Madam Song met Yunzhao’s worried gaze and spoke calmly, “There’s nothing strange about this. If no one were targeting our family, that would be strange.”
Song Yunzhao looked at her aunt in surprise. “Aunt…”
“The stronger your position in the palace, the more wary others will be of you. Since they can’t directly harm you, they’ll naturally go after your family instead. This was something your Uncle and Father anticipated even before you stayed in the palace—they discussed it in letters and were already prepared.”
Song Yunzhao fell silent. She had overlooked how official families dealt with political risks in this time period.
She hadn’t considered it—because the novel never explained it, she had never experienced it firsthand, and no one had taught her.
How could she have known?
Seeing Yunzhao’s expression, First Madam sighed lightly. “Your mother never taught you these things, so today, I’ll explain them to you carefully.”
Song Yunzhao nodded slightly. “Thank you, Aunt.”
“We’re family—there’s no need for thanks.” Madam Song smiled. Yunzhao’s promotion to Jieyu meant Yexi’s marriage prospects would improve significantly, and her husband’s career advancement would become much smoother.
Being impeached? That was nothing.
Unless someone was completely irrelevant, every official in court had faced impeachment at some point.
Right now, Song Yunzhao’s position mattered most.
“Your Uncle is a deputy in the Salt Bureau, a fifth-rank official. Your Father, even though he serves in the capital, is only sixth-rank and essentially idles away his days in a low-authority office. Positions like these don’t carry significant responsibility—so even if someone wanted to accuse them of wrongdoing, it wouldn’t be easy. Do you understand?”
Song Yunzhao felt like she understood.
Her aunt was saying that her uncle and father held neither high nor low positions, meaning they weren’t burdened with major responsibilities, which meant they weren’t easy targets for serious accusations.
In short, this was all just intimidation.
Song Yunzhao was at a loss for words. She looked at her aunt and asked, “So, does that mean my Uncle and Father will be fine? My Father isn’t much of a concern—his post at the Imperial Stables is quite relaxed—but will this affect my Uncle’s promotions?”
Madam Song smiled. “Each term lasts three years. When his current appointment ends, people might try to interfere. But that doesn’t matter—what matters is where Jieyu stands three years from now.”
Song Yunzhao pondered this.
Madam Song continued, “Don’t take my words as an excuse to take risks. You must understand—if you secure your position, you secure the Song family. Your Uncle wrote in his letter—he wants you to be cautious in the palace, while he remains diligent in his duties. That way, with one stable inside the palace and one stable outside, the Song family will remain safe.”
Song Yunzhao understood her aunt’s meaning.
She was reassuring her—her uncle wouldn’t engage in corruption or make political missteps that might jeopardize his career.
Song Yunzhao felt a surge of relief.
Having a competent ally was a huge advantage. If she was striving to rise in the palace, while her family actively caused problems, that would be infuriating.
“I’ll keep your advice in mind, Aunt. Please pass a message to my Uncle and Father—tell them not to worry about me. I’ll take care of myself in the palace.”
Madam Song nodded. “That’s good to hear. Still, life in the palace isn’t easy—Jieyu must always be cautious.”
Song Yunzhao nodded in agreement.
Then, she mentioned how Consort Lu had been stripped of her title. “Because of this, Minister Lu will likely keep a close watch on the Song family.”
Madam Song hadn’t realized how dangerous the situation was—her expression darkened. She looked at Yunzhao and said, “You don’t need to worry too much. I will return to my family home and have my father gather information.”
Song Yunzhao suddenly remembered—Madam Song’s father was a Vice Minister in the Ministry of Rites.
Although he held a third-rank official title, the Ministry of Rites was the weakest among the Six Ministries.
It didn’t hold much real power.
Madam Song was willing to ask her own family for help on Yunzhao’s behalf—this was a kindness Yunzhao would not forget.
Madam Song thought for a moment before saying, “Talented Lady Zhu was sentenced to death—that was unexpected.”
Song Yunzhao paused, then replied, “She couldn’t have survived.”
First Madam sighed. “Yes. After involving Consort Lu—whether or not His Majesty issued the sentence, she never would have escaped Consort Lu’s grasp.”
