I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 364: Chapter 142: A Live Demonstration

"So, it is Consort Shu. I heard the Right Minister was derelict in his duties during last year’s Autumn Examination. You should have advised him better. As a courtier, he is meant to share the Emperor’s burdens. He shouldn’t forget his place."

Consort Shu’s face instantly darkened. The Empress Dowager was being so blunt. This was more than a slap in the face; it was like having her face ground into the dirt. She immediately retorted, "Since I entered the palace and became one of the Emperor’s concubines, I have naturally abided by the rules and have never interfered in court affairs. I dare not accept your words, Empress Dowager. Otherwise, would I not be charged with the crime of meddling in politics? Please forgive me, Empress Dowager."

Song Yunzhao was greatly surprised. ’Did Consort Shu strap herself to a rocket? Her tongue hasn’t just improved; she’s daring to sarcastically imply the Empress Dowager is meddling in court affairs. She’s traded her musket for a cannon—her firepower has multiplied.’

The moment Consort Shu spoke, the hall fell silent, and the atmosphere instantly grew tense.

With a flicker of her eyes, Princess Consort Zhuang looked to Consort Shu and said, "Consort Shu, the Empress Dowager only has good intentions..."

"Princess Consort Zhuang, since the Empress Dowager’s intentions are so good, then I think you ought to advise Vice Minister Wang. During the snow disaster last year, everyone in and out of the court worked to share the Emperor’s burdens. Only Vice Minister Wang suddenly felt unwell. If his body is truly ailing, perhaps he should just go home and recover," Consort Shu said, showing no mercy.

The smile froze on Princess Consort Zhuang’s face. Her father had indeed acted unscrupulously in that matter. When the snow disaster struck, it looked like a thankless task, so naturally, he wanted no part of it and feigned illness. Who would have known that Grand Tutor Qin and the Right Minister would throw themselves into it like madmen, each trying to outdo the other? They completely overshadowed her father. How could that not be infuriating?

Having said her piece, Consort Shu ignored Princess Consort Zhuang and sat back down.

Princess Consort Zhuang swallowed her anger and defended her father. "My father was indeed unwell at the time, but he has recovered now, so there is no need for Consort Shu’s concern." She then hurriedly looked at Princess Consort Wan, about to introduce her to the Empress Dowager, only to hear Princess Consort Wan speak first. "This concubine, of the Yao clan, has been graciously granted the title of Princess Consort Wan by His Majesty. I pay my respects to the Empress Dowager."

Princess Consort Zhuang: ...

’Is Princess Consort Wan trying to vex me too?’

Next, it was Song Yunzhao’s turn. Princess Consort Zhuang’s heart leaped into her throat, afraid that Song Yunzhao would also steal her line. She quickly spoke up, "Empress Dowager, this is Song Jieyu, the one the Emperor currently cherishes most."

Song Yunzhao looked at Princess Consort Zhuang. ’This woman really won’t rest until she gets her way. She’s dead set on throwing me into the eye of the storm.’

"This concubine, of the Song clan, has been cherished by His Majesty and granted the rank of Concubine." Song Yunzhao rose and spoke unhurriedly. Her words followed the pattern set by Princess Consort Zhuang and Princess Consort Wan, and she even included the word "cherished" that Princess Consort Zhuang had just used. "May the Empress Dowager enjoy boundless fortune and health."

The Empress Dowager’s gaze fell upon Song Yunzhao. Seeing her seductive looks, clearly meant to bewitch a superior, she was involuntarily reminded of the late Emperor’s Highly Noble Princess Consort and Consort Li. A wave of disgust washed over her. "I have heard that Song Jieyu monopolizes the imperial favor. As a concubine, you must understand the rules. Do not engage in acts of seduction to curry favor. As long as I am here, I will not tolerate a base person like you running rampant."

This was just short of pointing at Song Yunzhao’s face and calling her a seductress. The Empress Dowager made no attempt to hide her displeasure.

