Chapter 126: Chapter 61: This Isn’t Over
The day the imperial decree arrived was a beautiful, sunny one, and the person who came to announce it to Song Yunzhao was an acquaintance: Zhang Maoquan.
At the same time, heading to Huayang Palace was Xu Sixi, who held a rank equal to Zhang Maoquan’s. In the imperial court, these two were second only to Meng Jiuchang.
Song Yunzhao couldn’t recall the ornate, flowery prose of the imperial decree, nor the Emperor’s formulaic, insincere praise of her supposed intelligence and pure heart. Her eyes were fixed on the small seal that designated her a Noble Consort.
The seal wasn’t large, but it carried significant weight. It was the foundation for her future in the palace, the proof that her rank was now official.
Zhang Maoquan rolled up the imperial decree, took a step forward, and presented it to Song Yunzhao, who had risen to her feet. "Congratulations, Consort Song."
"Thank you for your trouble, Chief Steward Zhang," Song Yunzhao said, her face wreathed in smiles as she cast a sidelong glance at Xiangxue.
Xiangxue immediately produced a prepared pouch, stepped forward, and pressed it into Zhang Maoquan’s hand. "We’ve troubled you to make this trip, Chief Steward Zhang. This is for tea. Please do not refuse."
Zhang Maoquan didn’t refuse and offered his thanks. ’This sort of give-and-take is what makes relationships last.’ By accepting the silver, he would put Consort Song at ease in their dealings. This way, they would naturally grow familiar with each other over time.
Besides, anyone in the palace could accept such a monetary gift. It was part of the celebration, after all.
"My thanks for the Noble Consort’s gift," Zhang Maoquan said with a smile and a bow.
"Anshun, see Chief Steward Zhang out," Song Yunzhao said with a smile, calling Anshun into the room.
Zhang Maoquan was taken aback. ’He’d expected Consort Song to ask about her night of service to the Emperor, but she didn’t say a word about it.’ Since she didn’t ask, it wasn’t his place to bring it up. He took his leave and departed—he had more decrees to deliver.
As soon as Zhang Maoquan left, Song Yunzhao distributed silver to reward everyone in Wangyou Palace. A joyful atmosphere immediately filled the entire residence.
Nanny Yu was also delighted. She sent Xiangxue and the other maids to attend to their duties. Only then did she find a moment to ask, "My Lady, shall this servant go and inquire about tonight...?"
Song Yunzhao shook her head, cutting Nanny Yu off. "Nanny, there’s no need to do anything that will attract attention. I know what to expect."
’That scoundrel of an Emperor... why would he rush to dote on a concubine right after issuing the decrees? He has to maintain his facade as a wise ruler.’
’In the book, after the Emperor granted titles to the new concubines, he didn’t visit the harem for a full half-month. So what’s the point of scrambling for his attention? Anyone who did would just become a laughingstock if word got out.’
At this thought, a glint appeared in Song Yunzhao’s eyes. She turned to Nanny Yu and said, "We won’t be doing anything, but that doesn’t mean we should stop others from trying."
Nanny Yu was clever and understood her mistress at once. She knew her lady was baiting a hook. With a smile, she said, "In that case, this old servant will take a stroll and enjoy the show."
"Go on," Song Yunzhao said with a wave of her hand. She turned to head back to her small study; half a month was more than enough time to finish her story. This thought made her pause, and she called out to Nanny Yu, "Nanny, find out when I can receive my family for a visit."
Nanny Yu agreed with a smile and then turned to leave.
The study was now vastly different from when she had first moved in. Fresh flowers on the windowsill were replaced daily, pale smoke drifted from a three-legged white jade incense burner, and her unfinished story lay on the desk, surrounded by brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone that covered the tabletop.
In a large white porcelain jar nearby stood several scrolls of her idle doodles. They were hardly works of art, but they were enough for her own amusement.
The harem was bustling with activity today. News of the promotions by imperial decree had spread to every corner of the palace. Everyone was beaming, and even Lu Zhixue, who was always looking to stir up trouble, wore a rare, broad smile.
"Yu Xiu."
"This servant is here. What are your orders, My Lady?"
"Go find out what the arrangements are for tonight." Lu Zhixue unconsciously touched her face. ’She knew she couldn’t compare to Song Yunzhao’s dazzling beauty, and in terms of talent, Qin Xiyue had the upper hand. Both of their ranks were higher than hers, too. If the Emperor had to choose, he would probably pick one of them first.’
’She leaned toward the possibility that the Emperor would choose Qin Xiyue first. After all, with Qin Xiyue’s family background, His Majesty had to give Grand Tutor Qin some face.’
’She could tolerate Qin Xiyue being chosen before her, but if Song Yunzhao went first, she would not be able to stomach it.’
Lu Zhixue picked up a book to try and read, but she was too restless to focus. She stood up and began pacing back and forth in her hall, a sense of injustice brewing in her heart. ’Of course she wanted to be the first one chosen, but her rank was a clear obstacle. So what if Song Yunzhao’s family background was inferior? When it came to this, her lower rank meant she was still beneath her. She would have to win the Emperor’s special favor to leapfrog Song Yunzhao.’
’She recalled the incident with Beauty Zhen. So many people had been present, so why did the Emperor single out Song Yunzhao with his question? Wasn’t it just because she was a Noble Consort?’
