As soon as Talented Lady Zhu saw Noble Concubine Song, she stepped forward and curtsied. “Your servant greets Noble Concubine.”
Noble Concubine Song studied Talented Lady Zhu—anyone bold enough to swap out Lu Zhixue’s congratulatory gift and still remain untouched surely had someone backing her.
Lu Zhixue had already been placed under house arrest.
“Talented Lady Zhu?” Yunzhao didn’t instruct her to rise. She simply fixed her gaze on her.
Talented Lady Zhu remained in her half-bowing position. When she heard the Noble Concubine speak, she quickly responded, “Yes.”
Noble Concubine Song smiled faintly.
Talented Lady Zhu heard that smile and felt her heart tighten. She kept her head lowered, motionless.
“Talented Lady Zhu certainly has skill—It was truly unexpected that Concubine Lu fell in your hands.”
“I do not know what you are referring to,” Talented Lady Zhu said, her face turning pale as she forced herself to remain composed.
“Whether you admit it or not is irrelevant to me. But Concubine Lu’s house arrest will end soon—you should tread carefully,” Yunzhao said before lifting her foot to leave.
Just then, a voice interrupted.
“Noble Concubine Song, what are you doing? The palace has its own rules—you are not permitted to reprimand other concubines without cause.”
Yunzhao turned her gaze toward Consort Shu, finding that her hostility had grown impossible to conceal.
The timing was almost too perfect—Yunzhao couldn’t help but suspect that Consort Shu had been keeping an eye on her all along. The moment she headed this way, she had conveniently placed Talented Lady Zhu here, hoping to ensnare her in trouble.
Just as this thought crossed her mind, Talented Lady Zhu suddenly burst into tears. “Niangniang, please uphold justice for me! Noble Concubine Song falsely accuses me of framing Concubine Lu—I am truly innocent!”
Upon hearing this, Consort Shu’s expression turned cold, her gaze sharp as a blade. “Noble Concubine Song, how dare you!”
Yunzhao’s face darkened as well. She raised her eyes to meet Consort Shu’s, speaking slowly and deliberately. “I’ve heard that niangniang is known for fairness. But it seems that was nothing but a false rumor.”
“What?”
“It turns out you settle matters based on one person’s words alone—without even questioning the other party. I must say, this is quite an eye-opener.” Yunzhao had always been a master of mockery. Since she had decided to face Consort Shu head-on, she wouldn’t hold back.
If she couldn’t completely defeat her, she would at least leave her severely wounded.
She had already noticed Xiang Xue sneaking off—no doubt to inform Consort Zhuang. With that assurance, she had no fear of what Consort Shu might do. In fact, it would be even better if she did make a move.
“Noble Concubine Song speaks recklessly, disrespecting the hierarchy. Today, I shall teach you what rules truly mean. Servants, slap her!” Consort Shu’s eyes gleamed with malice—she wouldn’t rest until she ruined Noble Concubine Song’s face, to make up for yesterday’s humiliation.
“I’d like to see who dares!” Yunzhao kicked the approaching maidservant to the ground. “Niangniang, what overwhelming power you have! No trial, no evidence—and yet, you dare convict me? My rank may be low, but I am not nameless. Moreover, you aim to ruin my appearance with a slap—what cruelty. Clearly, this is personal vengeance!”
“Utter nonsense!” Consort Shu, struck right in her sore spot, clenched her teeth. No matter what happened today, she could not let Noble Concubine Song walk away unscathed. What could His Majesty possibly do—punish her for a mere Noble Concubine? “What are you all waiting for? Do it!”
At once, Anshun and Shi Zhu rushed forward to shield Noble Concubine Song, locking the situation in a tense standoff.
Consort Shu was furious. “Song Yunzhao, how dare you defy me?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Niangniang speaks with such authority—yet you are not Empress. If His Majesty hears you using the word ‘defy’, what would he think?” She fully embodied the arrogant stance of a favored concubine, then turned to the approaching palace servants. “I have committed no crime today. If any of you dare to break palace rules and lay a hand on me—while I may not be able to deal with Consort Shu, I can deal with you. Consider carefully. The crime of unjustly insulting and assaulting a concubine—do you truly wish to risk your lives, and worse, drag your families into ruin?”
Threats?
If Consort Shu could use them, so could she.
