Free Web NovelChapter 138: Chapter 65: Delivering Silver
The First Madam watched Mrs. Cai’s expression, and the corner of her mouth twitched. She had already heard from her daughter what had happened during the imperial selection. When Song Qinghan returned to the manor, she tried to twist the truth, but this time, the First Madam didn’t tell Ye Xi to keep her mouth shut. Instead, she had her spill everything Song Qinghan had done in the palace.
As a result, Song Qinghan was utterly disgraced. The Third Young Master was furious and locked her in the ancestral hall to reflect on her actions.
The Song Family was thrown into a major uproar. The First Madam knew Ye Xi and Yun Zhao were on good terms, which put her mind at ease. Naturally, she intended to help Yun Zhao establish her authority within the family.
The fact that Song Qinghan was expelled from the palace couldn’t be widely publicized, but it was impossible to suppress the news. Fortunately, the family had Yun Zhao, who had been appointed a Noble Consort.
Of two sisters from the same family, one had soared to the heavens while the other had fallen into the mud. The other young ladies of the family would surely be affected by Song Qinghan, but thankfully, with Yun Zhao as a Noble Consort, the damage to their reputations would be minimal. ’After all, could someone with a bad reputation enter the palace and become a Noble Consort?’
Otherwise, for the sake of Ye Xi’s marriage prospects alone, the First Madam would have torn Song Qinghan to shreds.
Following behind were Song Jinxuan and Xie Linlang. Neither dared to look around after entering. Song Jinxuan was incredibly nervous, thinking, ’Thank goodness I sided with Song Yunzhao back then. She even included me when she summoned her family. It’ll be much easier to arrange a marriage for me in the future.’
Xie Linlang was even more delighted. ’The better Yun Zhao’s future prospects, the less likely I’ll have to resign myself to becoming a concubine. I’m not asking for Yun Zhao to elevate the Xie family; as long as she can look out for us a little and keep us from being bullied, that’s enough.’
’Our family runs a legitimate business; we don’t resort to dishonest means. As long as no one deliberately tries to sabotage us, our business will do just fine.’
She recalled what her family had told her, and her confidence grew. ’My gamble to throw in my lot with Yun Zhao really paid off.’ They had gotten along wonderfully since then, and their relationship wasn’t just one of simple patronage. Seeing Yun Zhao doing so well, she was genuinely happy for her.
Song Qinghan stared at Song Yunzhao. She hadn’t wanted to come today at all, but Song Yunzhao had specifically requested her by name, so she hadn’t dared to refuse. Seeing Song Yunzhao seated on the magnificent chair, dressed in splendid brocade and adorned with a full headdress of pearls and jade, she could no longer connect this vision with the rather shabby person she remembered. ƒrēewebnovel.com
’What was the old Song Yunzhao like, anyway?’
’She was always in plain dresses, with only a few hairpins. The lavishly dressed Song Yunzhao of today has finally become the very person I always feared she would.’ freeweɓnovel.cøm
Seeing that Mrs. Cai was still in a daze, the First Madam cursed inwardly, ’Useless woman.’ She immediately stepped forward and bowed. "This subject greets the High-ranking Consort."
The First Madam’s voice jolted Mrs. Cai back to her senses. With a stiff expression, she stepped forward to offer a bow, but her lips remained tightly sealed, and she said nothing.
Ye Xi, Song Jinxuan, and Xie Linlang quickly followed, stepping forward to pay their respects. Hiding at the very back, Song Qinghan also offered a stiff bow.
Song Yunzhao didn’t even glance at Mrs. Cai and her daughter. Her eyes fell on the First Madam, and she smiled warmly. "First Aunt, have you been well? It’s been too long. I’ve missed you very much."
The First Madam was overwhelmed by the honor and quickly replied, "This subject is very well, as is everyone at home. The Third Young Master asked me to relay a message to the Noble Consort. He wants you to take good care of yourself in the palace and to prioritize your safety above all else."
Hearing this, Song Yunzhao felt a pang in her heart. She missed her father.
’In this world, if there’s one person who has been genuinely good to me, it’s my father.’
’Even though I had to deliberately earn that kindness, my father returned it with sincere paternal love.’
"Thank you, First Aunt. When you return, could you please tell Father not to worry? I am doing very well here in the palace," Song Yunzhao said with a smile.
The First Madam smiled and agreed. She carefully studied Yun Zhao’s complexion, which indeed looked excellent, and then said with a smile, "After you were named a Noble Consort, our home was flooded with people offering congratulations. Madam Ding Nanbo even came in person. When she mentioned you, she sounded quite regretful that you were never able to visit the Uncle Mansion."
Song Yunzhao was immensely satisfied to hear this. ’Back then, Mrs. Cai and Song Qinghan guarded against me as if I were a thief. But now that I’ve become a Noble Consort, I’m sure Madam Ding Nanbo resents her sister for it.’
’If I had been introduced from the Dingnan Bo Mansion, they certainly would be basking in my glory now. But as things are... Heh.’
As this thought crossed her mind, she turned to Mrs. Cai and spoke slowly, her voice unhurried. "There was nothing to be done about it back then. My life at home was difficult, and though I wished to visit the Uncle Mansion to pay my respects to my aunt, it wasn’t a trip I could make whenever I pleased. Madam, wouldn’t you agree?"
Confronted so directly by Song Yunzhao, Mrs. Cai’s face flushed purple with rage. Even if Song Yunzhao was the daughter she had borne, she was now the Emperor’s Noble Consort—no longer someone a mother could simply scold.
