I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 336: Chapter 133: She Knew It Was Nothing Good

Feng Yi gazed at Yun Zhao, reaching out to brush his fingers past her bright eyes, which seemed to hold little flames. After a long moment, he said, "I do."

Just as Song Yunzhao was about to speak, she heard Meng Jiuchang begin to hurry them again. "Your Majesty, Jieyu, it’s almost time."

Meng Jiuchang was in a difficult position. He didn’t want to be a nuisance, but he had no choice. He couldn’t let the Emperor be late for important matters.

He had to admire her; he’d never seen anyone as clingy as Song Jieyu who managed not to be annoying. Even he found her pouting charm hard to resist, let alone the Emperor.

Upon hearing this, Song Yunzhao quickly called for attendants to help the Emperor change his clothes. She personally wrung out a cloth to wash his face and hands, and Wangyou Palace instantly bustled with activity.

The sky outside was still dark. Anshun waited, holding a palace lantern, while a line of eunuchs stood in attendance outside Wangyou Palace.

Song Yunzhao walked the Emperor to the door, but Feng Yi stopped her. "It’s cold outside. Don’t come out. Go back inside."

Song Yunzhao smiled and agreed, watching as the Emperor strode away.

When Feng Yi reached the palace gate, he suddenly stopped and glanced back. He saw Yun Zhao, wrapped in a large cloak, standing under the eaves and gazing in his direction.

Through the thick, inky darkness, Feng Yi felt a warmth spread through his chest. He pulled his gaze away and strode out of Wangyou Palace.

Song Yunzhao cheerfully returned to the inner hall. ’It’s cold even in a thick cloak! Playing the part of a devoted lover is hard work. The details matter.’

’Take just now, for instance. If I’d ducked back inside because of the cold, the Emperor would have looked back and seen nothing but empty, cold air. Wouldn’t he have been disappointed?’

’Of course he would have been.’

’Love should have a sense of resonance. You glance at me, and I just happen to be looking at you at the same time. That’s the taste of sweetness.’

’My luck this new year is off the charts,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’I really deserve a medal.’

While the Emperor was in the outer court receiving New Year’s greetings from his officials, things were much more relaxed for Song Yunzhao. She only had to wait for him to finish before he made a perfunctory appearance in the harem.

After she finished her morning toilette and ate breakfast, she was met with a group of concubines who had come to offer their New Year’s greetings.

Song Yunzhao had forgotten that she was now second only to the three concubines—a woman of considerable status.

It wasn’t strange for others to come pay their respects. This, in turn, reminded her: should she go and visit the three concubines?

At this thought, she found a moment to ask Nanny Yu, who replied, "My Lady, it would be best if you could pay them a visit."

Song Yunzhao sighed. After seeing off her well-wishers, she quickly changed into formal attire. She went first to Consort Shu’s residence, then to Princess Consort Zhuang’s and Princess Consort Wan’s. The visit with Princess Consort Zhuang went well, but Princess Consort Wan refused to see anyone.

When Song Yunzhao learned that Princess Consort Wan was refusing all visitors, she wasn’t particularly angry. She had made her rounds to the three concubines and fulfilled her duties; that was what mattered. Princess Consort Wan’s rank was higher, so there was nothing she could say about the snub.

As she was leaving Roufu Palace, she ran right into Lu Zhixue, who had apparently also come to pay her respects to Princess Consort Wan. Song Yunzhao told her, "Princess Consort Wan isn’t seeing anyone. Just make an appearance and then head over to Wangyou Palace."

Lu Zhixue agreed instinctively. It was only after Song Yunzhao was some distance away that she wondered, ’Why does she want me to go to Wangyou Palace?’

’I heard that the Emperor turned back from Taiji Palace last night and ended up staying at Wangyou Palace,’ she thought.

’I can’t even bring myself to feel jealous anymore. I’ve accepted things from Song Yunzhao, so my hands are tied, aren’t they?’

’Besides, it’s not as if I can have the Emperor just for the wanting, or snatch him away just by trying.’

’I don’t have Song Yunzhao’s skills. For now, all I can do is dream.’

When Song Yunzhao returned to Wangyou Palace, she found Feng Yunjin and Han Jinyi waiting for her. She entered the hall with a smile and said, "I had a feeling you’d come."

’Since I didn’t see them this morning, I figured they were waiting to make my palace their last stop.’

"Happy New Year, Jieyu," the two said in unison.

Song Yunzhao caught the double meaning in their words and, for once, she blushed. "Lu Pin will be here shortly," she said, feigning seriousness. "We can play cards to pass the time."

Feng Yunjin and Han Jinyi smiled and agreed. "What game should we play?"

"Let’s play leaf cards," Song Yunzhao said with a laugh. ’I can’t exactly suggest Fight the Landlord, can I?’ she thought. ’In this era, the term ’landlord’ refers to the aristocracy. Using it in a game would be asking for trouble.’

Just as she said that, Lu Zhixue arrived. She came in and warmed her hands by the brazier first. Once the chill had dissipated, she asked, "What’s all the lively discussion about?"

"We were just talking about playing leaf cards."

Lu Zhixue’s eyes lit up. "Oh, that’s a great idea."

Song Yunzhao laughed. "Perfect. I still haven’t collected on your bet from last time, so I’ll have to trouble Lu Pin to shuffle for us today."

Lu Zhixue was speechless.

’I knew there’d be a catch!’

Xiangxue led a few Palace Attendants in setting up the card table. The Chief Palace Maids who had accompanied Lu Zhixue and the others also hurried forward to lend a hand, and the hall instantly filled with lively chatter.

Shizhu brought over tea, followed by Qingfeng and Yulu carrying trays of various snacks, which they used to completely cover the nearby side tables.