Song Qinghan clutched her stomach, her face contorted in pain as she glared at Song Yunzhao. “Even if I’m expelled from the palace, my mother will still love me and find me a good match. Do you think you can last until the end? With your face, do you think the consorts will tolerate you? Song Yunzhao, you’re just being clever.”
Song Yunzhao wasn’t surprised by Song Qinghan’s words. She looked at her and asked directly, “There’s one question I’ve always wanted to ask. We share the same mother, and you’re the legitimate eldest daughter. I pose no threat to you. Why have you been so defensive and harsh towards me?”
Song Qinghan was stunned, momentarily forgetting her pain. She stood up with the help of the wall, took a deep breath, and sat down, looking at Song Yunzhao without speaking.
Song Yunzhao remained silent, staring at Song Qinghan’s face, and noticing a rare look of confusion.
The sisters stood and sat in silence for a long time, the tension thickening the air. Finally, Song Qinghan spoke.
“Not a threat? That’s just your own assumption.”
Song Yunzhao frowned, “Respecting seniority, you’re the eldest sister. How could I possibly surpass you?”
Song Qinghan scoffed, “What do you know?”
Realizing that Song Qinghan wasn’t going to be honest, Song Yunzhao lost interest in further questioning. “If you don’t want to say, then fine. After years of rivalry, today we finally have a winner. Song Qinghan, do you really think you’ll be safe after returning home? You’ve lost your greatest advantage. You know what you’ll face.”
Song Qinghan looked up sharply at Song Yunzhao.
Song Yunzhao laughed coldly, “You know it deep down, but you still tried to harm me. Now, it has backfired. You don’t know how long I’ve waited for this day.”
For the first time, Song Qinghan’s expression changed.
Song Yunzhao turned and left.
After Song Yunzhao left, Song Qinghan collapsed onto the table, knowing that her situation wouldn’t be good after leaving the palace.
She was aware that her worth was tied to her potential marriage alliance. Once that value was gone, how would her mother regard her?
Others thought her mother favored her the most, but only Song Yunzhao saw the truth.
How laughable.
Determined, Song Qinghan resolved not to fail. She needed to find a way to turn things around and prove her value to her mother before securing a good marriage.
Song Yunzhao’s grudge dissipated. Though she couldn’t say things were settled with Song Qinghan, it was close enough.
In the book, Song Qinghan ruined the original protagonist’s reputation, leading Cai Shi to arrange an unfavorable marriage, which eventually drove the protagonist to end her life.
Song Yunzhao wasn’t as malicious and didn’t want to force Song Qinghan to her death. But the outcome today was something Song Qinghan brought upon herself. If she hadn’t continually tried to harm her, Song Yunzhao wouldn’t have had the chance to make her reap what she sowed.
She knew that once she lost her most significant bargaining chip—her value in a marriage alliance—her mother would no longer see her the same way. While everyone else believed that her mother favored and protected her, only Song Yunzhao saw the truth. How laughable.
After returning, Song Yunzhao fell asleep immediately, hoping that a good night’s sleep would help dissipate the lingering frustration.
The next day, the sun rose as usual, and the world continued to turn regardless of anyone’s departure.
Having had breakfast, Song Yunzhao was invited by Helan Yun and Song Yexi to visit the Autumn Water Pavilion. Upon arrival, she noticed many gazes directed at her. The news of Song Qinghan and the others being expelled from the palace had spread, and various glances, both malicious and benign, fell upon her, but she paid them no mind.
Inside the pavilion, the paintings were already displayed. Several palace maids were present to guard against any mishaps.
Song Yunzhao quickly spotted her painting, placed in a mediocre position. The most admired paintings were those at the front, surrounded by onlookers. Helan Yun squeezed through the crowd only to return with a disgruntled expression.
Song Yunzhao thought it was unnecessary to trouble herself. She considered herself an average student, neither at the top nor the bottom, and had no curiosity about the works of the top students.