Sure enough, the palace servants hesitated for a moment. However, Yanzi, one of Consort Shu’s attendants, stepped forward with her brows sharply arched. “Noble Concubine Song has disrespected niangniang. Everyone here has witnessed it. Even if His Majesty arrives, the truth remains—what are you afraid of?”
Before Noble Concubine Song could respond, Anshun loudly declared, “Our mistress has never disrespected Consort Shu. Yanzi, as your mistress’ right-hand woman, you dare to falsely accuse her—where does that place the palace rules? Where does that place His Majesty’s authority? It seems that Consort Shu, emboldened by Prime Minister Lu’s power, holds no regard for His Majesty at all. That is why she dares to act so brazenly within the harem!”
Well now.
For the first time, Yunzhao truly noticed Anshun. He was normally reserved and silent, but at a critical moment—he was a formidable ally.
“You fools, what are you waiting for? Beat that insolent dog to death!” Consort Shu’s face twisted in fury. She hadn’t expected such audacity from Noble Concubine Song’s attendant.
Dragging her father into the matter—if this reached His Majesty’s ears, there would be consequences.
“Is Consort Shu trying to silence him?” Noble Concubine Song swiftly pulled Anshun behind her, locking eyes with Consort Shu. “You are certainly bold—determined to control everything. Fine! If you have the courage, wipe out everyone in Wangyou Palace as well. I’d love to see if Prime Minister Lu can suppress the voices of the entire court!”
“Strike her! Now!” Consort Shu’s face darkened further. At this point, she was fully cornered. What had begun as a simple attempt to humble Noble Concubine Song had escalated beyond control. There was no turning back—she had to win.
This time, Consort Shu truly wished her dead.
“My, my—what’s all this commotion?”
Consort Zhuang arrived with an entourage, and as soon as Noble Concubine Song heard her voice, it was like divine music to her ears. Her tense nerves finally eased. It was about time.
A glance at the large group following Consort Zhuang explained the delay.
Unlike Noble Concubine Song’s relief, Consort Shu’s expression darkened even further—it became as black as the bottom of a pot.
“Indeed—what is going on here?”
Consort Wan’s voice suddenly rang out. Song Yunzhao glanced sideways at her—how perfectly timed. The garden was right behind Rofu Palace, and with all this commotion, there was no way Rofu Palace hadn’t heard. Yet Consort Wan had deliberately waited until Consort Zhuang arrived before stepping forward. How interesting.
Song Yunzhao nudged Anshun with the tip of her shoe, and he immediately sprang forward, dropping to his knees with a loud cry. “Niangniang, please seek justice for our mistress! Consort Shu wants to kill her!”
Song Yunzhao: Nicely done!
“Absurd!” Yanzi instantly stepped out. “It was Noble Concubine Song who showed disrespect towards niangniang. You insolent servant, how dare you spout such nonsense!”
Xiang Xue stood firm. “Consort Zhuang, Consort Wan, all of us here have witnessed this event. If you question everyone, the truth will be clear. Anshun and I are willing to accept whatever punishment you deem fit—should we utter even a single false word.” She turned to Yanzi. “Can you say the same?”
Yanzi flinched, unable to suppress the moment of hesitation.
Trailing behind Consort Zhuang were Qin Xiyue and Feng Yunjin. By now, they had more or less figured out what was unfolding. Feng Yunjin looked at Song Yunzhao with slight concern.
Qin Xiyue’s gaze was entirely different—calm as ever, yet carrying a hint of something more complex when it landed on Song Yunzhao.
Consort Zhuang stepped forward. “Yanzi, what do you have to say?”
Consort Shu turned toward Consort Zhuang, eyes burning with fury. “Consort Zhuang, what are you implying?”
Consort Zhuang sighed, feigning helplessness. “Consort Shu, I am merely asking a question. Why are you so anxious? Unless, of course, Yanzi’s words are questionable?”
Consort Wan, however, did not look at Consort Shu or Consort Zhuang. Instead, her gaze remained locked on Song Yunzhao.
Ever since entering the palace, this Noble Concubine had stirred up constant waves. Just yesterday, she had dared to chase His Majesty all the way to Taiji Palace, humiliating Consort Shu in the process. Today, Consort Shu seized the opportunity to retaliate.
But honestly—was it even that big of a deal?
Song Yunzhao was favored by His Majesty and possessed a fiercely competitive nature, never willing to suffer losses. Consort Shu had always acted freely in the palace, but today, she had finally met her match. What a spectacle.
