I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 384: Chapter 162: The High-Sounding Emperor

That was for the best. She would much rather the Emperor go stir up competition among the courtiers than have him watching her do it in the harem. As long as someone was feeling the pressure, it was a win-win situation for all—a path to mutual progress.

Besides, there was a subtle point she hadn’t mentioned, but she was certain the Emperor understood it perfectly.

This was a move that could win him a great deal of support. Which noble family didn’t have a few good-for-nothing, unmotivated sons? With this glittering bait dangled by the Emperor himself, the nobles would have a legitimate reason to discipline their children. They would no longer have to worry about the family elders intervening to protect them with all sorts of excuses.

"This is a viable plan. I will have the Ministry of War discuss it first," Feng Yi said.

Having successfully placated the Emperor, Song Yunzhao inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. ’When the man in charge isn’t happy, my own life feels unsettled.’

With the most vexing issue largely resolved, Feng Yi set aside matters of the court. Instead, he turned to Yun Zhao and asked about her health with concern.

"I have been eating and sleeping very well. Chief Steward Zhang has been most attentive, and the Imperial Kitchen changes the menu daily. Everything is perfectly to my taste." At this, Song Yunzhao looked at the Emperor, her eyes filled with emotion. "I know Your Majesty has gone to great trouble over this."

Feng Yi didn’t think it was any great matter, but seeing Yun Zhao so moved put him in an excellent mood. "The Imperial Physician says pregnancy is difficult for a woman. You are bearing an heir for me, so naturally, I must take good care of you."

Song Yunzhao was speechless.

’These grand-sounding words... they feel like they’re missing something.’

’Hmph, so formal!’

"I heard the Empress Dowager sent you many supplements?"

Song Yunzhao hadn’t expected the Emperor to bring this up. She immediately put on a touched expression. "Yes, I was quite surprised myself. I never thought the Empress Dowager would place such importance on the child in my womb. I was worried she didn’t like me before, but it seems I was just being petty."

Feng Yi looked down at Yun Zhao. "You are pregnant now; you can’t just eat anything. Later, have Zhang Maoquan send them to my palace. I’ll have the Imperial Physician take a look."

Feng Yi had no proof that the Empress Dowager harbored ill intentions, so he couldn’t say anything. But Yun Zhao currently had an excellent impression of the Empress Dowager and likely wouldn’t be on her guard. It was better for him to take the items away and have identical ones sent back later.

Yun Zhao wouldn’t inspect them closely, so she would never know he had swapped them out.

"Of course, I will do as Your Majesty says," Song Yunzhao said happily. Her face showed no trace of doubt or confusion, as if she truly believed the Emperor merely wanted the Imperial Physician to look them over.

Ever since becoming pregnant, Song Yunzhao had developed the habit of taking an afternoon nap. When the hour arrived, she found it hard to stay awake.

Feng Yi was amused watching her hold a handkerchief to her mouth to stifle a yawn. "It’s still early. I’ll rest with you for a while."

"Really?" Song Yunzhao’s face lit up with pleasant surprise. "It’s so rare for Your Majesty to have a free moment."

He had indeed been very busy lately and hadn’t been able to spend much time with Yun Zhao. Seeing the unadulterated joy on her face, he took her hand and led her into the bedchamber.

As the weather warmed, the heavy bed curtains had been replaced with lighter gauze ones. Lying inside no longer felt stuffy, and the sky-blue color was pleasing and bright to the eye.

Song Yunzhao rested her head on the Emperor’s chest and slowly closed her eyes.

Feng Yi held her lightly, but he felt no sleepiness. His eyes were fixed on the canopy above as he continued to mull over court affairs.

’I wonder how the investigation is going for the officials sent south to Yucheng,’ he thought. ’Yun Zhao hasn’t asked about Song Nanyong, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t concerned about her family. She probably just doesn’t want to cause me any trouble.’

This whole affair was suspicious from the start. Feng Yi believed the Song Family wouldn’t dare do such a thing at this juncture. Song Nanyong was a clever man. Though his promotions had been slow over his many years as an official, every step he took had been a steady one.

