Chapter 207: Chapter 97: Fortunately, She Gave Up Quickly
In a situation like that, how could the Emperor possibly notice anyone else?
The smartest thing to do was to stay out of her way for now. After a year or so, once the Emperor’s fascination with Song Jieyu had faded, that would be the best time for them to make their move.
That was why she had absolutely no intention of competing with Song Yunzhao for favor right now. But what happened tonight had left her terrified.
Of the three high-ranking concubines, Consort Lu had the worst temperament and had lost her title after a clash with Song Jieyu. This time, it was Princess Consort Wan, who had actually found a dancing girl who looked just like her. Such an insult was truly humiliating, but she never expected Song Jieyu would refuse to take it lying down and actually storm off.
This was the Qixi Banquet, of all things.
When word of this reached the court, who knew what the fallout would be.
Seeing that Fan Qingru had no intention of speaking, Qin Xiyue didn’t probe any further. When they reached a fork in the path, the two went their separate ways.
After watching Qin Xiyue disappear into the distance, Fan Qingru’s Chief Palace Maid, Mulan, whispered, "My Lady, there was a hidden meaning in Consort Qin’s words. You must be careful."
Fan Qingru smiled. "She has her own agenda. As long as I don’t get involved, it’ll be fine. Let’s head back as well."
’A perfectly good Qixi Banquet, a rare chance to see His Majesty, and it was all ruined.’
Back home, Fan Qingru hadn’t been known for having the best temperament; she was rather headstrong. But since entering the selection and facing so many trials, she had gradually learned to restrain herself. Tonight’s events, in particular, left a deep impression on her.
’It’s clear now,’ she thought. ’The Emperor truly has eyes for no one but Song Jieyu. I can only continue to wait for my chance. I absolutely cannot make the same mistake Princess Consort Wan did tonight.’
「Meanwhile」
Song Yunzhao stormed all the way back to Wangyou Palace. Though she put on a show of righteous anger, she was completely uncertain whether the Emperor would follow.
’If he doesn’t come, I’ll be utterly humiliated.’
’But if he does, my position as his favorite will be even more secure.’
Moreover, her return to Wangyou Palace had been remarkably smooth. She hadn’t tripped, hadn’t run into a door, and hadn’t suffered any other mishaps. The lack of any accidents allowed her tense heart to finally relax.
’So, does this mean I no longer suffer any side effects when I encounter the female protagonist?’
’It’s not like before, outside the palace, when I’d always have bad luck whenever I ran into Qin Xiyue.’
’It seems that as the original plot collapses, the protagonist’s power must be weakening too.’
’I remember reading somewhere that a book creates its own world, and the power of the protagonist and the villain are in constant flux—as one rises, the other falls.’
’Of course, I don’t see myself as the villain. If you ask me, Qin Xiyue is the real villain here.’
’What kind of ’righteous protagonist’ would pull a disgusting stunt like the one tonight?’
The more Song Yunzhao thought about it, the angrier she became. ’Princess Consort Wan is a villain, so her actions are in character. But Qin Xiyue is the female protagonist, a righteous character! How could she get mixed up in something like this?’
’Wait a minute.’
’If the female protagonist is deviating from her established character, could that cause changes in this world?’
’Or maybe, since the protagonist in this world has changed, and I’ve changed, two negatives are making a positive?’
Song Yunzhao didn’t know if that was the case, but the fact that no accidents had befallen her allowed the knot of tension in her chest to finally loosen.
Just then, she heard the sounds of greetings from outside. Her eyes lit up. ’The Emperor actually came?’
She immediately pinched her palm. It didn’t hurt enough. She resorted to pinching the inside of her thigh, and her eyes instantly turned red as tears welled up.
’Who needs to pretend?’
’This really hurts!’
When Feng Yi entered, he saw Song Yunzhao sitting with her back to him, her small frame trembling. He froze for a second. ’Is she crying?’
He strode over and stood in front of Yun Zhao, trying to get a look at her face, but she twisted her head away and covered it with a handkerchief.
Feng Yi wanted to smile but suppressed it. Taking a breath, he said softly, "Don’t be angry anymore. It’s not worth making yourself sick over a mere dancing girl."
At these words, Song Yunzhao dropped her handkerchief. She looked at Feng Yi, bristling with indignation, and snapped, "Do you think I’m angry because of that dancing girl? If you want to protect Princess Consort Wan, Your Majesty, just say so. There’s no need to make excuses for her."
Feng Yi stared at her red-rimmed eyes, where tears still clung to the corners. He was taken aback—she had really been crying. He sat down beside her and, after a moment of consideration, said slowly, "I know what you’re truly angry about."
Song Yunzhao was completely stumped by his words.
’How am I supposed to respond to that?’
’Should I keep up the act, or should I take the olive branch he’s offering?’
She sensed that the Emperor wasn’t in a good mood either and made her decision instantly. She reached out, wrapped her arms around his, and leaned against him, her voice thick with grievance. "I know my background isn’t as noble as Princess Consort Wan’s, but I am still a proper lady from a respectable family. I just couldn’t swallow the insult of her using a dancing girl to humiliate me. I was so blinded by rage that I just... ran. You’re not angry with me, are you, Your Majesty? I’ve already been bullied so terribly. If you get angry with me too, I think my heart will break from the injustice of it all."
Comments