Hearing Consort Shu’s words, Song Yunzhao felt slightly relieved. Yes, keep going just like that. Pick at faults, suppress me, and then finally send me out of the palace.
Feng Yi noticed Song Yunzhao’s look of relief and felt an inexplicable annoyance.
Oh, want to leave the palace?
Using his name to get in and then trying to leave easily—keep dreaming.
The Emperor said nothing but cast an inadvertent glance at Consort Zhuang.
Consort Zhuang caught the Emperor’s look and smiled slightly, turning to Consort Shu, “Precisely because all the sisters in the palace are the same, I think having someone different would be interesting. It would make things livelier. Your Majesty, I really like Miss Song, so why not let her stay?”
She glanced at Consort Shu and continued, “Besides, a little conflict between sisters is no big deal. When I was at home, I often played and quarreled with my sisters. It’s nothing serious.”
Song Yunzhao’s smile gradually faded.
Consort Shu Lu Min looked at Zhuang Wang Yunyi after hearing her words. Her eyes shifted slightly before she turned to Yao Yirong, “Consort Wan, what do you think?”
Yao Yirong examined Song Yunzhao, who wore a red and green dress that accentuated her unique beauty. Naturally, she did not want such a striking beauty to enter the palace.
However, Song Yunzhao’s father was just a minor official without much power. Even if she entered the palace based on her looks, she wouldn’t pose much of a threat to them.
What worried her was that everyone believed she had gained favor, but who would believe that she was still a virgin? The Emperor honored her in name but refused to touch her, which made her anxious.
Song Yunzhao was clearly not a docile person, and bringing her into the palace might actually be beneficial. The palace needed some excitement, only then would she have a chance.
Thinking of this, she looked at Consort Shu. Consort Shu’s father was the Right Prime Minister[mfn]In some dynasties the Right prime minister had more power than the left one[/mfn], and she always thought highly of herself due to her high birth, so it was amusing for Yao Yirong to see her troubled.
“Consort Zhuang is right; I also think our palace could use a few more sisters to liven things up.”
Upon hearing Consort Wan’s words, Consort Shu’s expression stiffened. Given Yao Yirong’s nature, it was surprising she agreed to let someone into the palace. This made her suspect that Yao Yirong and Wang Yunyi might have planned this in advance.
Feng Yi sat steadily, indifferent to his consorts’ exchanges, while his eyes subtly focused on Song Yunzhao.
He noticed that although she seemed calm, a faint fire glimmered in her eyes. Did she not want to stay?
Then why did she participate?
Recalling what he had learned about the Song family, he wondered if she did it just to spite her sister and mother. If that were the case, wouldn’t she be more eager to stay and achieve greater glory as a palace attendant?
Feng Yi initially thought he had understood Song Yunzhao’s intentions, but now she appeared different from his expectations.
Her reasons for participating were no longer important; what mattered was that he had taken a liking to her, so she had to stay.
With Consort Zhuang and Consort Wan joining forces, Consort Shu was outnumbered, and it was decided that Song Yunzhao would stay in the palace.
Song Yunzhao: …
She had a crude remark on the tip of her tongue.
Her row left her behind. She stumbled toward the side hall alone, still wearing a smile despite her frustration. How could this have happened?
Although she had maintained her reputation during the selection, she was unlucky and caused trouble. How could she be chosen?
Did they see her as a troublemaker?
That couldn’t be.
But for what?
She really couldn’t understand. The female lead was already chosen, the Emperor had already picked the “trash sweeper,” so what was her value in staying?
If the Emperor didn’t want her to stay, he only needed to say so. But he just played dumb,which made her furious.
She looked at him, trying to catch his eye, but he wouldn’t look at her. She wondered if he was doing it on purpose.
When someone stares at you, you usually feel it.
She felt like the Emperor was pretending not to see.
Feeling angry, Song Yunzhao stomped towards the side hall.
A palace maid led the way, opened the door, and curtsied, “Miss Song, please come in.”
“Thank you.” Song Yunzhao forced a smile and walked in.
The hall was filled with people, most of whom Song Yunzhao recognized. There were also a few familiar faces with whom she had no interaction. As soon as she entered, she saw a few faces change instantly.
Song Yunzhao: …
Was she some sort of monster? Honestly, with the female lead in the harem, all she wanted was to survive quietly until the end.
Qin Xiyue saw Yunzhao and smiled, “Miss Song, I had a feeling we would meet again, and here we are.”
Song Yunzhao didn’t want too much interaction with Qin Xiyue. Being around the female lead meant either being cannon fodder or walking the path to becoming cannon fodder. Why would she want to join in on that?
So, Song Yunzhao nodded lightly, “Miss Qin.”
