TSNCWEM Chapter 69

Song Yunzhao had initially expected that the Emperor might just give Lu Zhixue a mild reprimand upon learning about the matter. But she was utterly surprised by the severity of the punishment.

Docking her salary for three months wasn’t much of a deal to Lu Zhixue, but being confined for a month—that was a serious blow.

Being confined meant her plaque couldn’t be sent before the Emperor, effectively stripping her of the privilege to spend the night with him for an entire month. In the highly competitive harem, this was a significant setback. Without the ability to regain favor quickly, Lu Zhixue might fade into obscurity in the palace after just a month.

Song Yunzhao could never have foreseen that Lu Zhixue’s father’s attempts to antagonize the Emperor in court would lead to such dire consequences for Lu Zhixue herself. The two factors combined into a disastrous outcome for her.

The harsh punishment imposed on Lu Zhixue inadvertently validated the fact that the Emperor valued Song Yunzhao highly.

Through a series of coincidences, things had come to this point.

At this moment, Song Yunzhao increasingly felt like she had been assigned the role of the Emperor’s new “clean-up machine” for troublesome matters. While the Emperor might see her as such, she herself didn’t see it that way.

Even clean-up machines had different grades and types. The female lead in the book, for example, was the kind who eventually won over the Emperor with her virtue and kindness.

But she wasn’t that kind of person.

Such lofty and virtuous roles didn’t suit someone as practical as her.

Lu Zhixue’s punishment quickly spread throughout the harem. This kind of occurrence wasn’t rare. Back when Consort Shu’s group entered the palace, their rivalry was even fiercer and more ruthless.

More than half of them were eliminated, and even Imperial Noble Consort Chu eventually died. The victors left standing in the palace were only the three Consorts.

While stories of such events circulated, witnessing them firsthand sent shivers down everyone’s spine. The newly entered concubines were effectively receiving their first lesson.

The weight of the title “favored concubine” became apparent.

Currently, palace affairs were managed by the three consorts, nearly equally divided among them. Consort Zhuang was the first to extend goodwill toward Song Yunzhao. For instance, the quality and quantity of provisions granted to Yunzhao’s palace had noticeably improved.

“Master, you’ve made a mark. The three consorts may seem impressive, but there have been no new imperial princes born in the past two years. With newcomers arriving, the three consorts are sure to try to recruit allies. I can tell that Consort Zhuang intends to align with you,” Yu Momo remarked.

Song Yunzhao looked at Yu Momo and asked, “What’s your opinion?”

Uncertain of her mistress’s thoughts, she hesitated before replying, “This matter has both pros and cons. Having support would certainly make your path smoother, but it would also mean being restricted by others. Consort Zhuang has always had a good reputation in the palace. However, given your own talents, it’s not impossible to rise independently. There’s no need to rush into choosing an alliance.”

Song Yunzhao chuckled softly. “You’re absolutely right, Momo.”

She had no intention of aligning with anyone. She chose the path of the lone wolf, as alliances would only land her in the Emperor’s suspicious little book of notes.

Following a path of unwavering loyalty to the Emperor was the safest course for her.

Song Yunzhao initially assumed that the Emperor would visit her again the following night. Instead, he had lunch with Consort Shu the next day, dinner with Consort Wan the third day, and played chess with Consort Zhuang the fourth afternoon. For several consecutive days, he didn’t set foot in the harem.

Song Yunzhao: …

She had underestimated him.

She thought that, having tasted such pleasures for the first time, he would naturally indulge a little more—but he hadn’t.

Then again, if he were the type to be infatuated with women, he wouldn’t have been the determined Emperor depicted in the book.

While Song Yunzhao remained calm and composed, the rest of the palace grew restless. For now, they couldn’t discern the Emperor’s intentions—after all, while he hadn’t returned to Wangyou Palace, he also hadn’t visited any of the new consorts.

Everyone’s attention was fixated on Wangyou Palace, yet Song Yunzhao stayed entirely out of sight, not leaving her quarters to give others the chance to observe her.

“Master, Han Xiaoyi and Feng Xiao Yuan have come to visit you,” Xiang Xue reported as she entered the study.

Song Yunzhao paused in surprise. She hadn’t expected Han Jinyi to appear with Feng Yunqin. That brief moment of distraction caused ink to drip from the tip of her brush onto the paper, ruining the cat playing scene she’d spent so long illustrating.

Her lips twitched in frustration. It was only a pastime, after all. She casually crumpled the spoiled paper into a ball and tossed it into the wastebasket. Turning to Xiang Xue, she said, “Invite them in.”

“Yes.”

Song Yunzhao adjusted her attire and stepped out of the study. Beneath the corridor eaves, she met the two visitors. Both wore light summer robes, resembling vibrant blossoms—they were radiantly beautiful.

“This concubine greets Noble Consort,” Feng Xiao Yuan said, stepping forward to bow.

