I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 166: Chapter 73: Fear Not a Weakness, but the Lack of One

Wangyou Palace was utterly silent. Song Yunzhao was sleeping soundly, but Feng Yi, beside her, had already risen to prepare for the morning court. He threw on an outer robe and sat on the edge of the bed. Turning to look at the woman on the bed, his gaze unconsciously fell upon her abdomen. His hand gently brushed over the spot, separated by the silk quilt.

Feng Yi’s expression flickered through several changes. In the end, he rose and left.

The moment Feng Yi left, Song Yunzhao’s eyelids trembled. She let out a soft sigh of relief, realizing she had broken out in a cold sweat without even noticing.

She had woken the moment Feng Yi moved. She had originally planned to feign sleep to give him a surprise, but the Emperor had given her a fright instead.

She subconsciously reached for her own stomach. Even through the quilt, and though the Emperor’s touch had been very light, she had felt his palm.

’So, my previous suspicions were justified.’

Song Yunzhao had expected a bowl of contraceptive soup, but after waiting all morning, nothing arrived. For the moment, she couldn’t fathom the Emperor’s intentions.

’In any case, as long as I’m allowed to give birth, it’ll be fine. It’s not easy for me to get a promotion in rank right now. For one, it’s unlikely to happen unless my father and uncle achieve some great political success that I can benefit from, which seems difficult at the moment. My father’s post in the Capital City is basically a retirement position; it won’t be easy for him to get another promotion.

’Second, the fastest way to get promoted is to get pregnant and have a child. *Sigh*. I used to scorn this method the most, but now that I’m in the thick of it, it’s actually the fastest and best way.’

After her midday meal, Song Yunzhao decided to go on the offensive. Since she had already had a complete falling out with Consort Shu, she couldn’t just wait for Consort Shu to crush her from a position of overwhelming superiority.

And so, she went to visit Princess Consort Zhuang.

The relationship between the three high-ranking concubines was rather interesting. On the surface, they appeared harmonious, but in truth, none of them truly accepted the others’ standing. In terms of favor, all three were equal; the Emperor was a master at maintaining balance.

In terms of family background, Consort Shu’s was admittedly stronger. However, the fathers of both Princess Consort Wan and Princess Consort Zhuang were Assistant Prime Ministers, so the difference wasn’t great. Even in terms of family standing, they were balanced against each other.

Therefore, with Consort Chu’s death, it was exceptionally difficult for any of them to vie for the position of Imperial Concubine. They couldn’t take that step.

Song Yunzhao smiled. ’Since that’s the case, I’ll just give them a little push.’

’Watching others get caught up in drama is far more satisfying than being the center of it yourself.

’Since Consort Shu dared to move against my family, she can’t blame me for being ruthless.’

Inside Zhaoyang Palace, Princess Consort Zhuang was rather surprised. Looking at Rouge beside her, she asked, "Consort Song?"

Rouge nodded. "Yes, it is Consort Song."

Princess Consort Zhuang frowned slightly, then said, "Show her in."

Rouge immediately went to usher Song Yunzhao in. As Song Yunzhao stepped into Zhaoyang Palace, she could feel that this palace was quite different from her Wangyou Palace. Every plant and tree here had been meticulously sculpted, creating a new vista with every step. The furnishings within the hall were exquisite and magnificent, yet amidst the splendor, there was an air of propriety and order.

’Princess Consort Zhuang’s persona is certainly consistent,’ she thought. ’A virtuous and morally upright woman wouldn’t neglect even the smallest details.’

"This concubine greets Consort Zhuang. I hope Your Highness will forgive my presumptuous visit," Song Yunzhao said with a smile, stepping forward to offer her respects.

Princess Consort Zhuang secretly sized up Song Yunzhao. ’This Consort Song of ours is as slippery as an eel. She’s favored, yet she shows no signs of arrogance or flamboyance. Getting an audience with her is harder than climbing to heaven. She doesn’t like to make friends and just holes up in Wangyou Palace, never going out. I have no idea how she can stand it.

’In short, this one is different from ordinary women. There’s no way to get a handle on her. She’s so cautious that even someone like me finds her difficult to deal with.’

Princess Consort Zhuang vaguely sensed that this sudden visit was likely related to yesterday’s events. She composed herself and said with a warm, friendly smile, "Please rise, my dear sister. Let’s sit and talk. I am delighted that you’ve come."

Song Yunzhao sat down with a happy smile. After the Palace Attendants from Zhaoyang Palace served tea and withdrew, she finally spoke to Princess Consort Zhuang, "Sister Zhuang, your Zhaoyang Palace is so graceful and blessed with natural beauty. There’s a new vista at every turn. I was truly dazzled all the way in. It has been quite an eye-opening experience for me. When I return, I must learn from you, sister, and tidy up my Wangyou Palace."

Princess Consort Zhuang had always prided herself on having an aesthetic sense superior to the masses. Song Yunzhao’s flattery hit the mark perfectly, and the smile on her face became a few degrees more genuine. "When you’ve been in the palace for a long time, you look for things to do to pass the time. It’s rather embarrassing, really. I’m just amusing myself."

Song Yunzhao’s face was full of admiration. "Sister Zhuang, your taste is so elegant. You are a model for the rest of us to emulate."

Princess Consort Zhuang grew even more delighted. ’A model for others? Excellent. That proves my character is virtuous and my reputation is sound.’

’My, this Consort Song usually seems so prickly and hard to get along with. I never expected her to be so thoughtful when she’s in a good mood.’ The thought warmed her, and she said, "If there’s anything you don’t understand, just come and ask me directly from now on."