The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 210 - Transparent Intentions

Steward Liu of the villa, came looking troubled.

Seeing Yuan He outside the courtyard, he quickly approached.

"Sir, please help me inform Fang Liangdi. His Highness isn't here, and I urgently need her to decide on something."

"Don't worry, Steward Liu. Fang Liangdi is inside. I'll inform her right away," Yuan He replied politely.

Recognizing him from the first day they arrived at the villa, Steward Liu was glad for the recognition.

Pei Yao had gone to court and would be back around lunchtime, which was still half an hour away.

Even though they stayed at the villa, Pei Yao still had to go to court, riding alone to be faster without the entourage of ladies.

Yuan He quickly explained the situation to Fang Yun and brought Steward Liu in.

"Greetings, Fang Liangdi!" Steward Liu said, kneeling.

"Stand up and speak," Fang Yun said gently, easing his tension.

Steward Liu explained the situation: two maids brought a young lady to the villa for help, saying she fell while hiking and hurt her leg, unable to walk. They claimed their mistress was Xu Xin'er, the Crown Princess's cousin.

Given her injuries, Steward Liu housed them in the guest room and sought Fang Yun's advice.

Why Fang Yun and not He Liangdi, who had been around longer?

Steward Liu noticed Pei Yao's favoritism toward Fang Yun and trusted her judgment, so he came here without hesitation.

Seeing Xu Xin'er herself and understanding her relation to the Crown Princess, Fang Yun couldn't ignore it.

Though Xu Xin'er was unpleasant, her status demanded attention. Sending her away would cause friction with the Crown Princess later.

Knowing Pei Yao would return soon, she decided to handle it herself and followed Steward Liu.

Approaching the guest room, she saw a maid peeking around before darting inside.

This raised Fang Yun's suspicion. If Xu Xin'er's injury was severe, wouldn't they be by her side instead of alerting others?

She followed Steward Liu silently, deep in thought.

Fang Yun knocked and entered the room, finding a pale Xu Xin'er on the bed, her clothes torn and hair disheveled, genuinely looking as if she had fallen.

"Why are you here?" Xu Xin'er complained, glancing past Fang Yun, her intentions clear.

Steward Liu, noticing Xu Xin'er's rudeness, was about to speak, but Fang Yun raised her hand to stop him.

Calmly, she said, "There's no doctor at the villa. Waiting here delays treatment. I'll arrange for a carriage to take you down the mountain."

Xu Xin'er was about to reply when her maid interrupted.

"Thank you, Liangdi, but we've already sent someone to fetch the family carriage. It should arrive soon. No need to trouble you."

This maid, Qiao Cui, appointed by Xu Xin'er's stepmother, was sharp and articulate.

Fang Yun eyed her but didn't relent. "It's no trouble. As the Crown Princess's cousin, Xu Xin'er is a guest. Waiting here might worsen her condition. It's best to go now and switch carriages on the way if needed."

Noticing Xu Xin'er's reluctance and hopefulness, Fang Yun realized she was waiting for Pei Yao.

A maiden eager to become her cousin's concubine—Fang Yun found Xu Xin'er's actions distasteful.

Predictably, Xu Xin'er's expression soured at the mention of leaving.

Trying to get up, she winced in pain and fell back.

Another maid, sincerely worried, turned to Fang Yun, pleading, "Liangdi, our lady is severely injured. Moving her causes unbearable pain. Please, let her rest until the family carriage arrives."

This maid, looking round-faced and earnest, seemed genuinely concerned for Xu Xin'er.

Fang Yun, sensing real worry, thought Xu Xin'er's injury might indeed be serious, though she couldn't tell if it was an accident or deliberate.

Deciding to stay and keep watch, she figured Xu Xin'er wouldn't cause trouble.

Pei Yao would return soon, and Xu Xin'er's carriage should arrive by then.

Just as she was about to ask Yuan He to fetch some ointment, Qiao Cui spoke again.

"Liangdi, our lady may have offended you last time she visited the palace. Please, show mercy and let her rest. She's truly injured."

This insinuation that Fang Yun bore a grudge and was deliberately making things difficult irked her.

Glaring at Qiao Cui, she snapped, "You have a good memory. If you know your lady offended me, why come here for help? If I wanted to be difficult, I could just throw you out."

Qiao Cui, stunned, fell silent.

At that moment, He Liangdi's voice rang out from the doorway.

"What do you mean difficult, throwing her out? Xu Xin'er is the Crown Princess's cousin. You can't let personal grudges cloud your judgment."

Entering with Pan Chun, who whispered in her ear, He Liangdi looked at Fang Yun.

"His Highness will be back soon. It's not your place to decide."