TSNCWEM Chapter 72

Wangyou Palace was silent. Song Yunzhao slept soundly, but beside her, Feng Yi had already risen, preparing for court. Draping an outer robe over himself, he sat on the edge of the bed and turned to look at the woman still lying there. His gaze unconsciously drifted toward her abdomen, his hand lightly brushing over the brocade quilt.

Feng Yi’s expression flickered with unreadable emotions before he finally stood and left.

The moment he was gone, Song Yunzhao’s eyelids trembled slightly. She let out a quiet breath, only to realize she was covered in a thin layer of cold sweat.

She had awoken the moment Feng Yi moved. Initially, she had planned to feign sleep and surprise him, but in the end, he was the one who startled her.

Instinctively, she reached for her stomach. Though separated by the quilt, she had clearly felt his touch.

So, her suspicions had been correct.

Song Yunzhao had expected a bowl of contraceptive soup to arrive, but after waiting the entire morning and seeing none, she was no longer sure what the Emperor was thinking.

Regardless, as long as she could conceive, she would succeed. At the moment, advancing her rank wasn’t easy. Firstly, unless her father or uncle achieved something monumental in court and allowed her to share in their glory, she wouldn’t gain favor that way. But from the looks of it, that was unlikely. Her father’s current position in the capital was practically a retirement post—climbing higher would be difficult.

Secondly, the fastest way to rise in rank was through pregnancy. She had once scoffed at such a method, but now, standing in the thick of palace politics, it had become the quickest and most effective option.

After lunch, Song Yunzhao decided to take action. Since she had already torn her ties with Consort Shu, she couldn’t sit back and wait for retaliation.

She went to visit Consort Zhuang.

The relationship between the three favored consorts was rather intriguing. On the surface, they seemed harmonious, but none of them truly accepted the others. When it came to the Emperor’s affections, they were evenly matched—he maintained a careful balance among them.

In terms of family background, Consort Shu indeed had the strongest backing, but both Consort Wan and Consort Zhuang were daughters of assistant prime ministers, which meant their statuses weren’t far behind. The balance in lineage kept them all in check.

Thus, after the death of Imperial Noble Consort Chu, vying for the vacant noble consort position became exceptionally difficult. None of them had the leverage to make that leap.

Song Yunzhao smiled. Since things had come to this, she might as well give the situation a little push.

After all, watching others struggle with her own schemes was far more enjoyable than simply being a spectator.

If Consort Shu dared to target her family, then she shouldn’t expect mercy.

At Zhaoyang Palace, Consort Zhuang looked surprised. She turned to her maid, Yan Zhi, and asked, “Noble Concubine Song?”

Yan Zhi nodded. “Yes, it is indeed her.”

Consort Zhuang furrowed her brows slightly before saying, “Invite her in.”

Yan Zhi promptly brought Song Yunzhao inside. As soon as she stepped into Zhaoyang Palace, Song Yunzhao could feel the distinct difference from her own Wangyou Palace. Every tree, every flower here had been meticulously arranged—each step revealed a new scene. The furnishings were exquisite and luxurious, yet maintained a sense of restraint and propriety.

Inwardly, she thought that Consort Zhuang’s character was clear—poised and dignified, the model of a virtuous lady, someone who would never overlook even the smallest details.

“I greet Consort Zhuang. I apologize for the unexpected visit and hope niangniang will not mind,” Song Yunzhao said with a warm smile as she stepped forward and curtsied.

Consort Zhuang discreetly studied her guest. This Noble Consort Song was quite slippery—favored yet never arrogant, notoriously difficult to meet, uninterested in making friends, content to remain secluded in Wangyou Palace. How did she endure such isolation?

All in all, Song Yunzhao was unlike most women—elusive and cautious, making even someone as careful as Consort Zhuang feel wary.

Her sudden visit must be related to yesterday’s events. Keeping her composure, Consort Zhuang returned the smile, her tone warm. “Please rise, dear sister. Let’s sit and talk—your visit brings me great joy.”

Song Yunzhao beamed and sat down. After the palace maids served tea and withdrew, she turned to Consort Zhuang. “Niangniang, Zhaoyang Palace is breathtaking—every step unveils a new view. I could hardly take everything in on my way here. I must say, I have learned a lot. Perhaps I should follow Your Highness’s example and put more effort into refining Wangyou Palace.”

Consort Zhuang prided herself on having superior taste, and Song Yunzhao’s flattery hit exactly the right spot. Her smile became more genuine. “Living in the palace for years, I had to find ways to occupy myself. It’s not much—just some small amusements.”

Song Yunzhao’s expression turned admiring. “You have impeccable taste—you set the standard for us all.”

Consort Zhuang grew even more pleased. To be seen as a model—what better proof of good reputation?

Oh? She mused internally. Everyone said Noble Concubine Song was prickly and difficult to deal with, but now that she was speaking in such a pleasant manner, she seemed rather agreeable.

“Should you ever need advice, feel free to come to me,” Consort Zhuang offered.

Song Yunzhao widened her eyes in feigned delight. “I may truly need to trouble you in the future.”

“No trouble at all—it’s just trivial matters.” Consort Zhuang thought to herself: If she helps elevate my reputation, I wouldn’t mind personally redecorating Wangyou Palace for her.

A simple exchange had been enough for Song Yunzhao to get a feel for Consort Zhuang’s mindset. This one craves prestige. Good—I’ve come to the right place.

Having a weakness wasn’t the issue.

Not having one was.

And once someone’s weakness was exposed, it could always be exploited.

