Chapter 684 - 462: Afraid of Becoming a Laughingstock

Chapter 684: Chapter 462: Afraid of Becoming a Laughingstock

Song Qinghan failed to persuade her mother and returned to her own home in a huff.

Meanwhile, when the First Madam heard about the incident from a servant, she thought that after suffering for the past few years, Song Qinghan had finally matured.

When she entered the garden and saw Yun Zhao, she relayed the story and said with a smile, "If Qing Han can persuade her mother more often in the future, it would be a good thing."

Song Yunzhao was noncommittal. She didn’t care how the mother and daughter got along. "That will depend on her own fortune," she said. "Life is long. It’s not a bad thing for her to get a little smarter now. If she continues to be muddle-headed, it won’t be good for the Song Family either."

"That’s exactly right. Let’s just hope she has truly seen the light," the First Madam sighed. "This business with the Cai Family has taken a heavy toll on my third sister-in-law. She comes looking for help every day. My third brother-in-law has made himself scarce, and the Cai Family doesn’t dare go to the Uncle Mansion. Now, Steward Cai has lost his official post, and none of his sons are promising. I’m afraid their usury scheme will cost them more than half their family fortune. They probably won’t be able to stay in the Capital City and will have to return to their hometown."

The cost of living in the Capital City is high, and social obligations are many; the annual expenses are considerable. The Cai Family has suffered a devastating blow this time. If they stay, life will only get harder. It would be better for them to return to their hometown. With the assets they have left, they could live a more respectable life there.

Song Yunzhao said, "If they can swallow their pride and return to their hometown, it might not be a bad solution. The only fear is that they’ll be unwilling to lose face."

Seeing that Yun Zhao wasn’t very interested, the First Madam dropped the subject of the Cai Family. She smiled and told her, "Gui Yi is coming to the Capital City in a while."

Song Yunzhao was delighted. "Really? How is my older cousin doing? She and her husband have always had a good relationship, so I imagine her life is quite comfortable."

"Your uncle was granted the title of Earl thanks to you. The young couple wanted to return to the capital to offer their congratulations. But as you know, your cousin’s husband is very busy and hasn’t had the time. Your older cousin couldn’t wait for him, so she decided to come back first on her own."

"When my older cousin returns, my aunt will surely bring her to see me. We haven’t seen each other in years, and I’ve really missed her."

"If you wish to see her, I will bring her. She also mentioned in her letter that she often thinks of you."

Thinking of Song Guiyi, Song Yunzhao’s mood brightened. Her older cousin was a straightforward person, and she liked her quite a bit.

After the First Madam left, Song Yunzhao was in a good mood. She mused that Xu Mingying was probably about to make her final move. ’Qin Xiyue will surely be caught off guard. With the information gap between them, it’s time for the trap I’ve laid to close.’

She had Xiangxue make a trip to deliver a message to Consort Shu, telling her to be aware and to keep a close watch on her gates for the next few days.

Princess Consort Wan had suffered from heatstroke while admiring the scenery in the garden yesterday and was bedridden today. Yun Zhao decided to go see her. Princess Consort Wan lived in the Hu Shan Zhenyi residence. The path there wound through flowers and past weeping willows, with rockeries standing tall. It was an exceptionally beautiful place.

Unexpectedly, when she arrived at Princess Consort Wan’s residence, she found An Shutong was also there. It was quite a surprise.

An Shutong hadn’t expected Ming Fei to come either. She quickly rose and curtsied. "I greet Lady Ming."

"An Xiaoyi, there’s no need for formalities. Please rise. Are you also here to visit Princess Consort Wan?" Song Yunzhao said as she walked inside, noting that Princess Consort Wan’s complexion looked decent.

"Yes. I heard that Lady Wanfei was unwell. My family has a medicinal oil, passed down through generations, that helps relieve heatstroke when applied to the temples. I brought some for Her Ladyship, hoping it might be of use," An Shutong said softly.

