I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 108: Chapter 56: I Don’t Know if I Should Say This

’The eldest daughter her mother doted on hadn’t been chosen, yet the daughter she despised the most had. It was a resounding slap in the face. If she couldn’t be there to witness it firsthand, it would be a disservice to the decade she’d spent just getting by in the Song Mansion.’ freewёbnoνel.com

Han Jinyi felt a little nervous herself. Seeing Song Yunzhao’s calm expression, she couldn’t help but ask, "Aren’t you nervous?"

Song Yunzhao, not yet pulled from her own thoughts, replied offhandedly, "What’s there to be nervous about?"

The words had barely left her mouth when she snapped back to reality. Seeing the astonished look in Han Jinyi’s eyes, she smoothly covered for herself. "We have to wait whether we’re nervous or not. Since being nervous is useless, why bother?"

Han Jinyi was taken aback. "Is that really how it works?"

"Of course," Song Yunzhao said firmly. ’Even if it isn’t, it has to be now.’

Han Jinyi thought it over. The logic was a bit strange, but it really did seem to help her relax.

After the two exchanged a few idle words, a Housekeeper entered. It wasn’t Nanny Zhang or the others from Zhichun Palace this time, but a new face. She had a wide, festive-looking smile.

"My congratulations to all of you for being chosen. Please follow me."

"Ma’am, where are you taking us?" Lu Zhixue asked.

The Housekeeper replied with a smile, "Their Ladyships have instructed me to take you all to Changyin Pavilion to settle in for now. Once your initial ranks are decided, you will be assigned your own residences."

Everyone was stunned. Weren’t they supposed to leave the palace and wait for the news at home?

Qin Xiyue frowned slightly and addressed the Housekeeper. "Ma’am, according to procedure, shouldn’t we be returning home to await the imperial edict of enfeoffment?"

"I am merely following orders and dare not question anything else. If you would please follow me, ladies," the Housekeeper replied, her smile unwavering. She then turned and walked out, showing no intention of explaining further.

Song Yunzhao found it strange as well. ’This is different from what was in the book. I was looking forward to going back to the Song Mansion to see the look on Mrs. Cai’s face. Does this mean I won’t get to see it?’

’How much fun would that take away? She was not happy. It was the one thing consoling her about being chosen, and now it was gone.

Seeing that they couldn’t get any more information, the young women had no choice but to follow the Housekeeper out.

The walk from Huayang Hall back to Zhichun Palace was breathtaking. Exotic flowers bloomed in profusion along the path, shaded by flourishing trees. A clear stream trickled through the crevices of a rockery, while on either side, soaring pavilions seemed to pierce the sky, their forms half-hidden in a forest as lush and green as a royal canopy.

The scenery was truly beautiful, and Song Yunzhao felt a little reluctant to leave it all behind. Surrounded by shimmering flowers, swaying willows, birdsong, and babbling brooks, they arrived at Zhichun Palace.

"Go and pack your belongings, ladies. I will wait for you here."

Everyone dispersed, and Song Yunzhao returned to her room. When she pushed the door open, she found Yiyue waiting for her.

Upon seeing Song Yunzhao, Yiyue stepped forward with a smile and a curtsy. "Congratulations, Miss."

Song Yunzhao didn’t feel it was a joyous occasion, but seeing Yiyue’s genuine happiness for her lifted her frustrated mood a little. "Thank you." freewēbnoveℓ.com

"I’ve already packed your bags, Miss. Please check if everything is in order."

"Of course I trust you." Song Yunzhao didn’t open the bundle. Having spent so much time with Yiyue, she felt a pang of reluctance at their parting. "We’ll meet again. Who knows, maybe we’ll see each other soon."

Yiyue smiled and agreed. "I’ll be on duty right here in Zhichun Palace. If you ever come to Jincui Garden to admire the scenery, Miss, I’ll be sure to come and pay my respects."

Song Yunzhao smiled in agreement, bid farewell to Yiyue, and walked out with her bundle on her back.

Song Yunzhao was neither early nor late in returning. A few of the others were already there, but perhaps because she had so mercilessly rebuked Lu Zhixue earlier, they immediately averted their gaze when they saw her.

Song Yunzhao: ...

’Fine by me.’

’Guess I have a natural warding aura.’

She had just arrived when Qin Xiyue and the others followed. Han Jinyi came over and took her place beside Song Yunzhao.

’So I’m not a total outcast after all,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’At least I was left with one person.’

Once everyone had gathered, the Housekeeper led them out of Zhichun Palace where carriages were waiting. Song Yunzhao and Han Jinyi shared one, one girl rode by herself, and the last carriage held three people.

The wheels rumbled over the bluestone path as the carriage swayed gently. Its curtain fluttered in the breeze as they passed through the main gate of Jincui Garden and headed toward the outer palace gates.

The palace corridor connecting Jincui Garden to the harem was long and narrow, and the towering walls made the carriage seem tiny in comparison. Song Yunzhao gazed through the swaying curtain at the receding walls, and for a rare moment, even a tough girl like her was overcome with melancholy.

’To think that after more than a decade in the inner courtyards of the Song Mansion, I’m now going to spend the rest of my life in this great big cage called the harem.’