Lu Zhixue looked at Song Yunzhao with disdain and sarcastically said, “Xiyue, you shouldn’t be too enthusiastic. People might not appreciate it.”
Song Yunzhao thought Lu Zhixue really had a problem. She clearly disliked Qin Xiyue, yet acted like a good sister and then turned around to belittle her. Although she wanted to keep a low profile, she wasn’t going to take any nonsense.
“Some people are as thick-skinned as their hair. They know others don’t like them, but they still force their way in. I wonder where they get the courage from. It’s truly amusing.”
What did she mean by “thick-skinned as hair”?
The room was puzzled.
Lu Zhixue knew Song Yunzhao was talking about her, looking at her even more displeased, “What do you mean?”
Song Yunzhao smirked internally. What did she mean? She had already left home.
“Hey, I wasn’t talking to you. Who’s asking for insults? What, you want to fight?” Song Yunzhao was annoyed by people who acted self-righteous and then spoke maliciously.
Honestly, such people were the worst.
“You… you’re so rude.”
“Yeah, I’m rude with my words, unlike some people whose hearts are truly dark.”
Seeing the situation escalate, Han Jinyi quickly stood up and pulled Song Yunzhao to her side, while Qin Xiyue held back Lu Zhixue.
Feng Yunjin and Fan Qingru looked at each other but did nothing.
The other young women, whose family backgrounds were not as prominent, remained silent. They wondered how Song Yunzhao, with her average family background, dared to confront these people. Should they call her brave or foolish?
Song Yunzhao sat beside Han Jinyi, listening to her whisper, “Don’t be foolish. There are many eyes on us. You can’t get punished right after being selected.”
Song Yunzhao knew Han Jinyi meant well and said, “I know, but some people are deliberately looking for trouble. If I’m afraid of her now, won’t she just bully me more later?”
Han Jinyi understood the reasoning, but in this room, the young women all spoke based on their family backgrounds. Yet, Song Yunzhao disregarded this, breaking the unspoken rule. It was awkward because no one could openly point it out.
Feeling stuck and unable to move up or down, Lu Zhixue was furious.
Han Jinyi remembered the favor Song Yunzhao did by helping her when she fell into the water earlier, so she held her back. She knew it was Lu Zhixue’s fault, but some losses are just like that—being born into a less privileged family meant being inferior in all aspects.
“Since we just got selected, let’s be cautious,” Han Jinyi said, having only grown close to Song Yunzhao in the past couple of days. She couldn’t say more, so she just hinted a bit.
Song Yunzhao nodded, seeing Han Jinyi’s relieved expression, and found it both amusing and exasperating.
See, it was just best not to get too close to the protagonist. If Qin Xiyue hadn’t initiated a greeting, this trouble wouldn’t have happened.
But she couldn’t blame Qin Xiyue for being polite.
This whole situation was frustrating.
The book described how the selected young women had to return home to await their formal entry into the palace. The initial titles hadn’t been decided yet, and once they were, the order of entry into the palace would be determined.
The book’s female lead wasn’t given a high title initially because the Emperor couldn’t just make her powerful right away. She had to struggle and survive, thus fostering her relationship with the male lead.
Qin Xiyue’s initial title was Noble Concubine, fourth rank, showing the Emperor’s careful consideration. The fourth rank was a pivotal point—reaching it meant one could potentially ascend to the consort rank. If someone remained in the palace for years without surpassing the fourth rank, they might spend their later years in the same position.
So, the Emperor put the female lead on the spot right from the start. What a scoundrel.
Song Yunzhao was now waiting to be sent home. She was especially eager to see Cai Shi’s face.
Although staying in the palace was an unexpected and painful twist, just thinking about Cai Shi being even more agitated made her happy.
Her favored eldest daughter wasn’t selected, but her most hated daughter was. This slap in the face deserved to be witnessed in person, otherwise, it would have been a waste of her years of survival at the Song mansion.
Han Jinyi was also a bit nervous, seeing Song Yunzhao’s calm expression. She couldn’t help but ask, “Aren’t you nervous?”
Song Yunzhao hadn’t fully emerged from her thoughts and casually replied, “What’s there to be nervous about?”
Realizing what she had said, she quickly added, “Nervous or not, we still have to wait. Since being nervous is useless, why bother?”
Han Jinyi was taken aback, “Is that so?”
“Of course,” Song Yunzhao responded firmly. Whether it was or not, it had to be.
Han Jinyi thought it over. Although the words were strange, they did help her relax a
After chatting for a while, a new stewardess entered. It wasn’t the familiar Zhang Momo from Zhichun Palace, but a new face, that was smiling and looking festive.
