Chapter 114: Chapter 58: The Emperor Just Can’t Stand to See Me Doing Well
Nanny Yu didn’t answer immediately. After carefully considering what her mistress was asking, she finally spoke slowly, "Mistress, are you asking why Zhichun Palace conducted their review ahead of schedule?"
Song Yunzhao gave a slight nod. "Nanny, do you know anything about it?"
"This old servant may not serve in Cuiwei Palace, but I have heard a few things. Some time ago, when news about you spread from Zhichun Palace, Lady Shufei hosted a tea party for Lady Wanfei and Consort Zhuang. Then, word got out about the connection between Consort Chu and the Song Family. When Consort Chu was alive, the Emperor visited Yaohua Palace quite frequently. Because of that, the other ladies don’t take anything related to the late Imperial Concubine lightly," Nanny Yu explained thoughtfully.
"Related to me?" Song Yunzhao couldn’t, for the life of her, recall doing anything to attract attention when she had first entered the selection.
Hearing this, the corners of Nanny Yu’s lips curved up slightly. "Mistress, have you forgotten about banging on the wall in the middle of the night?"
Song Yunzhao: ...
She truly hadn’t remembered, but Nanny Yu’s words brought it all back.
’This was all He Lan Yun’s fault.’
"So what if I banged on the wall?" Song Yunzhao asked, looking at Nanny Yu. "The people next door were making so much noise I couldn’t sleep. I was just giving them a little reminder, wasn’t I?"
Nanny Yu suppressed a smile and explained, "Mistress, once you enter the palace, you meet all sorts of people. Most would simply endure it so as not to leave too strong of an impression."
’Nanny Yu certainly has a way with words. What does she mean, "too strong of an impression"? She might as well just call me a troublemaker.’
"Just for that?" Song Yunzhao still didn’t get it. ’All I did was hit a wall. How could that put me on someone’s radar?’
"Of course, it wasn’t just because of that. But it did show that you have an unconventional personality, Mistress."
Song Yunzhao fell into thought, then after a moment, nodded in satisfaction. ’Nanny Yu’s answer was quite commendable. However, while the early review was indeed related to Song Qinghan spreading the news about our family’s connection to Consort Chu, it’s more likely that Consort Shu and the others were simply afraid that waiting would create complications.’
’Besides, being singled out as a troublemaker is rather unpleasant. And isn’t the Emperor the main culprit for me being allowed to stay in the palace in the first place?’
’Who would have thought the final stumbling block would be the Emperor himself?’
Xiangxue brought in tea. The doucai teacup with its interlocking vine pattern was brightly colored, and the tea left a sweet aftertaste. Song Yunzhao felt that life was pretty good, except for the Emperor, who was a bit of a nuisance.
Before she could finish her cup of tea, Anshun returned.
"This servant went to the Six Departments to inquire. They said they haven’t received the decree yet, so it seems the matter of taking measurements for new clothes will have to be delayed," Anshun reported with her head lowered.
Nanny Yu frowned in displeasure. "Mistress, you’ve only just entered the palace, and the items you brought with you are limited. Other things can wait, but changes of clothes are essential." Turning to Song Yunzhao, she said, "Mistress, this servant has dealt with the Clothing Bureau before. I’ll head over there now."
"Then I’ll have to trouble you, Nanny," Song Yunzhao said with a nod. She appreciated that Nanny Yu was trying to demonstrate her value.
Nanny Yu left in a hurry. Xiangxue led Shizhu to tidy up the bedchamber, then said to Song Yunzhao, "Mistress, why don’t you take a short nap? By the time you wake up, everything here will be in order."
Song Yunzhao was indeed tired, so she said, "Then take your time tidying up. I’m going to rest."
"This servant will help you with your clothes," Qingfeng said, quickly following her in. She helped her remove her hairpins and ornaments, changed her into a nightgown, then lowered the bed curtains and quietly withdrew.
Outside, Xiangxue and the others moved lightly, tidying up the hall once more. They fetched a plum blossom vase, arranged a few fresh-cut flowers in it, and placed it on the windowsill, instantly bringing the room to life.
The sky gradually darkened. Song Yunzhao woke from her nap feeling refreshed. She lifted the bed curtain and rose. Hearing the movement, Xiangxue immediately came in.
"Mistress, you’re awake?"
"What hour is it?" Song Yunzhao asked.
"It’s 5 p.m."
"It’s that late already?"
"You must have been tired, Mistress. It’s a perfect time to be up, just in time for supper," Xiangxue said with a smile.
Song Yunzhao sat before the copper mirror while Shizhu came in to comb her hair. Qingfeng entered carrying some clothes. She glanced up and said with a smile, "Did Nanny Yu bring these back?"
"Yes. Nanny is very capable! She managed to bring back this month’s allotment for you from the Clothing Bureau," Qingfeng said, smiling. "It was fortunate she went early. If she’d been any later, she wouldn’t have gotten so much—one or two pieces at most."
Song Yunzhao nodded to herself. ’Everyone entering the selection brings a limited number of belongings, especially clothes. Those who were tipped off by their families would definitely rush to the Clothing Bureau to claim their allotment first.’
