Qin Xiyue didn't reply to Hua Ying's words, but she understood the situation perfectly. 'The Emperor's favor toward Song Yunzhao doesn't necessarily mean he truly likes her. It's because he's more wary of the daughters of his powerful courtiers. Ever since the selection, the Emperor has become increasingly assertive in court. I know exactly what that signifies.'
'Under such circumstances, how could the Emperor develop any affection for women like us? Even the three concubines have been distanced by him, which clearly shows his displeasure with the courtiers.'
'By contrast, Song Yunzhao's family background is unremarkable; neither her uncle nor her father serves in the court. The Emperor would naturally prefer to dote on a woman who poses no threat.'
'Song Yunzhao probably thinks the Emperor's affection is genuine, but she has no idea she's standing on the edge of a cliff.'
