I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 39: Chapter 37: Even a Dog Looks Down on Song Yunzhao

"I knew you doted on me the most, Father. With the selection just around the corner, you would never let me be embarrassed." Song Yunzhao’s smile was as bright as a spring day.

The Third Master wasn’t short on silver; he just found the situation both exasperating and amusing.

Moreover, his daughter hadn’t even mentioned asking his wife for the other bracelet. She merely wanted a gift of equal value.

He knew his daughter understood that even if she asked, she would not receive it.

"Is there anything else?" The Third Master’s voice softened at the thought.

Song Yunzhao shook her head. "No, that’s all. I won’t disturb your studies any longer, Father. I’ll take my leave."

"Zhaozhao."

Song Yunzhao turned back. She saw her father sitting under the lamplight, and as his eyes met hers, they seemed to hold the gentleness and warmth of the night. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

"It’s nothing. Be careful on your way back."

Song Yunzhao left with a smile. frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

Although her father hadn’t said anything more, she understood.

’He feels for me.’

’To have a family member in this world who feels for me... that alone makes this life worthwhile.’

The next day, Song Yunzhao received her father’s gift. She opened it to find a pair of mutton-fat white jade bracelets. The jade was smooth and warm with a subtle, oily sheen; she could tell at a glance they had been chosen with care.

Compared to the vibrant, translucent green bracelets that Song Qinghan and Song Yexi wore, she much preferred such an understated, gentle piece.

The gift put Song Yunzhao in a wonderful mood, and she enjoyed her breakfast heartily. Noticing an extra bowl of soup on the table, she asked Qiancao, "Why is there soup so early in the morning?"

Qiancao placed the soup in front of her and said with a smile, "The kitchen staff said that with the selection approaching, the First Madam has instructed them to prepare extra nourishing dishes for the young ladies. From now on, there will be a bowl of soup every day."

Song Yunzhao nodded slightly. "First Aunt is very thoughtful."

She picked up the bowl and took a sip, then immediately asked, "What kind of soup is this? It tastes a bit strange."

"I asked the kitchen, and they said it’s Perilla Soup," Qiancao quickly explained. "I know you’re not fond of the scent of Perilla, Miss, but the soup is said to whiten one’s complexion. Please try to bear with it."

The corner of Song Yunzhao’s mouth twitched. While others found the aroma of Perilla pleasant, she found it slightly foul and disliked it. Having taken one sip, she staunchly refused a second.

’My skin isn’t dark. I don’t need any whitening.’

Seeing this, Qiancao stopped trying to persuade her. Instead, she said with a smile, "Since you won’t be drinking it, Miss, perhaps you could give it to Jiangxiang? She’s always complaining that her skin is too dark. This soup costs a fair few copper coins; it would be a waste to just throw it away."

"Do as you wish." Song Yunzhao wasn’t bothered by such a small matter. "Just tidy up the study. I need to use it today."

Qiancao agreed with a smile.

After finishing breakfast, Song Yunzhao took a couple of laps around the courtyard to aid her digestion, brainstorming ideas for her new storybook as she walked. Once she felt ready, she returned to her room to begin writing.

About half an hour later, her face began to itch. She gave it a light scratch, thinking little of it. Her story had reached a crucial point, so she paid it no mind.

Around Noon, Qiancao rushed in. "Miss, let me see your face!"

Song Yunzhao looked up at her. "What is it?"

"Jiangxiang drank the Perilla Soup, and now her face is covered in a rash! I was worried about you, Miss, since you had a sip this morning." Qiancao hurried forward to inspect her face. Seeing the redness on her cheeks, she stomped her foot in frustration. "You don’t have a rash, but your face is red! I’ll go ask the Madam to send for a doctor right away."

"Wait." Song Yunzhao looked at Qiancao. "Bring me a mirror."

Qiancao quickly fetched the small copper mirror and handed it over.

Song Yunzhao studied her reflection carefully. Since it was a copper mirror, the image it cast was already slightly yellow. Without any bumps on her skin, it was difficult to discern the exact degree of redness, but she could tell the color of her cheeks was indeed a little darker.

Putting down the copper mirror, Song Yunzhao sensed that this was no simple matter. She looked at Qiancao and instructed, "Go to the East Courtyard to see First Aunt. Explain everything to her clearly."

"The First Madam?" Qiancao was taken aback.

Song Yunzhao spelled it out for her. "First Aunt was the one who ordered the kitchen to make the soup. If there’s a problem, it’s only natural to report to her first."

Qiancao understood now and immediately took off running toward the East Courtyard.

’Miss suspects someone is trying to frame another person! The First Madam would never harm Miss, but since there’s a problem with the soup she ordered, sending me to her is a way of showing that Miss doesn’t suspect her at all.’

’The First Madam will be grateful that Miss came to her first, and she’ll be sure to investigate the matter thoroughly. That’s exactly what Miss wants.’