The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 204 - Rainy Day Nap

"Your humble servant greets Your Highness."

Fang Yun quickly stood to greet Pei Yao, followed by the maids.

"No need," Pei Yao waved his hand. "What are you doing?"

"The Second Young Lady can walk now, so we were playing with her," Fang Yun replied with a smile.

The Second Young Lady, held by her nurse, tilted her head curiously at Pei Yao.

Pei Yao often visited Biluo Pavilion but rarely played with the Second Young Lady. He usually just looked at her, held her briefly, or teased her a bit.

Having not seen him for a while, the Second Young Lady seemed to have forgotten him.

Seeing the adorable little girl, Pei Yao, in a good mood, took off his pouch and shook it at her.

"Wan'er, come here. Father will give you this."

The Second Young Lady looked at him, unfamiliar with him. She didn't know her name was Pei Xinwan, as she was usually called the Second Young Lady or Manman. She wasn't sure if he was calling her.

But she wanted the pouch in Pei Yao's hand, so she looked at Fang Yun for guidance.

"She's shy," Fang Yun said with a smile.

Taking the child from the nurse, she gently placed her on the ground.

"Father is calling Manman. Wan'er is also Manman's name. If you want the pouch, go get it yourself."

The Second Young Lady, understanding some of the words, nodded and cautiously approached Pei Yao.

Pei Yao, not used to playing with little girls, especially gentle ones, smiled and handed her the pouch.

Delighted with her new toy, the Second Young Lady ran back to Fang Yun, hugging her leg and looking up with a beaming smile.

Though not her biological daughter, she was undeniably adorable.

Fang Yun smiled, picked her up, and nuzzled her cheek before handing her back to the nurse.

After the child left, Pei Yao sat on the small couch by the window.

"It's very hot. You still went to admire the lotus flowers. Aren't you afraid of getting sunburned?"

"I went in the evening, staying in the shade and using a parasol. It was fine," Fang Yun replied, smiling as she poured two cups of tea and sat beside him.

"Have you thought of a poem for my painting, Your Highness?"

"Not yet," Pei Yao admitted, sipping his tea. "I haven't decided. I came here first. I'll think about it and write it later."

Fang Yun listened and nodded obediently.

Then she changed the subject, "I suppose the Emperor won't go to the villa to escape the heat this year. It doesn't seem as hot as last year."

"Yes, the palace is busy with the small selection and preparing for the Fifth Prince's first birthday banquet. It's quite lively, so I doubt he'll leave the palace for a change of scenery," Pei Yao replied casually.

He then chuckled, "And recently, the Emperor has taken an interest in Daoism. Two Daoist masters have entered the palace, offering longevity pills, which the Emperor enjoys."

Fang Yun's expression cooled, recalling Yunrou's lies. "Praying to Buddha for peace of mind is one thing, but I don't see how Daoist pills can help. If they truly granted longevity and immortality, why haven't we heard of any cases in our 200-year history?"

"Exactly. You understand, but he doesn't," Pei Yao said with a hint of sarcasm. "But maybe those pills do have some effect, or the Emperor wouldn't feel so good after taking them."

"Who introduced these Daoist masters? The Emperor wouldn't believe in them without reason," Fang Yun asked.

Pei Yao lowered his gaze. "It was King Ming. But Li Mu, the old Prime Minister, passed away recently. It might have been his last scheme."

"Prime Minister Li passed away?" Fang Yun was surprised. "I hadn't heard a word about it."

"He was a criminal, deserving death. Who would dare publicize it?" Pei Yao said indifferently.

Fang Yun lowered her gaze, realizing the truth. Despite his daughter being Empress and his grandson a prince, Li Mu's disgrace meant his death couldn't be openly mourned, likely to avoid further implicating the Empress and King Ming.

Not wanting to delve further into court matters, Fang Yun suggested playing chess with Pei Yao.

Having not played in a while, Pei Yao agreed eagerly.

They set up the board and began playing.

Fang Yun had been practicing, so her skills had improved. Pei Yao, playing more casually, even let her win two games, though it was a close call and possibly intentional.

Still, they enjoyed themselves.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was time for lunch.

The maids called them, and they reluctantly stopped playing.

As they paused, they noticed the sky had darkened, becoming overcast and stuffy, hinting at rain.

"After so many hot days, a good rain will be refreshing. The afternoon will be cooler," Fang Yun smiled.

Pei Yao nodded. "Summer rain is essential, or the farmers will need water for their crops."

Their different positions led to different thoughts.

Fang Yun smiled at him. "Your Highness cares for the people, but for now, let's have lunch."

Seeing her gentle and lovely demeanor, Pei Yao couldn't help but smile.

Letting Fang Yun take his hand, they went to lunch.

After lunch, as they drank digestive tea, the rain suddenly poured down, heavy and fast.

Pei Yao had planned to return to his duties after lunch, but the rain kept him.

Seeing the heavy rain with no sign of stopping, he decided to take a nap at Biluo Pavilion.

Fang Yun loved resting on rainy days, so she was pleased.

They prepared and lay down together.

With the rain and cool breeze drifting in, the room was pleasantly cool. A thin blanket over their waists was just right.

Sleep came quickly, and they soon drifted off.

The rain continued, cooling the air further. The thin blanket became insufficient, and Fang Yun curled up, pressing against Pei Yao for warmth, waking him.

Feeling her cold feet against his legs, he couldn't help but smile.

Seeing Fang Yun still asleep, he didn't want to get up.

He quietly called Qingrong to bring a thicker blanket and closed one of the ventilating windows, then lay back down, holding her.

The sound of rain outside and the warmth of her body made for a pleasant nap.

They slept deeply, waking nearly two hours later.

With the overcast sky, Fang Yun thought it was evening.

But even if it were, she felt too groggy to care.

A long nap had left her more drowsy, so she leaned against Pei Yao, feeling boneless and soft.