Song Yunzhao smiled and turned to Princess Consort Wan. "Sister Wan, how are you feeling now? Are you any better?"

Princess Consort Wan invited Yun Zhao to sit down before saying, "Why did you come all this way in such hot weather? I’m already much better. The Imperial Hospital prescribed a remedy for heatstroke, and it’s quite effective."

"That’s good," Song Yunzhao nodded. "You have a delicate constitution. If you want to go out, you should wait until the sun goes down."

Princess Consort Wan nodded. "I thought there were plenty of flowers and trees in the garden for shade. I didn’t expect to be so frail."

An Shutong sat quietly to the side, listening to them talk. She glanced at the two concubines, seemingly by chance. ’I’ve heard people say that when Ming Fei first entered the palace, she and Princess Consort Wan also clashed. But looking at how they interact now, you’d never guess they were once at each other’s throats.’

’I truly admire Ming Fei. Whether it’s the proud and arrogant Consort Shu or the sharp and sensitive Princess Consort Wan, she manages to get along well with both of them.’

’I’ve tried to get on good terms with Consort Shu and Princess Consort Wan, but no matter how I try to curry favor, it seems useless. That’s the most frustrating part.’

Song Yunzhao sat for a while longer before getting up to leave. "Sister Wan, please rest well. I won’t disturb you any longer. I’ll come visit again another day when you’re feeling better."

An Shutong also took the opportunity to take her leave.

Song Yunzhao had no intention of chatting with An Shutong. The situation with Qin Wan Yi was now at a critical point, and she didn’t want An Shutong probing her for information. So, after leaving, she departed swiftly and decisively.

An Shutong pressed her lips together. A lump of frustration caught in her throat, making her feel quite uncomfortable.

Mu Qing observed her mistress’s expression and said softly, "My Lady, let’s head back as well."

An Shutong’s face was grim as she started walking back. After a few steps, she said, "It’s just too difficult to even strike up a conversation with Ming Fei."

Hearing this, Mu Qing tried to console her. "My Lady, why must you compete with Lady Ming? She has had the Emperor’s favor ever since she entered the palace. No one in the entire harem can best her. Look, even Lady Shufei and Lady Wanfei were defeated by her back in the day. You have the Empress Dowager’s support. You just need to take your time."

’How could I not be anxious?’ An Shutong thought. ’In a little over a year, there will be another selection of new beauties entering the palace. People like us will have even fewer opportunities.’

But it was useless for her to be anxious. She took a deep breath, suppressed her irritation, and accepted that besides waiting for the right moment, there was truly no other way.

’The Emperor has no particular fondness for strolling in the gardens. Whenever he does, he’s certain to bring Ming Fei along. It’s impossible for me to arrange a ’chance encounter’.

’As for sending soups to the front hall, that’s even more impossible. The Emperor doesn’t accept things from anyone except Ming Fei.’

’Besides, no one else is doing it. If I eagerly send something over, I’m afraid I’ll just become a laughingstock.’

Just thinking about it was disheartening.

Pushing aside these vexing thoughts, An Shutong pulled herself together and asked softly, "Is there any movement from Qin Wan Yi’s side?"

"That one is truly patient. After the list was released, we haven’t seen any movement," Mu Qing replied, also lowering her voice.

"There isn’t much time left; she can’t possibly remain idle. We cannot afford to be lax. If I can help Consort Shu secure a victory this time, it will be easier for me to get closer to Cuiwei Palace in the future," An Shutong sighed.

"Yingxue has been personally leading the watch. You can rest assured, My Lady," Mu Qing said.

An Shutong walked a few more steps, then suddenly remembered something. Her expression changed slightly, and she immediately changed direction, heading toward Consort Shu’s residence.

"My Lady?"

An Shutong walked quickly and urgently. "No wonder we haven’t seen her make a move," she said as she hurried along. "I’ve overlooked something. I must tell Lady Shufei."