TSNCWEM Chapter 56

The corners of the redwood box were wrapped in gold, and it was as deep as an adult’s forearm. Moreover, there was a hole at the top of the box.

Seeing that hole, Song Yunzhao thought of lottery boxes from later generations. What was the purpose of placing such a box here?

This wasn’t part of the book’s plot.

Everyone’s attention was drawn to the box placed in the center, and someone asked the stewardess what it was for.

The stewardess looked at everyone with a meaningful expression. “You’ll know soon enough, young ladies. Please sit and wait patiently.”

Hearing this, Song Yunzhao knew they wouldn’t get any information from her. She turned and found a seat by the window, pulling Han Jinyi along.

Seeing this, the others followed suit, sitting scattered around the room, but their gazes kept drifting back to the wooden box.

Han Jinyi looked at Yunzhao. “What do you think that box is for?”

Song Yunzhao shook her head. “Surely it’s not for drawing lots, right?”

“Drawing lots?” Han Jinyi said, looking at the box more carefully. After a while, she turned to Song Yunzhao and whispered, “It does look a bit like it. But what would we be drawing lots for?”

Song Yunzhao had spoken casually and now shook her head. “I was just joking.”

The room buzzed with low conversations, and everyone’s expressions varied.

Exhausted from the day’s events, Song Yunzhao just wanted to find a place to lie down and have a good sleep. She leaned back in the chair, completely relaxed, and closed her eyes for a brief nap.

Han Jinyi looked over and chuckled, “Tired?”

“Aren’t you?”

Of course, she was tired. Han Jinyi decided to follow Song Yunzhao’s example, and the two of them turned their backs to the others and took a break.

Lu Zhixue and Qin Xiyue were also discussing the box. Glancing over, they saw Song Yunzhao and felt a bit displeased.

She couldn’t understand why Han Jinyi wanted to associate with her.

“What’s wrong?” Qin Xiyue asked, noticing Lu Zhixue’s expression.

Lu Zhixue shook her head and turned to Fan Qingru and Feng Yunjin. “What do you think that box is for?”

“Since it’s placed in the main hall, it doesn’t look like a useless object. It must be important, but what it’s used for is hard to say,” Feng Yunjin replied.

Fan Qingru nodded. “Let’s wait and see.”

Qin Xiyue gazed at the box thoughtfully but couldn’t figure out its purpose either.

Time passed, and soon someone walked in.

Han Jinyi gently nudged Song Yunzhao, who immediately opened her eyes and looked up, surprised to see a familiar face—Steward Zhang!

“The Emperor has decreed that the young ladies draw name tags from the box,” Zhang Maoquan announced, avoiding eye contact with Song Yunzhao, feeling guilty.

Everyone quickly stood up and greeted the decree. Afterward, Lu Zhixue asked, “May I ask why we are drawing name tags from the box?”

Zhang Maoquan smiled and replied, “The Emperor has said that the initial titles will depend entirely on your luck. Whatever you draw is what you get.”

The hall fell silent.

Song Yunzhao was stunned. Oh my goodness, was this really the world from the book? Could they really do this?

Deciding ranks by drawing lots?

But this wasn’t part of the book’s plot, so why had it changed?

Emperor, your character setting is falling apart, do you know that?

Since she was selected, it felt like the plot had been changing again and again. Could it be because she was the actual cannon fodder?

On second thought, it seemed unlikely. How could she have such influence?

Thinking this, she looked at Qin Xiyue, the female lead. But seeing the bewildered look on Qin Xiyue’s face, she quietly withdrew her gaze.

The scene in the book where rejected young ladies were given marriage arrangements was gone, and her plan to leave the palace after being rejected had flown away as well. At this point, the Emperor’s grand scene of initially bestowing titles on the female lead to make her stand out was also gone.

Drawing lots to decide titles?

How did he come up with that? Isn’t he afraid of being called foolish by the ministers?

From a reader’s perspective, the Emperor in the book left an impression of a cunning and wise figure. He ascended the throne at a young age and managed to hold his own against the ministers for five years, gradually gaining control over the court. His halo as the main male character shone brightly.

But now… from the perspective of a cannon fodder character, the Emperor’s actions were truly inconsiderate. They were breaking rules and plotlines, leaving her in confusion and testing her intelligence. It was very unfriendly.

