Song Jinxuan’s heart ached whenever she recalled her aunt’s words. "I’m old now," her aunt had said. "How can I compete with the vibrant young girls? But I can’t just admit defeat. I can only grit my teeth and push forward."

A concubine’s standing was entirely dependent on her face. When she was young and her beauty was in full bloom, everything was perfect. But once that bloom faded, new faces would naturally come to take her place.

Song Jinxuan had no intention of repeating these words to Song Yunzhao. She paused for a moment before speaking, as if nonchalantly. "My aunt doesn’t have any strong opinions about it. Mrs. Cai is doing this for two reasons: first, to ease the tension with Father, and second, to suppress my aunt. I just feel this isn’t good news for you either, Third Sister. If the new favorite Mrs. Cai promotes wins Father’s affection, she will inevitably whisper poison in his ear to drive a wedge between you and him."

Song Yunzhao glanced at Song Jinxuan, then smiled. "Second Sister, you worry too much. I’m not afraid of that."

Song Jinxuan knew Song Yunzhao was not easily fooled, but she didn’t press the matter. In any case, she had delivered her message.

When the two arrived at Mrs. Cai’s courtyard, Song Qinghan was already there. Her face was flushed with success and she was practically beaming, but the moment she saw Song Yunzhao, her smile vanished, replaced by a look of utter disdain.

’Song Qinghan is truly sick in the head,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’And it’s a serious case.’

She plopped down into a chair with great fanfare, not bothering to greet anyone. The sight of such arrogance was an eyesore to Song Qinghan.

"What airs you put on, Third Sister. Your etiquette is becoming more refined by the day."

Hearing Song Qinghan’s mockery, Song Yunzhao didn’t even spare her a glance and shot back, "There’s a difference between a dream and a delusion. Some people can’t even wait until they’re on top to show what they’re really made of."

Song Jinxuan covered her mouth with a handkerchief to hide her astonishment. ’Has Song Yunzhao lost her mind?’

’I knew Song Yunzhao had a bad temper and a sharp tongue, but she’s even more venomous now than before. She’s not someone to be crossed. Definitely not.’

Song Yunzhao’s retort struck Song Qinghan like a physical blow, and she began to tremble with rage. But she forced it down. ’I’ll let her be smug for a few more days,’ she fumed internally. ’Once I’m in the palace, we’ll see if that mouth of hers is still so tough.’

The atmosphere in the room instantly froze. Song Yunzhao was completely unaffected, Song Jinxuan was sitting on pins and needles, and Song Qinghan was seething in silence, her lips pressed tight. Fortunately, Song Bu Yue and Song Buming arrived soon after.

Song Bu Yue, with his handsome features, strongly resembled Third Master Song, while Song Buming looked more like Aunt Che. The two brothers standing together were quite a handsome sight.

Song Yunzhao felt nothing. When the two brothers greeted her, she simply acknowledged them coolly.

Song Buming was Aunt Che’s son, so it was no surprise they weren’t close.

However, Song Bu Yue was her full-blooded brother. Yet for all these years, this younger brother had watched her be despised and mistreated by Mrs. Cai without ever saying or doing a single thing to help.

On the contrary, Song Bu Yue’s relationship with Song Qinghan was much closer.

’Some things, like familial bonds, truly cannot be forced.’

Song Bu Yue sat in the chair next to Song Qinghan, listening with rapt attention as she spoke of her time at the Uncle Mansion, nodding from time to time.

Song Yunzhao was simply bored. ’Song Qinghan isn’t telling this story for Song Bu Yue’s benefit,’ she thought. ’She’s clearly showing off for me.’

Mrs. Cai and Third Master Song entered together. Mrs. Cai didn’t even glance at Song Yunzhao, speaking only to her husband. "Qing Han’s selection process went so smoothly this time because my sister helped a great deal. Once it’s all settled, we must thank her properly."

Third Master Song nodded. Just as he was about to speak, the children in the room stood to offer their greetings. He swallowed his words and said with a smile, "Please, sit. I’m so busy with my duties that it’s rare for us to share a meal together."

