that night, with many people visiting Song Yunzhao.
Feng Yi spent the evening at Consort Zhuang Wang Yunyi’s palace. Consort Shu Lu Min, who received the glass cup, angrily smashed her teacup, thinking the Emperor would visit her. But he went to Zhaoyang Palace instead.
Remembering that Consort Wan neither received the glass cup nor the Emperor’s visit, she felt slightly better. Wanting company in her displeasure, she sent word to Rufu Palace, letting Consort Wan know where the Emperor went.
Consort Wan Yao Yirong, upon receiving the news, wasn’t as furious as Consort Shu expected. She recalled her family’s letter and frowned.
The position of Imperial Noble Consort wasn’t easy to secure.
Since Chu Yuling’s death, many eyed the position, leading directly to the Empress’s throne.
Her expression darkened at the thought.
She needed to choose a new ally from the upcoming selection, despite her reluctance, as her family had advised.
Others saw her title as glamorous, but only she knew she was still a virgin. She dared not tell her family, fearing they’d abandon her and choose another to send to the palace.
If her family abandoned her, how could she survive in the palace?
The more Yao Yirong thought, the more distressed she became. Her family had chosen the Minister of Personnel’s daughter, Lu Zhixue.
A minister’s daughter as her ally?
Laughable. The Lu family likely saw her as a stepping stone.
But she needed a new beauty as an ally, at least to secure the Noble Consort position, and to supress Consorts Shu and Zhuang. As for Lu Zhixue, time would tell if she knew her place.
In a few days, after finishing the etiquette lessons at Zhichun Palace, it would be time for the final selection. By then, they would assess the situation and make a decision.
Thinking about this, she asked her maid, “Lechun, I remember Consort Zhuang mentioned a particularly outstanding candidate among the selected ladies. Which family is she from?”
Lechun immediately replied, “Madam, Consort Zhuang was referring to a lady with the surname Song. But don’t worry, Madam, Lady Song comes from a lowly background. Even if she remains in the selection, her initial ranking won’t be high and she won’t stir any trouble.”
Consort Wan shook her head, “I’m just curious, how did Consort Zhuang notice this lady?”
A selected lady from a lowly background wouldn’t normally catch their eyes, but it was interesting that Wang Yunyi mentioned her.
Lechun explained, “I investigated. Consort Zhuang heard that Princess Ming’an was also participating in the selection and had someone look into it. They found that Princess Ming’an was close to a lady with the surname Song, which is how she came to notice her.”
“Princess Ming’an? The one from the Zhenbei Prince Mansion?” Consort Wan sneered, “I met her a few times before entering the palace. She was just a little girl then, with a bad temper. Anyone who can get close to her… your words have piqued my curiosity. What is that lady like?”
Lechun shook her head, “I didn’t dare to investigate too deeply. Madam, the Emperor hasn’t entrusted the matters of Zhichun Palace to the inner palace, and I didn’t want to cause you any trouble with too much action.”
“You’re right.” Consort Wan stood up, her long skirt trailing on the ground, the gold-threaded floral patterns shimmering in the light, “Then keep an eye on Consort Zhuang. If she’s concerned about Helan Yun, could the Wang family have ties with the Zhenbei family?”
Lechun didn’t dare to comment, as she wasn’t aware of matters outside the palace.
Standing by the window, Consort Wan watched the palace lanterns sway gently in the night breeze, their soft glow flickering on the ground.
When Chu Yuling died, she had a bad feeling. It was only intensified by the Emperor’s decision to start the selection process, complying with the ministers’ wishes.
Now, that sense of unease returned, foreboding some impending event she couldn’t predict.
“Madam, it’s getting late. You should rest”, Lechun advised, “You have Consort Shu’s tea party to attend tomorrow. You need to rest well.”
Though the madam said she didn’t care about the Emperor visiting Consort Zhuang, she knew she was still hurt.
“Tea party?” Consort Wan’s eyes lit up, momentarily forgetting her concerns. Her mood lifted, looking forward to the interesting event.
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