Thinking about it made her feel frustrated, but there was nothing she could do. Facing an Emperor who didn’t play by the rules, she could only remain passive.

Zhang Maoquan looked at everyone with a smile and said, “Young ladies, let’s begin.”

There were only nine people in the hall. At that moment, everyone glanced at each other, but no one stepped forward.

Song Yunzhao stared bitterly at the box, thinking that there was no difference between stepping forward and staying back. Seeing that no one was taking the lead, she stepped forward.

Qin Xiyue was taken aback and quietly retracted the foot she had extended.

Han Jinyi didn’t expect Song Yunzhao to go first and didn’t have time to stop her. But thinking that this was typical of her character, always taking the lead, she followed suit.

Song Yunzhao didn’t look at Zhang Maoquan. Her eyes were fixed on the redwood box. Despite its gold-wrapped edges and intricate carvings, it was of no use to her.

She focused intently on the box, silently chanting in her mind: Even if I’m cannon fodder, I’ll be the most powerful cannon fodder. I need the means to compete with the female lead! I don’t seek instant fame, but I want to be on par with the female lead! I don’t seek to overpower others, but I don’t want to be overpowered!

After this mental pep talk, Song Yunzhao reached into the box, shuffled her hand around, producing a rustling sound. She held her breath, felt a wooden plaque with her fingertips, and immediately grabbed it without hesitation.

Whether it works out or not, it all depends on this final moment.

She didn’t immediately look at the plaque but stepped back. Unexpectedly, Han Jinyi was behind her, so she moved aside and silently said, “Good luck!”

Han Jinyi nodded, suddenly feeling a bit nervous.

Taking a deep breath, she reached into the wooden box, mimicking Song Yunzhao’s actions, producing the same rustling sound. She quickly grabbed a plaque, stepped back to make way for others, and tightly held the plaque as she returned to her seat.

Seeing this, the others rushed forward.

Song Yunzhao noticed that Qin Xiyue, possibly pushed by someone, stumbled and leaned over the box. Taking advantage of the situation, she reached in, grabbed a plaque, and returned to her seat with a solemn expression.

Song Yunzhao: …

Was that even allowed?

Truly a treatment worthy of the female lead, she thought, feeling a bit inadequate.

But she didn’t need the female lead’s halo; she could create her own. Look at her, she took the lead herself, and felt quite pleased.

Han Jinyi glanced at Song Yunzhao, not noticing her slightly odd smile, her voice was tense, “What do you think I got?”

“I have no idea,” Song Yunzhao replied, spreading her hands.

As she did so, the wooden plaque in her palm was revealed. Han Jinyi’s eyes caught sight of it, and she immediately exclaimed, “Yunzhao, look!”

Hearing Han Jinyi’s excited tone, Song Yunzhao glanced at her palm, seeing the words “Noble Concubine” on one side and “Wangyou Palace” on the other.

Noble Concubine?

Wangyou Palace?

Wasn’t the female lead also a Noble Concubine?

She was a Noble Concubine too?

On the same level?

Suppressing her excitement, Song Yunzhao felt her wish had come true—she really had such good luck.

Suppressing her joy, she looked at Han Jinyi.

Meeting Song Yunzhao’s gaze, Han Jinyi gently opened her palm, revealing the words “Qiudian” (Autumn Hall). Song Yunzhao’s plaque said “Palace,” while Han Jinyi’s said “Hall.” The Hall was certainly not as prestigious as the Palace, so her rank…

Han Jinyi stared at the wooden plaque, took a deep breath, and then turned it over, her eyes fixed on it. The words “Xiao Yi” were written on it.

Song Yunzhao saw Han Jinyi breathe a sigh of relief and a faint smile appeared on her face. Song Yunzhao also felt relieved.

Han Jinyi, sensing that Song Yunzhao might not fully understand the ranks within the palace, whispered to her, “Noble Concubine is the fourth rank, while Xiao Yi is the fifth rank. According to palace rules, only those of the fourth rank and above can be the head of a palace. Congratulations, Yunzhao. I knew you had good luck, and I was right.”

Song Yunzhao could see that Han Jinyi’s congratulations were sincere. Feeling a bit puzzled, she whispered back, “You’re actually happy with a fifth rank?”