“You’re right, Aunt. The key issue was that only Talented Lady Zhu’s death could shoulder the bulk of the punishment for this incident. In comparison, Minister Lu wouldn’t hold onto his grievance over Consort Lu’s penalty.” Song Yunzhao had only realized this later.
At first, she had thought that sentencing Talented Lady Zhu to death was excessive. But after carefully reconsidering, she realized that the Emperor’s decision was the most appropriate course of action.
Just as her aunt had pointed out—even if Lady Zhu weren’t sentenced to death, Consort Lu wouldn’t have let her live long enough to become a pawn for her enemies. As long as Talented Lady Zhu was alive, she remained a threat to Consort Lu.
Furthermore, if Talented Lady Zhu weren’t executed, how should Consort Lu be dealt with?
If the punishment was too severe, Minister Lu would never let it go. If it were too lenient, the Emperor himself wouldn’t be satisfied.
At the time, Yunzhao had only wanted to push the Emperor into action—that was why she had decided to fake fainting, allowing him a legitimate excuse to punish Consort Lu.
Looking back, that last-minute decision had been absolutely the right call.
“On the surface, Talented Lady Zhu’s death seems to have saved Consort Lu. What do you think, Jieyu?” Madam Song asked gently.
Song Yunzhao hadn’t given it much thought before—but her aunt was an expert at court intrigue. Her question made Yunzhao rethink everything.
Yet, no matter how she analyzed it, she couldn’t find any deeper meaning. She shook her head. “I’ll need your guidance on this, Aunt.”
“The three imperial consorts have comparable backgrounds, but when you look closer, Consort Lu actually holds the advantage.”
Song Yunzhao nodded—Minister Lu was the Right Prime Minister, while the fathers of Consort Wan and Consort Zhuang were Deputy Prime Ministers. Compared to a full-ranking prime minister, deputy prime ministers were merely potential successors.
“Having fallen from grace, Consort Lu won’t accept it easily—she will surely try to reclaim her title. But right now, in the harem, you stand alone. It will be a long time before Consort Lu finds the right opportunity.”
Song Yunzhao looked at Madam Song. “Aunt, are you saying the Emperor wants Minister Lu to…”
Madam Song smiled and interrupted her. “Some things are better understood without being said aloud.”
Song Yunzhao exhaled deeply—how had she not realized this sooner?
Consort Lu wanted her title back, but since she had angered the Emperor, she couldn’t regain it herself—not for now. Since she couldn’t do it, her father, Minister Lu, would have to push on her behalf.
To please the Emperor, to restore Consort Lu’s title, Minister Lu had to win his favor through his actions in court.
So, the Emperor was forcing Minister Lu to be more tactful—to take a step back.
If Minister Lu was forced to yield, he certainly wouldn’t be happy about it. And if he was unhappy, he would seek trouble for Song Yunzhao—the person who started all of this. But Song Yunzhao was deep inside the palace, so his only target would be the Song family.
Song Yunzhao suddenly felt urgency—being promoted to Jieyu wasn’t enough. Only by standing higher, with a firm status, could she make Minister Lu wary enough to avoid acting recklessly.
In other words, she had to keep rising.
The pressure weighed on her immediately.
Madam Song noticed the change in her expression—she knew Yunzhao had figured it out. But she didn’t want her niece’s mood to turn sour on such a joyous day, so she quickly changed the topic.
“Knowing I’d be coming to the palace today, I had someone send word to Miss Xie. She sent a letter for you.”
Madam Song took out the letter and stood up to hand it over. Song Yunzhao reached for it and smiled. “Thank you, Aunt. I’ve asked the Xie family to handle some matters for me, and I’ll surely have to trouble you again in the future.”
Madam Song chuckled. “This is hardly a trouble. If Jieyu needs anything, just ask—the family will do everything to assist you.”
Song Yunzhao nodded with a smile before asking, “Is everything well at home?”
At Yunzhao’s question, Madam Song replied, “The main household is stable as usual, but Qinghan’s marriage is not going smoothly. Your mother and father are quite anxious about it.”
Song Yunzhao’s eyes lit up—if Song Qinghan wasn’t doing well, then she was happy.
She said, “Your ladyship has always treated Song Qinghan as a treasure, so I’m sure you’re handling it with the utmost care.”
