Free Web NovelChapter 67: Chapter 45: She Must Be a Reincarnated Pig (Part 2)
He Lan Yun stood before Song Yunzhao’s embroidery, staring at the picture in silence.
’What on earth is this supposed to be? A wildcat pouncing on a butterfly?’
’Never mind that the cat is fat and plump—its head is half the size of its body. It looks utterly bizarre, but the longer I look, the more I find it has a sliver of charm.’
’I must be going crazy. How could Song Yunzhao embroider something like this and still have the audacity to claim it’s good? The nerve.’ ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
A crowd had gathered around Song Yunzhao’s embroidery. It was unclear who laughed first, but the sound soon spread and grew louder.
Song Yexi’s expression was grim. She knew Yun Zhao had received His Majesty’s favor today, and these girls were green with envy, just waiting for an excuse to tear her down. This embroidery had become the perfect pretext.
Song Yexi was deeply frustrated with her cousin. ’If only Yun Zhao had bothered to practice more, she wouldn’t be the subject of ridicule today.’
He Lan Yun glanced back at the crowd, her eyes filled with scorn. "What’s so funny? Even if Song Yunzhao’s embroidery isn’t the best, it’s better than some of yours. At least she received a middling grade. What right do those of you who received a low grade have to laugh at her? It’s absurd."
Song Yexi glanced at He Lan Yun, a small sigh of relief escaping her. ’I can’t believe Princess Ming’an is actually defending Yun Zhao.’ She made a mental note to remember this favor.
He Lan Yun pushed through the crowd to leave. After a few steps, she turned back to Song Yexi. "Come with me. Let’s see if Song Yunzhao is awake. I can’t stand people being hypocritical. If you want to see her, then just go."
Worried about Song Yunzhao, Song Yexi immediately followed. If she had gone back alone, she would surely have become the target of gossip. But with Princess Ming’an leading the way, she had nothing to fear.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for speaking up for my sister today."
He Lan Yun looked at Song Yexi and snorted. "I wasn’t defending Song Yunzhao. I just despise those petty types. Who knows what sordid thoughts they’re hiding, but they all put on a better act than anyone. You, however, are much better than your sister. You know how to speak properly."
’Song Yunzhao’s mouth, on the other hand, is infuriating.’
Song Yexi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. The two walked back to their lodgings, heading first to Song Yunzhao’s room.
A palace maid stood guard. Seeing the two of them, she quickly rose to greet them. "This servant greets the two young ladies."
"No need for formalities. Rise. How is Song Yunzhao? Has she woken up?" He Lan Yun asked, striding right into the room.
"Miss Song is not yet awake."
"She certainly can sleep," He Lan Yun scoffed. Then she said to the palace maid, "Go fetch her dinner. Her sister and I will stay here and watch over her."
The little palace maid hesitated. The housekeeper had ordered her not to leave this spot for a single moment. Her eyes shifted as an idea came to her, and she said with a smile, "This servant will ask the maid in the next room to help bring it over. You two must be thirsty. Let me prepare a pot of tea for you to quench your thirst."
The palace maid hurried out the door. He Lan Yun looked at Song Yexi. "Look at that. Now that’s how you do your job."
Song Yexi made a mental note. ’People in the palace really are meticulous.’
She went to check on Yun Zhao first. She was, as expected, still sound asleep. A thin sheen of sweat covered her forehead. Song Yexi took out her handkerchief and gently wiped it away. After testing her forehead with the back of her hand and finding it cool, she finally relaxed.
The room held the faint scent of herbal medicine. She must have taken it already.
Watching Song Yexi tend to Song Yunzhao, He Lan Yun remarked, "I heard your Song Family divided its household long ago. I’m surprised you care for your cousin so attentively."
A flicker of displeasure crossed Song Yexi’s heart, but she kept her expression neutral as she slowly explained, "After our grandparents passed away, the family divided the household for convenience, as my father and Third Uncle were serving as officials in different regions. However, our three family branches live next to each other back in our hometown, so we visit one another just as we did before. It’s only natural that we remain close."
He Lan Yun knew Song Yexi was glossing over the details and scoffed. "Why bother with the cover-up? If I’d wanted to know about your family’s business, I could have found out long ago."
Song Yexi’s expression stiffened. She replied sternly, "Your Highness, the Song Family’s private affairs are no concern of yours."
"Tsk," He Lan Yun clicked her tongue. "You’ve got some backbone, I’ll give you that."
Song Yexi grew anxious. The Song Family’s recent history was hardly respectable. There had been that whole commotion at the Dingnan Bo Mansion over the selection, not to mention the farce between her third aunt and Yun Zhao. If word of all that got out, it would be Yun Zhao whose reputation suffered most.
At this thought, Song Yexi’s loathing for Mrs. Cai intensified. ’I’ve never seen a mother who would sabotage her own daughter like this.’
The moment Song Yunzhao opened her eyes, she heard He Lan Yun’s words. She spoke at once, "Your Highness, don’t you bully my sister, or you’ll have to answer to me."
