Chapter 732 - 510: The Right Minister Takes Action

Chapter 732: Chapter 510: The Right Minister Takes Action

"Your Highness, some courtiers have submitted a memorial requesting to commend those who implemented the new policies last year. The Zhao Family is among them," Zhang Maoquan said in a low voice.

"Commendation? It’s been so long since that happened, and they’re asking for commendation now? What kind of commendation is this?" Song Yunzhao was very surprised. ’It’s the first time I’ve ever heard of asking for credit this way.’

Moreover, the Zhao Family was involved. This forced her to think deeply; it was definitely not a coincidence.

’To ask for commendation at this critical juncture, just before the initial conferment of titles.’

Song Yunzhao fell silent. ’To be honest, I didn’t feel this much pressure even when I was crossing swords with the original female lead.’

When she and Qin Xiyue had entered the palace for the selection, the three concubines had been at the forefront, bearing the brunt of things. Grand Tutor Qin had been very cautious back then, and Qin Xiyue, the original female lead, was following an inspirational path, so many things had to progress step by step.

But this Zhao Family clearly didn’t operate that way. They wanted to build up the hype right from the start, forcefully creating momentum for Zhao Ling’e.

’I see it now. Their ambition is not small.’

’Then again, if the Zhao Family had no ambition, they wouldn’t have timed their move to coincide with the new policies last year, nor would they have tried to drag the Song Family down with them using Lady Ding.’

No matter which step they took, the Zhao Family’s style was not only bold but also incredibly aggressive.

That’s why, in the book, the Zhao Family produced a Crown Princess Consort.

Thinking from this perspective, she couldn’t quite remember if the Qin Family and the Zhao Family were connected in the book. However, judging from the Zhao Family’s current style, the two families must have allied early on in the original story as well.

That was why in the book, as Qin Xiyue climbed higher and higher in the palace, the Zhao Family didn’t try to steal her thunder or divide the benefits.

But now that Qin Xiyue had fallen and the Zhao Family had lost their ally, didn’t they have to roll up their sleeves and get to work themselves?

’No wonder, no wonder.’

Before, she couldn’t quite figure out why the Zhao Family would have Zhao Ling’e participate in the selection. Now, it all clicked into place.

Song Yunzhao’s expression turned grave. The Zhao Family was coming on strong. ’It seems they’ve set their sights on me.’

"What is the Emperor’s opinion?" Song Yunzhao asked, looking at Zhang Maoquan.

"This servant wouldn’t dare to pry into matters of the imperial court, but I heard Manager Meng mention that His Majesty has set the memorial aside and is holding it without taking action," Zhang Maoquan said with a smile.

Song Yunzhao was lost in thought. "I understand. Keep an eye on Zhao Ling’e’s movements."

"Yes." Zhang Maoquan bowed and withdrew.

With something weighing on her mind, Song Yunzhao was distracted even as she played with Feng Yun after he was cleaned up and brought over. She recalled the words her eldest cousin had asked her aunt to pass on to her.

At the time, she had thought her eldest cousin was being an alarmist, but looking back now, it was a truly insightful warning.

Song Yunzhao called Xiangxue in to stay with Feng Yun while she went to the study.

She immediately picked up a brush to write a letter to her eldest cousin, subtly informing him of her suspicions and speculations. With Song Buran’s intelligence, he would surely understand the stakes involved.

’The Zhao Family and the Song Family are bound to clash.’

After sending the letter, Yun Zhao breathed a small sigh of relief. She had just returned to the main hall when Feng Yi came back.

Feng Yi saw her emerge from the study and stopped in his tracks to look at her. "What were you up to?"

Song Yunzhao said, "I wrote a letter home. There’s something I want to ask my eldest cousin."

Feng Yi raised an eyebrow and took her hand. "That dog Zhang Maoquan certainly has a fast mouth."

Song Yunzhao chuckled. "Would he dare if the Emperor hadn’t intended for him to pass on the message?"

’Zhang Maoquan no longer serves in the imperial court. Isn’t Meng Jiuchang passing him information just so he can relay it?’

Feng Yi led Yun Zhao into the hall, saying as they walked, "I was just thinking about your assessment of the Zhao Family from last year. It seems it’s coming true now."