Being neither at the top (not willing to push herself) nor at the bottom (wanting to save face), it was best not to be overly curious and enjoy a happier disposition.
Although Song Yexi was a bit curious, seeing how composed Song Yunzhao was made her feel more stable too. Noticing Helan Yun’s expression, she felt a subtle sense of happiness but refrained from showing it.
Helan Yun glared at Song Yunzhao, “Did you already expect this?”
“What’s there to guess? The top young ladies are already renowned for their talents in the capital. I am someone who can’t catch up, so why should I humiliate myself?”
Annoyed, Helan Yun found a place to sit, and Song Yunzhao and Song Yexi followed.
Seeing Helan Yun’s expression, Song Yunzhao smiled and said, “Everything has its pros and cons. Look at it this way: not being the best means you don’t have to constantly worry about being overtaken, and you can sleep well. Not being the worst means you don’t have to worry about being called useless. Our position allows us to satisfy our families and keep our reputations. Isn’t that something to be happy about?”
“Huh?
Can it be thought of this way?
Something felt off, but it sounded reasonable.
Helan Yun furrowed her brows in thought.
Song Yexi covered her face. A perfectly good County Princess was led astray by Yunzhao.
“Makes sense”, Helan Yun concluded, failing to see any flaw in the logic.
Song Yunzhao nodded seriously. “Exactly. Would I deceive you? With a beauty like the County Princess, a great family background, a cheerful and generous personality, and everything going well, if you were also highly skilled in the arts, how would others survive? Let’s give others some breathing room. If everyone is good, isn’t that better?”
Helan Yun thought it made a lot of sense. She was already this good and didn’t need to strive for more.
Song Yexi had no face left. She wanted to ask Yunzhao if she had any guilt for misleading the County Princess.
Helan Yun, in high spirits, was no longer upset. “You’ve become my friend.”
“Thank you, County Princess,” Song Yunzhao responded. Despite not actively seeking friends, having the County Princess as one meant covering for her in many situations.
And there was still Ji Yunting waiting. This big pit had yet to be crossed. Helan Yun’s future was sure to be exciting.
But since the County Princess had helped her so much, she felt a twinge of conscience. Friends they would be, and she couldn’t let her friend fall flat on her face.
Otherwise, that tiny bit of conscience would indeed feel pain.
The matron’s expressions showed fatigue as they entered the pavilion to announce the results according to the rules.
“Ladies, you’ve seen the rankings. Any questions?” Matron Yin asked.
Everyone shook their heads. Art skills were objective, and the quality was evident at a glance. If the skills were hard to differentiate, then the artistic conception mattered. Qin Xiyue exceed in both, making her first place undisputed.
Following closely was Lu Zhixue. Yunzhao was surprised that Feng Yunjin was third, and Han Jingyi was fourth. She pondered, admiring how the prominent characters in the book all had their talents.
If Song Qinghan hadn’t been expelled from the palace, she would have been in the top five too, as indicated in the book.
But being eliminated meant she lost that chance.
Overall, Qin Xiyue stood out in all arts and ranked first among the selected ladies, making her competitive even among the palace consorts.”
Up to this point, Song Yunzhao admired Qin Xiyue’s abilities. After all, she was the main protagonist, equipped with all the skills.
Helan Yun’s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot. She couldn’t stand seeing Qin Xiyue in the limelight.
Matron Su finally announced that the final selection would be the day after tomorrow, giving everyone a day to relax and prepare for the final battle.
Song Yunzhao was taken aback, as the date had been moved up again.
Helan Yun muttered, “Why so soon? Didn’t they say there were still a few days?”
Song Yexi pondered and said, “It might be related to the recent events.”
Perhaps the people in the palace were also afraid of further mishaps and wanted to conclude the selection early to settle the scores.
Noticing Helan Yun’s uneasy expression, Song Yunzhao visited her after returning from Qiushui Pavilion.
