I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 181: Chapter 77: Part 2

Meng Jiuchang’s words contained a subtle jab at Song Yunzhao. ’The book said this Meng Jiuchang was a crafty one, and it’s certainly true,’ Song Yunzhao thought.

’If Zhang Maoquan were here, things might not have been handled this way.’

’Excessively frightened, really. Anyone who didn’t know better would think I was the one trying to kill Consort Lu yesterday.’

"Manager Meng is dedicated to his duties, so how could he be at fault? It’s just that I truly don’t understand. How did Consort Lu become so ’excessively frightened’? Did you not see yesterday that I was the one about to be beaten to death, Manager Meng? If anyone should be overly frightened, it ought to be me. I’ve thought and thought, but I simply can’t figure out where Consort Lu’s ’excessive fright’ came from. Why don’t you explain it to me?"

Meng Jiuchang: ...

After confronting Manager Meng, Song Yunzhao turned to Feng Yi, her face a mask of anger. "Your Majesty should go and see her at once. If I were to stop you, forget ’excessive fright’—who knows what crime I’ll be accused of tomorrow."

Song Yunzhao felt her passive-aggressive complaint was still lacking some punch, so she put on a display of anger and grievance, flicked her sleeves, and turned to leave.

Meng Jiuchang: ...

’I’ve never seen a concubine dare to throw a tantrum in front of the Emperor. Not even the three highest-ranking concubines are this bold!’

Feng Yi saw that not only had Song Yunzhao confronted Manager Meng, but she had also dragged him into it. ’Her temper seems to be getting bigger and bigger.’

He reached out and grabbed Song Yunzhao. "Where are you running off to?"

This time, Song Yunzhao didn’t shake off the Emperor’s hand. Instead, she stared coldly at Manager Meng. "I’m just being sensible."

Feng Yi looked down at Song Yunzhao. He saw that she wasn’t looking at him, her head slightly bowed and her red lips pressed tightly together. She looked both annoyed and wronged.

"I never said I was going. Are you trying to make decisions for me now?"

"Your Majesty, you mustn’t say such things. Manager Meng is still here. If word of this got out, I’m afraid the courtiers’ memorials of impeachment would be enough to bury me alive."

Meng Jiuchang: ...

’Song Jieyu just indirectly called me a blabbermouth, and I can’t even talk back!’

Feng Yi almost burst out laughing. He kept a straight face and said to Manager Meng, "Have the Dean of the Hospital go to Cuiwei Palace. He must give her a thorough examination. Consort Lu is not to be neglected."

Meng Jiuchang suppressed his utter astonishment. He hadn’t expected the Emperor to actually refuse to go to Cuiwei Palace. In that moment, he regretted taking a bribe to speak up for Consort Lu in front of His Majesty.

"Yes." Meng Jiuchang didn’t dare say another word. He quickly bowed, retreated, and headed to the Imperial Hospital to relay the decree.

Once Meng Jiuchang had left, Feng Yi looked at Yun Zhao and smiled. "Still angry?"

Song Yunzhao was silent for a moment. Without looking up, she remained standing where she was and said in a cold voice, "Consort Lu’s request for you to visit her is a deliberate slap in my face. She knows you are here, and she knows I was wronged yesterday, yet she still does this. I don’t want you to go. If you go, where would I put my face? Besides, what I said wasn’t wrong. You’re not an Imperial Physician. It’s not as if you going there will cure her, is it?"

Feng Yi could hear the barely suppressed fury in Yun Zhao’s voice. Of course, he understood Consort Lu’s intentions. Besides, he had already planned to use Yun Zhao to curb the arrogance of Consort Lu and her father and had no intention of going. But now, hearing Yun Zhao’s words, he felt a rare twinge of guilt.

"I know, which is why I didn’t go," Feng Yi said, looking at Yun Zhao.

Hearing this, Song Yunzhao couldn’t help but scoff internally. ’Is it because of me that you didn’t go?’

’Of course not. The Emperor is just using my words as an excuse to suppress Consort Lu’s arrogance.’

’Another day, another flawless performance.’

Song Yunzhao seized the opportunity to hug the Emperor’s arm, a smile appearing on her face. "That’s also because my words were reasonable, and Your Majesty is an enlightened ruler."

Feng Yi chuckled, taking Yun Zhao’s hand as they returned to the inner hall.

That night, because of the incident, Yun Zhao wasn’t in the mood to tumble in the sheets with the Emperor. Apparently, the Emperor wasn’t interested either. After washing up, they blew out the candle and went to sleep.

The next morning, the Emperor rose for the morning court session, and Song Yunzhao got up to help him dress.

’Since I didn’t put in any effort last night, I have to make up for it this morning. Can’t skip out on playing the part of a virtuous wife.’

Unfortunately, Song Yunzhao had no idea how to dress the Emperor in his Dragon Robe. The dozen or so layers, inside and out, made her question all her life choices.

Feng Yi roared with laughter and had Meng Jiuchang step forward to serve him. He said to Yun Zhao, "I told you not to trouble yourself."

Song Yunzhao put on an embarrassed and annoyed expression. "I just wanted to do my part, but who knew I’d be so clumsy? I’ve made a fool of myself in front of Your Majesty."

Feng Yi thought about it. She really wasn’t very deft. When he stayed at other palaces in the past, the three concubines were at least very competent at helping him change. Then he recalled Song Yunzhao’s needlework back at Zhichun Palace... ’Better not to think about it.’