Chapter 78: Chapter 48: Definitely Up to No Good
After three straight days of nursing her injury, Song Yunzhao didn’t feel bored in the slightest. In that time, she’d heard that three of the concubine candidates had fainted from the sun and eight had been punished. Even Song Yexi and He Lan Yun looked unwell when they visited her each day.
Song Qinghan also came to visit once, but Song Yunzhao wasn’t having any of it. The moment she saw that hypocritical woman about to drone on about sisterly affection, she immediately threw her out.
’Does she really think I can’t see the scheming in her eyes? She just sees me cooped up in my room, unable to go out, so she has no way to cause trouble for me. That’s why she’s trying to get closer, to create an opportunity to strike.’
But Song Qinghan never came back after that. Song Yexi brought up the earlier incident where two concubine candidates had fallen into the water. Apparently, Song Qinghan and Zhao Xiaoyu had been in the crowd. Because the incident happened so suddenly, many details were unclear, but it had all started because He Lan Yun had picked a fight with Qin Xiyue. As a result, everyone was punished.
Song Yunzhao was speechless.
’The punishment is only being handed out now? It certainly took its sweet time.’
’That Housekeeper’s method of painting everyone with the same broad brush when she can’t find the real culprit is really something else. Since the guilty party couldn’t be found, she just punished them all.’
She heard that not even the two who fell in the water had escaped. The Housekeeper had declared that if they hadn’t been standing around trying to watch the drama, they never would have fallen in. They only received a lighter punishment out of consideration for the fact that they’d already taken an unexpected swim.
Song Yunzhao gave the Palace Attendant looking after her some reward silver and had her gather news from the other concubines. The daily reports were an endless source of entertainment.
’I thought it was lively when I read about it in the book, but being here in person is even more chaotic.’
’It’s a shame I hurt my knee. Then again, it’s a good thing I hurt my knee; it let me escape the group punishment.’
A little palace maid entered with a fruit platter and a smile. "Miss Song, these came from the kitchen today. Freshly delivered strawberries. Please, try some."
Song Yunzhao smiled and thanked her. ’Money really does make the world go ’round,’ she thought. ’With a little bit of cash, I can enjoy nice things like this. Otherwise, it would never have been my turn.’
She grabbed a few and gave them to the little palace maid. "I can’t finish all these by myself. Have some with me, and we can chat."
’Good food, good drinks, and all the latest gossip. This is the life.’
The little palace maid had grown familiar with Song Yunzhao over the past few days and knew her personality. She understood that being given food meant she was expected to share news about the other concubines. Happily accepting the strawberries, she said, "Today at Qiushui Pavilion, they have to copy scriptures. It’s a calligraphy test."
Song Yunzhao asked in surprise, "Are the etiquette lessons already over?"
The little palace maid nodded. "There were supposed to be two more days, but I heard the viewing date has been moved up, so the housekeepers don’t dare delay."
Song Yunzhao froze. "Moved up? Why?"
’I don’t remember the book mentioning the schedule being moved up. Is this another change to the plot?’
"That, I don’t know. But..." At this, the little palace maid leaned in and lowered her voice. "A couple of days ago, Lady Shufei held a tea banquet."
’I see,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’This is the work of several high-ranking concubines in the harem, all acting in concert. It’s a bit strange, though. This didn’t happen in the book. Something I don’t know about must have occurred.’
It was already impressive that the little palace maid knew about the tea banquet. If she pressed for more details, the maid probably wouldn’t know anything else.
’Being a transmigrator is somewhat useful, but the moment the plot goes off the rails and some hidden storyline is triggered, I’m completely in the dark. It’s not a good feeling. This means I have to be even more careful in everything I do.’
Seeing Song Yunzhao’s worried expression, the little palace maid, feeling obligated after accepting the treat, thought for a moment and whispered, "You don’t need to worry, Miss Song. I heard that when you were injured, Chief Steward Zhang specifically came to ask about you."
Huh?
Song Yunzhao looked up in surprise. "Really?"
The little palace maid smiled and nodded. "I only just heard about it by chance today. You must not repeat this, Miss, or you’ll bring trouble upon yourself. Chief Steward Zhang is a steward of Taiji Palace. For him to ask after you means you must be destined for great fortune."
Song Yunzhao was speechless.
’Thanks, but no thanks. I can’t handle such great fortune. I’d much prefer just a little bit of good luck.’
The little palace maid thought Song Yunzhao was stunned with joy, so she said no more and left.
Song Yunzhao was incredibly anxious. ’What am I going to do?’
’I wanted to get on the Emperor’s radar, but not like this!’
’What kind of strange persona have I triggered? First, ringing the bell to save someone forced a "kind" persona on me. Then, getting innocently knocked over and injured earned me the title of "frail and delicate." The other day when He Lan Yun visited, she even teased me, saying everyone must be blind not to see my true nature.’
Song Yunzhao couldn’t agree more.
’Once you’re put on a pedestal, why is it so hard to get down?’