Han Jinyi seemed to understand Yunzhao’s confusion and softly explained, “I don’t seek achievements, only to avoid mistakes. For me, this is just right.”

Song Yunzhao instantly understood—this was the essence of surviving by staying under the radar.

They were indeed kindred spirits.

The two of them looked at each other and laughed. Han Jinyi said, “Now it’s good. With you as a Noble Concubine, I have someone to rely on.”

Song Yunzhao immediately replied, “You’ve got my support!”

Han Jinyi chuckled softly. She might not truly need to rely on Song Yunzhao, but Yunzhao’s prompt response made her happy, giving her a sense of reassurance that she had chosen the right friend.

While Han Jinyi was delighted with her fifth rank of Xiao Yi, some people were not pleased. Lu Zhixue, who drew a fourth rank Concubine position[mfn]I guess that there are a few concubines and all of them have a rank. So she is 4th among the concubines in terms of position, but not 4th in the harem[/mfn], looked as if her icy expression could freeze water.

The hall was abuzz with conversation. Song Yunzhao quickly learned what everyone else had drawn, and she felt a bit disoriented.

Except for her, everyone’s rank matched exactly what was written in the book.

Such a coincidence made her heart race.

Could the plot’s power be this strong?

Even though the Emperor didn’t personally confer titles and instead chose the unconventional method of drawing lots, the results still matched the book’s storyline.

She was the only exception.

Qin Xiyue was granted the title of Noble Concubine, Lu Zhixue and Fan Qingru became Concubines, Han Jinyi was granted the title of Xiao Yi, Feng Yunjin became Xiao Yuan, Chen Miaohui was made a Noble Lady, Dong Wenjun became a Honored Lady, Zhu Ruolan became a Talented Lady, and Zhen Yushan was granted the title of Beauty.

Among them, although Lu Zhixue and Fan Qingru held fourth-rank Consort positions, they were appointed as the heads of their respective palaces, which, according to Zhang Maoquan, was the Emperor’s favor.

Lu Zhixue’s face, dark as coal, instantly brightened, with a hint of pride.

The most notable was Song Yunzhao. Despite her family background being near the bottom, she drew the title of Noble Consort, overshadowing the female lead and becoming the center of attention.

Song Yunzhao: …

This was what she wished for, so she was not afraid.

Facing Lu Zhixue’s almost fiery gaze, she displayed a standard supporting character’s smile, almost causing Lu Zhixue to faint from anger.

The hall’s occupants had mixed feelings, some joyous and others worried. Song Yunzhao truly felt relieved. Even as cannon fodder, she would be the most remarkable one.

Who said cannon fodder must turn to dust? She would be the cannon!

At this moment, Zhang Maoquan was also stunned, not expecting Song Yunzhao to have such good luck. She was indeed favored by the Emperor.

Zhang Maoquan, having completed his task, needed to report back and allowed the palace attendants waiting outside Changyin Pavilion to lead everyone to their respective palaces.

As they left Changyin Pavilion, a round-faced young maid came forward to guide Song Yunzhao. She looked cheerful and pleasant, “This servant, Xiang Xue[mfn]her name means sweet snow[/mfn], greets Noble Concubine.”

Song Yunzhao smiled, “A thousand miles of clear skies reflect the soul of the water, a myriad of branches bloom with fragrant snow. It’s a beautiful name.”

Xiang Xue beamed with joy, “It’s the first time I’ve heard my name described like this. It sounds much prettier now, thanks to you.”

“Wen Tingyun’s poems are always elegant and exquisite. Naturally, it’s a lovely name,” Song Yunzhao chuckled, recalling the poet’s alias.

They walked along the palace path for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before Xiang Xue stopped, “Noble Concubine, we’ve arrived at Wangyou Palace.”

Song Yunzhao was surprised; she hadn’t expected to be the first to arrive.

Everyone’s steps paused as they looked up at Wangyou Palace. The eaves and brackets soared into the sky, with purple pillars and golden beams. Ancient trees surrounded the palace, providing ample shade with green foliage. The red walls and yellow tiles, adorned with gold and jade, sparkled under the sunlight. The three golden characters “Wangyou Palace” shone brightly. Standing before this plaque, Song Yunzhao felt a moment of daze.

