Chapter 151: Chapter 68: Song Yunzhao’s Silk Cave
Seated before the copper mirror, Song Yunzhao gazed at her reflection. She was a woman who cared deeply for her appearance, for she knew that a beautiful face was an asset in this new life of hers.
It was a sad thought, perhaps, but true nonetheless.
She intended to do her own makeup today. She had drawn up some designs and sent Anshun to the Six Departments to commission a set of makeup brushes. The artisans of this era could craft exquisite calligraphy brushes, so making a set of makeup brushes was certainly no trouble for them.
The brushes were made with soft rabbit fur—dozens of them, in all shapes and sizes. They had rosewood handles and pure gold ferrules engraved with subtle patterns. Because it was a rush order, the set had cost her 300 taels of silver. The Six Departments were true extortionists.
However, once Song Yunzhao saw the actual brushes, the 300 taels didn’t seem so painful. She called Xiangxue over and began teaching her as she applied her own makeup, letting the maidservant learn by watching from the side.
Xiangxue sighed in admiration. "My Lady, you’re truly incredible. How did you ever come up with something so wonderful? We can’t let anyone else know about this. We must use them in secret."
Song Yunzhao knew that, of course. On the diagrams she had provided to the Six Departments, she had labeled them as ’painting tools.’ ’After all,’ she mused, ’applying makeup is just another form of painting.’
Today, Yun Zhao’s makeup was more womanly and alluring, a departure from the innocent and delicate look she usually wore. She was preparing to serve the Emperor, after all; she couldn’t present herself as a maiden any longer.
The Emperor had a history of calling for concubines only to send them away untouched—a tactic he’d used on Consort Shu’s entire cohort. But now that it was her turn, she had no intention of being mere window dressing for him.
The thought made Song Yunzhao chuckle. As she did, her hand trembled, smearing the pink eyeshadow she was applying to the outer corner of her eye.
Xiangxue rushed over with a silk handkerchief to wipe it away, but Song Yunzhao stopped her. She studied her reflection in the mirror and decided the elongated line was actually quite fetching. Telling Xiangxue to put the handkerchief away, she picked up a brush and began to adjust it, slowly smudging and deepening the color along her lower lash line. The upper and lower lines now complemented each other perfectly. ’Having the right tools makes all the difference.’ It was far better than using her fingers and kohl powder like before. The overall look was much more refined.
Xiangxue watched in awe, thinking it would take her years to master her lady’s skills. She carefully cleaned the used brushes, then packed them away again, deep inside the cosmetic case.
"What hour is it?" Song Yunzhao asked.
"It is the afternoon, My Lady," Qingfeng replied from the side.
Song Yunzhao frowned slightly. "Is there any word from the front?"
"Not yet." Qingfeng shook her head, feeling anxious herself. By now, an imperial decree should have arrived in the harem, but there was still no news.
Seeing her lady’s expression, Qingfeng considered this and said, "Should I have Mr. An go and see?"
"Going to see," of course, didn’t mean inquiring about matters in Taiji Palace, but rather finding out if any of the other concubines had received the imperial decree.
Song Yunzhao shook her head. "That won’t be necessary."
’If anyone found out Anshun was sent to gather news, I don’t know how they’d mock me.’ So many eyes were on Wangyou Palace today; she had to be exceptionally careful with her every move.
Song Yunzhao picked up a book and began to read, hoping to calm her racing thoughts.
「Meanwhile, outside Taiji Palace」 Zhang Maoquan was waiting anxiously. The men from the Sleeping Bureau were already standing by with the tray of tooth cards, but there was still no word from His Majesty. The suspense was agonizing. Zhang Maoquan didn’t know who the Emperor would choose, and even though he was hoping Wangyou Palace would come out on top, he didn’t dare make a move.
Just as he was fretting inwardly, he heard the sound of the hall doors opening. A moment later, someone came out and summoned the men from the Sleeping Bureau inside.
Zhang Maoquan breathed a small sigh of relief. With a glint in his eye, he quickly followed them in.
The moment he stepped inside, he felt Meng Jiuchang’s glare. Zhang Maoquan pretended not to notice. Without even glancing at Meng Jiuchang, he stepped forward first and bowed. "Your Majesty, the hour grows late."
Feng Yi shot Zhang Maoquan a single glance, and whatever else Zhang Maoquan had intended to say was instantly swallowed. He fell silent.
’I was just telling myself not to be a busybody. Why can’t I control my own mouth?’
’It must have been Meng Jiuchang’s glare. It rattled me and made me slip up.’
Feng Yi’s gaze swept over the tray held by the Sleeping Bureau. It was laid out with the tooth cards of the new concubines. At the very front were the cards for Song Yunzhao and Qin Xiyue. As both were Noble Consorts, their cards were naturally placed in the most prominent position.
’Qin Xiyue...’ Feng Yi’s brow furrowed slightly. He couldn’t help but recall Grand Tutor Qin at court today. The old man, presuming on his status as Grand Tutor, had used his seniority to make pointed remarks. Grand Tutor Qin had always been calm and composed at court, but this time he had been so anxious. ’It must be related to the concubines’ last family visit,’ Feng Yi concluded.