Then, pausing, she continued, “Besides, even if things don’t work out with the Song family, she still has the Cai family and the Dingnan Count household. Whether it’s Cai Shi or the Madam of the Count mansion, they both adore Song Qinghan—how could they possibly sit by and do nothing?”
Madam Song immediately understood the sarcasm in Yunzhao’s words and sighed. “I heard the Cai family went through quite the struggle over this. While Cai Shi was eager to help, the real decision-makers now are Minister Cai and his wife.
As for the Dingnan Countess, she’s currently preoccupied with arranging the marriage for her eldest daughter—she doesn’t have time for anything else.”
Song Yunzhao was delighted.
Madam Song had spoken tactfully, but she understood the message—now that her influence was growing, neither family dared to risk offending her further by helping Song Qinghan.
Madam Song saw the subtle joy in Yunzhao’s eyes and knew that this was exactly the kind of news she liked to hear.
So, she added, “Qinghan’s marriage situation is quite difficult—who knows where she’ll end up? But Yexi and Jinxuan’s marriages are looking more promising. Matchmakers visit often. Yexi’s situation is manageable, but Jinxuan’s prospects aren’t looking too great. As her aunt, I can’t intervene too much.”
Song Yunzhao said, “Then let’s wait. Once my Second Brother passes his exams, we can discuss marriage properly.”
Then, pausing, she looked at Madam Song. “He’s studying with his cousins—how is he doing? Jinxuan said he’s planning to take the exams—do you think he’ll manage?”
Madam Song smiled. “He’s very diligent. Boran said that as long as he performs well, the entrance exam should be no problem.”
Song Yunzhao nodded. “That’s good.”
First Madam continued, “This time, Boyue and Boming will be traveling home together. Your Uncle wants them to depart by the end of June, so they can arrange everything early instead of rushing.”
The entrance exams were in August. Leaving the capital at the end of June would give them all of July to adapt to Nanyu, ensuring sufficient preparation before sitting for the exam.
“Uncle is right—this is a great plan.” Song Yunzhao agreed.
After discussing matters at home, Madam Song took her leave. Song Yunzhao personally saw her out, watching her depart. Instead of immediately returning to the hall, she stood under the eaves, looking up at the sky. Once her Aunt arrived back home, Cai Shi and Song Qinghan would find out she had been promoted to Jieyu—and they would surely be furious.
Just thinking about it made her happy.
She wasn’t wrong—her Aunt was quite amusing. After returning home, she first went to visit Cai Shi in the third household.
Cai Shi had been having a rough time lately. Her eldest daughter’s marriage prospects had become her top priority. But because of how disgraceful her exit from the palace had been, even though First Madam had refrained from spreading gossip for the sake of the Song family’s reputation, the truth wasn’t exactly a secret.
Other families were all too eager to make sure the story spread.
As a result, Song Qinghan’s marriage was truly difficult. Forget about marrying well—even finding a match of equal status was challenging. As soon as her name was mentioned, families immediately backed away.
After exhausting all options, Cai Shi had no choice but to consider lower-status matches. But even then, finding someone willing to marry Song Qinghan proved difficult—her reputation was too tarnished.
No one wanted a daughter-in-law with such a scandalous past.
Only those hoping to leech off the Song family were interested, but these were exactly the kind of opportunistic families that would bite off a piece of the Song family if given the chance.
Cai Shi was furious, worrying day and night about this situation.
When First Madam entered, Cai Shi tried her best to keep a neutral expression. “Sister-in-law, what brings you here? It’s quite rare for you to visit.”
She already knew that Song Yunzhao had invited First Madam to the palace today.
Her relationship with Song Yunzhao was ice cold, so she hadn’t paid much attention to the matter.
Why should she?
That ungrateful daughter didn’t care about her as a mother—so why should she care in return?
“Sister-in-law, what are you saying? We’ve been family for years—how could I be a stranger?” First Madam was unbothered by Cai Shi’s attitude. “I came to congratulate you. As soon as I arrived at the palace, I received some great news—this morning, His Majesty promoted Yunzhao to Jieyu.”
Cai Shi’s expression stiffened, her gaze locked onto her. “Jieyu?”
First Madam smiled radiantly. “Yes. A two-rank promotion—His Majesty truly favors our Yunzhao. She is a child blessed with good fortune.”
