Chapter 95: Chapter 52: Reputation in Tatters, Expelled from the Palace (2)
I, He Lan Yun, am not the fool I once was. She turned to Han Jinyi and said, "I have no problem with it, but I wonder if you have the courage, Miss Han. Besides, I can’t do it alone. I’m willing, but I lack the strength."
Upon hearing this, Han Jinyi stared at He Lan Yun in astonishment.
He Lan Yun tilted her head up slightly. ’What’s that look for? Who are you looking down on?’
Looking at He Lan Yun’s expression, Han Jinyi couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. She softened her voice and said, "You are right, County Princess. I didn’t make myself clear. My intention was always for us to join forces. How could I possibly let you do all the work alone?"
He Lan Yun nodded in satisfaction, then stood and took a step forward. Noticing from the corner of her eye that Han Jinyi was following, she walked up to the nannies and said, "Venerable nannies, ever since we entered the palace for the selection, there have been several disturbances, big and small. I must trouble you to report this to your superiors at once. I’m truly worried that more trouble is brewing. Failing the selection doesn’t matter, but after today’s commotion, I’m afraid I’ll lose my life in here. My parents are still waiting for me to come home to them."
The nannies’ faces turned grim.
Han Jinyi glanced over and sighed, her face still showing a trace of lingering fear and helplessness. "Nannies, the County Princess has a point. I’m truly frightened as well. Although I am unworthy and dare not dream of being chosen, I had at least hoped to leave the palace safely. Today’s incident has thoroughly scared me. I beg you, nannies, to show mercy and allow me to leave the palace."
Now, the nannies’ faces were not just grim, but utterly black.
Song Yunzhao glanced at Han Jinyi. ’Her impression of Han Jinyi had always been rather vague. After all, in the book, she was a dignified character who disliked competing for favor and wasn’t one to vie for power. In other words, she was someone who strictly followed the rules.’
’Such a character profile was considered quite endearing in the book. In the eyes of the readers, anyone who wasn’t an enemy of the female lead could be considered halfway decent.’
’And now, the actions of this "decent" person were making things a little interesting.’
’It made sense. The book’s plot closely followed the female lead, so a supporting character like Han Jinyi, despite having some scenes, was underdeveloped. Her description was one-dimensional, a mere paper doll. But now, that paper doll had come to life, and her actions didn’t quite match the personality the book had assigned her.’
Song Yunzhao looked from He Lan Yun to Han Jinyi. ’The character profiles from the book... maybe they aren’t set in stone after all.’
’Previously, whenever she encountered the female lead or anything related to her, her first thought was to steer clear of the conflict to avoid following her original path in the book and ending up as cannon fodder.’
’But if she could make adjustments through her own maneuvering, then perhaps her situation wasn’t so terrifying after all.’
’The only thing was, she couldn’t figure out Han Jinyi’s motive for this change. The fact that Jinyi had followed her and was now acting in perfect concert with her stance was definitely not something the rule-abiding character from the book would ever do.’
’After all, what they were doing right now was breaking the rules.’
’If you were to ask what she was thinking right now, it would be that life is full of surprises.’
’As long as she could fight against the female lead’s plot armor and save her own cannon-fodder life, seizing every opportunity and facing challenges head-on was the greatest respect she could pay to her designated role.’
"The County Princess and Miss Han have a point. Venerable nannies, never mind the others, but just look at me. How many times have I been hurt already?" As Song Yunzhao spoke, her eyes grew redder. "Others are worried about *potential* danger, but I’ve faced it for real. I was lucky to escape unscathed this time, but who knows what will happen next? Nannies, I am truly terrified. If you cannot give me a just resolution this time, then I will have no choice but to seek justice for myself."
Nanny Zhang looked at Song Yunzhao and immediately tried to placate her. "Miss Song, you mustn’t do anything rash. We will be sure to investigate today’s matter thoroughly and give you a proper account."
"Nanny, I want to believe you. But that’s what you said last time, too."
Nanny Zhang’s old face flushed. It was true that Song Yunzhao had been wronged in the last incident.
’The young lady hadn’t exposed the matter, but she wasn’t easy to fool, either.’
Nanny Su glared at Song Yunzhao. "Well, this is a first. In all my years serving in Zhichun Palace, I’ve never met a concubine as audacious as you, Miss Song."
’She actually dares to threaten the Housekeepers. Is she trying to turn this place upside down?’
Song Yunzhao could feel Nanny Su’s malice. "You’re right, Nanny. If only you were a bit more assertive, we concubines wouldn’t have to step forward and fight for our own dignity."
Being called spineless by Song Yunzhao, Nanny Su hadn’t been so humiliated in years. She said in a low, dangerous voice, "Miss Song, it’s best not to say certain things so lightly. The world is an unpredictable place, wouldn’t you agree?"
"Why don’t you ride the wind yourself, Nanny, and soar ninety thousand li into the sky?" Song Yunzhao offered her most gentle smile while delivering her most scathing retort.
