“Chapter 84: Peril on the Cloud Platform 1”

"Chapter 84: Peril on the Cloud Platform 1"

"Shuangruo first went to Consort Shu and Consort Chen’s palaces to deliver the message,"

"By the time she reached Song Zhao, it was just after lunch and rest time."

"Since Consort Yao was resting, she didn’t disturb her and went directly to the west side palace to see Song Zhao."

"She succinctly informed Song Zhao about the trip to the Hot Spring Villa,"

"'The Emperor plans to visit the Hot Spring Villa, and the Empress is to decide on the accompanying consorts. The Empress chose Consort Shu, Consort Chen, and the pregnant Consort Xiao. The remaining spot is given to you.'"

"Shuangruo explained,"

"This was all arranged by Xiao Jingheng and given to the Empress to handle, saying it was the Empress who selected Song Zhao for the accompanying spot."

"Although Song Zhao knew all this was Xiao Jingheng’s doing, she had to play along with the Empress’s act, right?"

"So, after hearing Shuangruo out, she hurriedly said, 'How can this be? The Empress is the central consort; how can she be left alone in the palace?'"

"She looked troubled, taking the responsibility upon herself,"

"'If the Empress decided to stay in the palace because of arranging for me to go to the Hot Spring Villa, please ask her to retract her decision. Otherwise, I won't feel at ease.'"

"Shuangruo said, 'The Empress has a chronic heart condition and can’t bathe in the hot springs. Besides, she prefers tranquility and doesn’t like the hassle, which is why she chose to stay in the palace. It really has nothing to do with you. Anyway, the decision has been made; you should start preparing.'"

"Song Zhao could only respond, 'Thank the Empress for her kindness. I will personally go to her palace later to express my gratitude.'"

"She said this, but Shuangruo didn’t object,"

"Only after sending off the messenger, Yunshan spoke up, 'Why would the Empress grant such a big favor to Song Changzai so willingly? I suspect there’s more to this situation than meets the eye.'"

"Song Zhao looked at her with interest, 'Oh? Then why do you think she isn’t going herself?'"

"Yunshan thought for a moment before analyzing, 'The Emperor wanting Song Changzai to go to the Hot Spring Villa is clear, and Shuangruo saying so earlier was probably under the impression that you didn’t know. So, she attributed the credit to the Empress, making you feel grateful to her. As for why the Empress herself isn’t going...'"

"She pondered, resting her chin on her hand, then suddenly clapped her hands, her eyes lighting up,"

"'I've figured it out! The Empress Dowager will surely accompany the trip to the Hot Spring Villa. She is the most strict about rules in the palace, and among the consorts, only those of 'pin' rank and above can accompany to either the Summer Resort or the Hot Spring Villa."

"Aside from Consort Xiao who is pregnant, Song Changzai, being only a 'changzai', attending is inappropriate. If the Empress Dowager learns of this, she might criticize the Empress for improper arrangements. But now that the Empress has decided not to go, relinquishing her own spot, it will appear to the Empress Dowager that the Empress is considering the Emperor's preferences and selflessly sacrificed her own place for Song Changzai.'"

"As Yunshan spoke, her emotions grew more intense, and her expression became increasingly distressed,"

"'So, the Empress Dowager will likely have no complaints against the Empress, seeing her as virtuous and considerate. But as for Song Changzai... she might be viewed as seducing the Emperor! Song Changzai's first impression on the Empress Dowager wasn't favorable, making it harder to change her perception in the future.'"

"After listening to Yunshan's thorough and logical analysis, Song Zhao truly began to see her in a new light."

"She smiled while observing Yunshan and teased, 'I really must ask Xiaofuzi what he's been teaching you in private. You’ve been with me for so long, yet I’ve never seen you analyze things so insightfully before.'"

"What could Xiaofuzi really teach Yunshan, after all?"

"He only advised her that if she didn’t think things through, always looking only at the surface as in the mansion,"

"Then, as Song Zhao's personal servant, she might someday inadvertently cause trouble for Song Zhao due to her lack of shrewdness."

"Yunshan valued Song Zhao more than herself, so how could she allow her own mistakes to affect Song Zhao?"

"Since then, Yunshan had become more cautious and thoughtful."

"Her analysis was indeed correct, but it only unraveled one layer of the deeper implications."

"Song Zhao knew that the Empress’s main aim was not to provoke the Empress Dowager's displeasure,"

"It was more about distancing herself from certain matters."

"Like the unborn child in Consort Xiao's womb, for instance."

"With Consort Xiao being pregnant, her belly is like a hot potato, bringing bad luck to whoever crosses it."

"After losing the children of Consort Chen and Consort Shu, many in the harem are undoubtedly keeping a wary eye on Consort Xiao’s pregnancy."

"Now, by sending Consort Xiao to the Hot Spring Villa while remaining in the capital herself,"

"The Empress can conveniently distance herself from any issues that might arise with Consort Xiao's unborn child at the villa, avoiding any blame."

"At this point, Song Zhao was actually not too keen on going to the Hot Spring Villa either."

"But this time, she had no choice but to go."

"She had already refused Xiao Jingheng too many times,"

"Refusing a man once or twice might make him find you unique and intriguing,"

"But continually refusing, no matter how charming and exceptional you are, will eventually be seen as prideful and ungrateful."

"Everything is about balance; when it's time to offer Xiao Jingheng some sweetness, Song Zhao is never stingy."

"Not long after Shuangruo left, Song Zhao hurried to the Empress's palace,"

"As she approached, she could smell a strong scent of perfume from afar."

"That perfume was a scent commonly used by Consort Yun. Song Zhao always found it a bit odd, but couldn't quite put her finger on what was strange about it."

"Later, when she saw the Empress, the Empress commented, 'Consort Yun just left, and now you're here. What a coincidence.'"

"Song Zhao’s visit was to express her gratitude for the Empress's kindness,"

"She exchanged pleasantries with the Empress, but before long, the Empress’s complexion began to pale, and her breathing became rapid."

"Having seen the Empress’s heart condition flare up before, Song Zhao knew this was a recurrence of her chronic ailment,"

"Shuangruo brought medicine for the Empress, while Song Zhao helped her drink water."

"Once the Empress felt a bit better, she said self-mockingly, 'My health always worsens in winter.'"

"Song Zhao had heard that the Empress’s heart condition was a congenital weakness, incurable."

"All she could do was offer some comforting words, albeit ineffectively,"

"But while they were talking, the recently recovered Empress suddenly issued a dismissal,"

"'Song Changzai, I have to step out, so I won’t keep you any longer.'"

"Confused, Song Zhao said, 'The snow outside hasn’t melted yet, it’s cold and the ground is slippery. Your Majesty just had a heart attack; it would be best to rest and not move around too much in the palace, wouldn’t it?'"

"Shuangruo also advised, 'Yes, Your Majesty, you should really...'"

"'I must go,' the Empress insisted, getting up. 'The peace charms at Yuntai Temple need to be collected at a specific time to remain effective. Shuangruo, arrange for the palanquin.'"