Free Web NovelChapter 47: Chapter 40: A Parasol Tree at Home Attracts the Phoenix
’What kind of bright future can an illegitimate child expect? Every girl from a good family marries for an alliance—it all just depends on whether you land a good family or a bad one.’
’The First Madam never did things that hurt others without benefiting herself. Even when arranging a marriage for an illegitimate daughter, she would surely deliberate and choose the family with care.’
’Thinking of this, she grew a little envious of her illegitimate cousins.’
’Besides, Song Yunzhao had a point. Her eldest uncle in the main branch had only two sons: the elder was legitimate, the younger illegitimate. While the Eldest Aunt wasn’t as attentive to the illegitimate son as she was to her own, she still put in a great deal of effort. It was obvious she intended for the illegitimate son to be a right-hand man to the legitimate one in the future.’
At this thought, Song Jinxuan’s heart raced with excitement. She looked at Song Yunzhao and said, "I’ll go discuss this with my mother right away. I’m not sure if it can be done."
Song Jinxuan hurried away. Song Yunzhao, however, felt that with Aunt Che’s cleverness, pulling this off would be difficult but not necessarily impossible.
Song Yunzhao didn’t see Song Jinxuan for the next two days and knew she must be busy with Song Buming’s matter. Song Yexi, however, came over whenever she had a spare moment. The First Madam had prepared a great deal of clothing and jewelry for the two of them. Much of it was newly commissioned from famous jewelers in the Capital City, so staff from the shops often visited to make minor adjustments, which made it convenient for the two girls to spend time together.
Xie Linlang got word a bit later. By the time she came to the manor to visit Song Yunzhao, it was already the last day before the selection.
Xie Linlang brought Song Yunzhao many gifts, including a small box of gold and silver ingots.
"These will be convenient for tipping people in the palace. My brother made special inquiries, and this size is the most appropriate," Xie Linlang explained carefully to Song Yunzhao. "It’s only a small box because there’s a limit to what you can bring into the palace. We had to be selective and could only pack the most useful things."
Song Yunzhao actually knew all this because it had been mentioned in the book. Still, listening to Xie Linlang ramble on filled her with a warmth, and she didn’t find it the least bit annoying.
"I originally wanted to have a few nice outfits made for you, but then I heard the First Madam was managing all your clothing and jewelry, so I didn’t want to overstep and cause you trouble."
Song Yunzhao understood.
"My brother tried to get information about the palace from a steward who retired honorably, but he couldn’t find out anything particularly useful. He only learned that the Emperor is diligent in his state affairs and that there are quite a few high-ranking concubines. You have to be careful."
’Diligent in state affairs... doesn’t that just mean he’s not interested in women?’
Song Yunzhao almost burst out laughing. It wasn’t that the Emperor wasn’t interested in women; he simply didn’t want to be.
’The book said he ascended the throne when he was just a youth. The moment he took the seat, the harem was stuffed with the daughters of powerful clans and high officials. This Emperor of ours may have gotten the throne by a fluke, but he is incredibly proud.’
’He’s so proud that he looks down on the Beauties forced upon him. He thinks every single one has ulterior motives and is an eyesore, wishing he could just take a broom and sweep them all out.’ frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
’That’s why, in the book, the female protagonist had a miserable few years after entering the palace. The Emperor used her as a tool to clean out his harem.’
’The protagonist shouldered all the infamy while the Emperor reaped all the rewards.’
’Eventually, the Emperor was moved by the protagonist’s pure, kind, and beautiful nature, which finally led to the perfect ending.’
’Thinking of this, she wanted to shed a tear of sympathy for the protagonist. What kind of top-tier scumbag had the woman run into? But then she recalled her own undeserved misfortunes after encountering the protagonist, and her flicker of pity for the other woman instantly turned into pity for herself.’ freewēbnoveℓ.com
’No matter how pitiful the protagonist was, it was always other people who suffered the consequences. If she pitied the protagonist, she would be the one suffering.’
"What are you laughing at?" Xie Linlang didn’t think anything she had said was amusing.
Song Yunzhao immediately straightened her expression and said earnestly, "That was a smile of heartfelt gratitude. Rest assured, I know what to do. Don’t worry. Perhaps we’ll be able to see each other again very soon."
Xie Linlang: ...
’She didn’t know whether to hope they’d meet again soon, or to wish for her friend to achieve great wealth and status in a single leap.’
After finishing with the serious matters, Xie Linlang remembered her brother’s instructions and said to Song Yunzhao, "I haven’t told you the good news yet! Your storybooks are incredibly sought-after right now; they’ve even boosted business at Yuquan Building. My second brother is mulling over the new story you sent. Don’t worry, your writing fee will be substantial."
Song Yunzhao was quite surprised. She smiled at Xie Linlang and said, "I actually went to Yuquan Building the other day and heard about your second brother’s brilliant move. I truly never expected he would hire people to perform the stories."
"Oh, you already know? It was a great idea, wasn’t it? I’m the one who gave it to my brother!"
