I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 112: Chapter 57: Not Even Afraid of Being Called a Foolish Emperor

A buzz of conversation filled the hall, and Song Yunzhao soon learned what the others had drawn. For a moment, she was in a daze.

Because aside from her, the ranks everyone else received from the lottery were exactly the same as in the book.

Such a coincidence made her heart leap into her throat.

’Is the power of the plot really that strong?’

Even though the Emperor hadn’t personally conferred their ranks, instead choosing the rather unorthodox method of drawing lots, the results still managed to align with the novel’s plot.

She was the only exception.

Qin Xiyue was made a Noble Consort; Lu Zhixue and Fan Qingru were made concubines; Han Jinyi was made a Xiaoyi; Feng Yunjin was made a small concubine; Chen Miaohui was made a Noble Consort; Dong Wenjun was made an Honorable Lady; Zhu Ruolan was made a talented person; and Zhen Yushan was made a Beauty.

Although Lu Zhixue and Fan Qingru were only fourth-rank concubines, they were each made the mistress of their own palace. According to Zhang Maoquan, this was a sign of His Majesty’s favor.

Lu Zhixue’s face, which had been as black as a thundercloud, instantly brightened, a hint of smugness showing through.

But the most conspicuous of all was Song Yunzhao. Though her family background wasn’t the absolute lowest, it was close. Yet she had drawn the rank of Noble Consort—a complete bombshell that stole the protagonist’s thunder and made her the undisputed star of the moment.

Song Yunzhao was at a loss for words.

’This is what I wanted, so I have nothing to fear.’

Facing Lu Zhixue’s fiery glare, she flashed the archetypal smile of a villainous side character, which nearly made the other woman faint from rage.

The newly minted concubines in the hall each had their own joys and sorrows, but Song Yunzhao let out a genuine sigh of relief. ’We’re all just cannon fodder anyway,’ she thought. ’So of course I’m going to be the most glorious one.’

’Who says cannon fodder must turn to ash? I’m going to be the cannon itself!’

Meanwhile, Zhang Maoquan was also stunned. He hadn’t expected Song Yunzhao’s luck to be so good. ’Truly worthy of being the one His Majesty has his eye on,’ he thought.

His task complete, Zhang Maoquan excused himself to report back to His Majesty, allowing the Palace Attendants waiting outside Changyin Pavilion to enter and escort the women to their new residences.

Upon exiting Changyin Pavilion, a Palace Attendant came forward to lead the way. The one guiding Song Yunzhao was a little palace maid with a round, cheerful face that was instantly endearing. "This servant, Xiangxue, greets my lady, the Noble Consort."

Song Yunzhao smiled. "A thousand miles of sky hold the soul of clear water; ten thousand branches burst forth as fragrant snow. It’s a beautiful name."

Xiangxue’s face lit up with a smile. "This is the first time I’ve ever heard my name described that way. Now that you’ve put it like that, I think my name sounds beautiful, too."

"It’s from a poem by Wen Tingyun. His style is ornate, rich, and exquisitely beautiful, so of course it sounds lovely." Song Yunzhao smiled, amused at the memory of the poet’s nickname, ’Wen the Eight-Folder’.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they left Changyin Pavilion and walked along the palace path until Xiangxue stopped. "My Lady, we’ve arrived at Wangyou Palace."

Song Yunzhao paused, surprised that she was the first to reach her destination.

The others paused in their steps, all looking up at Wangyou Palace. Its upturned eaves and decorative brackets seemed to pierce the clouds, supported by purple pillars and golden beams. Towering ancient trees surrounded the palace, their lush canopies casting deep shade over the red walls and yellow tiles, creating a scene of magnificent splendor. The large, gilded characters for "Wangyou Palace" shone dazzlingly in the sunlight. Standing before the plaque, Song Yunzhao felt a momentary trance.

"Yun Zhao, why don’t you go in and take a look? I should get going, too. I’ll come find you once I’m settled."

Song Yunzhao turned to look at Han Jinyi. As she did, her gaze swept past the others and met the complicated look in Qin Xiyue’s eyes. Beside her, Lu Zhixue’s nose was tilted slightly in the air, her face a mask of utter disdain.

Song Yunzhao couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge her. She bid farewell to Han Jinyi, watched her friend continue on her way, and then followed the retreating figures of the other concubines with her eyes until they vanished between the endless rows of palace walls.

Stepping into Wangyou Palace, she was met by a carved spirit screen. Beyond it lay the main hall, flanked by an East Wing and a West Wing. Paved bluestone paths crisscrossed the courtyard, which featured white jade steps and artfully placed ornamental rocks. The entire palace exuded a graceful and opulent magnificence that was a delight to behold.

’This palace is far more spacious, grand, and beautiful than my little courtyard at the Song Mansion,’ she mused. ’It wouldn’t be so bad to live out my days here. Just close the gates and it becomes a world of its own. Sounds pretty good.’

Crossing the threshold, the first thing she saw was the main hall. An imposing, solemn throne sat at its head. This was the formal reception area. If any other concubines were to move into the East or West Wings, they would have to come here to offer their daily greetings, and she would preside from that very seat.

The East Wing housed a small study. The shelves against the wall were empty, but a large desk stood next to the window, fully equipped with a brush, ink, paper, and an inkstone. A three-legged white jade incense burner rested on the windowsill, and several painting scrolls were stuck haphazardly into a porcelain jar beside the desk. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

Leaving the East Wing, she crossed the main hall and headed west into the day room, her daily living quarters. Deeper inside was the bedchamber, where a large, carved bed stood against the wall. A canopy of turquoise, fully embroidered silk hung over it, a sight that felt cool and refreshing in the early summer heat.