TSNCWEM Chapter 48

For three days, Song Yunzhao didn’t feel bored while recovering from her injury. During this time, she heard that three ladies had fainted from the sun, and eight had been punished. Even Song Yexi and Helan Yun visited her daily with less than cheerful expressions.

Song Qinghan visited once, but Song Yunzhao was not courteous to her. Seeing her sister’s fake concern and talk of sisterly love, Song Yunzhao immediately sent her away.

She knew that Song Qinghan was calculating, trying to get close while she was confined indoors, making it easier to deal with her later.

Afterwards, Song Qinghan didn’t visit again. Song Yexi mentioned the incident of two ladies falling into the water earlier, where both Song Qinghan and Zhao Xiaoyu were involved. Since the incident happened suddenly, it was difficult to clarify, but it started because Helan Yun quarreled with Qin Xiyue, leading to everyone being punished.

Song Yunzhao: …

Now they were seeing the consequences, albeit delayed.

The stewardess’s method of punishing everyone when the culprit couldn’t be identified was truly effective.

Even the two who had fallen into the water weren’t spared. The stewardess said that if they hadn’t been watching the commotion, they wouldn’t have fallen in, and thus their punishment wasn’t lighter.

Song Yunzhao rewarded the palace servants who took care of her, asking them to bring back news from the ladies. She enjoyed this every day.

Listening about it was entertaining, but experiencing it firsthand was even more so.

Unfortunately, her knee injury prevented her from participating, though it did allow her to avoid collective punishment.

A maid brought in a fruit platter, smiling, “Miss Song, today’s strawberries just arrived from the palace kitchen. Please try some.”

Song Yunzhao smiled and thanked her. Truly, money could turn the wheels of fortune; a bit of silver and she could enjoy such treats.

She offered some to the maid, “I can’t eat all of this myself. Have some with me, and we can chat.”

Having snacks while gossiping was too comfortable.

The maid, now familiar with Song Yunzhao, knew she enjoyed hearing about the other ladies. Happily, she accepted the strawberries and said, “Today, at Qiushui Pavilion, they are practicing calligraphy.”

Song Yunzhao asked in surprise, “Have they finished learning the rules?”

The maid nodded, “There were two more days left, but I heard the selection date has been moved up, so the matrons are not delaying.”

Song Yunzhao was taken aback, “Moved up? Why?”

There was no mention of this in the book. What had changed?

“I don’t know. But…” The maid lowered her voice, “Two days ago, Consort Shu held a tea party.”

Song Yunzhao understood. The high-ranking concubines had agreed to make a move. This was different from the book, indicating unknown events.

The fact that the maid even knew about the tea party was already impressive, but further details were unlikely.

Having knowledge from the book was helpful, but when the plot deviated or hidden events were triggered, she was in the dark, which emphasised the need for caution.

Seeing Song Yunzhao’s worried expression, the maid, having benefited from her, whispered, “Don’t worry, Miss Song. I heard that Chief Zhang inquired about your fall.”

Hmm?

Song Yunzhao looked up, surprised, “Really?”

The maid nodded with a smile, “I just overheard it today. Please don’t mention it and bring trouble upon yourself. Chief Zhang manages Taiji Palace. If he asked about you, you must be very fortunate.”

Song Yunzhao: …

Thanks, but she didn’t need such fortune, just a bit would suffice.

The maid thought Song Yunzhao was stunned with happiness and left quietly.

Song Yunzhao felt troubled. What now?

She wanted the Emperor to notice her, but not like this.

What strange persona had she triggered? Saving someone by ringing a bell, gaining a kind reputation, then getting injured and labeled as weak. Helan Yun mocked her for being misjudged by everyone.

Song Yunzhao agreed.

Once a label stuck, removing it was tough.

Didn’t they see how she exacted revenge on the person who caused her injury, leading to their expulsion from the palace?

Shouldn’t they think she was an evil person for causing someone to lose their future over a minor injury?

What was wrong?

Unable to figure it out, she gave up.

In this world, normal logic didn’t apply.

“Nothing is difficult in this world if you are willing to give up.” So true; she decided to lie low.

Maybe only the protagonist, with a strong aura, could maintain her persona. She didn’t aspire to that.

So far, in the selection, Qin Xiyue stood out with impressive skills, dazzling everyone.