Feng Yi’s expression changed in an instant. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Song Yunzhao say, "This concubine has heard that the Empress Dowager is at the traveling palace, guarding the late Emperor’s mausoleum and copying Buddhist scriptures. Everyone praises the Empress Dowager’s seclusion as a sign of her profound love for the late Emperor. I never imagined that even with hundreds of miles separating the harem and the traveling palace, the Empress Dowager would have such a clear grasp on the harem’s affairs. However, Empress Dowager, this concubine has committed no acts of seduction. I come from a respectable family and have been educated in literature and etiquette since I was a child. It is my great fortune to be favored by His Majesty. Since receiving his favor, I have neither sought official positions for my family, nor have I become arrogant with favor. I follow the rules and abide by palace regulations. I truly do not know where this accusation of seduction comes from. I implore the Empress Dowager to enlighten me."

’I’ve been preparing for a day like this ever since I entered the palace. That’s why I rarely leave Wangyou Palace, never stir up trouble for no reason, and never use my position to bully others. Even when I have confronted people, I only dared to act after getting ahold of some leverage. Trying to brand me as an arrogant, seductive vixen is nothing but a dream.’

Feng Yi fought to suppress a smile as he stared at Song Yunzhao. He saw her lips pressed into a tight line, a fiery light in her eyes. It seemed she was truly angry.

’Thinking about it, there wasn’t a single false word in what Yun Zhao said. She truly hadn’t done any of those things.’ The thought gave Feng Yi pause. ’That’s right. Song Yunzhao has been favored for so long, and she’s never once asked for anything for her family.’

"’Song Jieyu, you dare talk back to me? How insolent!’ The Empress Dowager had thought a mere Concubine would be easy to crush, but she never expected her to be so bold. For someone of such a lowly background to dare talk back—it was preposterous. ’Someone! Come and teach Song Jieyu what rules are!’"

Song Yunzhao: ?

’I had just wanted to watch other people’s drama unfold, and I was enjoying it with relish. I never expected that in the blink of an eye, I’d be the one sent to the chopping block.’

’I was thinking of changing my plan, but it seems that’s no longer an option.’

Nanny Yao from the Empress Dowager’s side immediately walked toward Song Yunzhao. Song Yunzhao didn’t even blink. ’If she dares to lay a hand on me, I’ll faint right here and now!’

’Who doesn’t know how to stage a fall? You don’t? I could give a live tutorial!’

Nanny Yao gave Song Yunzhao a fake smile. "Forgive my impertinence, Song Jieyu!"

As she spoke, Nanny Yao raised her hand and swung it toward Song Yunzhao’s face.

"Stop!" Feng Yi roared, leaping to his feet. "Meng Jiuchang, are you dead?!"

Meng Jiuchang was wailing internally. Without a direct order from the Emperor, he wouldn’t dare to openly disrespect the Empress Dowager.

With the Emperor’s command, he shot out like a starving wolf and grabbed Nanny Yao’s arm. He would rather take the slap himself than let it fall on Song Jieyu’s face.

The moment Nanny Yao raised her arm, Song Yunzhao had already planned her fainting pose. Meng Jiuchang’s sudden intervention ruined her plan, slightly messing up the angle of her performance. But no matter—it was a minor flaw in an otherwise perfect gem. The Emperor’s reaction had delighted her, so she immediately implemented her backup plan. Right in front of Meng Jiuchang, she feigned a look of terror, as if petrified by Nanny Yao. Her body trembled as if from extreme shock, and she collapsed limply.

The instant she hit the ground, her small arm landed just right to cushion her face. Hidden by her skirt, she kicked her heel back hard, knocking over her chair to make it look as if it had been toppled by her fall.

"Zhaozhao!" Feng Yi’s face changed the instant he saw Song Yunzhao collapse. He rushed over in a heartbeat. He had already noticed she didn’t look well and his heart had been pounding. He bent down, scooped her up in his arms, and charged outside. "Summon the Imperial Physician!"

As Meng Jiuchang ran out to summon the Imperial Physician, he thought to himself, ’Aiya, when Song Jieyu fell just now, I should have thrown myself under her to act as a human cushion! What a perfect opportunity to gain merit, and I just missed it!’

’My heart aches!’