Han Jinyi hesitated briefly before following suit.

Song Yunzhao smiled. “Stand up, please. What wind has blown you both here? Han Xiaoyi’s visit isn’t surprising, but Feng Xiao Yuan is truly an unexpected guest.”

Feng Yunqin, hearing this, replied awkwardly, “I came on impulse—I hope I haven’t disturbed you.”

“Don’t be silly. I’m glad to have you here. It’s always nice to have someone to chat with,” Song Yunzhao said as she invited them into the hall and had Xiang Xue serve tea. Once they were seated, Yunzhao added, “Try this year’s fresh tea.”

After a sip, Han Jinyi set her teacup down and commented, “Tea before the rain—it’s rare to enjoy it in the palace. Noble Concubine, you are quite fortunate.”

Song Yunzhao glanced at Han Jinyi. “Don’t give me that sarcasm. If you have something to say, speak plainly.”

Han Jinyi chuckled and exchanged a glance with Feng Yunqin before slowly saying, “Talented Lady Zhu from Yihua Palace was beaten—are you aware?”

Song Yunzhao truly didn’t know. Despite Yihua Palace being close to Wangyou Palace, her dislike for Lu Zhixue and Lu Zhixue’s current confinement had kept her from paying attention to its affairs.

She hadn’t expected trouble to arise there so soon. Observing Han Jinyi’s character—she wasn’t the type to spread gossip for amusement. Moreover, saying this in Feng Yunqin’s presence suggested it wasn’t idle chatter.

In the book, Feng Yunqin was Qin Xiyue’s strategist, which made Song Yunzhao somewhat wary of her.

“I wasn’t aware. Why was she beaten? Concubine Lu may have a difficult personality, but she wouldn’t strike someone without reason,” Song Yunzhao said calmly.

Feng Yunqin raised an eyebrow in surprise. She had thought Yunzhao’s animosity towards Concubine Lu would make her despise her, but Yunzhao had even said such words in her defense.

Han Jinyi gave Feng Yunqin a meaningful look.

Feng Yunqin then said, “I came today at someone else’s request. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have disturbed Noble Concubine.”

Song Yunzhao wasn’t surprised. Smiling at Feng Yunqin, she said, “Though we haven’t interacted much, I know you to be a fair-minded person. If you’re seeking me, there must be a reason. But let’s be clear—if it’s something that makes me uncomfortable, I won’t agree.”

Feng Yunqin hadn’t expected Yunzhao’s straightforwardness and felt a bit awkward. Quickly, she replied, “I wouldn’t dare trouble you. I’m merely here to deliver a message on someone’s behalf.”

After hearing this, Feng Yunqin didn’t hesitate further. She looked at Song Yunzhao with an earnest expression and said, “To be honest, Noble Concubine, I had some acquaintance with Concubine Lu outside the palace. One of her servants passed on a message, saying the silver satin issue wasn’t her doing.”

Feng Yunqin hesitated briefly but then continued, “Concubine Lu asked someone to tell me that, no matter how foolish she might be, she’d never do something so reckless as to harm herself. After investigating, she found the matter linked to Talented Lady Zhu. It was she who swapped the satin.”

Song Yunzhao looked at Feng Yunqin, her face full of doubt. “Feng Xiao Yuan, it’s not that I don’t believe you, but how could a mere Talented Ladt dare to do something like this? And how would Concubine Lu’s possessions end up in her hands?”

Feng Yunqin sighed. “Talented Lady Zhu shares a residence with Concubine Lu. She has always flattered her, even serving her personally during dressing and washing. Her deferential behavior made Concubine Lu dismiss her entirely. She  frequently lingered around, and over time, Concubine Lu’s attendants dropped their guard, giving her the opportunity to act.”

Song Yunzhao hadn’t expected such a twist. If this were true and Lu Zhixue’s name was cleared, wouldn’t she risk being accused of lacking discernment?

With this thought, Song Yunzhao’s tone cooled as she said to Feng Yunqin, “Feng Xiao Yuan, why don’t you be direct about why you’re here? If it’s to plead for Concubine Lu, you’ve come to the wrong place. Punishing her was the Emperor’s decision. All I did was report the gifts I received—nothing more.”

As long as she acted swiftly, there’d be no room for anyone to pin blame on her.

Even if responsibility was involved, it would land squarely on the Emperor, not her.

Feng Yunqin couldn’t miss the frost in Song Yunzhao’s tone. After a moment of silence, she finally said, “I wouldn’t dare do something like that—it wasn’t my intention.”

Hearing this, Song Yunzhao’s expression softened slightly, but she didn’t reply.

Han Jinyi, having listened up to this point, chimed in, “Yunqin, just tell us what Concubine Lu wants. Stop covering for her or putting yourself in a difficult position. Noble Concubine is a reasonable person; she won’t make things hard for you.”