Lu Zhixue followed closely, with Han Jinyi and Feng Yunjin also not far behind. Surprisingly, Fan Qingru, who was usually neutral in the book, also stood out, as did Song Qinghan.

Song Qinghan’s rise was due to the spread of her distant relationship with the late Imperial Noble Consort Chu.

Song Yunzhao knew well that Song Qinghan, seeing her injured and confined indoors, had no chance to use her as a stepping stone. Thus, she couldn’t stand watching others outshine her, so she spread this news.

Originally, the Count of Dingnan’s family had chosen her to recommend to the palace, so she had the confidence to release this information.

Connecting herself with the late Imperial Consort naturally gave her more weight.

While thinking this, she heard laughter from outside. Soon the door was pushed open, and Song Yexi and Helan Yun walked in.

Song Yunzhao had saved some strawberries for them and quickly invited them to sit.

Helan Yun said sourly, “You’re living the good life.”

Song Yexi quickly closed the door behind her to avoid being seen gossiping, then joined them at the table.

Seeing their troubled expressions, Song Yunzhao asked immediately, “What’s wrong? Were you scolded?”

“You were scolded!” Helan Yun retorted after eating a strawberry.

“Then why the long face?”

Song Yexi explained, “Today we copied scriptures, and our ‘dear sister’ got praised by the matron.”

Song Yunzhao, thinking it was something serious, said, “She practiced calligraphy diligently at home for years. At least she has something to show.”

Helan Yun, puzzled by Song Yunzhao’s lack of anger, asked, “Why aren’t you angry?”

“Why should I be angry?” Song Yunzhao countered.

“Isn’t it obvious? Song Qinghan treats you poorly. How can you be happy seeing her praised?”

“The matron praised her once. Qin, Lu, and Han are more outstanding. If she beats them all, then I’ll be angry.”

Helan Yun thought for a moment and then said, “That makes sense.”

Song Yexi, enjoying how Song Yunzhao outmaneuvered the Princess of Ming’an, remained expressionless but changed the subject, “I heard the selection date has been moved up, leaving only half a month. More ladies were sent away today, and the rules are getting stricter.”

Each round of the competition would eliminate more ladies, with fewer progressing to the finals.

In music, chess, calligraphy and painting Song Yunzhao wasn’t exceptional, just above average. She wasn’t at the top but not at the bottom either.

The confidence of a transmigrator who exceled at everything wasn’t her. She was realistic about her abilities.

One must endure hardship to rise above others.

She didn’t want to endure too much, so she accepted her limitations.

“What is the contest tomorrow?” Song Yunzhao asked.

“Music” Song Yexi replied.

Song Yunzhao maintained a smile, relieved to continue her recovery.

“And the day after?”

“Chess, then painting the following day.”

Looking at her knee, Song Yunzhao thought she might avoid chess but not painting.

Seeing Song Yunzhao’s conflicted expression, Helan Yun remembered her embroidery and doubted her painting skills.

Noticing Helan Yun’s subtle disdain, Song Yunzhao remained silent.

Helan Yun, pleased to have an advantage, returned to her room with a proud stride.

Song Yexi, bemused, said after Helan Yun left, “Song Qinghan has been trying to get close to me these past days.”

Frowning, Song Yunzhao said, “She won’t give up. With no chance with me, she’ll target you.”

“Don’t worry. I didn’t agree,” Song Yexi assured.

Song Yunzhao sighed, “Never be alone with her or eat anything she gives you. Remember what happened to Jiang Xiang.”

Recalling the incident, Song Yexi became serious, “I know. Don’t worry.”

Song Yunzhao thought for a moment and said, “Be careful of Zhao Xiaoyu, who’s always with her. She might unknowingly be used.”

Song Yexi, exasperated, said, “I really don’t know what to make of her.”

Song Yunzhao’s eyes brightened, “Tell me, what happened?”

Meeting her eager gaze, Song Yexi explained, “When Song Qinghan mentioned her relation to Imperial Noble Consort Chu, someone mocked her and Zhao Xiaoyu defended her and quarreled with them.”

Song Yunzhao saw Zhao Xiaoyu’s lack of brains but couldn’t help but marvel at Song Qinghan’s skill in choosing such a useful pawn, truly a worthy antagonist.

“Indeed, they weren’t wrong. The relationship isn’t close. Dingnan Count’s wife is a stepmother, while Imperial Noble Consort Chu was the eldest daughter of the first wife. Song Qinghan is merely the stepmother’s niece. Calling it a distant relation is generous.”

