I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 338: Chapter 133: She Knew It Was No Good

Lu Zhixue was still complaining about the injustice, but Song Jieyu had likely already figured everything out from the start.

One had to admire her.

Feng Yunjin knew that she, Han Jinyi, and Lu Zhixue were still a cut below Song Jieyu. She’d assumed Lu Zhixue was well aware of the situation, but only now did she realize the other woman was just blindly following along.

It was both infuriating and amusing, and there was nothing to be done about it.

Han Jinyi looked at Yun Zhao. "So, what should we do now?"

After all, they had donated a lot of silver. Yun Zhao was already favored in the harem, and now with this supposed blessing, others were bound to feel even more resentful.

The Emperor had already given Song Yunzhao a heads-up, but it wasn’t wise to drag him into it, so she said, "Lady Shufei was the one who handled this from the beginning. The main credit is hers, so naturally, she should be the one to handle the aftermath."

Feng Yunjin immediately understood Song Jieyu’s meaning and said thoughtfully, "If Lady Shufei takes action, there shouldn’t be any problems."

With Consort Shu’s temperament and status, only Princess Consort Zhuang and Princess Consort Wan could compete with her. But back when the donations were made, Princess Consort Zhuang only made a token gesture, and Princess Consort Wan was just going through the motions. One lacked the standing to complain, and the other had none at all. If they wanted to make a fuss, they would need a very convincing reason.

But that would be very difficult.

As long as the two concubines couldn’t stir up trouble, the mastermind’s plan would come to nothing.

Song Yunzhao saw Feng Yunjin’s pensive expression, smiled, and added, "The Merit Stele was originally a voluntary act by the common people, but now its nature has changed. Things might not be calm in the court, either. The turmoil in the harem is likely meant to echo what’s happening at the front."

Even Lu Zhixue grasped the deeper meaning behind these words. She put down her teacup, her expression full of worry, and said, "So, who is this aimed at?"

’From the imperial court to the harem, who benefits the most?’

It was Song Nanzhen, who had managed the disaster relief. And Song Nanzhen was Yun Zhao’s father. If Yun Zhao’s name also appeared on the Merit Stele, a father and daughter working together to save the people—that would have a much greater impact than just Song Jieyu donating some silver.

People would praise the Song Family for their integrity and kindness. Like father, like daughter. And on top of that, the family had also produced a third-place scholar...

Lu Zhixue took a deep breath, her gaze on Song Yunzhao turning dark.

Standing in the limelight was certainly glorious, but not everyone could handle the daggers hidden in the shadows.

Han Jinyi’s expression also soured. She looked at Yun Zhao and said, "Should I write a letter home and ask what’s really going on?"

Song Yunzhao shook her head. "No need. Whether they’re friend or foe, the truth will come to light eventually. Besides, we don’t need to take the lead on this. In the harem, we just need to see how Lady Shufei handles it."

’Consort Shu’s current path is vastly different from how it was in the book. Logically, she should be my rival, fighting me to the death. Yet, because I’m quick-witted, I’ve managed to let her share in the benefits each time. This latest incident has been especially profitable for her. Not just her—even the Right Minister has managed to pull one leg out of the mire.’

’So, Consort Shu can’t really fight me now. We aren’t friends, nor are we allies. But our relationship is a strange one—we can’t fight, can’t get too distant, and can’t get too close.’

’Thinking about it, I can’t help but feel exasperated,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’Here I am, a mere side character, burdened with the worries of a female lead. Is my life easy?’

’It’s all for the sake of survival—and living a better life.’

"Regarding Lady Shufei, perhaps I should pay her a visit," Feng Yunjin said, feeling uneasy. "Consort Shu acts entirely on her whims. If this goes sideways, we’ll all be in trouble."

The Concubine has the Emperor’s protection, so she probably won’t be in much danger, but it’s a different story for the rest of us. It’s better to be safe than sorry. That’s much better than making a mistake and needing the Concubine to bail us out.

Han Jinyi agreed with Feng Yunjin, but seeing the look on Yun Zhao’s face, she asked, "Does the Concubine have another idea?"

Song Yunzhao smiled. "It’s not so much an idea. I just think Lady Shufei is used to doing as she pleases and definitely won’t want anyone telling her what to do. How about this: let’s give Her Ladyship a favorable wind."

Lu Zhixue’s interest was piqued. "What kind of favorable wind?"

"Others can spread rumors, so why can’t we? Besides, what we’re spreading isn’t a rumor, it’s a fact. We’ll have someone leak the news that the spots on the Merit Stele are limited. That should do it."

"That’s all it takes?" Lu Zhixue asked, stunned for a moment. ’Is it really that simple?’

Han Jinyi also looked at Yun Zhao with some concern. ’This feels a little too simplistic,’ she thought.