I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 167: Chapter 73: Don’t Fear a Weakness, Fear Having None

Song Yunzhao feigned a delighted surprise. "In that case, I may truly have to trouble you more often in the future, Princess Consort Zhuang."

"It’s no trouble at all. These are all small matters." ’As long as you can make a name for me,’ Princess Consort Zhuang thought, ’I’d even go and decorate Wangyou Palace for you myself.’

After just a brief exchange, Song Yunzhao had a good sense of Princess Consort Zhuang’s motivations. The woman clearly cherished her reputation; seeking her out had been the right decision.

A person with a weakness isn’t to be feared. A person with no weakness is.

Once you identify a weakness, you can exploit it.

If she wanted to deal with Consort Shu, she had to win one of the three concubines over as an ally. Otherwise, given her current rank, a direct confrontation would mean being instantly crushed by Consort Shu.

But joining forces with Princess Consort Zhuang was different. The two of them were of equal rank, which would give them the strength to stand against her.

She would act like a little thief in the night, subtly stirring the pot and then sitting back to watch Consort Shu and Princess Consort Zhuang go at each other’s throats. That was infinitely better than having Consort Shu fixate on making her life miserable.

"You’re so understanding, Princess Consort Zhuang. I truly regret not visiting you sooner," Song Yunzhao said with a soft sigh, her expression turning sorrowful.

Princess Consort Zhuang’s eyes flickered. "My dear sister, has something upset you?" she asked immediately. "After all, you’re the most favored one in the palace right now. If even you are unhappy, what hope is there for the rest of us?"

Hearing Princess Consort Zhuang’s jest, Song Yunzhao’s eyes welled up right on cue. "Please don’t tease me, Princess Consort Zhuang. Everyone sees me basking in favor, but other than Han Xiao Yi, whom I was friendly with during the selection, who is truly close to me? I know they all look down on me. You are the only one to invite me to Zhaoyang Palace as a guest. I’m so very grateful."

Princess Consort Zhuang’s interest was immediately piqued. ’Ah, so there *is* a story here. The palace has been quiet for far too long; I’m almost not used to it.’

’If these newcomers don’t stir up trouble, how are we veterans supposed to make our moves?’

’Make a scene. They absolutely must make a scene!’

"It’s because of Consort Shu, isn’t it? You’ve truly been wronged." Princess Consort Zhuang let out a heavy sigh. "Consort Shu has always been this way. You shouldn’t take it to heart."

Hearing Princess Consort Zhuang bring up Consort Shu of her own accord, Song Yunzhao knew she was on the right track. Her mind raced as she said, "Lady Shufei is only acting this way because she has the Prime Minister to rely on. What did Han Xiao Yi do wrong? Just for being a little close to me, she wants to punish the Han Family. And what did my father and uncle do wrong? Chancellor Lu has people submitting memorials to impeach them. It’s all because she sees me as an obstacle in her path. It’s simply... outrageous."

Princess Consort Zhuang’s heart skipped a beat hearing those words. ’This woman really has the guts to say anything and the nerve to do anything.’

’Yesterday, after His Majesty had summoned Consort Shu to attend to him, she still chased them to Taiji Palace carrying soup. In all my years in the harem, I’ve never seen her like.’

’Not only did she go, but she actually one-upped Consort Shu and even managed to have the Emperor stay the night at Wangyou Palace.’ Princess Consort Zhuang’s apprehension toward Song Yunzhao grew.

’But with her fighting Consort Shu, I can just sit back and reap the benefits. Naturally, I should cheer her on.’

"Your main disadvantage is that you’ve been in the palace for such a short time," Princess Consort Zhuang said, her face a picture of gentle smiles. "Wait a year or so, and your rank will surely rise. You won’t have to feel so wronged then."

"Then I shall take your auspicious words to heart. If that day ever comes, I will be sure to return and thank you."

"Then I shall be waiting," Princess Consort Zhuang said with a smile. Looking at Yun Zhao, she added, "Consort Shu has never been one to suffer a loss. You’ve embarrassed her this time, so you must be careful from now on."

Song Yunzhao adopted a forlorn expression at just the right moment. "Princess Consort Zhuang," she said softly, "my family background is low. Even if I manage to curry favor, I will never be an obstacle in Lady Shufei’s path. Why must she target me so relentlessly?"

’Princess Consort Zhuang felt there was some truth to Song Yunzhao’s words. Without a powerful family backing her, aspiring to the position of Empress was nothing but a pipe dream.’

’Song Yunzhao’s favor rests entirely on her looks. In a few years, new women will enter the palace, more beauties will arrive, and the Emperor will naturally prefer the newest blossoms—just as he now favors Song Yunzhao and gives us the cold shoulder. Sooner or later, she will walk the same path.’

’The difference is, we three concubines have powerful families to back us. Can Song Yunzhao’s family protect her?’

’Not likely.’

At this thought, Princess Consort Zhuang found herself feeling that Song Yunzhao was actually rather pitiful. For someone without her family’s protection, living a long and glorious life in the palace was an incredibly difficult feat.

"Since you’ve called me ’Sister,’ I can’t let you do so for nothing. If anyone bullies you again, just come and find me." Princess Consort Zhuang’s smile became even more tender. ’It wouldn’t be wise for me to confront Consort Shu directly. To claim the title of Empress, I must push down both Consort Shu and Princess Consort Wan. And there’s no better weapon for the job than this ’knife,’ Song Yunzhao.’

"Really?" Song Yunzhao looked thrilled. "Thank you, Princess Consort Zhuang!"

"We get along so well, and besides, Consort Shu really has gone too far." Princess Consort Zhuang sighed softly. "Don’t be afraid. I’ve got your back."

Song Yunzhao looked into the depths of Princess Consort Zhuang’s eyes, where she could practically see the words "Hurry up and fight" written.

Having successfully reached an agreement with Princess Consort Zhuang, Song Yunzhao left Zhaoyang Palace feeling quite satisfied. She didn’t return directly to Wangyou Palace. As soon as she was out of Zhaoyang Palace, Anshun hurried to her side and whispered, "My Lady, Lady Shufei is admiring the flowers in the East Garden right now."

Song Yunzhao was overjoyed. "Let’s go!"

’Princess Consort Zhuang wants to back me up? Wants to use me as her knife? Fine, I’ll give her the opportunity!’

Song Yunzhao went directly around Princess Consort Wan’s Roufu Palace and headed straight for the Imperial Garden. As luck would have it, just after entering the garden and before she could run into Consort Shu, she came face-to-face with Zhu Cairen.

The sight of Zhu Cairen reminded her of what Feng Xiaoyuan had told her: that Zhu Cairen had swapped the congratulatory gift Lu Zhixue had sent.

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