Helan Yun welcomed Song Yunzhao in, looking as if she wanted to say something but held back.
After sitting down, Song Yunzhao asked directly, “Is the County Princess leaving the palace?”
Song Yunzhao smiled gently, “Given the County Princess’s family background, I don’t think the Prince[mfn]her father, the Prince of Zhenbei[/mfn] would want you to enter the palace as a concubine.”
The Helan family had already been ennobled, and sending another daughter to the palace would be too ostentatious, like adding fuel to the fire—it wasn’t a wise move.
Helan Yun visibly relaxed, looking at Song Yunzhao as she spoke, “I thought I could stay a few more days, but with the selection moving up, I have to feign illness and leave the palace tomorrow. My father sent me here to temper my character, and I have no desire to stay in the palace.”
Staying in the palace had no appeal; it was like being a bird in a cage, devoid of freedom.
“As long as you’re happy, I’m sure the Prince of Zhenbei dotes on you very much,” Song Yunzhao said warmly.
Helan Yun brightened up at this, “Of course, my father is the best father in the world.”
Song Yunzhao nodded, “Do you have any plans after leaving the palace?”
Helan Yun was taken aback and instinctively shook her head, “I don’t know.”
“You’ve reached marriageable age. I know you like Mr. Ji. Will you continue to pursue him after leaving the palace?” Song Yunzhao decided to be candid, hoping to deter her from this fruitless pursuit.
Helan Yun fell silent.
Song Yunzhao sighed inwardly.
Without looking at Song Yunzhao, Helan Yun said irritably, “I’ve liked him for so many years. How can I just let go? Besides, it seems Qin Xiyue has a good chance of staying in the palace…”
Song Yunzhao understood. Without Qin Xiyue in the picture, she believed her chances with Ji Yunting would be much higher.
“If the County Princess really wants to give it a try, I wish you the best,” Song Yunzhao said.
“Really?” Helan Yun looked at Song Yunzhao in surprise, expecting a reprimand.
Seeing Helan Yun’s surprised expression, Song Yunzhao remained calm, “There’s an old saying: one doesn’t turn back until they hit a wall, and one doesn’t shed tears until they see the coffin. You’ll know if it hurts after hitting the wall.”
Helan Yun knew it!
“You don’t think I stand a chance?” she asked.
Song Yunzhao replied, “It’s not that I don’t believe in you. Sometimes, the journey teaches you more than the destination. If you really want to pursue Mr. Ji, go ahead. Just be prepared for whatever comes your way.”
Helan Yun was indignant.
“That’s not true.”
“See? You’re contradicting yourself,” Song Yunzhao chuckled. She then looked at Helan Yun sincerely and said, “I just think that a wonderful woman like the County Princess deserves a husband who loves, protects, and cherishes her. Mr. Ji is a good person, and if he weren’t, you wouldn’t have been thinking about him for so many years. But the hardest thing in this world is when you have feelings and he doesn’t. He may have many good qualities, but he’s not interested in you. I just want you to be happy and joyful, not to spend your life in sorrow over one person.”
Helan Yun pursed her lips. “How is that the same? Song Yunzhao, my father is very good to my mother, but he still has many concubines. Wouldn’t it be the same no matter whom I marry? At least if I marry someone I love, I’d be willing.”
“The County Princess has a point.” Song Yunzhao couldn’t say that Helan Yun’s thoughts were wrong. She then delivered a thought-provoking question, “Would you feel hurt when your husband takes concubines?”
Helan Yun was stunned.
“County Princess, who doesn’t want a husband with whom they can share mutual love and spend a lifetime together? I want that too.”
“Then why do you advise me otherwise?”