“Yunzhao, you go ahead and look around. I’ll head off first and come back to talk once I’ve familiarized myself with the place.”

Song Yunzhao glanced back at Han Jinyi and, with a casual glance, met Qin Xiyue’s slightly complicated gaze. Next to her, Lu Zhixue’s nostrils flared with disdain.

Song Yunzhao couldn’t be bothered with her. She bid farewell to Han Jinyi, watched her continue on her way, and observed the backs of the other selected women disappearing among the palace walls.

After entering Wangyou Palace, she was greeted by a carved wooden screen wall. After bypassing the screen wall, she saw the main hall of Wangyou Palace, flanked by two side halls. The courtyard paths were paved with bluestone and connected by white jade steps, with rocks and plants adorning the surroundings. The palace exuded grandeur and magnificence, lifting one’s spirits.

This palace was much more spacious, grand, and luxurious compared to her small courtyard in the Song residence. If she had to retire here, it wouldn’t be bad at all. Once the palace doors were closed, it was its own world—quite wonderful.

Crossing the threshold, the first thing she saw was the main hall. The majestic throne was there, where formal receptions would be held. If concubines resided in the side halls, they’d come daily to pay respects here.

The east side hall was a small study. The bookshelves along the wall were empty, but a large writing desk was placed by the window, complete with pen, ink, paper, and inkstone. A three-legged white jade incense burner sat on the windowsill, and several scrolls were haphazardly placed in a porcelain vat next to the desk.

Leaving the east side hall and passing through the main hall, she arrived at the central area, a living space for daily activities. Further inside were the sleeping quarters, where a large carved bed was placed against the wall, draped with green embroidered bed curtains that gave a refreshing feeling in early summer.

Additionally, there was a dressing table, chairs, a tea table, and a treasure cabinet displaying gold, silver, and jade artifacts. Song Yunzhao was very satisfied. She exited the sleeping quarters and sat on a large couch by the window, watching Xiang Xue, who hadn’t left yet, with thoughtful eyes.

Standing beside her, Xiang Xue spoke, “Master, I am originally a servant of Wangyou Palace. From now on, I will serve you.”

Song Yunzhao wasn’t surprised, as this was how it was written in the book—the maids of each palace would welcome their respective mistresses.

“Besides you, who else?” Song Yunzhao asked with a smile, though she was pondering whether these people could be trusted. The palace’s intrigues were no joke, and having spies placed in her palace wasn’t impossible.

Especially since Consort Shu and others had the upper hand in the palace; she couldn’t be too cautious.

“I’ll call everyone in to greet you,” Xiang Xue quickly replied.

Song Yunzhao nodded slightly.

Xiang Xue walked out swiftly and soon returned with several people. Beside her was a kindly-looking older woman with smiling eyes.

“Master, this is the stewardess of Wangyou Palace, Yu Momo.”

Matron Yu stepped forward and greeted, “This old servant pays her respects to Master.”

“Yu Momo, please rise. I’ll be counting on you for your guidance,” Song Yunzhao said with a smile. The personnel matters of the palace were managed by Yu Momo, who held considerable power. If they could get along well, that would be ideal. If not, replacing her would be a challenge.

“Your words are too kind. This old servant will do her best to alleviate your burdens,” was the reply.

Song Yunzhao nodded, turning her attention to the only eunuch present. Xiang Xue introduced, “Master, this is Wangyou Palace’s eunuch, Anshun.”

“Anshun pays his respects to Master.”

“Get up,” Song Yunzhao nodded.

Xiang Xue then brought the other maids forward. “Master, this is Shi Zhu, Qing Feng, and Yu Lu. From now on, we will be the ones to serve you closely.”

Qing Feng[mfn]Cool breeze[/mfn]… Yu Lu[mfn]Early-morning autumn dew [/mfn]…

What lovely names!

The maids greeted in unison, “Servant greets Master.”

Song Yunzhao looked at the beautiful maids, then at the kind Yu Momo and the silent Anshun. This initial setup seemed decent. As long as they were loyal, she could gradually teach them.

It was just unfortunate that the people from the Song residence couldn’t come with her. It would have made things much easier.

