I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 87: Chapter 50: Avenge Hatred, Repay Grievances (Part 2)

"What misunderstanding? She’s just a hypocrite!" He Lan Yun felt invigorated and found Song Yunzhao much more agreeable now. "There’s nothing to say to her. Let’s go!"

Song Yunzhao let He Lan Yun drag her away, completely ignoring Qin Xiyue’s mortified and awkward expression. At a fork in the road, they ran into Song Yexi. Noticing their strange demeanor, she asked, "What happened?"

’It’s so early in the morning. Don’t tell me something has happened again?’

Song Yunzhao just kept smiling.

He Lan Yun was in high spirits, so she recounted to Song Yexi how Song Yunzhao had shut down Qin Xiyue, concluding, "I always said Qin Xiyue was a complete phony, but nobody believed me. You see it now, don’t you?"

Song Yunzhao looked at He Lan Yun. ’If she knew that already, why did she get so hot-headed every time they met, fighting and losing every single time?’ ƒreewebɳovel.com

Song Yexi was stunned. Looking at Song Yunzhao, she asked, "Really?"

Song Yunzhao nodded.

Song Yexi said angrily, "I never realized they were people like that."

Song Yexi knew Lu Zhixue had a difficult personality. She could understand her being sarcastic toward Yun Zhao, but she never imagined Qin Xiyue would twist the truth so blatantly.

"I always thought Qin Xiyue was someone who could distinguish right from wrong," Song Yexi said in disappointment. "I can’t believe I misjudged her."

"I said so long ago, but none of you believed me!" He Lan Yun was still indignant. Even her own brother had said she was just spouting nonsense out of jealousy for Qin Xiyue. But now, finally, someone believed her.

"I’m sorry, County Princess," Song Yexi said, a little embarrassed.

He Lan Yun gave a dismissive wave of her hand. "Forget it. I won’t hold it against you." Then she looked at Song Yunzhao.

Song Yunzhao: ...

’For some reason, she felt a little pressure.’

She said tentatively, "Should I apologize to you as well? But even if I could bring myself to say it, could you bring yourself to accept it? Let’s not forget our first meeting..."

"Just shut up," He Lan Yun said, her expression sour.

Song Yunzhao chuckled. She looked at He Lan Yun and said, "See? You know you weren’t exactly proper back then. So next time you see Qin Xiyue, just calm down first before you say or do anything."

"Do I need you to teach me what to do?" He Lan Yun said, her chin held high.

"Right, just a little reminder," Song Yunzhao said. ’What a foul temper,’ she thought. ’You have to soothe it just right.’

After a long, sullen silence, He Lan Yun said, "I was pretty stupid back then, wasn’t I?"

"Well... not really," Song Yunzhao smiled. "You just always get a little too worked up when you see Miss Qin." fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

Song Yexi listened from the side without interjecting, finding the conversation between the two of them strangely amusing.

He Lan Yun’s expression soured further upon hearing this, but she said nothing more.

Song Yunzhao didn’t pursue the topic either. She turned to Song Yexi. "Ms. Xi, we’re painting today, aren’t we?"

"Yes, you have to take this seriously. You didn’t participate in the last few competitions, after all. If you don’t make a good showing, people will inevitably start to talk," Song Yexi reminded her. "A good number of concubines have been sent out of the palace in the last few days. There are less than half of us left."

Song Yexi’s own expression clouded over as she said this. Her painting skills were merely average, and some things really did come down to talent. "Maybe I’ll be leaving the palace after today. In any case, if I go, you’ll have to be even more careful on your own."

Song Yunzhao looked at Song Yexi. ’Her painting skills are on par with mine,’ she thought, ’but I have my beauty to give me an edge. She’s just lacking that little bit.’

Then again, the competition would only grow more vicious as time went on, so leaving the palace early wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. She considered this and said, "Let’s just try our best for now. We’ll take it one step at a time."

’Of course, receiving a marriage bestowed by His Majesty would be for the best. An imperial marriage is a double-edged sword, but it generally gives a slight advantage to the woman.’

’When you don’t have to factor in love, the choice becomes much easier.’

Song Yexi smiled at her words. "Alright, let’s give it a try."

He Lan Yun, listening from the side, couldn’t resist a cutting remark. "In any case, the Song Family can only have one girl stay at most. It’s also possible neither of you will make it."

Song Yunzhao: ...

Song Yexi: ...

Many concubines were already inside Qiushui Pavilion when they arrived. Song Yunzhao noticed there were far fewer painting tables than before, making the entire space feel much more spacious. It seemed a great number of candidates had indeed been eliminated.

After finding a seat with a nice view, Song Yexi was called aside by a concubine in a pink blouse. He Lan Yun then turned to look at Song Yunzhao.

Song Yunzhao met He Lan Yun’s conflicted gaze. She could see that the other girl wanted to say something but was struggling to get the words out, so she said, "County Princess, feel free to speak your mind."

He Lan Yun let out a breath and lowered her voice. "What do you think of Ji Yunting?"