TSCNCWEM Chapter 87

Song Yunzhao was never one to remain passive.

She looked at First Madam and said, “You can be a thief for a thousand days, but you can’t guard against a thief for a thousand days. You already know—as long as they have the chance to disgust me, suppress me, Third Madam and Song Qinghan would gladly do so.”

First Madam’s brows furrowed deeply.

“Third Sister-in-law must at least consider her son.”

“Last time, I told her Song Boyue should never expect my support—perhaps those words left her feeling resentful.”

The more Song Yunzhao thought about it, the more it made sense.

Cai Shi was nothing like First Madam.

First Madam could consider the greater good for the family, but Cai Shi never would.

First Madam watched her carefully.

“Jieyu, do you have a plan?”

Song Yunzhao smiled.

“Not quite a plan, but more of a decision—Song Qinghan is desperate to marry into the marquis household, so why not let her have what she wants?”

“But the Marquis of Wuxin’s family…”

Song Yunzhao snorted.

“What does the Marquis of Wuxin have to do with me? Song Qinghan’s marriage—I won’t contribute a dowry, and I won’t endorse the match. Anyone with a shred of sense knows we have no sisterly bond.”

“That may be true, but you are sisters, and the Marquis of Wuxin has already investigated the situation before agreeing. What if they only want the appearance of kinship? Jieyu, in the palace, you are far away from it all—and I am just an aunt. Once Qinghan is married, I won’t be able to interfere in the Marquis of Wuxin’s affairs.”

“So, then we’ll lay everything out openly. But not yet—we wait until Song Qinghan’s marriage with the Marquis of Wuxin’s family is finalized, until everyone knows.”

Song Yunzhao’s face was cold and expressionless.

First Madam hesitated.

“Jieyu, what do you mean?”

“Song Qinghan and Madam are still trying to drag me down with them. Any last traces of sisterly bonds are gone.”

Her tone was indifferent, as if discussing unrelated matters.

“When their engagement is set, I will trouble you to spread word far and wide about my ‘sisterly bond’ with Song Qinghan.”

First Madam paused, then frowned slightly.

“In order to harm the enemy, you also harm yourself—this isn’t right. Jieyu, we can’t risk tarnishing your reputation. We should find another way.”

“First Madam, I don’t need a good reputation right now.”

“What?”

Song Yunzhao laughed lightly.

“How is the three consorts’ reputation?”

“Of course, it is good.”

“And yet, how many imperial sons have been born in the palace?”

First Madam’s expression paled, her fingers tensing around her handkerchief.

“You see it now, don’t you?”

“So tell me—why has my rank risen so quickly? Why is His Majesty sending my father south for disaster relief?”

“Yunzhao…”

“First Madam, there is no such thing as free favors. I don’t need a good reputation right now—I am simply a favored concubine. His Majesty lifts my father because of his fondness for me, and nothing more. As for good reputation, I’ll reclaim it later—but not now.”

First Madam understood.

Even after His Majesty ascended, the three consorts’ families still controlled the court.

Even without a family consort, the Left Prime Minister remained influential, and he was not fully aligned with the Emperor.

His Majesty needed allies to counter the three consorts—he needed a new force in court.

And Song Yunzhao’s favoritism meant the Song family would face an inevitable storm.

First Madam had expected troubles ahead—her husband was already targeted by the Right Prime Minister’s faction.

Yet she hadn’t realized how clearly Yunzhao saw it all.

Previously, First Madam supported Yunzhao out of family interests.

Their shared surname meant that Yunzhao’s rise would bring prestige to all of them.

But now, for the first time, First Madam felt real sympathy for her.

She lowered her head slightly, concealing the sting of emotion, then steadied herself.

Finally, she looked up, her expression firm.

“Fine. Jieyu, I will follow your lead. Since this must be done, we’ll ensure it is done right. Leave external matters to me—inside the palace, you must take care of yourself. As long as you are safe, the Song family can remain intact. No matter the situation, your life is the most important.”

“I cherish my life—so rest assured, Madam.”

Song Yunzhao smiled faintly.

“I only feel guilty that you must handle all this on my behalf.”

“Jieyu, there’s no need to say such things. As you said—we are family. There’s no need to separate our concerns so clearly.”

First Madam’s tone was unwavering.

“If Qinghan’s marriage to the Marquis of Wuxin is real, then leave everything else to me. I will make sure the noble ladies of the capital all know about your ‘sisterly bond’ with her. If the Marquis of Wuxin’s family thinks they can use your influence, they are dreaming.”

Since they were tearing things apart, there was no need to hold back.

Song Yunzhao nodded, her voice lighter.

“With your support, Madam, I feel reassured.”

First Madam looked at Yunzhao.

“This marriage was arranged by Countess Dingnan. What exactly her household intends, we don’t know yet. But since she introduced your mother and sister to the Marquis of Wuxin’s family, Jieyu should remain cautious. At the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet, Jieyu will see them in person—you must prepare well.”

Song Yunzhao thought about it—indeed, the gathering would be interesting.

Countess Dingnan might not even want to meet her.

First Madam saw time was slipping away and prepared to leave the palace.

Song Yunzhao had woven two pairs of socks for her father, entrusting First Madam to deliver them.

She also had gifts prepared for her, Song Yexi, Song Jinxuan, and her other sisters.

Seeing the gifts, First Madam hesitated.

Song Yunzhao immediately asked,

“Madam, is there something else?”

“There is one more thing—Lirong’s marriage has been decided. She will be wed soon.”

Song Lirong?

Song Yunzhao remembered immediately and smiled.

“Lirong is certainly at the right age to marry. Which young gentleman has been chosen?”

“The county magistrate’s son from Yucheng. Though he was born of a concubine, his character and education are respectable. His chances of passing the imperial examination this year are quite high. Your uncle greatly approves of him, so he arranged the marriage.”

Though First Madam spoke lightly, Song Yunzhao immediately recognized the deeper purpose—it was a strategic alliance.

Fortunately, the groom was talented and well-educated.

If he passed the imperial exam, his future career would be promising.

At most, Lirong might have to endure a few years before gaining authority in her new household.

But with Jieyu in the palace, Lirong could stand tall in her new family.

As long as her own status remained secure, Song family’s daughters wouldn’t struggle in their marriages.

This union was for Uncle, but ultimately, it was also because of her.

Her Uncle had been targeted by the Right Prime Minister—using marriage alliances was his way of counteracting the pressure.

Lirong’s distant marriage wasn’t entirely her fault, but at least half of it was.

Since that was the case, she couldn’t simply ignore it.

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TLs note: One chapter this week, since I am super busy