Third Master Song was an expert at keeping the peace. He showed concern for each of his children in turn, then quizzed his two sons about their studies on the spot. Finally, he turned to Song Yunzhao. "Did you have fun on your outing today?"

With this father of convenience, Song Yunzhao became much more obedient and affectionate. Her eyes curved into crescents as she said with a sweet smile, "I had a wonderful time! The Capital City is so much more prosperous than Nanyu. I went to the Three Yuan Building to listen to a storyteller, had some tea, and even strolled through the marketplace. When you have time, Father, let’s go out together. I’ll treat you to tea."

Third Master Song laughed heartily. "You should keep that little monthly allowance of yours for yourself. The most important thing is that you had fun. But the Capital City isn’t like Nanyu; it’s not proper for you to go out too often."

"Yes, I will listen to you, Father," Song Yunzhao agreed obediently.

Watching this scene of a loving father and a filial daughter, Song Qinghan’s expression turned ugly. She composed herself, remembering how she had recently angered their father. If not for her mother’s desperate pleas, her participation in the palace selection might have been jeopardized. Suppressing the rage in her heart, she pretended not to see them.

’Once I enter the palace and gain power,’ she thought, ’I will reclaim all the dignity I have lost.’

Mrs. Cai called for the servants to bring the food, interrupting the tender father-daughter moment between Song Yunzhao and Third Master Song. After the dishes were on the table and the family was seated, she finally spoke at a leisurely pace. "Master, Bu Yue and Buming’s studies cannot be delayed. We must find them a good tutor. My father has been helping to look for one, but you will have to give the final approval, Master."

Third Master Song placed great importance on his sons’ education. His expression turned serious upon hearing this. "Of course. I will personally visit my father- and mother-in-law soon."

Mrs. Cai beamed. "My parents have been missing you, Master. They will certainly be delighted if you visit." Then, her tone shifted. "And now that Qing Han’s matter is more or less settled, I was thinking of taking her to visit my family home tomorrow. We’re completely in the dark about the situation in the palace. Fortunately, my family has some connections, so we can gather some information. That way, the child won’t have to suffer when she enters the palace."

Third Master Song nodded. "That would be best." He then looked at Song Qinghan. "When you visit your maternal grandparents tomorrow, you must not be arrogant. Be thoughtful and courteous in everything you say and do."

Song Qinghan’s smile faltered. Her father could shower Song Yunzhao with warmth and concern, but for her, there were only admonishments and warnings. Still, remembering her mother’s instructions, she nodded in agreement. This meal was becoming utterly suffocating.

Noticing her daughter’s foul mood, Mrs. Cai’s gaze swept past Yun Zhao before landing on Third Master Song. "Master," she began, "although Qing Han is entering the palace and not getting married, she will still need some money of her own. This is quite different from a wedding dowry. I was thinking of giving Qing Han twenty thousand silver. What do you think, Master?"

Twenty thousand silver?

Song Yunzhao scoffed inwardly. ’Mrs. Cai really has some nerve!’

When the former first wife’s eldest daughter, Song Guiyi, was married, her grand wedding only included a dowry of five thousand silver.

Moreover, an ordinary official’s family would typically provide a dowry of two or three thousand silver. The Song Family was wealthy and wouldn’t be stingy, but for Mrs. Cai to ask for twenty thousand was truly audacious.

Song Qinghan’s eyes were fixed on Song Yunzhao, hoping to see a look of helpless jealousy. But after staring for a long moment, she failed to see even a flicker of a frown from her sister. Her eyes darted, and she adopted a remorseful tone. "Father, Mother, you are both so considerate of me. I don’t know how I could ever repay you. In the future, I will surely remember the family’s kindness and will not let you down."

Listening to this sanctimonious bullshit, Song Yunzhao wanted nothing more than to spit right in her face.

’But there’s no need to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut.’

Twenty thousand silver?

’In her dreams!’