’How could such a cautious person commit such a foolish act so soon after Yun Zhao had just won his favor?’

’It’s best to wait. I shouldn’t bring it up with Yun Zhao until there’s concrete news, lest she start worrying, too.’

He didn’t know how much time had passed before he heard the sound of steady breathing beside him. He turned his head slightly and saw that Yun Zhao was sound asleep.

He gently placed her head on the pillow, then slowly sat up and tucked the brocade quilt around her. Feng Yi rose from the bed with great care, lifting the curtain. Once he was standing steadily, he let the curtain fall slowly back into place.

He exited the bedchamber quietly, instructing the attendants to watch over her carefully, then left with Meng Jiuchang for Taiji Palace.

Song Yunzhao was sleeping soundly. In a daze, her dream seemed to take her back to her past life. But the scenes were bizarre and fantastical; the skyscrapers and pedestrians on the street all looked as if they were pixelated. She reached out to touch them, only to find the images instantly receding, which startled her awake with a jolt.

Her heart was pounding, and a thin layer of sweat beaded on her forehead.

Song Yunzhao pressed a hand to her chest. ’What kind of dream was that? So strange, and rather terrifying.’

It had been a very, very long time since she had dreamed of her past life. She had lived here for so many years that her previous life now seemed like the dream.

"My Lady, you’re awake?"

Hearing Xiangxue’s voice, Song Yunzhao took a breath to compose herself and asked, "What hour is it?"

"It is the afternoon."

Song Yunzhao was taken aback. She had slept for so long. No wonder she had a bit of a headache. Looking to her side, she saw the bed was empty. The Emperor must have woken up and left already.

She got out of bed, and Xiangxue hurried forward to tie up the curtains and support her. "About fifteen minutes ago, Feng Xiaoyuan sent someone to ask if you were awake, My Lady."

’Feng Yunjin?’

Song Yunzhao collected herself and looked at Xiangxue. "Did her messenger leave a message?"

"She said that Feng Xiaoyuan wishes to come and pay her respects."

’Then she must have something to discuss.’

Song Yunzhao nodded. "Have Shizhu go and invite Feng Xiaoyuan over."

"Yes, My Lady." Xiangxue helped her mistress to a seat before getting up to relay the message to Shizhu.

Song Yunzhao sat before her vanity. Still unsettled by the dream, she felt listless. When Xiangxue returned, she said, "Just a simple hairstyle will do. I’m not going out today, so don’t go to any trouble."

Elaborate hairstyles were beautiful, but they were also heavy and pulled tightly on her scalp, which wasn’t very comfortable.

Xiangxue styled her hair into a low, elegant chignon, inserting a few pearl flower pins. The look was simple yet full of charm.

Just as she finished, Feng Yunjin arrived.

The guest was first shown into the outer hall, and Song Yunzhao only went out after she was fully ready.

When Feng Yunjin saw Song Yunzhao enter, she rose to offer a formal greeting. "This concubine pays her respects to Zhaoyi."

"Feng Xiaoyuan, there’s no need for such formalities. Please, sit." Song Yunzhao mustered her energy, walked over to her own seat, and sat down with a smile.

Feng Yunjin thanked her and sat. Noticing that Song Zhaoyi didn’t look her best, she said apologetically, "It seems this concubine has disturbed Zhaoyi’s rest."

Song Yunzhao waved her hand. "It has nothing to do with you. I just didn’t sleep well."

Just then, Shizhu led servants in with tea and refreshments. She smiled at Feng Yunjin and said, "Miss Feng, your timing is perfect. The Imperial Kitchen just sent over some white jade crisp pastries. You must be the first to try them."

Feng Yunjin smiled. "Then I’m in for a treat."

Shizhu smiled, led the servants out, and pulled the hall doors closed behind her.

"Did something happen?" Song Yunzhao asked, looking at Feng Yunjin.

Feng Yunjin looked up. "It seems Zhaoyi doesn’t know yet. Consort Zhuang heard that Miss An’s birthday is approaching and wants to hold a celebration for her."

Song Yunzhao was utterly bewildered. ’What is Consort Zhuang planning now?’