Song Yexi added, “You should be careful. I think Song Qinghan might try to drag you down. She’s not as beautiful as you and might spread rumors to make people think you’re using this connection to stay in the palace.”

“She’s just desperate, with no other tricks left, and trying to disgust me,” Song Yunzhao sneered. “If anyone says anything else, Sister Yexi, just tell them for me: ‘Imperial Noble Consort Chu comes from a noble background, and I dare not overreach.’”

Song Yexi frowned, “If you say that, you’ll be playing into Song Qinghan’s hands. She’s trying to force you to give up that connection.”

“Then let her have it. She cares about it, but I don’t.”

Hearing this, Song Yexi sighed and looked at Yunzhao, “Maybe you’re right. Before entering the palace, my mother warned me that aligning with the late Imperial Consort Chu might not bring only benefits.”

“How so?” Song Yunzhao asked, curious.

“Think about it. So many entered the palace, but only she met her end. She was in a high position, and there could be unresolved grudges.”

Song Yunzhao hadn’t considered this angle and nodded in admiration, “What Aunt said makes sense. Everyone covets the the Imperial Noble Sonsort position, and Consort Chu surely made enemies by securing it.”

“Exactly. My mother said there are no free lunches in this world. You must be cautious and not act rashly. With your looks, you can carve out your path. No need to leverage her and owe favors to Dingnan mansion, only for it to be used against you.”

Song Yunzhao agreed wholeheartedly and said, “Aunt told you this to help me when I lose my head, didn’t she?”

Song Yexi looked a bit uneasy, “You figured it out? My mother meant well, worried you might act impulsively out of anger. She asked me to keep an eye on you.”

“I know. Aunt cares about me and thinks so thoroughly for my sake.” Song Yunzhao felt that if she failed and had to return home, she would disappoint her Aunt’s kind intentions.

First Madam surely had her own motives, but she truly paved the way for her, and this favor was real and tangible.

Song Yexi, pleased with Yunzhao’s understanding, said, “As long as you understand. We must be cautious with Song Qinghan. She’s not a simple person and might cause more trouble.”

After chatting for a while, Song Yexi didn’t return to her room but stayed in Yunzhao’s for a short rest. When the time came, she called for Helan Yun and headed to Qiushui Pavilion.

In the afternoon, it was time to review the copied scriptures. Song Yunzhao knew this would be Song Qinghan’s moment to shine, as her calligraphy was indeed well-practiced.

Fortunately, she didn’t have to witness it, sparing herself the frustration.

Unexpectedly, an incident occurred in the afternoon. Song Qinghan’s calligraphy was somehow soaked, turning into a mess of black ink. This caused quite a stir at Qiushui Pavilion.

“You missed it. Song Qinghan’s face was priceless. She thought using Imperial Noble Consort Chu’s name would bring her benefits, but this was a slap in the face. It’s not that easy to claim kinship with a consort” Song Yexi said, feeling vindicated. She remembered her experiences at Dingnan Count’s mansion, feeling today’s events were just.

“Do they know who did it?” Song Yunzhao asked. This was an unexpected deviation from the plot.

“They said a maid in the tea room accidentally spilled tea on the calligraphy. Not only Song Qinghan’s, but all the calligraphy stacked with hers were damaged, though hers was on top, so it was the worst.”

“If someone could instruct the tea room maid, it wasn’t an ordinary person”, Song Yunzhao noted.

Song Yexi felt uneasy, “Indeed. Lucky we didn’t try to claim kinship. My mother was right; it’s not easy being related to Imperial Consort Chu.”

Song Yunzhao felt this incident wasn’t over and asked, “Did the stewardess just let it go?”

“I don’t know”, Song Yexi shook her head. She had no connections in the palace to investigate such matters. Seeing Yunzhao’s serious expression, she asked, “Do you think there’s more to this?”

“Hard to say.”

“Hard to say?”

Meeting Song Yexi’s doubtful gaze, Song Yunzhao smiled, “Whoever can command the maids at Zhichun Palace is either a powerful lady or a concubine in the palace. Either way, they’re not someone we can afford to offend.”

Thus, there was no point in saying anything.

Song Qinghan would have to swallow this loss, no matter how unjust it felt. Unless she could find someone to back her up and provide evidence.

