Chapter 773: But She Is Targeting the Imperial Concubine

Princess Fuke was on good terms with Yun Zhao. Seeing her posture today, she faintly guessed her motives and naturally began to lavish her with subtle praise.

Princess Fuke made a point of bringing up the Treasure Pearl Building in front of everyone. After all this time, its reputation among the common people had grown immensely.

Its main draw was its high quality and low prices, making its products affordable for any commoner. Now, the word on the street was that the Imperial Consort was a great philanthropist. They said she opened the Treasure Pearl Building for the common people, so that every woman under heaven could afford things like Rouge, powder, scented soaps, and bath beans.

Princess Fuke spoke with genuine emotion. She sighed and said to the Imperial Concubine, “Imperial Consort, you have truly done a great deed. Who doesn’t know of the Treasure Pearl Building now? The common people take pride in using its products.”

‘This was why Yun Zhao loved teaming up with Princess Fuke. Just look at her—she delivered exactly what Yun Zhao wanted to hear.’

Mrs. Zhao was trying to build her reputation, and now Princess Fuke was doing the same for her.

Mrs. Zhao’s reputation came from the scholars and their students, but Yun Zhao’s came from the countless common folk.

None of these noble ladies cared what the common people used, or if they had the copper coins to buy such things. They lived high up in the clouds, and the commoners were nothing but dirt beneath their feet.

But when those voices came together, they became a roaring fire that could no longer be ignored.

Yun Zhao offered a few humble words to Princess Fuke. “I am a woman, too, and all women love beautiful things. I am only doing what little I can.”

“The Imperial Consort has such a big heart. This is truly a blessing for all the women of the realm,” Princess Fuke said with a loud laugh. Then, her tone shifted. “Now that we’re here at Yong’an Palace for the summer, I wonder if the Imperial Consort has any plans?”

Yun Zhao smiled. “His Majesty mentioned there is a large pasture outside Yong’an Palace. Since it’s rare for us all to be here, I’ll ask His Majesty later if a section can be cordoned off for us ladies to do some riding.”

“That is wonderful news! I may be getting on in years, but I can still manage a few laps on horseback,” Princess Fuke said with a laugh. She then turned to Princess Zhenbei. “When the time comes, would the Princess Consort care to compete with me?”

Princess Zhenbei met Princess Fuke’s smile and replied with great composure, “It is my honor to compete with Your Highness.”

“You are far too serious,” Princess Fuke chided good-naturedly. “Why be so formal about something so fun? We’re here to enjoy ourselves. Tell you what, bring your niece-in-law along. Let these young wives come out and let loose. The more the merrier!”

The niece-in-law Princess Fuke was referring to was Song Yexi.

Song Yexi, who was sitting with Xie Linlang, rose and smiled. “I thank Your Highness for thinking of me. I will not disappoint you.”

Hearing this, Princess Zhenbei looked at Song Yexi. “Be careful you don’t end up with egg on your face. The world is full of talented people; don’t get too conceited.”

Song Yexi quickly bowed in acknowledgment. “Don’t worry, Aunt,” she said. “My husband is a military general of the court. I can’t very well tarnish his reputation, can I? I’ve been practicing my equestrian skills diligently.”

Song Yexi’s playful demeanor was a way of paving the path for Princess Zhenbei and Princess Fuke. With her stepping forward, the other young wives wouldn’t be held back by their mothers-in-law.

Sure enough, many others immediately voiced their enthusiasm, and the hall grew even more lively.

Mrs. Zhao glanced discreetly in Zhao Ling’e’s direction, her brow furrowing slightly. Events were not unfolding at all as they had planned.

Zhao Ling’e met Mrs. Zhao’s eyes for a moment before looking away.

Just then, someone in the crowd asked, “I wonder if the Imperial Consort will be attending to watch the competition?”

The hall fell silent in an instant, and all eyes turned to the Imperial Concubine.

Song Yunzhao smiled and said, “If you all are truly going to compete, then I shall attend to cheer you on.”

The words had barely left her mouth when Consort Shu spoke up. “Imperial Consort, it’s not as if our palace lacks skilled riders. Why can’t we participate? We should compete against them too!”

Princess Consort Zhuang chimed in, “That’s right, Imperial Consort. We’re all here for the summer retreat; it’s the perfect chance to stretch our legs. Many of the concubines in the palace were the pride of their families back in the day. There are plenty of excellent riders among us.”

Feng Yunjin immediately rose to her feet. “I request to join the competition! I will be sure to win glory for the Imperial Consort!”

Lu Zhixue joined in on the fun. “Imperial Consort, count me in! I want to go riding too!”

Hearing Lu Fenyi speak to the Imperial Concubine in such a coquettish manner, the entire hall was stunned.

‘That’s not right, is it?’

‘Shouldn’t a concubine act that way toward the Emperor?’

Han Jinyi then stood up, her face full of anticipation. “Imperial Consort, I want to go too! Please let us go. Since we’re already at the traveling palace, we can’t possibly miss out on riding.”

The crowd: …

Yun Zhao: …

‘You’re all such drama queens!’

Song Yunzhao knew they meant well and said at once, “All right. I will request it of His Majesty, but I can’t make any promises about whether it will be approved.”

“With the Imperial Consort on the case, it’s bound to be approved! I’ll go back and get my riding gear ready. I’ll be sure to win you glory and take first place!” Lu Zhixue all but pounded her chest in assurance.

Mrs. Lu stared at her daughter in astonishment, wondering what kind of magic potion the Imperial Concubine had fed her. If she’d put that much effort toward the Emperor, she might have had a little prince by now.

However, her daughter’s current standing was all thanks to the Imperial Concubine. The thought flashed through Mrs. Lu’s mind and was gone, leaving her with a complicated, indescribable feeling.

But seeing her daughter looking so happy, she couldn’t help but smile.

The noblewomen in the hall watched this scene in astonishment. They had always heard that the Imperial Concubine was domineering, so why did the palace concubines seem so close to her now?

‘This… this isn’t right, is it?’

‘An Imperial Concubine this domineering should have drawn everyone’s ire, shouldn’t she?’

‘Why doesn’t it seem to be that way at all?’

Everyone’s eyes darted about, looking from one person to another. It felt like they were in a dream.

It was said that the palace concubines fought to the death. Whether it was Qin Xiyue or Xu Mingying, or even Zhu Ruolan before them, every single one of them had lost their life. And Chen Miaohui was still languishing in the Cold Palace.

The downfall of every one of those women was inextricably linked to the Imperial Concubine.

This state of affairs in the palace left them utterly baffled. ‘How could this be? It shouldn’t be like this at all.’

In any case, this was not the harem they had heard about from outside the palace walls.

Qiao Jinyun, who had been standing by Princess Consort Wan, watched the scene with a faint smile. She turned her head and whispered to Xiao Qiuzhuo, “Are you going to participate?”

A wide smile spread across Xiao Qiuzhuo’s endearing, round face. “Of course! Aren’t you? This is a rare opportunity. Once we’re back in the palace, there won’t be any chance to ride.”

Qiao Jinyun nodded slightly. “I want to go too, so I was hoping we could go together.”

She said as much, but her eyes darted toward Zhao Ling’e.

Xiao Qiuzhuo poked her hand, and Qiao Jinyun pulled her gaze back to look at her.

Xiao Qiuzhuo whispered, “Don’t look. She’s not someone we can afford to provoke.”

Qiao Jinyun’s hand tightened slightly. ‘But she’s targeting the Imperial Consort.’