Chapter 146: Chapter 67: No One Will Compete With Me
Song Yunzhao sat there, leisurely and at ease. When someone looked her way, she met their gaze with a smile, which was enough to make them feel embarrassed.
Thick-skinned Song scores another win.
A strange silence fell over the scene. Consort Shu suppressed her simmering anger, looked at Song Yunzhao, and said coolly, "Consort Song, in a few days, your tooth cards will be presented to the imperial court. His Majesty holds you in such high regard; I’m sure you will be the one to come out on top. I congratulate you in advance."
Hearing Consort Shu’s words, Song Yunzhao could feel the atmosphere shift as everyone’s expressions changed. Only Consort Zhuang appeared unfazed, though she would have been more convincing if her grip on her fan wasn’t so tight.
Song Yunzhao knew Consort Shu meant no good, but she wasn’t afraid. She simply smiled at her and said, "To receive such words from Lady Shufei is truly my good fortune. I’ll take your auspicious words to heart. However, among all the sisters who have entered the palace, Yun Zhao’s family background isn’t the best, nor is her temperament. I’m afraid I’m bound to disappoint Your Ladyship’s kind wishes."
’Hmph. Don’t even think about competing with me!’
Hearing Song Yunzhao’s posturing, Lu Zhixue couldn’t help but snort. "Consort Song certainly has a silver tongue. We could never hope to compare."
Song Yunzhao glanced up at Lu Zhixue. ’Lu Zhixue’s words were actually somewhat restrained; back in Zhichun Palace, she probably would have been far more scathing. It seems her personality is slowly starting to match the one from the book. I wonder if she figured it out on her own or if someone coached her.’
"Is Lu Pin mocking me?"
Everyone was taken aback by Song Yunzhao’s bluntness. A flicker of amusement crossed Consort Shu’s eyes as she said, "Lu Pin, feel free to speak the truth."
Lu Zhixue: ...
’Am I an idiot?’
"Lady Shufei, I had no intention of mocking Consort Song. I simply feel she is being overly modest," Lu Zhixue replied.
Song Yunzhao glanced over at Consort Shu and saw a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. She sneered inwardly.
Her gaze returned, sweeping over the face of Qin Xiyue, who had remained silent. Qin Xiyue’s head was slightly bowed, her thoughts a mystery, as she continued to gently wave the round fan in her hand.
"Lu Pin, I was merely stating the facts. I wasn’t being modest in the least," Song Yunzhao said with a smile. "Or is it not the truth?"
Lu Zhixue’s face went pale with rage. She’d never met anyone as infuriating as Song Yunzhao.
’It’s true, her family background isn’t high and her temperament is poor. But what’s her point in saying it so brazenly?’
’And you’re proud of it?’
Seeing Lu Zhixue’s expression, Consort Zhuang looked up at Song Yunzhao and said slowly, "Consort Song, you truly have a frank disposition."
Song Yunzhao turned to Consort Zhuang with a sheepish smile. "You praise me too much, Consort Zhuang. Even my own mother used to despise this temperament of mine. But I’ve gotten used to it; I can’t change it even if I try."
Everyone: ...
’Is Consort Song being witless, or is she just incredibly cunning?’
Even Consort Shu was so choked with anger she could barely breathe. She shot to her feet, glared at Song Yunzhao, then addressed the others. "You all carry on. I shall take my leave."
’If I stay any longer, I’m afraid I’ll lose control and teach Song Yunzhao a lesson. But now isn’t the right time to make a move against her. His Majesty seems somewhat interested in her, and I have no desire to be used as someone’s pawn.’
’I’ve never met anyone so incapable of polite conversation. Every sentence is a jab, and it’s utterly maddening. But you can’t punish her for it. Her so-called "brutal honesty" is just infuriating.’
With a dark expression, Consort Shu left. The other concubines rose to see her off.
Consort Zhuang looked at Song Yunzhao and also rose with a smile. "I’m going to return and rest as well. Consort Song, feel free to visit me at Zhaoyang Palace to chat when you have time."
Song Yunzhao smiled, her lips pressed together. "I would be afraid of disturbing Your Ladyship’s peace, so I wouldn’t dare impose so easily."
Consort Zhuang: ...
Consort Zhuang turned and left, but Song Yunzhao paid it no mind.
Lu Zhixue stared at Song Yunzhao as if she were an idiot. ’In just a few moments, she had managed to offend both Consort Shu and Consort Zhuang. She’s truly in a league of her own.’
Song Yunzhao sat back down. Next to her was Fan Qingru. ’In the book, Fan Qingru wasn’t one to stir up trouble and had a peaceful disposition. So, I should take the initiative to talk to her. No need to become close friends; just having someone to chat with to pass the time when we’re together is enough.’
Fan Qingru turned her head and began speaking softly with Consort Song. Seeing this, the other women in the pavilion began to disperse.
Qin Xiyue didn’t move, and neither did Lu Zhixue. Feng Xiaoyuan, however, found the atmosphere suffocating. She took a deep breath, stood up, and left. If she stayed any longer, she feared she’d lose her appetite for dinner.
’This Consort Song is just... too difficult to deal with. Her personality seems even sharper than back at Zhichun Palace. I’d better not go over there just to be humiliated. Even though my rank is low, my family background is better than Song Yunzhao’s. I was cherished and protected growing up; I don’t want to have to grovel.’