Seeing His Majesty and Her Highness enter, Xiangxue immediately bowed in greeting.

"You may leave for now. Tell the kitchen to serve the meal," Yun Zhao said to Xiangxue.

"Yes." Xiangxue withdrew.

When Feng Yun saw his imperial father, he walked over, wanting to be held. Feng Yi scooped his son up into his arms and asked with a smile, "Have you been listening to your mother concubine?" Feng Yun gave him a smile that showed off his four little front teeth.

Feng Yi’s mood instantly brightened. He sat down on the soft couch by the window with Feng Yun in his arms, placed his son beside him, and gave him a Lu Ban Lock that his older brother had played with to keep him occupied.

Feng Yun was very well-behaved. He took it and started fiddling with it on his own. Although he couldn’t understand or solve it, he didn’t make a fuss.

Song Yunzhao brought a cup of tea to Feng Yi and sat down next to him, picking up their previous topic. "This Miss Zhao is really something. Her initial title isn’t even in sight yet, but she’s already built up so much momentum. She’s far more formidable than I was when I first entered the palace."

Feng Yi looked at her and said in all seriousness, "How could she compare to you? I don’t even know what she looks like. I had already committed you to memory before you even entered the palace."

Song Yunzhao was speechless.

’Alright, he got a laugh out of me.’

Song Yunzhao looked at Feng Yi and said, "I was still thinking too simply. When the Zhao Family used Lady Ding’s hand to act last year, I should have realized their ambitions were enormous."

"Don’t say you couldn’t have imagined it; I didn’t either." Feng Yi sneered. "I’d like to see what exactly the Zhao Family is trying to do."

’What do they really want?’

"The Zhao Family is a major clan in Jiangnan. The scions of their family are all renowned for their talent. They’ve built their house on literature and classics, establishing a reputation for being noble and scholarly. It’s a pity they hold no real power," Song Yunzhao said faintly.

’In this day and age, a good reputation alone can’t put food on the table.’

’With so many descendants in the Zhao Family, they can’t possibly live a life of luxury and delicacies just by relying on their reputation.’

’Only by combining reputation with power can one gain both fame and fortune.’

Hearing this, Feng Yi glanced at Yun Zhao. "The Right Minister said the same thing to me today."

Song Yunzhao was a little surprised. "Really?"

’Now that’s strange.’

Although the Right Minister had been closely following the Emperor’s lead in recent years, unlike before when he used to oppose him, he didn’t put His Majesty first in all matters.

When their political views differed, he would still weigh the pros and cons and cross swords with His Majesty.

’The Zhao Family’s current actions probably haven’t even touched the Right Minister’s interests yet, so why is he already bad-mouthing them to the Emperor?’

’Why?’

’There must be a reason I don’t know about.’

Feng Yi looked at Yun Zhao and nodded. "You’re that surprised?"

"Yes, quite surprised. I just didn’t expect the Right Minister would actually try to trip up the Zhao Family."

Feng Yi smiled. ’Only Yun Zhao would dare to speak so bluntly in front of me.’

"Could it be that the Right Minister has some grudge against the Zhao Family?" Song Yunzhao asked the Emperor.

"It’s not yet known, but if there really is a feud, we’ll find out sooner or later," Feng Yi said.

"That’s true," Song Yunzhao laughed. "The Zhao Family is building momentum for Zhao Ling’e. I’m afraid their sword isn’t just pointed at me. They’ll have to kick aside everyone in her way. Consort Shu is one of them, so naturally, the Right Minister is worried."

The sounds of the meal being set up came from outside. Feng Yi led Yun Zhao and their son to dine.

After the meal, the wet nurse took Feng Yun away.

With just the two of them left, Feng Yi led Yun Zhao into the bedchamber, let down the bed curtains, and held her. "Don’t worry."

Song Yunzhao’s body tensed slightly, but then she said, "With the Emperor here, what do I have to worry about?"

She resisted the urge to ask about the initial conferment of titles. ’I just feel that if I ask, Feng Yi will definitely laugh at me.’

’In any case, the outcome will be clear tomorrow.’

’Now that the Right Minister has waded into the fray, the Zhao Family—that supposedly clear pond with its famous reputation—probably won’t be able to protect its good name.’