Chapter 636 - 414: Song Yunzhao Lights a Candle for Her Dad

Chapter 636: Chapter 414: Song Yunzhao Lights a Candle for Her Dad

Song Yunzhao looked rather sheepish, feeling a bit guilty.

At first, Feng Yi didn’t understand her expression. But after a moment of thought, he couldn’t help but chuckle. He deliberately said to Yun Zhao, "I imagine the Minister of Revenue would be more than willing to share my burdens."

’My poor father,’ Song Yunzhao thought, offering him a moment of silent pity.

Feng Yi burst out laughing. Song Yunzhao shot him a reproachful glance. He reached out with his long arms and pulled her into his embrace, certain that Yun Zhao had only been thinking of easing his burdens, completely forgetting about her own father. By the time she realized it, it was already too late.

’This means that in Yun Zhao’s heart, I am closer to her than her own family.’

Feng Yi was delighted. This realization greatly improved his mood.

Yun Zhao leaned against Feng Yi’s chest. The New Year celebrations had been hectic. Although the Empress Dowager hadn’t caused any trouble, there was one banquet after another. Yun Zhao was constantly meeting people, so much so that she barely had time to exchange more than a few words even with members of the Old Song Family. The Emperor, meanwhile, was even busier. The ongoing war kept him so occupied his feet hardly touched the ground; he was still in Taixi Hall discussing matters with his courtiers even during the height of the festivities.

Now that they finally had a rare moment to themselves, Yun Zhao wrapped her arms around Feng Yi’s waist.

’They all call me an Evil Concubine,’ she thought. ’But what Evil Concubine in history has ever been this idle? If I were truly bewitching the Emperor, how could Feng Yi possibly remain so dedicated to his duties?’

Just as Feng Yi was about to lead Yun Zhao into the bedchamber, he heard Feng Ze’s laughter from outside, and the smile on his face froze.

Song Yunzhao burst out laughing. She rose from his embrace, and just as she sat up properly, Feng Ze charged into the room.

Feng Yi was speechless.

’It’s time to teach this boy some manners.’

Feng Ze had also rarely seen his father over the New Year. Seeing him now, he was overcome with excitement. He grabbed Feng Yi’s hand and started pulling him outside.

Feng Yi had no choice but to get up and follow him out. Seeing the look of resignation on Feng Yi’s face, Song Yunzhao laughed even more happily.

***

On the day of the army’s triumphant return, citizens lined the streets both inside and outside the city, cheering wildly. It was a shame that Yun Zhao couldn’t witness it in person.

Rewarding the generals and feasting the entire army, Feng Yi the Emperor was once again consumed by his duties.

Before they knew it, spring had arrived. The weather grew warmer each day, and heavy winter clothes were replaced with lined jackets. The entire harem seemed to awaken with the coming of spring. Palace Attendants, dressed in spring attire, moved briskly along the palace paths, their soft laughter and chatter occasionally drifting on the air.

Feng Yi and his courtiers discussed matters of state, focusing on issues like how to increase grain yields. However, opinions in the court were divided, leading to daily, heated arguments. The courtiers were all sharp-tongued debaters, and even after more than a month, there was still no progress.

Song Yunzhao noticed that Feng Yi seemed completely confident and not at all annoyed. ’He probably orchestrated this whole situation himself,’ she guessed. ’He must be holding back a major move.’

After mentioning it once in passing to Feng Yi that day, Song Yunzhao never brought the matter up again, as if it had truly been a random suggestion born from a flash of inspiration.

With another victory in the war against Beiming, Feng Yi’s imperial authority was greater than ever. Song Yunzhao was an extremely cautious person. Even though her relationship with Feng Yi was good, she didn’t believe it could stay this way forever. In fact, it made her even more careful, forcing her to think three times before speaking or acting.

’I’m just a supporting character, yet I’m still sitting in a concubine’s position while the original female lead is still alive and well in the harem. I can’t let myself become arrogant from his favor and bring about my own downfall.’

However, her previously domineering image was too deeply ingrained in everyone’s minds. Combined with the incident involving Xu Mingying last year, and the fact that Feng Yi was too busy with state affairs to be an Emperor who indulged in romance, the other concubines in the harem were all quite sensible.