“Noble Concubine Song, do you have anything to say?”
Hearing Consort Wan’s voice, Song Yunzhao turned toward her. She saw the gentle smile on Consort Wan’s face, as if the question was nothing more than casual inquiry.
Too bad. Song Yunzhao had her own sharp instincts. Consort Wan’s beauty was not particularly striking, but her face had an undeniable quality—an innocent first love type, crafted for that untouchable, high-end elegance.
Song Yunzhao put on a baffled expression and looked straight at Consort Wan. “Niangniang, what more is there to say? Everyone involved, including myself and Consort Shu, should be sent to the Judicial Court. I’m sure their methods will quickly determine the truth, won’t they?”
At her words, the entire courtyard turned their gaze to Song Yunzhao.
Song Yunzhao: …Don’t look at me—I’ve thrown myself into the pit too.
She was the kind of person who, when ruthless, wouldn’t hesitate to toss herself into the fire.
Someone audibly sucked in a breath, finally puncturing the tense atmosphere.
Consort Wan’s pleasant smile was completely wiped off her face. This girl was a true savage—unlike anyone she’d seen before.
She had to admit—she couldn’t compare.
She truly couldn’t compare.
Meanwhile, Consort Zhuang’s eyes gleamed with amusement. She turned to Consort Shu. “Consort Shu, Noble Concubine Song is willing to go. What about you…?”
“Consort Zhuang!” Consort Shu snapped, her expression growing uglier. “She is but a lowly Noble Concubine—how dare she compare herself to me?”
“You shouldn’t say that. Even a prince must abide by the law—His Majesty has always ruled with fairness. If he learns of this matter, surely he will handle it justly. What do you think, Consort Shu?”
Consort Shu wasn’t foolish—she could clearly see that Consort Zhuang was using Song Yunzhao as a weapon against her.
“What is going on here?”
Feng Yi had received word and rushed over. Seeing Song Yunzhao standing steady and unharmed, he exhaled slightly in relief.
He knew she was headstrong and impossible to take advantage of, yet still—he had abandoned his affairs to come, unable to suppress his concern.
Sure enough, Song Yunzhao appeared fine—her small frame held perfectly upright, and her stance was entirely familiar. The memory of Sanyuan Tower flashed vividly in his mind. Across from her, Consort Shu’s face looked downright grim—on the verge of collapse.
Song Yunzhao hadn’t expected the Emperor to come.
No one had.
Everyone hurriedly bowed. “Greetings, Your Majesty.”
Song Yunzhao’s eyes flickered with realization, especially as she glanced at Consort Shu and Qin Xiyue. This was an excellent opportunity. Without hesitation, she pinched the inside of her arm—hard.
Dear heavens, the pain!
The sharp sting sent tears welling in her eyes instantly. Her gaze reddened, and in the next moment, she wailed aloud.
“Your Majesty! If you hadn’t arrived, I would’ve been forced to die!”
Without a second thought, Song Yunzhao broke through the gathered crowd and threw herself into Feng Yi’s embrace. Ignoring what others might think, she wasted no time launching into her tirade.
“Your Majesty! Consort Shu ordered people to kill me! You must seek justice for me! This empire is yours, not the Lu family’s! I am your concubine—if anyone is to punish me, it should be decreed by you! Consort Shu is not the Empress, so how dare she convict me without proof? She disregards palace law, disrespects imperial authority, and falsely accuses me! Your Majesty, if you had arrived even a moment later, I would have been dead—I was truly terrified!”
Everyone present: …
Even among noble-born, well-seasoned palace members, there was no one who had seen someone cling to the Emperor’s neck and lodge a complaint so brazenly.
Arrogant!
Absolutely audacious!
It wasn’t just the concubines—even Feng Yi was momentarily stunned.
Feeling the tremor of Song Yunzhao’s small frame, how tightly she clung to his arm, it was as if she had found her only lifeline in a storm. To her, he was her sole hope for survival.
Feng Yi instinctively wrapped an arm around her, lowering his voice. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
Song Yunzhao sobbed even harder, trembling even more fiercely. “Your Majesty, Consort Shu wanted to kill me—it was terrifying! No one has ever threatened to kill me before. What did I do wrong for her to go that far?”
Hearing her repeat the word kill several times, Feng Yi turned his sharp gaze to Consort Shu. “Consort Shu, why did you attempt to kill Noble Concubine Song?”