Cai Shi: …
Her eldest daughter’s marriage was already a disaster, and now Song Yunzhao had been promoted to Jieyu?
Cai Shi felt her vision darken—what would happen to Qinghan now?
First Madam delivered the news with satisfaction and promptly left. She had no interest in lingering—no need to waste time on Cai Shi’s foolishness.
Even now, there was no remorse.
It wasn’t just foolishness—it was outright stupidity
Not long after she left, the news reached Song Qinghan. She stormed into the main courtyard, her face dark with fury, and burst into tears the moment she saw Cai Shi.
“Mother… What am I supposed to do?” Song Qinghan threw herself into Cai Shi’s arms, sobbing so hard she could barely breathe.
Life had been hell for Song Qinghan lately.
She knew her disgraceful exit from the palace had tarnished her reputation, and she knew marriage wouldn’t come easily.
But she hadn’t expected it to be this difficult.
Those who once befriended her now avoided her like the plague, afraid to offend Song Yunzhao.
She hated it—hated it so much!
“Don’t be afraid, Mother will find a way.” Cai Shi soothed her daughter, though she was just as troubled.
If worst came to worst, she would marry Song Qinghan back into her maternal family, prepare a lavish dowry, and make sure it happened.
First Madam might disapprove, but what could she do? As long as Cai Shi’s mother was alive, there was still hope.
But then again…
First Madam’s temperament was stubborn—if things didn’t work out, what then?
“Mother, if this continues, I can’t live like this anymore. I’d rather die than suffer like this!” Song Qinghan cried sincerely this time.
She had never endured such hardship in her life.
Meanwhile, after returning to her courtyard, First Madam summoned Song Jinxuan.
Song Jinxuan was surprised but respectfully greeted her. “Jinxuan greets Aunt.”
“Sit, let’s talk.” First Madam smiled—she found Concubine Che and her daughter to be rather intelligent.
At least they still had some favor in Yunzhao’s eyes.
“Jieyu said your marriage is not urgent. We’ll wait until Boming passes the imperial exam before discussing it. Tell Concubine Che to set her mind at ease—I will inform your Father.”
“Jieyu?” Song Jinxuan blinked, then her face lit up. “Has Noble Concubine Song been promoted?”
Jieyu… that meant a two-rank rise!
“Yes,” First Madam chuckled, “You don’t need to worry with Jieyu watching over you.”
Song Jinxuan had been on edge for days.
Her main mother, Cai Shi, caught up in Song Qinghan’s marriage disaster, had grown increasingly hostile toward her.
And since she was of marriageable age, matchmakers had begun coming to the door.
Compared to Song Qinghan’s predicament, she still had options—but that didn’t make her feel safer.
She and her mother had been keeping their heads down, careful not to make mistakes, terrified that Cai Shi might seize the opportunity to dispose of her.
Now, things were different.
With Jieyu’s favor, her Father was sure to take her future seriously.
Cai Shi wouldn’t dare hastily arrange her marriage now.
Overwhelmed with relief, Song Jinxuan’s eyes welled up. She quickly pulled out a handkerchief and wiped away her tears before saying, “I’ve embarrassed myself in front of Aunt.”
“You child.” First Madam wasn’t bothered. “Go back and tell Concubine Che and Boming that Boming should focus on the exam without distractions.”
Song Jinxuan thanked First Madam sincerely and left, overjoyed.
First Madam then had someone inquire when Third Master would return home.
After that, she sent word to her maternal family that she would visit tomorrow.
Minister Lu was still a concern, and she needed her father to keep an eye on things.
After handling all the miscellaneous tasks, First Madam sat down to write a letter to her husband, carefully documenting everything Yunzhao had instructed her—especially the matter of Consort Shu’s demotion and her now reduced status. Since her husband had colleagues aligned with Minister Lu, he would need to tread even more carefully.
Once she finished the letter, First Madam breathed out lightly. If her husband returned to the capital for reassignment later, Yunzhao’s position in the palace would be much stronger, and officials in the Ministry of Personnel wouldn’t dare obstruct his promotion.
His career trajectory wouldn’t be too uncertain then.
As long as he achieved notable accomplishments during his tenure…
First Madam felt a headache coming on. She should be in Yucheng, supporting her husband. But if she left, she feared Cai Shi would stir up trouble, tarnishing Yunzhao’s reputation.