Song Yunzhao: …

She shot Han Jinyi a glare, but Han Jinyi merely winked at her.

Trusting Han Jinyi, Song Yunzhao said nothing further, tacitly agreeing with her comment.

The idea of being labeled “reasonable” made her feel oddly embarrassed.

Feng Xiao Yuan sighed in relief and, without further preamble, said, “Concubine Lu has a way to prove her innocence. She only asks that you don’t obstruct her—that’s all.”

Song Yunzhao scoffed, looking at Feng Xiao Yuan. “Lu Zhixue is truly a petty person who assumes everyone else is as despicable as she is. While I may have a bad temper, I wouldn’t stoop to such childish methods. Tell her she has nothing to worry about.”

Of course, she wouldn’t bother with such trivial schemes—she only engaged in more sophisticated tactics.

Feng Yunqin gave a bitter laugh. “I truly feel ashamed for asking this of you, Noble Concubine. Your generosity and tolerance won’t be forgotten. If the opportunity arises in the future, I will repay you.”

Song Yunzhao was about to say it wasn’t necessary, but her mind worked faster than her mouth. She suddenly remembered that Feng Yunqin was Qin Xiyue’s future strategist. Securing a promise from her today was a gain.

Though she was quite pleased internally, her expression remained indifferent as she casually replied, “As you wish.”

Seeing this, Feng Yunqin quickly took her leave.

Song Yunzhao didn’t insist on her staying and had Xiang Xue escort her out.

Han Jinyi stayed behind. After Feng Yunqin left, she said, “Feng Yunqin first sought me out, but I didn’t want to bring her here. However, she mentioned that Consort Shu and Qin Xiyue have been interacting closely lately. Considering Feng Yunqin’s good relationship with Qin Xiyue, I thought if she owed you a favor, she’d be less inclined to help Qin Xiyue harm you.”

What?

Song Yunzhao was momentarily stunned by Han Jinyi’s statement.

She already knew from the book that Feng Yunqin became Qin Xiyue’s strategist, but Han Jinyi’s ability to perceive this left her surprised.

Han Jinyi smiled faintly. “Yunzhao, you were the first of the new concubines to share the Emperor’s bed, and to date, he hasn’t summoned a second. Even when visiting the three consorts, he doesn’t stay overnight—it’s simply a courtesy to maintain their dignity.

Excessive favor from the Emperor wasn’t necessarily a blessing. “If you can win over Feng Yunqin, it’d be a benefit. Even if you can’t, her owing you a favor will make it difficult for her to work against you.”

Song Yunzhao gazed deeply at Han Jinyi. After a long pause, she smiled and said bluntly, “Jinyi, let me be honest with you—being my friend may not be a good thing.”

Han Jinyi looked momentarily startled.

Without meeting her eyes, Song Yunzhao gripped the armrest tightly and continued, “I’m a solitary person. No matter how close we are, I won’t pave the way for you in front of the Emperor. If you want his favor, you’ll have to fight for it yourself. Let’s be clear about this now to avoid damaging our friendship and regretting it later.”

After hearing Song Yunzhao’s words, Han Jinyi’s expression remained largely unchanged. “From the moment I became friends with you, I understood your personality. I never expected you to pave the way for me. Yunzhao, whatever I want, I will fight for myself. Our friendship won’t be altered by this.”

Song Yunzhao, however, couldn’t make the same guarantee. She had seen countless relationships fall apart over power struggles. Even brothers could betray and destroy one another, let alone friendships forged by chance like theirs.

“You may be able to manage that, but I might not,” Song Yunzhao replied.

Han Jinyi understood the undertones of Yunzhao’s words and slowly said, “How many favored, beautiful women in this palace have lost that favor? Affection is the most unreliable thing—it’s a blessing if gained, fate if not. Besides, standing firm in the palace doesn’t necessarily require relying on favor.”

Song Yunzhao raised her gaze to look at Han Jinyi.

Han Jinyi stood up and said, “Yunzhao, I’m not particularly outstanding in terms of beauty or demeanor within the palace. I don’t want another girl from the Han family to enter the palace, so I have to establish myself firmly here. Words are empty; time will prove what I’ve said. Yunzhao, just wait and see.”

Song Yunzhao watched Han Jinyi’s retreating figure, feeling somewhat dazed. Was Han Jinyi pledging allegiance to her?

No, it wasn’t exactly allegiance—more like a partnership?

Han Jinyi was calm and composed, and her logic wasn’t wrong. The Emperor indeed wouldn’t let scheming noble families achieve their desires. Until the Emperor fully consolidated his power, he wouldn’t allow children to be born in the palace.

At this thought, Song Yunzhao suddenly had a revelation: Could the Emperor’s recent absence from her palace be related to children?

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TLs note: I would like to start posting 3 chapters a week. Two on Saturday as always and a third chapter on another day. What day would you prefer? Friday or Sunday?

Friday it is ~

Thank you for reading!