Consort Shu’s face paled. “Your Majesty, it’s not true! How could I do such a thing?”
“Your Majesty, I can testify,” Xiang Xue suddenly knelt, speaking loudly. “Consort Shu ordered our mistress to be beaten to death. If Consort Zhuang and Consort Wan hadn’t arrived in time, our mistress would have been—please, Your Majesty, seek justice!”
“Utter nonsense!” Consort Shu was beginning to panic. She rushed forward. “Your Majesty, I didn’t! Truly, I didn’t! Noble Concubine Song disrespected me—I merely intended to administer a light punishment, nothing more. It is these wicked servants fabricating slander against me! Your Majesty, please grant me justice!”
“Your Majesty, when Consort Zhuang and Consort Wan arrived, Consort Shu was already ordering the attack,” Anshun kneeled, bowing his head deeply. His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, as if still fearful. “Both consorts heard it and can testify.”
Song Yunzhao remained nestled in the Emperor’s embrace. Since he hadn’t pushed her away, she knew her gamble had paid off.
Of course he wouldn’t push her away. She was his personally selected tool for palace cleanup. She had served this golden opportunity on a platter—how could he not seize it?
With that thought, Song Yunzhao’s eyes sparkled with sharp intent. She slowly stepped out of Feng Yi’s arms and turned toward Talented Lady Zhu, who was shrinking back, seemingly wishing to disappear entirely.
“Your Majesty,” Song Yunzhao said, her gaze unwavering, “this entire matter began with Talented Lady Zhu. Perhaps Your Majesty should inquire with her—then you will know if I speak the truth.”
Talented Lady Zhu hadn’t expected Song Yunzhao to drag her into the matter at this moment, and her face turned pale.
Feng Yi glanced down at Song Yunzhao, fully aware that this little fox might be putting on an act. After all, before he arrived, she had stood perfectly straight, facing off against Consort Shu without an ounce of fear.
But now, seeing her tear-filled eyes and streaked cheeks, he felt a strange discomfort. He instinctively pulled her closer before looking toward Talented Lady Zhu. “Talented Lady Zhu? What is your involvement in this matter?”
Song Yunzhao had been waiting for him to ask precisely that question. She immediately replied, “Your Majesty, do you recall Concubine Lu sending me silver-white satin?”
Feng Yi nodded. Of course, he remembered—she had been punished with house arrest and a reduction of her stipend because of it. But for Song Yunzhao to bring it up now, and mention Talented Lady Zhu, did that mean there was more to the story?
His interest was piqued.
Before everyone present, Song Yunzhao recounted what Feng Yunjin had told her, sticking strictly to the facts.
“Concubine Lu and I have always been at odds, so I assumed she had sent the gift simply to mock me. That was why I reported her. I never imagined there was more to the story. Since I hadn’t uncovered the full truth, I didn’t wish to disturb Your Majesty prematurely and had yet to bring it up. By coincidence, I encountered Talented Lady Zhu in the garden and decided to ask a few questions. But before I could get anywhere, Consort Shu suddenly appeared and accused me of unjustly reprimanding and punishing a fellow concubine. Your Majesty, I am but a mere Noble Concubine—I committed no crime, so how could I accept such accusations? When I defended myself with reason, Consort Shu sought personal vengeance and ordered my death. Everything I have spoken is the truth—I ask Your Majesty to investigate.”
Ever since Feng Yunjin had told her about Lu Zhixue, Song Yunzhao had suspected that someone else was backing Talented Lady Zhu. Whether that person was Consort Shu, Qin Xiyue, or someone else—she wasn’t sure. She had simply been waiting for the right moment to bring it up.
Now, she had found it.
Her task was to hand the Emperor a lead—whomever he uncovered from the investigation, that was no longer her concern.
Hearing Song Yunzhao rope Lu Zhixue and Feng Yunjin into the matter, things quickly became more complicated.
“Your Majesty, Noble Concubine Song speaks wisely. Since this concerns Concubine Lu, it should be investigated thoroughly,” Consort Zhuang spoke up, stepping forward. Her gaze swept across the gathered court, before finally landing on Qin Xiyue. “Noble Concubine Qin, I recall that you and Concubine Lu have always been close. Do you know anything about this matter?”
Qin Xiyue, hearing her name, lifted her head and met Consort Zhuang’s gaze before replying. “Niangniang, while Concubine Lu and I are acquainted, she has never mentioned this matter to me. I cannot say for certain.”
