I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 149: Chapter 67: Don’t Even Think About Competing With Me

Nanny Zhuo smiled and said slowly, "There is indeed something I wish to report to you, Mistress."

"Please speak freely, Nanny."

The hall fell silent. Nanny Zhuo took a quiet breath before looking up. "I believe you are doing the right thing, Mistress. Now is certainly not the time to draw attention to yourself. Consort Song was quite a handful back in Zhichun Palace. A personality like hers is rare, and perhaps His Majesty simply finds her novel. Once that novelty wears off, her temperament won’t get her very far in the palace."

Qin Xiyue’s expression was grim, but she remained silent.

Nanny Zhuo waited in silence, not daring to speak again rashly. Her mistress was a deep thinker. There were some things Nanny Zhuo dared to think but not to say, so she could only offer a few vague, indirect reminders.

"Thank you for your thoughtful words, Nanny. I understand. You should go and get some rest as well," Qin Xiyue said, forcing a smile.

Upon hearing this, Nanny Zhuo bowed and withdrew. Once she was under the eaves of the covered walkway, she let out a soft sigh before walking away.

Qin Xiyue knew Nanny Zhuo was right. ’I should wait. Wait for Song Yunzhao to stir up trouble and come crashing down from her high perch. I must wait for the right opportunity to appear before His Majesty.’

But something stirred restlessly in the depths of her heart. Resentful thoughts churned within her, leaving her tormented and trapped in a dilemma.

One part of her urged patience, telling her to wait for the right moment. Another part screamed, ’How can you let Song Yunzhao walk all over you?’

Qin Xiyue threw herself into bed. Perhaps she would know what to do after a night’s sleep.

Song Yunzhao strolled leisurely back to Wangyou Palace and returned to her comfortable little life of eating delicious food and reading storybooks.

The little ripples in the harem today were hardly a major event. Song Yunzhao paid them no mind, eating when she was hungry and sleeping when she was tired.

The next day, Han Jinyi came to visit.

Song Yunzhao invited her into the inner chamber to sit, smiling as she said, "What brings you here today? It’s rare to see you out and about."

Han Jinyi laughed. "Look who’s talking. You’re no different."

Song Yunzhao chuckled. "Why go out in this heat? It’s much cooler and more comfortable in the palace."

"Stop playing dumb. News of what happened yesterday is already all over the palace."

Song Yunzhao: "..."

"This palace is just full of gossips."

Han Jinyi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. "What’s your plan here? You should at least spare a thought for your reputation."

Song Yunzhao looked at Han Jinyi in surprise. "What reputation do I have left to speak of?"

Han Jinyi was completely baffled by her. "What do you mean you have no reputation? You saved someone back at Zhichun Palace, have you forgotten?"

"No, I haven’t forgotten." freeweɓnovēl.coɱ

’I didn’t just save someone; I also smashed a wall, capsized a boat, and beat someone up. I’ve done quite a lot, actually. If there were a comprehensive scoring system, I’d probably fail. But what can I do? Back then, I just wanted to go home, so I was only going through the motions. I had no intention of grinding for points.’

’I’m stuck with the persona I created for myself. It’s too late to change it now.’

’I dug this hole for myself. Nothing more to say.’

Han Jinyi was exasperated. Seeing Yun Zhao’s subtle expression, she assumed she was just being modest, little knowing what was actually going through her mind.

"Everyone’s eyes are on you now, so you must be careful. I’m not of much use, so I can’t really help you." Han Jinyi sighed. ’Yun Zhao is rising too quickly. I couldn’t keep up with her even if I tried my hardest. It’s better if I don’t cause her any trouble.’

"How can you say that?" Song Yunzhao was surprised and shocked, her eyes fixed on Han Jinyi. "Did someone say something to you?"

Han Jinyi shook her head. "No, I was just thinking... with my personality... anyway, as long as you’re all right, that’s all that matters."

Song Yunzhao recalled that the Han Jinyi from the book was a demure and proper person, a stickler for the rules. ’Ever since she entered the selection, aside from that time she fell into the water, she really hasn’t done a single thing out of line.’

Thinking of this, Song Yunzhao winked at Han Jinyi. "People will probably start saying that a troublemaker like me is a bad influence on you. Besides, even though we haven’t known each other long, I know what kind of person you are. If you don’t mind, let’s keep each other company more often."

’I can’t bring myself to talk about sharing the Emperor,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’If Han Jinyi can win his favor, that’s her own skill. But I won’t step aside or create opportunities for her.’

’Others can try to take him from me, but I won’t just hand him over.’

’If someone can win him over, that’s their skill, and I’ll have to accept it gracefully.’

Han Jinyi smiled. "Of course. The years in this palace are long. Having a friend like you to confide in and pass the time with would be a true joy."

Song Yunzhao was happy too. She could tell that Han Jinyi’s words were sincere.

Seeing the genuine delight on Yun Zhao’s face, Han Jinyi pressed her lips into a small smile.

’I know my own situation,’ she thought. ’My looks are above average, my talents are middling, and my temperament is mild. I don’t particularly excel in any area. If I had to name one strength, it would be my immense patience and my contentment with a quiet life.’

’I remember my grandfather telling me that he didn’t expect me to fight tooth and nail for the family’s sake after entering the palace. He only asked that I live a safe and stable life here. My survival alone would be the greatest contribution I could make to our family.’

’I understood what he meant. If I were to meet with some... misfortune in the palace, in a few years, the family would certainly have to send another one of my sisters in. I’ve only been here a short while, but I can already feel how difficult life in the palace is.’

’Why sacrifice the life of another daughter of the Han Family?’

’So, Grandfather was right. Surviving in the palace is what’s most important.’

’I’ve been observing carefully all this time, and I’ve found that Yun Zhao’s personality suits me best. When I’m with her, I don’t have to worry that she’ll turn around and stab me in the back.’

’I may not be able to win the Emperor’s favor over a flock of other women, but I can definitely win Yun Zhao’s friendship.’

The thought amused Han Jinyi. If her family knew what she was thinking, they’d probably assume she’d gone mad.

’Is it that I don’t want to win his favor?’

’No. It’s that I’m afraid I’m not blessed with that kind of fortune.’

’For a woman of the harem, winning favor isn’t the only path to advancement. Perhaps I can try another way.’

With this in mind, Han Jinyi looked at Song Yunzhao and, after a moment of thought, spoke slowly. "Do you remember An Fangyi?"

Song Yunzhao nodded. ’Of course, I remember. She was quite the hothead, too.’

"The palace attendants at Liu Hua Palace say that An Fangyi was rising meteorically back then, but in the blink of an eye, she angered His Majesty and fell from the heavens into the mud."

Song Yunzhao was well aware of this. ’The book said Consort Chu was the one who framed her.’

’But now that Consort Chu is dead, it will be very difficult for An Fangyi to clear her name.’

"Yun Zhao, I also heard something else. I heard that Consort Shu had a hand in An Fangyi’s fall from grace."

Song Yunzhao froze. ’Consort Shu?’

’But the book said it was Consort Chu!’

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