She couldn’t leave—she had to stay in the capital to maintain order.
And there was the Xie family—she still needed to pass messages to the consort, which made it even harder to leave.
After thinking it over, First Madam added another note in the letter. If worst came to worst, her husband should take a concubine in Yucheng, giving him some support in that region.
While First Madam was running around nonstop, Yunzhao was just as busy in the palace.
Her promotion to Jieyu brought wave after wave of congratulatory visits.
Now ranked just below the three imperial consorts, their senior palace attendants came to deliver gifts on their behalf.
Meanwhile, the other concubines personally visited to express their congratulations.
Wangyou Palace was lively beyond belief, and Song Yunzhao had smiled so much her face was aching.
Han Jinyi originally had something to discuss with Yunzhao, but seeing so many people, she chose not to bring it up, deciding to come back tomorrow instead.
She informed Yunzhao briefly before leaving.
Song Yunzhao didn’t hold back either and responded casually, “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
Han Jinyi chuckled as she left, accompanied by Feng Xiao Yuan, who also bid farewell.
Qin Xiyue arrived late, sat only briefly, offered her congratulations, and soon departed.
Song Yunzhao politely sent off guest after guest—until, unexpectedly, Lu Zhixue showed up.
Seeing Yunzhao, Lu Zhixue’s expression was stiff, but she managed to force a smile.
After offering a gift and congratulations, she said, “I must thank Jieyu for helping lift my confinement.”
From the novel, Song Yunzhao knew Lu Zhixue was intelligent.
But after entering the palace, it seemed her intelligence had dulled.
She had kept hounding her, yet after this recent ordeal, she seemed a bit more rational.
Being friends with Lu Zhixue was impossible, but she was still an intelligent character from the novel. Yunzhao didn’t want to create unnecessary enemies.
So, she smiled and said, “Concubine Lu must be joking—I’ve always believed in fairness. You were wrongly accused, and your confinement was also because of me, so this evens things out.”
Lu Zhixue smiled slightly. “Jieyu is straightforward. Regardless, I still wish to express my gratitude. I won’t disturb Jieyu further—I’ll take my leave.”
“Xiang Xue, escort Concubine Lu out.” Yunzhao smiled.
She was now a third-rank concubine, which meant she could formally refer to herself as ‘bengong’[mfn]The word still means ‘I’ and I will keep translating it like that so it’s not too confusing[/mfn].
Before the Emperor, she could now properly address herself as ‘chenqie’[mfn]Translation: I, your servant [/mfn].
With that thought, Yunzhao wondered whether the Emperor would visit tonight—she was rather looking forward to seeing him.
As the sky darkened, there was no word from Taiji Palace.
Yunzhao assumed the Emperor wouldn’t come.
After an exhausting day, she felt worn out, so she asked Shi Zhu to prepare dinner.
She changed out of her formal attire, choosing a light, soft red gown instead.
The hotter the weather, the less she wanted to wear layer upon layer of palace robes.
Whenever there weren’t many people around, she opted for comfort.
Just as she finished changing and stepped out of the bedroom, she froze.
“Your Majesty—why are you here?”
Not even a single attendant had announced his arrival—he had startled her.
Hearing her voice, Feng Yi turned and set down a storybook he had been browsing.
His eyes landed on Song Yunzhao.
Something in his gaze darkened.
Song Yunzhao: …
She hadn’t meant to do this—this was truly just a coincidence.
Feng Yi strode over, glanced at her flushed face, and chuckled softly.
He leaned down slightly, his breath warm against her ear, and murmured, “I’ve seen everything before—why act shy now?”
Song Yunzhao’s face turned even redder.
Your Majesty—where is your dignity?
Ever since the Emperor crossed that line, his personality had been veering further and further off course.
Seeing how she was about to turn as red as a cooked shrimp, Feng Yi finally stopped teasing her. He took her hand, led her to the table, and sat down. Then, with a hint of amusement, he remarked, “You look full of energy—it seems you’ve recovered well.”
Song Yunzhao immediately caught the underlying joke—he was teasing her excitement over her promotion.
So she shot back without hesitation, “Your Majesty possesses miraculous remedies—of course I recovered quickly.”
Feng Yi: …
Flatter me all you like—but don’t think your next promotion will come as easily.
