Chapter 96: Chapter 52: Reputation Ruined, Expelled from the Palace
He Lan Yun looked at Han Jinyi with suspicion and whispered, "What does that mean?"
Han Jinyi shook her head. "I’m not really sure either."
’Nanny Su is still here. How could I say Song Yunzhao was mocking her with something like, "You’re so capable, why don’t you just ascend to the heavens?" Those aren’t auspicious words, so of course I can’t repeat them.’
’If I did, I guarantee the entire Zhichun Palace would know by tomorrow. Nanny Su’s reputation would be ruined, and that would mean I’d have made a true enemy of her.’
’This just confirmed that following them had been the right decision. Given Song Yunzhao’s temperament, if I hadn’t come, she’d surely have come looking for trouble with me later, probably throwing a few cutting remarks my way.’
Nanny Su could tell it wasn’t a compliment, but since she wasn’t well-read, she couldn’t quite grasp the meaning. Still, her expression soured. "Miss Song," she said, "we nannies will discuss how to handle this. All of you have been through quite an ordeal; you should go back and get some rest."
He Lan Yun saw Song Yunzhao’s face fall, and her own eyes lit up. ’This is a familiar sight.’ She knew that whenever Song Yunzhao put on that grim expression, someone was about to be in deep trouble.
Han Jinyi watched He Lan Yun suddenly grow excited and was baffled. ’What’s going on with her?’ Then, she heard Song Yunzhao speak. "Discuss how to handle it?"
Just those words sent a chill down her spine.
Before she could recover, she heard Song Yunzhao continue, "My status is low and my words carry little weight, so it is perhaps understandable that you would not take a mere concubine like me seriously. However, today’s incident has both witnesses and physical evidence. For you to still try to delay and avoid the matter, refusing to give us justice, truly makes one question your motives, Nanny."
"Watch your words, Miss Song."
"So you do know the meaning of discretion. Don’t you worry, Nanny. I may not have much, but I do have a backbone. I nearly lost my life in Kunlun Lake today. Since you refuse to grant me justice, I will simply have to get it for myself."
Nanny Su almost laughed out of sheer anger. "And how, I wonder, does Miss Song plan on getting this justice for herself?"
Song Yunzhao looked at Nanny Su and smiled as well. "That’s no concern of yours, Nanny." With that, she turned to leave.
Nanny Zhang’s heart seized. She and Nanny Yin exchanged a swift, meaningful glance. Nanny Yin immediately stepped forward to block Song Yunzhao’s path. "Miss Song, this matter isn’t something Nanny Su can decide on her own. Nanny Zhang and I will ensure you receive justice."
"Of course I trust you both," Song Yunzhao said. "I just can’t bear to see the two of you put in a difficult position because of me. So, I must be prepared to risk it all and seek justice before the imperial court."
Song Yunzhao’s voice was soft, but her words landed with immense weight.
Nanny Su couldn’t believe her ears. ’What did she just say?’
"You certainly have some nerve, Miss Song. Do you think His Majesty is someone you can meet just because you want to? You must be dreaming." Nanny Su had been wondering what her big plan was; hearing this was so absurd she could have died laughing.
"Nanny Su!" Nanny Zhang was genuinely panicked now. "When Miss Song was ill before, Chief Steward Zhang personally asked after her. I suppose someone as important as yourself is prone to forgetting such things."
The smile on Nanny Su’s face froze. In truth, she hadn’t remembered, and frankly, she had never paid the matter much mind to begin with.
’So what if Chief Steward Zhang had asked after her once? She hadn’t received any special treatment afterward. It was probably just a passing comment.’ At this thought, Nanny Su’s confidence returned.
Nanny Yin shot Nanny Su an irritated glance and said in a low voice, "Since you disagree with us, Nanny Su, we shall each proceed as we see fit."
Nanny Yin was no ally of Nanny Su’s. ’This is an opportunity,’ she thought. She looked at Song Yunzhao and said, "Do not worry, Miss Song. We will investigate this matter thoroughly."
Without giving Nanny Su a chance to object, she immediately sent someone to summon the Palace Justice Department.
Nanny Su’s expression was grim. Seeing Nanny Zhang and Nanny Yin united against her, she knew she was outnumbered. She put on a show of indignation. "I do not approve of how this is being handled. Since you insist on this course of action, I shall recuse myself."
With that parting shot, Nanny Su flicked her sleeves and stormed away.
’She’s probably going to warn whoever is backing her,’ Song Yunzhao mused.
Nanny Yin’s and Nanny Zhang’s expressions were also grim, but they kept their composure. Nanny Zhang fixed her gaze on Luo Xiuying and Zhao Xiaoyu, and the two girls flinched.
Seeing Nanny Su storm off in a huff, Song Qinghan’s heart plunged into turmoil. She had no idea how to salvage the situation, and her face paled. A wave of regret washed over her—she shouldn’t have acted so rashly.
