The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 202 - Not So Easily Defeated

Facing Song Qiuhe's tearful pleas, Fang Yun's eyes remained cold.

"Aunt, from the moment I saw you again, I considered you my only family. Is this how you repay me?" Fang Yun asked coldly, her gaze filled with disappointment and anger. Song Qiuhe faltered, her lips trembling, unsure of what to say.

Fang Yun continued, her eyes fixed on Song Qiuhe. "When my cousin fell ill, I hired a doctor for him. You said you didn't want to leave the palace, so I begged the Crown Princess to keep you by my side. Everyone in Biluo Pavilion respects you. Is this how you repay my kindness?"

"Yun'er, I..."

"People say a mother's love is selfless. You have children; how could you do this? A niece is like a daughter. How could you harm others for your son's sake?"

At this moment, Yang Cefei interrupted, turning to Yunrou. "If we had believed the slander and punished Fang Liangdi without verifying, it would have been a grave injustice. You, a maid who has served me for years, how could you make such a mistake? If I had known, I wouldn't have taken you in!"

Yang Cefei's words filled Song Qiuhe with despair, her face as pale as paper. Her grip on Fang Yun's skirt loosened.

Yunrou, biting her lip, seemed resolute, ready to face the consequences.

Kneeling deeply before Yang Cefei, Yunrou cried, "Cefei, it's my fault. I feared Fang Liangdi's favor with His Highness would threaten your position if she bore a healthy child. Learning of Song Momo's connection to Fang Liangdi, I secretly bribed her to find Fang Liangdi's flaws and eliminate her. Cefei, I was wrong, but I did it for you!"

Song Qiuhe, trembling, didn't refute, clearly acknowledging the accusation.

Fang Yun, seeing through Yang Cefei's threat, immediately took Song Qiuhe's hand, speaking gently. "Aunt, is what she said true? You are my aunt; I won't abandon you or my cousin. Tell the truth, and I'll plead for leniency. I'll ensure my cousin receives proper treatment."

Feeling the warmth of Fang Yun's hand, Song Qiuhe looked up, about to speak, when Yunrou's voice rose again.

"Your Highness, Crown Princess, I alone am responsible. Cefei knew nothing. The eldest young master's illness was caused by Song Momo, under my orders, adding croton seeds to the pastries. She knew what she was doing!"

"I know harming the royal offspring is a capital offense. I was foolish and deserve punishment. But please, Your Highness, understand this matter involves only me and Song Momo, not Cefei!"

Yunrou's words shattered Song Qiuhe's resolve. Her fleeting hesitation vanished.

Looking at Fang Yun, she trembled, "Yun'er, I wronged you..."

Hearing her words, Fang Yun stared at her for a moment, then took a deep breath and released her hand.

Across from her, Yang Cefei subtly sighed in relief.

Pei Yao, who had been silently observing, scanned the room with a dark gaze.

"So, these two maids conspired to frame Fang Liangdi, and the Third Young Master's illness was merely coincidental. Is that correct, Yang Cefei?"

"Forgive me, Your Highness. I failed to manage my servants and care for the Third Young Master, but I truly knew nothing of this plot!" Yang Cefei stood, her eyes filled with tears and grievance.

Turning to Yunrou, she displayed anger and disappointment. "How could you do this behind my back? Have you forgotten everything I taught you? How can I face Sister Fang now? I should kill you myself to avoid bringing shame to my loyal family!"

Raising her hand to strike Yunrou, Yang Cefei suddenly wavered and collapsed, overcome by emotion.

Yun Qian cried out, rushing to catch her. "Cefei, what's wrong? Your Highness, Cefei has fainted! The physician warned that her premature birth left her weak. The stress must have been too much!"

Seeing Yang Cefei limp in Yun Qian's arms, tears still on her face, the Crown Princess's eyes showed clear disdain.

Fang Yun, too, watched the scene with a sense of irony. Yang Cefei's fainting was perfectly timed, not forgetting to emphasize her family's loyalty before collapsing.

If it weren't inappropriate, Fang Yun would have thrown hot tea in Yang Cefei's face to see how thick her skin really was.

Despite no response, Yun Qian continued her act.

Finally, Pei Yao ordered Yang Cefei to be taken to her room and the physician summoned.

"What about these two?" the Crown Princess asked.

Pei Yao glanced at the kneeling Yunrou and Song Qiuhe, his eyes filled with disgust and coldness.

"The Crown Princess will deal with them according to palace rules," Pei Yao ordered, then turned to Hong Zheng.

"Spread the word: if the Third Young Master's condition doesn't improve, and the physicians have done all they can, then it's the fault of those caring for him. If anything happens to the young master, all caregivers will be executed by beating."

Leaving this command behind, Pei Yao strode out.

Fang Yun could tell that Pei Yao was truly angry with Yang Cefei this time.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have threatened to execute Weiyang Pavilion's servants. It's a clear warning to Yang Cefei.

Not having Yang Cefei exposed in the end was something Fang Yun had anticipated.

Pei Yao still needed the support of the Marquis of Nanning's household, and Yang Cefei wasn't as easily dealt with as Zhou Shuren had been.

Even the Crown Princess didn't push further, indicating she understood as well.

Toppling Yang Cefei wouldn't be easy.

However, Pei Yao's anger resulted in Yunrou and Song Qiuhe being handed over to the Crown Princess for punishment. Yunrou likely wouldn't survive.

That would count as cutting off one of Yang Cefei's limbs.

As for Song Qiuhe, Fang Yun now knew that her cousin, Chen Xun, must have been under Yang Cefei's control outside the palace.

So, after leaving Weiyang Pavilion, Fang Yun quickly caught up with the Crown Princess.

"Your Highness, Song Momo is my dear aunt. She deserves punishment for her mistakes, but please allow me a final word with her."

The Crown Princess looked at Fang Yun, then waved her hand in agreement.

Thanking her, Fang Yun spoke privately with Song Qiuhe before leaving.

There was no saving her, nor could there be.

After all, Song Qiuhe's betrayal had been a direct threat to her life.

Still, there were some things that needed to be clarified.