“Marrying someone you love means feeling hurt when he takes concubines, feeling sad because he doesn’t reciprocate the same feelings, feeling angry because he shows care to other women, feeling discontent and resentful because he doesn’t love you. Living in such shackles, day after day, year after year, you will eventually grow to resent each other. The one who doesn’t love you will distance himself, while the one who loves deeply will sink into the mire, unable to extricate herself because she has given too much. By then, it will be impossible to pull yourself out.”
Helan Yun looked bewildered.
“You and I are of similar age and haven’t experienced this. How can you say such things? What if, after marrying, we are happy together?”
“Then I congratulate you, County Princess, for enduring the storm and seeing the clear skies.”
Helan Yun felt even more frustrated by these words and couldn’t help but ponder Song Yunzhao’s words. Thinking about the future turning out that way sent a chill down her spine.
“I just like him.”
“Yes, liking someone is a wonderful feeling. If those feelings are reciprocated, it’s the happiest thing in the world.”
Helan Yun’s eyes turned red. Indeed, she had always hoped Ji Yunting would tell her that he liked her too.
“You are so annoying,” Helan Yun said angrily.
“I agree,” Song Yunzhao replied.
Helan Yun was speechless.
How was she supposed to pick a fight and end their friendship if Song Yunzhao kept deflecting her provocations with such calmness?
Song Yunzhao’s words hit her right in the heart, leaving her feeling frustrated and angry.
“I know you’re right, but I’m still not willing to give up. When I leave the palace, I’ll ask him one last time,” Helan Yun said determinedly.
Song Yunzhao nodded, “The County Princess has courage. I admire that.”
Helan Yun looked at Song Yunzhao, “I feel like you’re mocking me.”
“These words come from the heart,” Song Yunzhao replied sincerely, feeling a bit wronged.
Helan Yun scrutinized Song Yunzhao’s face, trying to find any hint of insincerity to convince herself that Song Yunzhao’s words were all lies.
“County Princess, then I wish you all the best, that you find a good husband and have a happy life,” Song Yunzhao stood up to leave.
She had said all she could and felt she had overstepped. Having been in this world for so long, it was the first time she had done something like this.
She had done her best, and she had no regrets.
As for what Helan Yun chose to do, it was her own decision. Song Yunzhao still hoped she could avoid the fate described in the book, but if she tried and couldn’t change it, there was nothing more that could be done.
Helan Yun watched Song Yunzhao leave, feeling even more unsettled. She wished Song Yunzhao would say something else to persuade her.
If Song Yunzhao had continued to advise her, she might have gotten angry.
But now that Song Yunzhao had stopped, she felt like something was missing.
After Song Yunzhao left, Helan Yun’s mind was in turmoil, constantly recalling her interactions with Ji Yunting over the years.
It seemed Song Yunzhao was right. She had always been the one chasing after Ji Yunting, always the one visiting him and giving him gifts. He had never once taken the initiative to see her or give her a gift.
Helan Yun had always believed she could warm Ji Yunting’s icy heart. But now, with Song Yunzhao’s words extinguishing her burning passion, she felt her resolve weakening.
Why was it so hard to like someone?
Why couldn’t he like her back?
She came from a good family and was beautiful. What was it that he found unsatisfactory?
Why didn’t he like her?
Helan Yun couldn’t sleep all night. The next day, with dark circles under her eyes, she left the palace without saying goodbye to Song Yunzhao, fearing another cutting remark. She snuck away quietly.
Song Yunzhao watched from the window as Helan Yun left, her eyes slightly curved with a hint of a smile.
Even if she didn’t fully take it to heart, Song Yunzhao hoped that some of her words would be useful to Helan Yun, as a way to repay the care she had shown her over the past few days.
Sometimes, saying too much could lead to mistakes. Although she had said a lot yesterday, she didn’t regret it. It was what it was.
Since there were no tasks today, many of the misses decided to visit Jincui Garden together. However, Song Yunzhao wasn’t interested. When Song Yexi asked her to join, she expressed that she preferred to rest, so Song Yexi went along with the others.