“This servant congratulates the ladies on being selected. Please follow me,” she said.
“Momo, where are we going?” Lu Zhixue asked.
The stewardess smiled and replied, “The consorts have instructed me to take you to Changyin Pavilion first. Once the initial titles are assigned, you will be given your respective residences.”
Everyone was puzzled. Weren’t they supposed to leave the palace and wait?
Qin Xiyue frowned slightly and asked, “Matron, according to the rules, shouldn’t we return home and wait for the decree?”
“I’m just following orders and dare not inquire further. Please follow me,” the stewardess replied with a smile, then turned and walked out without further explanation.
Song Yunzhao was also perplexed. This was different from the book. She was looking forward to returning home to see her mothers face. Would she miss out on that fun?
She was displeased, as that was the only consolation after being selected. Now, it was gone.
Seeing that they couldn’t get any information, they followed her out.
From Huayang Hall to Zhichun Palace, they walked through a path adorned with blooming flowers, lush trees, and a stream flowing through the cracks of the artificial rock formations. On both sides, pavilions were hidden deep within the verdant forest like a canopy.
The scenery was truly beautiful. As she left, Song Yunzhao felt a bit reluctant, arriving at Zhichun Palace amidst the blooming flowers and chirping birds.
“Young ladies, please pack your belongings. I will wait here,” the stewardess said.
Everyone dispersed to their rooms. Song Yunzhao returned to her room and saw Yi Yue waiting for her.
Seeing Song Yunzhao, Yi Yue smiled and greeted her, “Congratulations, Miss.”
Song Yunzhao didn’t feel particularly joyful, but seeing Yiyue genuinely happy for her, her mood lightened a bit. “Thank you.”
“I’ve packed your belongings, Miss. Please check if everything is in order.”
“I trust you.” Song Yunzhao didn’t open the bundle. After spending so much time with Yi Yue, she felt a bit reluctant to part ways. “We’ll meet again. Maybe sooner than you think.”
Yi Yue smiled and replied, “I’ll be working at Zhichun Palace. If you come to Jincui Garden for sightseeing, I’ll come to greet you.”
Song Yunzhao smiled and nodded, bid farewell to the servant, and walked out carrying her bundle.
Song Yunzhao arrived neither too early nor too late. By the time she got there, a few people were already waiting. Due to her previous confrontation with Lu Zhixue, they quickly averted their gaze upon seeing her.
Song Yunzhao: …
Alright then.
She was carrying an aura that repealed troublemakers.
Shortly after she arrived, Qin Xiyue and the others arrived too. Han Jinyi naturally stood next to Song Yunzhao.
Song Yunzhao felt she wasn’t entirely friendless; at least she had someone who stood by her.
Once everyone gathered, the stewardess led them out of Zhichun Palace, where carriages awaited outside. Song Yunzhao and Han Jinyi shared one, while the rest had their own or shared carriages.
As the wheels rolled over the stone path, the carriage swayed gently. The curtain fluttered with the breeze, and they passed through the gates of Jincui Garden, heading towards the palace gates.
The palace path connecting Jincui Garden to the harem was long and narrow. The high palace walls made the carriage seem tiny. Through the swaying curtain, Song Yunzhao watched the retreating palace walls, feeling a rare moment of melancholy.
Who would have thought that after spending over a decade in the Song family’s back courtyard, she would end up spending the rest of her life in the harem’s big cage?
After marrying outside the palace, one could still go out shopping, but what could be done inside the palace?
The tall walls of the imperial city, the sky confined by the four corners, countless palace gates.
Han Jinyi noticed Song Yunzhao’s visibly dejected expression and gently asked, “Are you missing your family? I am, too.”
Song Yunzhao didn’t miss Cai Shi or Song Qinghan; she missed her father, maybe Song Jinxuan, and her aunt.
Additionally, she had missed her appointment with Xie Linlang. She had hoped to team up with Xie Linlang to make money if she wasn’t selected, but now…
Seeing Song Yunzhao still down, Han Jinyi smiled and said, “Even if you’re in the palace, it’s not impossible to see your family. There are still chances.”
Song Yunzhao knew this, but it required the Emperor’s decree and an official attendant rank to qualify.
She was just a novice now, and seeing her family seemed like a distant dream.
Thinking about it, Song Yunzhao suddenly realized a problem: since she had been selected, how should she position herself in the future?
Compete with the female lead?
She wanted to live a few more years.
But being a low-ranking concubine in the harem was also not an option. Survival was harsh; without strength, living wasn’t easy.
Moreover, with her looks, she didn’t even have the chance to stay under the radar. Consort Shu’s gaze at her was like seeing a piece of lamb, ready to be thrown into the pot.
