I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 340: Chapter 134: The Emperor Has Made Great Progress

Qin Xiyue sat at the banquet, feeling a little restless. She was very surprised that the Emperor would hold the New Year’s banquet at Cuiwei Palace and have Consort Shu host. This was a first since the three concubines had entered the palace.

It seemed the Right Minister’s recent performance had not just satisfied the Emperor, but greatly pleased him. That was why he was honoring Consort Shu and elevating her status within the palace.

But her father had also contributed. So what was the result?

Qin Xiyue was very dejected. ’This isn’t how it should be.’

Song Yunzhao relaxed considerably once the Emperor left, turning to speak with Han Jinyi beside her.

Lu Zhixue went over to join Feng Yunjin. With her personality, Lu Zhixue was not very popular in the palace, and few dared to get close to her.

She also wasn’t the type to approach people, which meant that besides Han Jinyi and Feng Yunjin, she had no one else to talk to. With Han Jinyi now paired up with Yun Zhao, Lu Zhixue could only monopolize Feng Yunjin. Otherwise, it was quite uncomfortable to be all alone.

Feng Yunjin was popular, so even with Lu Zhixue beside her, many people came over to greet her. After a few of these interruptions, Lu Zhixue grew annoyed and simply got up and moved to Yun Zhao’s side.

Song Yunzhao: ...

Han Jinyi smiled, pulling Lu Zhixue down to sit. "I was planning to come find you later," she said, "but you beat me to it."

Lu Zhixue’s expression brightened at her words. "There were too many people over at Feng Xiaoyuan’s table. I came here for some peace and quiet."

Song Yunzhao glanced at her. ’I feel like that was a dig at me.’

Lu Zhixue, completely oblivious, shifted in her seat, gave a light cough, and glanced around cautiously before lowering her voice. "I just overheard some people talking about the Merit Stele. It turns out things are even more complicated than we thought."

Han Jinyi said, "Lady Shufei hasn’t had time to deal with this yet. The news we’re trying to spread can’t get out until after the banquet, so it’s only natural that people have high hopes for now."

As the other two spoke, Song Yunzhao listened, her teacup raised but untouched. Her gaze swept over to Qin Xiyue’s table. A crowd had gathered around her as well. Among them were some familiar faces and some she didn’t recognize. The unfamiliar ones were the unsuccessful concubines from the batch that had entered the palace with Consort Shu. They rarely made public appearances, so it was a surprise to see them looking quite friendly with Qin Xiyue.

’I wonder how much work Qin Xiyue has been doing behind the scenes. As expected of the female lead. While everyone else is trying so hard, I, the side character, can’t afford to slack off either.’

By the time the banquet drew to a close, the sky outside was pitch-black.

Anshun was waiting with his men, holding palace lanterns by a warm sedan chair. As soon as he saw Yun Zhao emerge, he hurried to greet her. "My Lady, please get into the sedan."

Song Yunzhao nodded and stepped into the warm sedan chair. A charcoal brazier inside was burning brightly, and she felt a pleasant warmth as soon as she sat down.

She lifted the curtain to bid farewell to Han Jinyi and the others before departing.

Once Song Yunzhao was gone, the remaining guests departed in order of rank. Back in Cuiwei Palace, Consort Shu, happy with the day’s events, had inevitably had a few too many drinks. She only began to feel her head clear after washing up.

Leaning back on a soft pillow, she slowly sipped a sobering tea and looked at Nanny Wen. "Did everything go smoothly?"

"Rest assured, Your Highness. Everything went very smoothly." Nanny Wen was genuinely happy. Her mistress could finally hold her head high. When her title had been revoked, Princess Consort Zhuang and Princess Consort Wan had constantly taunted her. Today, she had finally put them in their place.

Consort Shu smiled. "Song Jieyu knew her place today."

Nanny Wen agreed. "Yes. I was on pins and needles all evening, but thankfully, everything went off without a hitch."

It wasn’t that she feared offending Song Jieyu. Rather, since her mistress was hosting the banquet, any unpleasantness would ultimately reflect poorly on her.

An outcome where everyone was happy was, of course, for the best.

Consort Shu was quite satisfied as well. Just as she was about to rest, she heard Nanny Wen speak again. "There is one more thing. I was going to tell you in the morning, Your Highness, but I’m worried that delaying might cause problems."

Consort Shu turned her head to look at Nanny Wen. "What is it?"

"It’s about the Merit Stele," Nanny Wen said.

"The Merit Stele isn’t something that can be decided in a day. Those rumors in the palace are clearly someone trying to muddy the waters. I bet it’s Princess Consort Zhuang, up to no good as usual. She can’t stand to see anyone else succeed," Consort Shu said angrily.

"It’s not about that," Nanny Wen said quickly. "There’s a new rumor. It says the number of spots on the Merit Stele is limited, so not just anyone’s name can be carved on it."

"Limited spots?" A jolt went through Consort Shu. "Explain everything, in detail."

’This concerns my honor. There’s no room for error. If anyone dares stand in my way, I’ll tear a piece of flesh right off them!’