Song Yunzhao, having experienced her misfortune firsthand since the beginning of the selection process, knew that while others might enjoy a peaceful day at the garden, her luck might not be as favorable.
With the final selection set for tomorrow, she didn’t want any unexpected incidents. She decided to stay indoors and conserve her luck, hoping for a favorable outcome. Perhaps she’d even catch the Emperor’s eye, which might lead to a good match.
In Taiji Palace, Feng Yi finished reading his documents, rubbed his temples to rest, and recalled Zhang Maoquan’s report from the previous day.
Thinking of it, a smile appeared on his lips. Falling into the water from a boat was a rare incident even in all the years of the selection process, and Song Yunzhao’s unlucky nature had once again prevailed.
Not only did she dare to threaten the stewardess of Zhichun Palace, but she also succeeded, forcing the stewardesses to handle the matter carefully. Feng Yi knew that Consort Shu and others had intervened, but even they had failed, while Song Yunzhao’s leveraging tactics were exceptional.
Feng Yi wasn’t angry about Song Yunzhao indirectly using Zhang Maoquan’s name. He had anticipated it when he sent Zhang Maoquan to Zhichun Palace. However, Song Yunzhao was different from others. She didn’t openly use Zhang Maoquan’s name, but still made the stewardesses wary.
At her age, being able to handle such matters with such finesse impressed Feng Yi. Imagining her expression when she would see him during the review tomorrow made him even more pleased.
Consort Shu and others weren’t afraid of Song Yunzhao herself but feared the trouble she might bring before the Emperor.
Song Yunzhao was the first to dare use the Emperor’s influence in such a manner.
Anyone who dared to borrow his power had to become his.
Meng Jiuchang, serving attentively nearby, noticed the Emperor’s good mood and wondered if the ministers’ documents hadn’t caused him any frustration today.
That was good. When the Emperor was in a good mood, their duties were less nerve-wracking.
Song Yunzhao spent the day indoors, thinking she had passed the day peacefully until Song Yexi returned in the afternoon with some unexpected news.
“Everyone went to the Fuxiang Pavilion to pray for good luck, so I went along for the excitement. Now I realize that joining the excitement isn’t always a good idea,” Song Yexi said, still shaken. “The steps were so high, and several of the ladies rolled down. They won’t be attending the review tomorrow.”
Song Yunzhao: …
Good thing she didn’t go. If she had, she might have been among those who fell.
“How did that happen?” Song Yunzhao was curious.
“Well, it was bad luck. There’s a flock of pigeons outside the Fuxiang Pavilion. Everyone found it amusing to feed the pigeons, and a few maidens saw Qin Xiyue letting pigeons perch on her arm. They found it fascinating and tried to imitate her, but they were so focused on the pigeons that they didn’t watch their steps and fell headfirst.”
Song Yunzhao didn’t want to say a word. You could say this incident was related to Qin Xiyue? Yes.
But she didn’t harm anyone intentionally. If others imitated her and got into accidents, it wasn’t Qin Xiyue’s fault for being too charming, right?
“How are they? Are they badly hurt?” Song Yunzhao asked.
“One twisted an ankle, another injured a leg, and the third has some facial scrapes. Luckily, the injuries aren’t too severe. With a year or so of recovery, they’ll be fine,” Song Yexi replied.
Song Yunzhao sighed inwardly. The protagonist’s aura seemed a bit too strong. Fortunately, she would be leaving the palace tomorrow.
Because of the incident where she fell into the water, she had offended Consort Shu and a few others, who would definitely not let her be chosen. The only uncertainty was whether the Emperor would grant her a marriage.
She had a vague feeling that she couldn’t rely on that and believed it would be more dependable to count on her father once she left the palace.
Song Yexi took out a palm-sized brocade box from her sleeve and placed it on the table, looking at Yunzhao and saying softly, “My mother asked me to give this to you. Wear it during the selection tomorrow.”