If she wanted to deal with Consort Shu, she had to recruit one of the three favored consorts as an ally. Otherwise, given her current rank, direct conflict with Consort Shu would end disastrously.

But teaming up with Consort Zhuang changed the equation—two consorts of equal rank meant true opposition.

With a delicate touch, she stirred the storm, watching Consort Shu and Consort Zhuang clash.

It was far better than being the sole target of Consort Shu’s retaliation.

“Your Highness is so understanding. I truly regret not visiting you sooner,” Song Yunzhao sighed softly, masking a troubled expression.

Consort Zhuang’s eyes flickered with intrigue. “What has been troubling you, sister? With the position you now hold, if you aren’t happy, what does that mean for the rest of us?”

Hearing Consort Zhuang’s teasing, Song Yunzhao let her eyes redden slightly in perfect timing. “Niangniang, please don’t joke with me. Everyone sees me basking in favor, but besides Han Xiao Yi, whom I befriended during the selection, who else is truly close to me? I know others secretly look down on me. But only you invited me here to Zhaoyang Palace, and I am deeply grateful.”

Upon hearing this, Consort Zhuang was instantly intrigued. Now this sounded like a story worth hearing. The palace had been peaceful for far too long—she wasn’t used to the quiet.

If no one stirred trouble, how could the old-timers seize the opportunity?

This had to turn into a fight.

“Is it about Consort Shu?” Consort Zhuang sighed heavily. “That must be difficult for you. But that’s simply her nature—you shouldn’t take it too personally.”

Hearing Consort Zhuang mention Consort Shu first, Song Yunzhao knew she was on the right track. With a slight shift in tone, she continued, “Consort Shu simply relies on Prime Minister Lu’s power. What did Han Xiao Yi do wrong? She was merely close to me, and yet Consort Shu wants to suppress her family. What did my father and uncle do wrong? Prime Minister Lu orchestrates petitions to impeach them, simply because I obstructed Consort Shu’s path. It’s absolutely… outrageous.”

Consort Zhuang’s heart skipped a beat. This one truly dares to speak her mind—and act accordingly.

Yesterday, after the Emperor summoned Consort Shu, Song Yunzhao had the audacity to bring soup to Taiji Palace. In all her years in the harem, Consort Zhuang had never seen such a move.

Not only did Song Yunzhao go there, but she had successfully overshadowed Consort Shu. And later, she had secured the Emperor’s favor for the night at Wangyou Palace.

Consort Zhuang felt an even deeper wariness toward her.

But watching this conflict unfold between Song Yunzhao and Consort Shu meant she could sit back and reap the benefits. Encouraging Song Yunzhao was a small price to pay.

“You’re only suffering because you’ve been in the palace too briefly. After a year or two, your rank will surely rise, and then you won’t need to endure such grievances,” Consort Zhuang said with a warm smile.

“Then I’ll take your kind words to heart. If that day ever comes, I will surely come to thank you,” Song Yunzhao responded.

Consort Zhuang smiled back. “I’ll be waiting.” Then, she added, “Consort Shu has never been one to swallow her pride. You embarrassed her—she will retaliate.”

Song Yunzhao put on a suitably troubled expression. “Niangniang, I come from a humble background. Even if I enjoy His Majesty’s favor, I do not threaten Consort Shu’s position. Why must she target me so relentlessly?”

Consort Zhuang felt that Song Yunzhao’s words carried some truth—without a powerful family backing her, aspiring to rise in the harem was wishful thinking.

Song Yunzhao’s favor was entirely based on her beauty. In a few years, when new concubines arrived, His Majesty would undoubtedly become more drawn to fresher faces—just as he now doted on Song Yunzhao while neglecting others. Eventually, she would fall into the same pattern.

The difference was that the three favored consorts had strong families behind them.

Could Song Yunzhao’s family protect her?

Hardly.

Considering this, Consort Zhuang actually found Song Yunzhao somewhat pitiful. Without a family’s support, it was incredibly difficult to survive in the palace with lasting honor.

“You can call me sister, so I can’t just carry the title without meaning. If anyone bullies you again, come to me,” Consort Zhuang said, her smile growing gentler.

She couldn’t openly challenge Consort Shu. If she wanted the Empress position, she needed to suppress both Consort Shu and Consort Wan. And there was no better weapon than Song Yunzhao.

“Really?” Song Yunzhao asked, eyes bright with delight. “Thank you, sister.”

“You and I get along well. Besides, Consort Shu has gone too far,” Consort Zhuang sighed. “Don’t worry—I will be here.”

Song Yunzhao glanced into Consort Zhuang’s eyes—if she could, she’d write Start the fight already across them.

She had successfully formed an alliance.

Satisfied, Song Yunzhao left Zhaoyang Palace. However, instead of returning straight to Wangyou Palace, she was stopped by Anshun.

“Master, Consort Shu is currently enjoying the flowers in the Eastern Garden,” he whispered.

Song Yunzhao’s eyes lit up. “Let’s go!”

Since Consort Zhuang wanted to back her, and since she wanted her to act as a weapon, Song Yunzhao was more than willing to oblige.

Instead of passing through Consort Wan’s Rofu Palace, Song Yunzhao made a direct path toward the Imperial Garden. However, upon entering, she didn’t immediately find Concubine Shu.

Instead, she found herself face-to-face with Talented Lady Zhu.

Seeing Talented Lady Zhu reminded her of what Feng Xiao Yuan had told her last time—that she had swapped out the congratulatory gift meant for Lu Zhixue.