After spring began, the three concubines hosted a spring banquet, giving everyone a chance to gather and liven things up. After the banquet, the concubines clearly became more active.

Song Yunzhao had spent the day drinking with Princess Consort Wan. The princess consort had created a new kind of Rouge and asked her over to try the colors. The two of them were busy all day. Just as she returned to Yaohua Palace and was about to rest, Xiangxue came in to report, "Your Ladyship, Caiqin, from Xu Ji’s side, has come to pay her respects."

Song Yunzhao was taken aback, wondering why Caiqin would come at this hour. After a slight pause, she said, "Let her in."

Feng Ze was not in Yaohua Palace. Feng Yi had taken him to Taixi Hall early in the morning. Having turned a year older after the New Year, Feng Yi had specially set aside a room for him there, and sometimes Feng Ze would sleep over at Taixi Hall directly.

Song Yunzhao was very pleased that Feng Yi was so dedicated to Feng Ze’s education. The courtiers originally had their objections, but in recent years, the Emperor still only had the Eldest Prince. The production of heirs was truly low. Therefore, even if they felt it was overstepping the bounds of propriety, they turned a blind eye for the sake of the sole heir, ignoring the special treatment the Emperor gave Feng Ze.

Caiqin entered quickly, kneeling and kowtowing the moment she was in the hall. "This servant, Caiqin, pays her respects to Lady Ming. May Your Ladyship enjoy boundless fortune and peace."

Song Yunzhao observed Caiqin’s light-colored spring dress and the pair of lilac-shaped silver pendants on her ears—a very simple and modest look. She smiled and bid her to rise. "Why have you come at this hour? Is Xu Ji unwell again?"

That poor, unlucky Xu Mingying. Ever since she was punished by the Empress Dowager last year and forced to stand in the cold, she had suffered the entire winter. The slightest draft would cause her to fall ill. Because of this, Consort Shu had even specially increased her charcoal ration, fearing something might happen to her if she didn’t have enough.

Caiqin replied respectfully, "My mistress sent this servant to kowtow to Your Ladyship, to thank you for your kindness in sending an Imperial Physician to examine her last time."

Song Yunzhao was amused. That had been over a month ago. Xu Mingying, thinking that the first month of the year was over and the wind was no longer as biting as in winter, had decided to take a walk outside Zhaoyang Palace. Who would have thought that after picking a fine, sunny day for a stroll, she would fall ill again upon returning?

Song Yunzhao finally understood what it meant to be delicate and prone to illness. It was also late at night when Caiqin had come knocking, and it was Yun Zhao who had sent someone to the Imperial Hospital to summon an Imperial Physician to Zhaoyang Palace to treat her.

"It’s good that Xu Ji has recovered. It was no major matter, so go back and tell her not to take it to heart." Song Yunzhao’s relationship with the Marquis Wuxin Mansion was average—one could even say not particularly friendly. Therefore, she had no intention of winning Xu Mingying over. She had only helped because she found the girl pitiful. Since the Empress Dowager had been the one to harm her, and Yun Zhao had used that incident to keep the Empress Dowager from making trouble during the New Year, she felt compelled to look after her a little.

Upon hearing this, Caiqin took a brocade box about a foot long from her sleeve and presented it with both hands. "My mistress said that it is thanks to Your Ladyship’s grace that her misfortune turned into a blessing. Without your protection, she fears she would have already... Therefore, she specially asked her family to find a gift of thanks. Please, Your Ladyship, accept it."

Song Yunzhao was a little surprised. Looking at the box in Caiqin’s hands, she hesitated for a moment before saying, "There’s no need for a gift. Take it back and tell Xu Ji not to worry about such trivial matters. Taking good care of her health is what’s most important."

Caiqin did not withdraw her hands. Instead, she continued, "Your Ladyship, inside the box is a set of jewelry carved from a single piece of jade. While it may not be a rare treasure, the craftsmanship is quite good. Please do not find it lacking."

’A jewelry set carved from a single piece of jade?’

’She had her family help her get it, which must mean the Marchioness Wu Xin.’ At this, Song Yunzhao’s interest was piqued.