Consort Wan refused to let Consort Zhuang take all the attention and swiftly interjected. “Consort Zhuang, why ask Noble Concubine Qin? As Noble Concubine Song mentioned, it was Concubine Lu who entrusted Feng Xiao Yuan with the message—you should ask her instead.”
Without waiting for Consort Zhuang to speak, she turned directly to Feng Yunjin. “Feng Xiao Yuan, since you agreed to relay Concubine Lu’s message, you must understand the full context. Speak.”
Song Yunzhao lowered her head, saying nothing, leaning closely against the Emperor. Beneath the cover of her wide sleeves, she subtly curled her fingers, hooking onto his.
Feng Yi: …
Without making a sound, he glanced at Song Yunzhao from the corner of his eye. She kept her head bowed, looking utterly fragile—eyes red, her entire demeanor weary and shaken. Pitiful.
Though he suspected she might be faking it, when her fingers reached for his again, he instinctively turned his palm over, enclosing hers within his grip. Only then did he realize—her hand was ice cold.
His brows furrowed.
Perhaps she wasn’t acting. Perhaps she had truly been terrified.
He recalled her earlier cries about Consort Shu wanting her dead. Perhaps she hadn’t been exaggerating after all.
Song Yunzhao felt the Emperor’s grip tighten slightly, yet he didn’t shake her off, nor did he reprimand her. It was a promising sign.
For all his faults, he did occasionally have some conscience.
Meanwhile, Feng Yunjin had already stepped forward, concisely summarizing what Lu Zhixue had entrusted her with—keeping certain familial details unspoken, just as Song Yunzhao had done. She simply described how Lu Zhixue had uncovered Talented Lady Zhu’s scheme against her.
Talented Lady Zhu immediately cried out in protest. She knew Lu Zhixue had no evidence—as long as she denied everything, how could they convict her?
For the moment, the case was at a standstill.
Feng Yi remained silent, still holding onto Song Yunzhao’s hand.
Yet she felt his fingers subtly shift.
That told her—he was thinking.
Sensing this, she discreetly lifted her foot beneath her wide skirt and nudged Anshun.
Immediately understanding, Anshun crept forward on his knees and spoke. “Your Majesty, every mistress has palace servants. If they are interrogated thoroughly, the truth will surely come to light.”
Meng Jiuchang, who had been observing silently, cast a glance at Anshun. Smart. He knew how to make an impression in front of His Majesty. Thinking the same, Meng Jiuchang bowed and echoed the sentiment. “Your Majesty, Anshun’s words are reasonable. Talented Lady Zhu has attendants—they would certainly know of her actions. A thorough investigation would not be impossible.”
Talented Lady Zhu’s heart jolted.
Though she had taken precautions to avoid witnesses, she had never fully guarded against her own servants. Moreover, some actions had been carried out by them…
Feng Yi’s gaze swept across Talented Lady Zhu’s increasingly pale face, then turned to the gathered court—before finally resting on Consort Shu.
Consort Shu’s heart clenched, but she dared not show any reaction. She put on a perfectly woeful expression.
“Consort Shu, do you have anything to say?” Feng Yi asked.
Consort Shu’s hands clenched tightly around her handkerchief, twisting it out of shape. She wanted to force a smile, but her heart pounded like a drum—she couldn’t even manage that.
She had been in the palace long enough to recognize His Majesty’s warning.
This was her last chance.
Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself before speaking. “Your Majesty, if Noble Concubine Song speaks the truth, then it seems Talented Lady Zhu has deceived me. I truly believed she was being mistreated, and thus, I misunderstood Noble Concubine Song.”
Consort Zhuang’s eyes narrowed. She hadn’t expected Consort Shu to yield so easily. What a shame—they had missed such a perfect opportunity.
She hesitated, debating whether to strike while the enemy was down. But before she could decide, the Emperor spoke.
“Talented Lady Zhu—does Consort Shu speak the truth?” Feng Yi asked.
Consort Shu had chosen Talented Lady Zhu as her scapegoat. Now, the question was—would Talented Lady Zhu accept it?
Talented Lady Zhu’s eyes locked onto Consort Shu, her expression sharp.
But Consort Shu did not look at her.
Song Yunzhao wasn’t watching Talented Lady Zhu or Consort Shu either. Beneath the Emperor’s broad figure, his shadow masking her expression, she was watching Qin Xiyue.
drama 😎
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