The maid had already confessed, and had caused no major harm. At most, she would be punished lightly. The person behind it would protect her by possibly transferring her out of Zhichun Palace. If they were more powerful, they might not even do that.

Song Yexi, unsure what to say, looked at Song Yunzhao and said, “I think Song Qinghan will have to accept it.”

Song Yunzhao agreed. The Song family had no influence in the palace and were unable to seek justice for her.

Even if the First Madam had the power, her relationship with Cai Shi and Song Qinghan was lukewarm, and she was unlikely to waste her influence.

Song Yunzhao was right. Song Qinghan sulked all night but had no better solution and had to accept it.

She appeared more aggressive than when she first entered the palace. During the chess competition, she unfortunately drew Qin Xiyue as an opponent. Her chess skills were decent, but the protagonist had an aura, and Song Qinghan narrowly lost.

The physician came to reexamine Song Yunzhao’s knee, smiling as he said, “It’s healed, though there might be a slight scar. With continued ointment application, it will be unnoticeable in half a year. The ointment is effective, so in two or three months, it should be barely visible.”

“That’s great news,” Song Yunzhao said, genuinely pleased. Though she lived a rough life, she still cared about her appearance.

The physician left a jar of ointment, reminding her that if she ran out, the palace maid could fetch more from the imperial hospital before taking her leave.

Thick-skinned, Song Yunzhao saw him off. Her injury had fully healed by the third day, allowing her to walk normally, but she didn’t want to learn the rules and wanted to laze around a few more days, confined to her room.

The physician, a kind person, had noticed but said nothing.

“Miss Song, since you’re well now, I must report to the stewardess. Tomorrow, you need to go to Qiushui Pavilion”, the palace maid said.

“Of course. Thank you for making the trip,” Song Yunzhao replied with a smile. Laziness was one thing, but she couldn’t let others see through it.

After the maid left, Song Yunzhao stood by the window. It was quiet outside; all the ladies were at Qiushui Pavilion. She opened the door and stepped out, looking up at the sky. The sun warmed her face, carrying the unique scent of spring.

Summer was approaching, and the scenery at Jincui Garden would be even more beautiful then.

Unfortunately, she wouldn’t be around to see it.

Fearful of encountering that fan gentleman again, she didn’t plan to stroll through Jincui Garden alone but wandered slowly around Zhichun Palace.

Zhichun Palace was quite large, with a small garden aside from the ladies’ quarters. She wandered there instead of anywhere else.

The small garden was surrounded by covered walkways, connecting paths, adorned with rocks and flowers, and a pond with swimming koi. She sat on a chair in the corridor, watching the koi swim, listening to birds chirping. Life like this was quite pleasant.

“Miss Song?”

Startled by the call, Song Yunzhao turned to see an unfamiliar, stern-looking stewardess whose gaze made her uncomfortable.

Observing closely, she noticed the stewardess’s attire and accessories were more luxurious than those of Zhichun Palace’s stewardesses.

“It’s me” Song Yunzhao replied, not rising, giving the woman a cool look. “You seem unfamiliar. I haven’t seen you in Zhichun Palace. What do you want?”

Song Yunzhao guessed this woman might be from the inner palace but only speculated and probed with her words.

“I heard you were injured. Our Master was very concerned. Seeing you well now, they invite you to speak with them” the stewardess said, stepping forward.

Oh, she guessed right. But the woman’s vagueness, not naming the master, was clearly misleading.

She definitely didn’t have good intentions.

“The matrons of Zhichun Palace said we ladies can’t leave without their permission. Please understand, I can’t break palace rules”, Song Yunzhao said, standing and walking away.

Avoiding such trouble was wise; only a fool would willingly dive in.

The stewardess expected refusal but didn’t think Song Yunzhao would leave without asking more. Startled, she quickly blocked Song Yunzhao’s path, “Miss Song, I am following orders. Please come with me.”

Song Yunzhao frowned slightly, surprised by the woman’s persistence and assertiveness.

What persona should she adopt now?

To comply or not to comply?

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Tls note: You can still expect 2 chapters on Saturday! These ones were extras. I feel like the book got a little slow in the last few chapters, but it gets much more interesting after ch 52. Also, I know that I am translator, but this novel is so weird at times. The author constantly just tells us things, without showing them. It’s frustrating 🥲