Free Web NovelChapter 164: Chapter 72: Song Yunzhao, Well Done
After seeing her visitor out, Song Yunzhao returned to her chambers, her earlier ease completely gone. ’This can’t go on,’ she mused. ’But trying to build my own power base right under the Emperor’s nose... how is that any different from a death sentence?’
The palace was currently as porous as a sieve, all because the Emperor lacked trustworthy and capable concubines to manage it for him. Although he had showered her with rewards since she’d gained his favor, he hadn’t granted her a title or a promotion. From this, it was clear that in the Emperor’s heart, she was not yet on his list of trusted people.
’Being lazy and unambitious is clearly not a luxury for cannon fodder like me.’
"My lady."
"Come in," Song Yunzhao said upon hearing Anshun’s voice.
Anshun entered the hall and curtsied before speaking. "This servant has learned that after Lady Shufei entered the hall, the Emperor dismissed the attending Palace Attendants. I later saw Chief Steward Zhang, and from what he said, it seems Lady Shufei angered His Majesty and was reprimanded."
Song Yunzhao’s expression flickered. ’It seems the Emperor can’t make a move against Chancellor Lu just yet, so he’s making Consort Shu take a scolding in her father’s place.’
’He really is a vengeful Emperor.’
Song Yunzhao had a faint feeling that this was an opportunity she could not miss.
At this thought, she immediately looked at Anshun. "Have the Imperial Kitchen prepare a pot of ginseng soup."
"Yes, this servant will go at once."
The ginseng soup would take some time to brew. Song Yunzhao used this opportunity to get herself ready, then had Nanny Yu go to Taiji Palace to pass a message to Zhang Maoquan. She wanted to bring the Emperor the soup and see if he would permit her to visit.
’Consort Shu is still in Taixi Hall right now. If the Emperor intends to humiliate her, he will definitely let me come!’
Song Yunzhao had no desire to directly confront Consort Shu while her own position was still unstable, but since Chancellor Lu had made the first move, he couldn’t blame her for retaliating.
Song Yunzhao’s guess was correct; Taiji Palace indeed sent word for her to come.
Just as Song Yunzhao finished getting dressed in her finest attire, Anshun returned with the ginseng soup.
She had Xiangxue carry the soup, and only then did she set off for Taiji Palace.
She walked all the way under the blazing sun, and even with Qingfeng holding an umbrella for her, the heat still made her small face flush red.
Zhang Maoquan knew Song Yunzhao was coming and had been waiting outside the hall. The moment he saw her, he hurried over to greet her. "This servant greets you, High-ranking Consort."
"Chief Steward Zhang, please rise. It’s so hot today; we’ve troubled you to wait out here," Song Yunzhao said with a smile.
"It is all part of this servant’s duties. My lady, please follow me," Zhang Maoquan said with a smile, leading the way.
Song Yunzhao took a step forward and asked in a low voice, "Chief Steward Zhang, what is His Majesty’s mood at the moment?"
Zhang Maoquan thought to himself, ’Consort Song is truly no ordinary woman, daring to ask such a question.’ Since she dared to ask, he dared to answer. He gave a light cough and lowered his voice to advise her, "The Emperor is likely in a poor mood right now. High-ranking Consort, you should tread carefully."
Everything was just as Song Yunzhao had expected. She nodded. "Thank you."
Zhang Maoquan glanced at Consort Song from the corner of his eye, clicking his tongue inwardly. ’This one has come prepared. Just look at that outfit.’ The thought of the expression on Consort Shu’s face when she saw her made him feel delighted.
Song Yunzhao entered the hall, and Zhang Maoquan stepped forward to announce, "Emperor, Consort Song has arrived."
Song Yunzhao then stepped forward to offer her salutations. "This concubine pays her respects to the Emperor."
Feng Yi looked up at her words, his eyes fixing on Song Yunzhao for a moment before he spoke. "My beloved concubine, there is no need for such ceremony. You may rise."
Only then did Song Yunzhao rise. She turned to Consort Shu, who was standing to the side, and curtsied. "This concubine greets Lady Shufei."
Consort Shu forced a smile. "Consort Song, there is no need for such courtesy. Please rise."
"Thank you, Your Ladyship." Song Yunzhao rose. Her figure was naturally graceful, and today she had deliberately worn a long, wide-sleeved gown with a cinched waist, which made her look even more slender and willowy. Her jet-black hair was styled in a double-conch bun, with a golden hairpin inserted at the top of each coil. Each hairpin was adorned with tassels of rice-grain-sized pearls. As she moved, the pearl tassels swayed with her form, creating a faint, tinkling sound and adding an air of charm. Yet her posture was elegant and her expression serene, making her alluring without being vulgar—a truly stunning sight.
Consort Shu’s heart only felt more stifled. ’This Song Yunzhao is truly my nemesis! To show up now, of all times... she’s deliberately doing this just to vex me!’
Song Yunzhao made no attempt to hide her intentions. She approached with the ginseng soup, stopping only when she was right before the Emperor. She spoke slowly, "This concubine specially tasked the Imperial Kitchen with brewing this soup. The Emperor works so hard for the affairs of the state; your health must come first."
"My beloved concubine is very thoughtful." Feng Yi raised his eyes to Song Yunzhao, taking in her bright, bold smile. It was a smile that seemed to carry the scorching heat of summer, and it made the corners of his own lips turn up involuntarily.
