The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 2)

Chapter 256 - Testing the Waters

"Go to the Ci'an Palace and tell my aunt that I need a servant who knows a bit of medicine," Yao Xiang instructed Zizhu with a serious expression.

With Imperial Physician Hu expelled from the palace, she found herself without anyone trustworthy, which was quite inconvenient. The thought made her even more frustrated. After using the imperial physician for two lifetimes, she was now left vulnerable, having been driven away by the combined efforts of Ye Shi and Wu Shi. It truly left her isolated and helpless.

However, she didn't mention this to anyone. Tai Guifei had also been keeping it in mind, so when Zizhu returned, she brought back an ordinary-looking eunuch. He appeared to be in his thirties, with fair skin and a round face that bore a smile, but there was a hint of someone playing the fool to catch the tiger.

"This is Eunuch Hai," Zizhu said with a smile.

The eunuch stepped forward and bowed, "This humble servant, Hai Sheng, greets the esteemed Fang Jieyu."

"You're exempt from courtesy," Yao Xiang waved her hand. "Since you were recommended by my aunt, you must have some exceptional skills."

Hai Sheng smiled modestly, "Jieyu, you flatter me. I can only distinguish some poisons. Before entering the palace, my family sold medicine, and I spent over ten years as a handyman in the Imperial Medical Department. I was fortunate to follow Tai Guifei later and am now willing to serve you, Jieyu."

This was clearly a humble statement. Yao Xiang hadn't expected to find a physician of exceptional skill; for now, being able to identify poisonous substances was sufficient.

"With your abilities, I can rest easy," she said. "From now on, please examine everything that comes into Weirui Palace closely."

"I will certainly protect Jieyu thoroughly," Hai Sheng knelt down and bowed his head sincerely.

This marked his acceptance of her as his master. Serving Tai Guifei was one thing, but serving a young Jieyu who was pregnant offered more prospects, and he was glad to do so.

With Hai Sheng by her side, Yao Xiang felt significantly more at ease. He indeed proved capable, and since he took charge of inspecting incoming items personally, no harmful substances had come near her since.

As time passed, November arrived. With the thought of soon announcing her pregnancy to the outside world, Ye Yun finally began to subtly reveal that she was recovering well. Mainly, she had been cooped up in the house for too long and wanted to get out for a bit.

Once winter brought snow, the roads would become slippery, making it risky to venture out. So, while it was still snow-free, she decided to take advantage of the weather and go for a breath of fresh air.

Thus, the group made their way to the Imperial Flower Garden.

In winter, the plum blossoms were the main attraction. To avoid letting her masters see the wilted flowers and plants, the garden was filled with various colors of plum blossoms.

Though beautiful, they lacked novelty. No wonder the concubines in the palace longed to go out; the red walls and green tiles became tiresome after a while.

Niangao ran around joyfully in front of and behind her.

A few servants surrounded Ye Yun, fearing she might bump into something or trip. Bai Zhu led the way, while Hui Yue and Nan Zhi walked to her left and right, and Lu Zhi and Lu He followed behind.

She rarely brought so many people with her, which made her feel a bit uneasy. After wandering around for a while, she started to feel tired and looked for a nearby pavilion to sit down.