Thinking of this, Song Yunzhao remembered that before she was selected, she had planned to leave the palace and hadn’t arranged for Luo Momo, Jiang Xiang, and Qian Cao. She couldn’t help but worry that Cai Shi might take her anger out on them.

Since she couldn’t leave the palace, she could only write a letter to her father, asking him to take care of them.

But this couldn’t be rushed. Her situation in the palace was still uncertain. Cai Shi wouldn’t dare act immediately, so she still had time to maneuver.

With these thoughts, Song Yunzhao looked at Yu Momo and the others, smiling slowly. “From now on, we shall support each other here in Wangyou Palace. If you are loyal to me, I will protect you and grant you a good future. But if you dare to betray me, know that I am not lenient. If you don’t believe me, Yu Momo can inquire at Zhichun Palace about my temperament.”

Unlike the female lead in the book who relied on kindness, Song Yunzhao believed in instilling fear to maintain control. Human hearts might change, but interests do not.

Though it sounded mercenary and vulgar, it was highly effective.

Without the female lead’s halo, she would take practical steps.

She opened a bundle she had placed on the large couch, taking out a box filled with gold and silver ingots. Looking at Yu Momo, she said, “Momo, distribute these. Consider it a meeting gift. From now on, if I’m well, you’re well. Our master-servant relationship will only get better.”

Yu Momo immediately smiled and said, “Thank you for the reward, Master.”

With those words, the others followed in thanking for the reward, making the hall lively.

Yu Momo instructed Xiang Xue to make tea for the mistress, directed Shi Zhu to distribute the gold and silver ingots, and asked Qing Feng to take the mistress’s bundle inside and organize it. Yu Lu and Anshun, unsure of what to do, looked to Matron Yu for guidance.

Yu Momo turned to Anshun, “Go out and gather some information. See when someone will come to take the mistress’s measurements for new clothes.”

Anshun immediately acknowledged and ran out.

Yu Lu looked at her, “Yu Momo, what about me?”

“Check if there is any news from the other palaces and find out how we will be arranged next.”

“Yes, I’ll go right away.” Yu Lu also turned and ran off.

Song Yunzhao watched without speaking, observing Yu Momo’s arrangements. She felt satisfied; this stewardess seemed capable and well-prepared.

“Yu Momo, could you spare a moment to tell me about the situation in the palace?” Song Yunzhao decided to test her, as she was not mentioned in the book, and her character was unknown.

Yu Momo smiled and nodded, composing herself before speaking slowly, “In response to the mistress, when Imperial Noble Consort Chu was still around, the palace was led by her. However, after her passing, the palace dynamics have changed. The three consorts are of equal rank and equally matched, making it difficult to distinguish between them.”

Song Yunzhao nodded internally, appreciating Yu Momo’s honesty, which aligned with the book.

The Emperor’s skillful balancing act was why no one could dominate.

While speaking, Yu Momo observed Song Yunzhao’s expression. Despite her young age, Song Yunzhao maintained a composed demeanor, revealing nothing. This made Yu Momo even more cautious in her speech.

“The women that entered the palace with the three consorts before have either fallen out of favor or been demoted. Nowadays, they rarely have the chance to see the Emperor.”

Hearing this, Song Yunzhao asked, “I heard the ladies who entered the palace last time came from good families. How did they end up like this? Didn’t their families intervene?”

Yu Momo chuckled lightly, “Mistress, you’ve just entered the palace and might not know much about its affairs. Think about it; every woman here comes from a good family, but there are differences in status. Those who were granted titles have the best family backgrounds, so the others naturally become less important.”

Song Yunzhao understood. Consort Shu and her allies suppressed rivals in the palace, while their families controlled the families of the demoted concubines outside. The palace and external world mirrored each other, preventing any upheaval.

The Emperor selected Qin Xiyue because her family background was exceptional, and she was intelligent. By leveraging the Qin family, the Emperor could wield his imperial power in the court.

Therefore, the female lead’s value was significant, and keeping her in the palace was only logical.

But what did she have?

Song Yunzhao still couldn’t figure out what use the Emperor had for keeping her around.

After all, her value wasn’t significant.

Thinking of this, Song Yunzhao looked at the matron, “Yu Momo, do you know about the tea party that Consort Shu hosted previously?”

Song Yunzhao watched Yu Momo, closely observing her expression. This was the real test for her.