Song Zhao arrived at the front of Yonghe Palace. It was just in time for the morning glow and dawn light.
The fine sunny day shed misty golden light on the newly built glazed roof tiles of Yonghe Palace, reflecting a continuous stretch of overflowing colored lights, impressively noble.
Several potted xinyi trees that were transplanted into the courtyard were in full bloom, filling the yard with fragrance.
The light purple flowers on the trees were covered in glistening morning dew, looking so delicate and beautiful.
After enjoying the view for a while, Song Zhao couldn’t help sighing, “Noble Consort Chen’s palace is so elegant. Although my own courtyard has all kinds of flowers and potted plants, they are mostly low shrubs. I thought all the palaces would be similar, but didn’t expect Noble Consort Chen to have planted so many xinyi trees. It’s quite unique.”
Then her tone changed as she suddenly asked Concubine Li, “Is His Majesty very fond of her?”
Concubine Li quietly flattered her, “His Majesty does dote on Noble Consort Chen, but Your Ladyship’s position in His Majesty’s heart is still more important. Look, ever since you woke up, with the exception of the anniversary of the late Empress Jia’s passing, has His Majesty not summoned you to accompany him every day?”
Hearing this, Song Zhao couldn’t help the corners of her mouth curving up, no longer able to hide her delight.
Seeing her happy expression, Concubine Li knew she liked to be flattered. He quickly bowed and stepped forward, very attentively lifting the curtain for Song Zhao before the main hall, respectfully saying, “Your Ladyship, please go ahead.”
Song Zhao nodded slightly and walked gracefully into the hall.
By this time, many familiar faces were already seated in the hall.
Seeing Song Zhao arrive, they all stood up. Led by Concubine Hui and Concubine Yun, they greeted Song Zhao in unison.
“This concubine pays respect to Noble Consort Yi, may Your Ladyship have ten thousand blessings.”
“Why are my sisters being so courteous? Please rise.” Song Zhao smiled amiably, appearing very intimate with them. “Having suffered a serious illness, I’ve become forgetful. I’ll have to trouble my sisters to introduce yourselves again.”
After they had all introduced themselves, only Concubine Hui was the most familiar with Song Zhao.
At this moment, she was tightly clutching Song Zhao’s hand, tears welling up in her eyes.
“Sister Song, you’ve finally recovered. When I heard about your accident, I couldn’t sleep well day or night from worrying about you.”
Song Zhao looked at her with a smile.
After years of separation, Concubine Hui still had the face of a young girl. But having become a mother now, she no longer pretended to be innocent and carefree like before. Everything she said and did seemed much more steady now.
Song Zhao felt disgusted by Concubine Hui's tight grip on her hand, making her very uncomfortable.
But on the surface she still smiled amiably, stroking Concubine Hui’s embroidered sleeve, and gently said,
“Are you Lin Lan?”
Concubine Hui nodded repeatedly, also surprised, “Sister Song still remembers me?”
Song Zhao shook her head helplessly, “I was hoping I’d remember. It’s just that Yun Shang often mentions that I used to be very close to you and treated you like a younger sister.”
Concubine Hui said, “That’s right. Sister Song treated me very well, indulging my sweet tooth. You would often make some exquisite delicious snacks for me. I miss those times dearly.”
Song Zhao smiled. “I don’t have those skills anymore. But tell me what you like to eat, and when I have time I’ll relearn to make them. We shouldn't grow apart, my sister.”
While exchanging pleasantries with Concubine Hui, Song Zhao noticed out of the corner of her eye that Rongyue was standing right behind Concubine Hui, staring intensely at her.
Seeing the tears shimmering in Rongyue’s eyes, just a brief moment of eye contact was enough to make her tear up. She hurriedly turned her head away, not daring to look again.
Song Zhao understood that Rongyue had been thinking of her all these years, just as she had been thinking of Rongyue.
After taking their seats, the consorts chatted casually. Just then, Ning Wanshuang arrived fashionably late.
She still had that aloof attitude, not even glancing at the consorts below.
After receiving everyone’s bows, she lazily leaned back in her chair, lightly stroking her cloud-like hair. She looked Song Zhao up and down with sharp eyes for a while before speaking.
“Noble Consort Yi has fully recovered.”
Song Zhao respectfully replied, “Thanks to Noble Consort Chen's concern. I have recovered.”
Ning Wanshuang nodded coldly. The disgust in her eyes also surfaced. She was too lazy to glance at Song Zhao again.
Just then, Consort Yao arrived late. Ning Wanshuang naturally shifted her gaze to her.
Seeing her cheeks flushed, she asked,
“What happened to your face?”
Consort Yao instinctively looked at Song Zhao, but was glared at by Yun Shang beside Song Zhao.
She timidly lowered her eyes and had to say,
“This concubine accidentally bumped into something.”
“Bumped into something?” Ning Wanshuang mocked. “Are you so starved from fasting daily that you became dizzy? Born ordinary looking already, don't go bumping your nose crooked and eyes skewed. His Majesty will look at you even less in the future.
In fact, I have to say, you needn't have wasted all that effort to begin with. Ever since Noble Consort Yi woke up, do you think His Majesty still remembers who you are?”
Humiliated, Consort Yao bowed her head in frustration, fidgeting anxiously with her handkerchief as she softly said,
“This concubine is indeed unworthy...”
Ning Wanshuang leaned forward slightly, speaking evenly, “It is wise to know one's own worth. Although you are unworthy, at least you know your own conduct. Always uncompetitive and ungrasping. That can be considered decent.”
Then her piercing gaze instantly turned to Song Zhao. “In this regard, Noble Consort Yi, you really ought to learn from her.”
Song Zhao said, “The tutors and His Majesty have taught me these lessons before. I understand.”
“You understand?” Ning Wanshuang sneered contemptuously. “You understand what it means to be modest and know your place, not competing or grasping? If you really understand, then your amnesia can be considered a blessing in disguise.”
As she waved her ivory fan, Ning Wanshuang was still smiling. But then her eyes hardened as her tone turned vicious.
“It's just that you understand, but your daughter still doesn't seem to understand very well. She has been quite arrogant and domineering here, always snatching Jin Yue's toys and taking others' belongings as her own. Or I should say, she is truly your own flesh and blood, cast from the same mold as you. That annoying girl is the spitting image of you back when you fought with me over the Emperor's favor. "
Song Zhao stared wide-eyed, hesitating slightly, “My...daughter?”
Yun Shang whispered to her, “Your Ladyship, you do have a daughter with His Majesty, Princess Ruo Xin. But because Princess Ruo Xin has been sickly and frail, she has always been raised in your palace. She will be three years old soon...”
Song Zhao still seemed stunned, with no hint of joy on her face. Instead, she looked worried.
“His Majesty didn’t tell me about this?”
“Whether His Majesty told you or not, she is still your daughter.”
Ning Wanshuang's words grew increasingly barbed. “Now that you’re awake, you can bring her back to your palace to raise her yourself. Her bullying of Jin Yue is endless. If she continues to stay here, I'm afraid I won't be able to stop myself from slapping her across the face.”
Then she arrogantly lifted her chin, provocatively smiling at Song Zhao,
“Just like I slapped you back then.”