Song Yunzhao’s expression turned serious. This was a big issue.
It concerned her future comfort and couldn’t be taken lightly.
“What’s wrong? You don’t look well,” Han Jinyi asked with concern.
Song Yunzhao looked at Han Jinyi with a complicated expression. “What do you think our initial ranks will be?”
Han Jinyi thought for a moment and said, “They will probably be based on a combination of family background and performance. Are you worried about your family background? Don’t worry too much. With your outstanding looks, you’ll have good prospects.”
Song Yunzhao sighed, “Not necessarily.”
Just thinking about being a small fry in a harem full of big shots was daunting.
Previously, Song Yunzhao didn’t think family background was crucial. She had planned to marry someone of equal status and live a peaceful and happy life.
But it was different in the harem. Here, the women who reached high positions all had strong family backgrounds.
Her weaknesses were immediately apparent.
Why did the Emperor have to keep her?
Wasn’t having the female lead enough? Did he have to make her a stepping stone?
“Don’t worry,” Han Jinyi said, seeing Song Yunzhao troubled, and whispered, “The Emperor has had consorts for two years, but there hasn’t been a single child in the palace. Family background isn’t the most important thing; it’s about offspring. Understand?”
Song Yunzhao looked at Han Jinyi, surprised she would say such things that crossed the boundary of mere friendship.
Han Jinyi continued, “The situation in the court is complicated. My family didn’t want to send me here, but if I didn’t come, my younger sisters would have to in a few years, and we would miss the chance. We stayed because of our family backgrounds, but you’re different, Yunzhao. You might really pave your own way.”
Song Yunzhao felt conflicted and unsure of what to say.
“The Emperor has no offspring, and many families are speculating. This selection isn’t simple; you were in the right place at the right time, with luck on your side,” Han Jinyi smiled.
Song Yunzhao: …
Thanks, but I don’t want this kind of luck.
“Thank you for telling me this.” Song Yunzhao thanked Han Jinyi. Although she knew some things from the book, the world in the book revolved around the female lead, and some obscure information wasn’t explicit. It required the reader to guess.
Han Jinyi’s information filled in some gaps for her.
The court officials were watching the Consorts’ bellies and the Emperor’s bed. Who would guess that the Emperor was so shameless, roaming the harem daily but not touching anyone?
Just thinking about living such a superficial life, helping the Emperor act and being his stepping stone, and then having to bless him and the female lead when they united, made her angrier.
Why should she?
Just because she is a minor character?
She wasn’t a brainless puppet controlled by the author in the book. She had a mind of her own.
She wanted to live well, hold her head high, stand tall, and walk her own life path with dignity.
If someone made her unhappy, she’d make them unhappy too.
Thinking about this, her frustration dissipated. Whether she married or not, the Emperor was still human. Even if she married a block of wood, she could make it blossom.
Marrying outside the palace, husbands still took concubines, and there were always illegitimate children in the family.
The only difference in the palace was that everyone was a concubine. To ascend to the Empress’s throne, one had to rely on their own abilities.
She wanted to live with dignity and not be a stepping stone for the female lead. Therefore, she had to fight for her own future.
“Don’t mention it. Consider it compensation for bumping into your boat.”
Hearing Han Jinyi’s words, Song Yunzhao laughed, “Then I’ve struck it rich.”
Han Jinyi laughed too. She found being with Song Yunzhao enjoyable. Others thought she had a bad temper and was unwilling to suffer losses, but she didn’t think so.
To her, Song Yunzhao was someone who clearly distinguished between right and wrong, making interactions straightforward and refreshing.
Entering the harem was a lifelong commitment. If she could make a friend, at least she would have someone to talk to.
The carriage finally stopped. Song Yunzhao lifted the curtain and got off, followed by Han Jinyi. As they got down, they saw the grand “Changyin Pavilion” sign hanging above them. With its black-edged gold characters it was magnificent and splendid.
“Young ladies, please follow me.”
The leading stewardess smiled at them and then turned to lead the way into Changyin Pavilion.
Though called a pavilion, Changyin Pavilion was a three-sectioned palace. The theater stage was especially spacious and exquisite. After passing the stage, they followed the stewardess to the back hall.
After a few steps, Song Yunzhao suddenly remembered the book’s plot. Changyin Pavilion was a high-incidence area for palace conflicts, with several palace intrigue events happening here.
Tsk.
She had to familiarize herself with the layout, so she could find the best spot to enjoy the drama later.
“Yunzhao, look.”
Hearing Han Jinyi’s voice, Song Yunzhao looked up and was startled, “What’s that?”
In the hall was a large redwood box, giving off an ominous feeling.
