Chapter 350: Butterfly Dance Peach Kill 03

Chapter 350

Song Zhao accompanied Ruo Xin in the courtyard for a while.

Xiao Fuzi rushed back from outside, holding a large jade bi carved with jadeite, and said to Song Zhao:

"Your Highness, this is a gift from Consort Shun of Zhuixia Palace. The jade bi is engraved with the images of He and He, symbolizing harmony in the family and a blissful marriage. It carries extremely auspicious meanings."

Song Zhao gently stroked the jade bi, smiling, "Consort Shun is considerate. I can't recall her ever visiting me since my recovery. How were our relations in the past?"

Xiao Fuzi replied, "Consort Shun entered the palace a year after Your Highness. Although there wasn't much interaction between you two on regular days, you were considered sisters."

Song Zhao's gaze remained fixed on the jade bi; it was evident she liked it.

"If Consort Shun sends such a generous gift, I must personally express my gratitude. Put the jade bi down and accompany me."

Xiao Fuzi respectfully agreed. At the same time, Yun Shan emerged from the inner chambers, handed a few golden melon seeds to Chun Hua with an unwilling expression, then turned to Song Zhao:

"I still have unfinished tasks; I'll go and attend to them first."

She left abruptly, seeming as if she had a disagreement with Song Zhao.

Xiao Fuzi asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, what's wrong with Yun Shan?"

"Ignore her; let her be," replied Song Zhao, her tone not pleasant.

Chun Hua took the opportunity to please, "Since Yun Shan has matters to attend to, let me accompany Your Highness to Consort Shun's place?"

Song Zhao smiled and shook her head, "Xiao Fuzi will accompany me. Rarely do we see Ruo Xin so happy; you both stay and play with her in the palace."

Upon entering Zhuixia Palace, Song Zhao found it quiet, with only Cai Ying busy in the courtyard.

Rongyue said, "Noble Consort Chen treats Ruo Xin as her own, and Ruo Xin is quite sensible. If you spend more time with your daughter in the future, you two won't grow apart."

As they spoke, Song Zhao noticed a wrapped object on Rongyue's desk, adorned with a golden silk knot, seemingly a gift.

So he asked, "Is Jie Jie preparing a gift? I recall tomorrow is Consort Yao's birthday."

Rongyue chuckled softly, "She holds the title of consort after all, I must show her some respect. But considering her past closeness with you, when you encountered trouble, she was eager to see the Emperor execute you. Such malicious thoughts are no less than Consort Hui's."

She sighed deeply, then teased, "But she hasn't had an easy time these years. Although the Emperor granted her the title of consort, compared to her former status as a concubine, she's not as favored as before."

Song Zhao didn't express any resentment towards Consort Yao, only saying:

"The Emperor's favor towards me means I am destined to be a thorn in the eyes of the women in the harem. I should have anticipated this long ago."

Rongyue said, "Do you really need to attend her birthday tomorrow? You're a noble consort, you don't need to give her that face."

Song Zhao smiled, "I won't attend in person, but courtesy still needs to be extended. So here I am, bringing the gift I intend to give her. But I'll have to trouble Jie Jie to present it on my behalf."

With that said, Xiao Fuzi placed a small wooden box, about the size of a palm, in front of Rongyue.

"What is it?"

Curious, Rongyue reached for the box to open it,

But Song Zhao pressed her hand down, smiling and shaking his head,

"This fine item is specifically for Consort Yao, Jie Jie needn't open it."

Rongyue suddenly understood, lowering her voice she asked, "Do you have a plan?"

Song Zhao smiled faintly, leaning in to whisper to Rongyue, sharing his thoughts in hushed tones.