Chapter 205: Isn

Volume One, Chapter 205 – Isn't That Even More Without a Way Out?

It was still early before the selection, so the two of them just let the matter drop after mentioning it.

Although they themselves didn't take it to heart, there were others who did.

At that moment, Su Ying received a letter from home; as she unfolded it, her brows furrowed slightly, and after a long pause her mouth twitched, then she rolled up the letter, set it on a candle flame, and tossed it into the brazier, watching it turn to ash.

"Qingcha, has Madam Zhenshen replied?" Su Ying asked, looking at Qingcha.

Qingcha quickly bowed and replied, "Miss, not yet."

"Then press her, since the first selection after His Majesty's enthronement isn't far off. If Madam Zhenshen can't seize this chance, when the newcomer enters the palace, what dignity does this never‑favored elder have besides rank?" Su Ying smiled, but the coldness in her eyes sent a chill through the heart.

A shiver ran through Qingcha, who quickly responded, "Then I, your servant, will go again today."

"Go, and avoid certain people." Su Ying lifted the palm‑sized mother‑of‑pearl inlaid copper mirror on the table, gazing at the person in it; at that moment even she felt somewhat unfamiliar.

In Yunhua Palace, Song Huihe was stitching and threading, and the embroidered frame before her already showed the outline of a Ten Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains picture; Qing Lian assisted beside her, splitting each thread into a dozen or twenty, a meticulous task.

At that moment, Yu Zhu entered from outside, gently lifted the beaded curtain, slowed her steps into the inner hall, then crouched, bowed, and said, "Madam, Qingcha, who is with Miss Su, has delivered a letter."

Hearing this, Song Huihe paused, set the needle aside, then looked up at Yu Zhu, "What does Su Ying want to do now?"

"Qingcha asks how the lady feels about last time's matter, and mentions that next year's selection isn't far off; you don't have much time to hesitate," Yu Zhu said, inevitably sounding a bit irritated. Even if their lady is out of favor, she is still the properly conferred Madam Zhenshen by His Majesty; if Su Ying weren't relying on the Su family and the Empress Dowager, what would she be in front of that lady?

Song Huihe sneered, "I thought Su Ying could endure more, but it seems she's no different now."

Qing Lian echoed from beside, "Madam says it's the outsiders who have elevated Miss Su too much, thinking she truly has some transcendent means, when in fact she just wants to use your hand now."

Having taken so many setbacks at Rong Luoge's hands, Song Huihe had long learned her lesson; hearing this, she said calmly, "She's naturally more impatient than I am. If she can't stay after entering the palace this time and must rely on the selection to get in, then slip out in disgrace and come back, that would be truly humiliating."

"Madam, it seems His Majesty treats the Su family rather indifferently; if he truly valued them, he wouldn't be leaving Su Ying hanging like this. So why cooperate with her? Even if you help her now, when she gains power she may not remember your assistance," Yu Zhu whispered, disliking Qingcha's haughty attitude toward her.

Tsk, can't they see what status their own family now has? They haven't even entered the palace yet and are already putting on airs.

Song Huihe's complexion darkened slightly, and after a moment she said, "If there were another way, why would I conspire with the tiger? Since Rong Luoge became pregnant, she's holed up in Yuzhao Gong, rarely leaving. It's been so long the news has spread, yet we haven't even seen her belly. If she can keep enduring staying in Yuzhao Gong, are we just to watch her give birth?"

When Consort Rong was mentioned, Yu Zhu and Qing Lian fell silent; the lady's point was valid—if Consort Rong truly bore His Majesty's first son, the position of Empress would be just a stone's throw away for her.

If Consort Rong becomes Empress Rong, wouldn't that leave their lady even more without a way out?

"What's the word on the welcome banquet?" Song Huihe asked, suppressing her anger.

"Qingcha says His Majesty is busy with state affairs, so it's unlikely to be held for now," Yu Zhu replied.

Song Huihe's complexion worsened, "Hmph, what 'busy state affairs'? If His Majesty were truly busy, could he be running to Yuzhao Gong every day? This is just giving Su Ying a bit of face. If she can't even handle such a small matter, why talk about cooperating? Qing Lian, pass the message on, let Su Ying weigh it properly—does she really think that because she bears the Su name I'll give her any favor?"

"I'll go right away," Qing Lian said, immediately standing and heading out.

After Qing Lian left, Yu Zhu looked at the lady, thought for a moment, and said, "Madam, Lord Hou sent a message for you to consider the selection matter; the family wants to send you a helper. Please think it over; Lord Hou is waiting for a reply."

Song Huihe grew more irritated, looking at Yu Zhu, "That's not thinking of me; it's just because I'm out of favor, they want to send another in to seek favor, isn't it for the Song family's sake?"

"Madam, please don't say that. Lord Hou also wants what's best for you. Even if the person comes in, you'll have control over them, and they'll live by your favor. If it can cause Consort Rong to lose favor, that would be worthwhile," Yu Zhu gently urged.

Song Huihe sneered, "It sounds simple, but I think it's very difficult. Rong Luoge's methods are unknown—how did she make His Majesty so attentive? I can't understand. How's the matter you arranged progressing? Any development?"

Yu Zhu shook her head, "The Inner Court Office has been in great turmoil lately; trying to use its influence to have Yuzhao Gong place someone is too hard. Moreover, Lord Hou says you should stay calm and not rush to act."

"Wait, wait, when will this ever happen?"

Song Huihe's gaze shifted, her tone growing colder, "If Rong Luoge can't find an opportunity, does that mean Xu Shuyuan and Qin Zhaohua can't act either?"

Dealing with those two would cut off Rong Luoge's left and right arms, and would also allow us to vent our resentment.

"Xu Shuyuan is always meticulous and cautious; Qin Zhaohua is timid, never even leaving the ordinary gates, truly finding no opportunity," Yu Zhu said helplessly.

"If there's no chance, make one. Does it need someone to teach? Then what use are you to me!" Song Huihe shouted, restraining her anger and not flipping over the embroidery frame before her.

Yu Zhu could only acquiesce to the lady, feeling a slight bitterness; the matter isn't that easy, so it seems other methods must be used.

After Yu Zhu left, Song Huihe stared at the landscape painting before her. To please the emperor, she had indeed exhausted her thoughts, yet she knew it was probably of little use; still, she had to do it.

Her hand lightly brushed the embroidered cloth; each splendid, colorful thread was carefully selected by her. When the painting is completed, it will be truly spectacular, and presenting it at the annual banquet will surely win first place.

Whether she gains favor or not doesn't matter; as long as His Majesty accepts the painting, that's enough.