The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 211 - Not Going Anywhere Soon

"What's gotten into you today? Haven't you learned your lesson from last time? Can't control that mouth of yours?" Fang Yun, still angry, snapped at He Liangdi, glaring daggers at her.

Fang Yun genuinely wanted to pry open He Liangdi's head to see what was inside. Clearly, He Liangdi knew Xu Xin'er wanted to enter the Eastern Palace, yet instead of sending her away quickly, she seemed intent on bringing her to Pei Yao.

Was she really expecting that by tolerating Xu Xin'er and pretending to be kind, Pei Yao would praise her for being gentle and sensible?

Unexpectedly, that's exactly what He Liangdi thought.

Of all the people in the Eastern Palace rear court, He Liangdi was the least accepting of new entrants. So, when she heard from her family that the Xu family also wanted to send their daughter to the Eastern Palace, she was wholly displeased with Xu Xin'er.

Initially, upon hearing Xu Xin'er was injured and seeking help at the villa, her first instinct was to send her away.

But Pan Chun quickly advised her on how to handle the situation.

Firstly, Xu Xin'er's family was of notable status. After all, Xu Xin'er's mother and the Crown Princess's mother were full sisters. The Crown Princess's mother married into the Lu family, so naturally, Xu Xin'er's family was also distinguished.

Thus, the daughter of the Xu family might very well be accepted by Pei Yao.

If the Crown Prince took a liking to Xu Xin'er and He Liangdi treated her well, it would leave a good impression on Pei Yao. Fang Yun and Xu Xin'er already had conflicts, and Fang Yun might not be willing to help, possibly even ordering Xu Xin'er to be sent away.

Comparing herself to Fang Yun, He Liangdi thought the Crown Prince would find her more considerate, thus helping to atone for her previous missteps.

If Pei Yao had no interest in Xu Xin'er, He Liangdi could still appear kind-hearted, showing respect for the Crown Princess and portraying herself positively.

Moreover, the Crown Princess did not want Xu Xin'er in the palace, so there was a chance she might not get to serve Pei Yao at all. Therefore, there was no need to overthink it.

Based on Pan Chun's analysis, He Liangdi arrived at the guest room determined to protect Xu Xin'er.

Getting a scolding from Fang Yun made He Liangdi visibly annoyed.

"You dare insult me! Watch, I'll report you to His Highness for disrespecting me and trying to drive away the injured Xu Xin'er. Fang Yun, you are truly heartless!"

"So what if I insult you? You're blindly accusing me without reason. My insult was mild!" Fang Yun retorted fiercely.

Fang Yun was not one to back down, especially not to He Liangdi, who she knew responded better to firmness.

So after her sharp retort, Fang Yun continued with a cold snort, "Go ahead, report me. I'm not interested in dealing with this mess."

With that, she left the room to sit outside and drink tea, avoiding further entanglement with Xu Xin'er. If He Liangdi wanted to intervene, so be it.

He Liangdi was taken aback by Fang Yun's abrupt departure. Frustrated, she found Xu Xin'er even more vexing. But Pan Chun's calming glance reminded her of her "grand plan," so she suppressed her irritation and stayed with Xu Xin'er.

However, the two, both harboring their own agendas and bad tempers, were terrible at conversing. Xu Xin'er, more arrogant due to her high status and connection to the Crown Princess, nearly made He Liangdi lose her cool several times.

Fortunately, Pan Chun's interventions kept things under control, reassuring He Liangdi that Xu Xin'er's foolishness would surely prevent her from gaining Pei Yao's favor.

Fang Yun, expecting them to argue, was surprised by the silence. Amused, she noted the time, guessing Pei Yao was returning.

Indeed, after just a few sips of freshly served tea, she heard movement outside.

Supporting herself with Qingrong's hand, she went outside to see Pei Yao arriving.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

"Enough," Pei Yao waved his hand, clearly displeased. "What's going on inside?"

Seeing his expression, Fang Yun guessed he knew the gist, so she explained directly.

"The young lady from the Xu family got injured and came seeking help. Steward Liu arranged for her to rest inside. I suggested sending her down the mountain for treatment, but she said the pain is too severe to move and wants to wait for her family's carriage."

Hearing this, Pei Yao entered the room.

Being an outsider, Xu Xin'er wouldn't see him directly, so Pei Yao spoke to her from behind a screen.

As soon as she realized Pei Yao was present, Xu Xin'er greeted him sweetly.

Unable to tolerate it anymore, He Liangdi left the inner room in haste to greet Pei Yao outside.

Pei Yao had no time for her display of virtue and addressed Xu Xin'er, "I didn't see your family's carriage on my way back. I'll arrange for a carriage to take you down the mountain. If your leg injury isn't treated promptly, it might not heal properly."

"Thank you, Your Highness, but I can't trouble you. As an unmarried lady, taking a carriage arranged by Your Highness might cause gossip. We've sent for my family, and someone should be here soon. The maid is young and may be slow," Xu Xin'er's voice, feigning modesty, came from behind the screen.

Pei Yao, sensing her reluctance to leave, grew more impatient and instructed Hong Zheng, "Send someone on horseback to fetch the Xu family immediately. Without the Crown Princess here, it's inappropriate for her cousin to stay."

Hearing this, Xu Xin'er's face changed, and she anxiously tried to speak, but Qiao Cui, her maid, calmed her with a reassuring look.

About the time it takes to burn two incense sticks later, Hong Zheng returned, looking concerned.

"Your Highness, I sent someone on horseback, but they reported a wildfire blocking the road down the mountain."

"A wildfire?" Fang Yun, puzzled, asked, "How did it start?"

Hong Zheng explained that someone was burning paper for ancestor worship, and the wind carried it into the dry summer foliage, igniting a fire that spread quickly. Villagers below were now fighting the blaze.

After hearing this, Fang Yun turned to Pei Yao and said, "Your Highness, given the situation, Xu Xin'er won't be able to leave soon. Perhaps the imperial physician should examine her injury?"

Without permission, the imperial physician couldn't treat non-royals, so Fang Yun hadn't made the decision herself.

And so, it depended on Pei Yao.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, visibly irritated.

But considering the Crown Princess and Xu Xin'er's family background, he finally nodded and instructed Hong Zheng to arrange for the imperial physician to come over.