Free Web NovelChapter 94: Chapter 52: Reputation Ruined, Expelled from the Palace
"Nanny Su, this only involves a handful of people. How could that be considered involving too many?" Song Yunzhao tried her best not to seem overly aggressive, yet she made it clear she wouldn’t back down. "Nanny Zhang, what do you think?"
Nanny Zhang and Nanny Su were not on the same side, so naturally, she couldn’t let her rival get her way. She nodded and said, "Miss Song has a point." Turning to Nanny Su, she continued, "We only need to verify the truth of Miss Luo’s and Miss Zhao’s statements. For such a trivial matter, we’re all palace veterans. We can certainly manage it. Wouldn’t you agree, Nanny Su?"
Nanny Su’s heart sank. ’This isn’t good,’ she thought. But she maintained a firm tone, saying, "Nanny Zhang, you can’t say that. This is a major issue; it’s not for us to pass judgment on our own. It must be reported to the concubines for them to make a decision."
Song Yunzhao’s heart sank at her words. ’If those women get involved, I’m afraid this will spiral out of my control. After all, I’m just an insignificant concubine right now. What chance would I have against the other concubines?’ Still, it wasn’t impossible to maneuver.
’Nanny Su is striking where it hurts most, hitting my weak spot in a single blow. She really is a formidable woman.’
As this thought crossed her mind, she looked at Nanny Zhang. Seeing the older woman’s displeasure, an idea sparked, and she immediately spoke up. "Nanny Su has a point. A matter of life and death must indeed be taken seriously. Since that’s the case, then I’ll have to ask you nannies to report this matter directly to His Majesty. The rest of us will simply wait for the verdict."
Nanny Yin, who had been silent until now, glanced at Song Yunzhao, the corner of her mouth twitching. ’This girl certainly isn’t afraid of blowing things up. Nanny Su wanted to hand this matter to Consort Shu and a few others, giving those concubines a chance to intervene.’
’But this one... she’s something else. She went straight for appealing to His Majesty, asking him to be the judge. Isn’t she trying to make Nanny Su’s plan fall through?’
’Of course, Song Yunzhao can’t make that happen with just her words. She’s signaling to me and Nanny Zhang, wanting us to step in and put a check on Nanny Su. I never would have guessed. This girl is far more calculating than she appears.’
’What choice do I have? I can’t let Nanny Su run rampant, which means I have to let Song Yunzhao get what she wants.’
"Nanny Su, since you insist on reporting this, then let’s do it by the book." Nanny Yin stepped forward, looking at Nanny Su. "Speaking of which, Chief Steward Zhang from Taiji Palace was asking about the selection process just a few days ago. An incident like this certainly warrants a report."
Nanny Su’s expression flickered, and she fell silent, deep in thought.
The three women stood in a standoff, the atmosphere charged and delicate.
Song Yunzhao felt Song Qinghan staring at her. She turned and flashed a wide smile. ’If I can’t get her kicked out of the palace this time, then my name isn’t Song Yunzhao.’
Ever since she first entered the palace, Song Yunzhao had done only one thing to her sister: publicly sever their ties so everyone knew they were at odds. Other than that, she had avoided Song Qinghan, just waiting for her to lose her patience and make a move.
She knew Song Qinghan’s temperament better than anyone. She was waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike, and just as she’d expected, her sister had served it up on a silver platter.
When Song Qinghan saw Song Yunzhao smiling at her, she felt a chill run down her spine. She quickly averted her gaze, her mind racing as she tried to figure out a way to escape this mess.
She had already made an enemy of Zhao Xiaoyu by throwing her under the bus. Then there was Luo Xiuying. Although Luo Xiuying had accepted her payment and promised not to sell her out, if this situation truly escalated, she couldn’t guarantee that promise would hold.
The more she thought about it, the more agitated she became. ’Why is Song Yunzhao making such a scene? Why did I even follow her back then? And how did she know to wait for me in the lotus fields?’
’I was so careful. How did she find out?’ The thought only made her more frantic. ’I should have found a way to keep Song Yunzhao stuck at home and prevented her from ever joining the selection.’
He Lan Yun watched the nannies’ posturing and grew impatient. She turned to Song Yunzhao and said, "Who knows when we’ll get a resolution. This is getting tedious."
"We just wait," Song Yunzhao replied. In a scene like this, as someone with no real power, her only recourse was to press the advantage she had with the evidence and as the victim. Everything else depended on the outcome of the power struggle between the other players.
He Lan Yun scoffed. "And how long is that supposed to take?"
Just then, Han Jinyi turned her head to look at He Lan Yun. "County Princess, how justice is served often depends on who is demanding it."
He Lan Yun shot Han Jinyi a look, her expression souring. ’What is that supposed to mean?’ ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
’Isn’t she just calling me a source of trouble? Implying that my family background is intimidating? She’s trying to egg me on to cause a scene.’
’Before, I might not have thought so deeply about it. But after spending so much time with Song Yunzhao, I’ve somehow developed the habit of listening for the hidden trap in people’s words.’
