Chapter 206: Chapter 97: Fortunately, She Gave Up Quickly
Princess Consort Zhuang was furious with Princess Consort Wan’s impulsiveness tonight, which had forced them to abandon a plan they had prepared for a long time. Thus, when sending the message, she deliberately had the words, "The Emperor has followed Song Jieyu to Wangyou Palace," spoken very loudly.
Outside the hall, Yun Dai heard the voices inside suddenly fall silent and felt a surge of immense satisfaction. She turned and left. The palace attendants on duty outside didn’t dare to breathe.
They couldn’t afford to offend Princess Consort Zhuang’s Chief Palace Maid, but they couldn’t afford to offend the mistresses inside the hall either. All they could do was lower their heads and pretend to be mute.
When Princess Consort Wan learned the Emperor had gone to Wangyou Palace, she was so angry she nearly fainted on the spot. Fortunately, she managed to hold herself together long enough to leave, but no one present could miss her awful complexion.
Seeing that Princess Consort Wan had also left, Han Jinyi cast aside her reservations. She glanced at Qin Xiyue, then turned her head to Feng Yunjin and smiled. "Feng Xiaoyuan, let’s head back as well."
Feng Yunjin hesitated for a moment before nodding. Her residence was in the same direction as Han Jinyi’s, so leaving together wouldn’t draw any attention.
Qin Xiyue’s gaze fell upon Feng Yunjin, only to see her turning her head to listen to Han Jinyi. She watched as their figures disappeared through the hall’s entrance.
An Fangyi paid no mind to the others, held her head high, and left as well.
Among those who remained, Qin Xiyue held the highest rank. All eyes turned to her. Qin Xiyue gave everyone a small smile and followed them out of the hall.
Once outside the hall, the smile vanished from Qin Xiyue’s face. ’I really don’t understand. Why would the Emperor chase after Song Yunzhao to Wangyou Palace and abandon a hall full of concubines? Isn’t he afraid the courtiers will impeach him?’
’I knew Song Yunzhao had an overly assertive personality, but I never expected her to dare cause a scene at a banquet like this.’
’Anyone else here wouldn’t have dared to do such a thing, but she did. Not only did she dare, but the Emperor actually ran after her.’
’I know Song Yunzhao is very beautiful, but there are many beautiful women. Yet, in the entire palace, only Song Yunzhao is cherished so deeply by the Emperor.’
’The three high-ranking concubines seem glorious, but I know a thing or two. The Emperor didn’t used to frequent the harem. If he had free time, he might visit the Three Concubine Palaces twice a month. If he was busy, he would only stop by once.’
’But after Song Yunzhao gained his favor, it was as if everything in the palace changed overnight.’
’The Emperor would still visit the three concubines, but he no longer stayed the night.’
’And those of us who entered the palace with Song Yunzhao have yet to receive his favor.’
Qin Xiyue originally had enough patience to wait, but seeing how things were, she felt she couldn’t wait any longer. That was why, when Princess Consort Wan approached her, she thought it over carefully and agreed to join forces.
’Who knew... this would be the result.’
’We ended up just paving the way for Song Yunzhao yet again.’
Qin Xiyue’s steps grew heavier. Hearing a sound behind her, she turned to see Fan Qingru returning to Qingyun Palace with her attendants.
She stopped walking. When Fan Qingru drew near, she smiled and said, "Fan Pin, are you alone as well? Why don’t we walk back together?"
Fan Qingru’s Qingyun Palace was situated right behind Qin Xiyue’s Huayang Palace.
Fan Qingru sighed inwardly, but her face bore a gentle smile as she nodded. "I didn’t expect to run into you here, Noble Consort. I walk a bit slowly, so I thought you would be far ahead by now."
Qin Xiyue walked side-by-side with Fan Qingru and let out a soft sigh. "With so much on my mind, my steps have slowed."
Fan Qingru’s expression faltered at her words, but she didn’t take the bait, offering only a faint smile.
Qin Xiyue and Fan Qingru walked on in silence for a dozen or so steps before Qin Xiyue finally spoke again slowly. "Regarding tonight’s events, I wonder what your thoughts are, Fan Pin?"
Fan Qingru sighed, her face full of resignation. "To be honest with you, Noble Consort, I am still someone who has yet to win his favor. What opinion could I possibly have?"
The smile on Qin Xiyue’s face froze for a moment before she agreed, "Yes, you and I are both just pitiful creatures."
’This topic feels a little dangerous,’ Fan Qingru thought. ’I do want to gain his favor—what woman who enters the palace doesn’t?’
’But I also know my own limits. Song Jieyu’s beauty is overwhelming, not to mention her domineering personality, and the Emperor just so happens to adore her for it. Under these circumstances, competing with her for favor would be like snatching food from a tiger’s mouth. I have no such plans for the time being.’
’And why is that?’
’Because there’s no chance of winning, of course.’
’Just look at Song Jieyu’s attire tonight. Never mind a man like the Emperor; even I, a woman, found her breathtakingly beautiful.’
’In the entire hall, besides Consort Lu, whose looks could possibly rival hers?’
’Qin Xiyue is also very beautiful, but her beauty is soft and gentle, without sharp edges. When contrasted with Song Jieyu’s piercing beauty, Qin Xiyue’s seems almost plain.’
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