The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 213 - Destined to be Tumultuous

In the study.

Pei Yao's expression darkened as he finished reading the Crown Princess's letter.

He glanced at Yan Li, who had delivered the message, and spoke in a cold, indifferent tone.

"Did the Crown Princess have any other instructions?"

"Your Highness, the Crown Princess said this incident was caused by Lord Xu's second wife, Madam Wang. Xu Xin'er is not inherently bad, merely misled and genuinely devoted to Your Highness. Although Lord Xu has been muddled in his family matters, the Xu family remains noble, and he holds a significant position since being recalled to the capital."

Yan Li paused, noting Pei Yao's expression before continuing.

"The Crown Princess understands Your Highness's frustration. She suggested accepting Xu Xin'er into the palace as another idle person. The Xu family, like the Lu family, would support Your Highness. As for the scheming Madam Wang, the Crown Princess said she would deal with her."

Pei Yao's eyes flickered as he listened, then he tossed the letter on the desk.

"Tell the Crown Princess that Xu Xin'er will only be granted the rank of Shuren and will never advance."

"Yes, Your Highness," Yan Li bowed and quickly withdrew, aware of Pei Yao's displeasure.

Outside, Hong Zheng handed a prepared cup of tea to Yan Li, who drank it down and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"Elder brother, what's all this fuss about? Why do they think the palace is such a great place to force their way in?"

"Alright, I know today's task wasn't easy. Hurry back and report to the Crown Princess," Hong Zheng patted his shoulder, half-smiling.

Yan Li bowed and hurried off. He had another task from the Crown Princess to handle.

Madam Wang, Xu Xin'er's stepmother, had to go.

Madam Wang's transformation into who she was now stemmed from a pitiable background.

Originally a beloved daughter of a minor household, she could have married well. But after the death of the Xu family's first wife, they sought a new wife and chose her.

Initially, Madam Wang was unwilling, but her parents believed marrying into the prestigious Xu family was a great opportunity, especially since Xu De had a noble reputation and had been deeply in love with his first wife. They convinced her to marry him.

After the wedding, Madam Wang found her husband kind but always distant, still mourning his first wife.

Even though she bore him two more children, Xu De continued to favor Xu Xin'er.

Over time, this imbalance twisted Madam Wang's feelings into resentment toward both Xu De and Xu Xin'er.

She spoiled Xu Xin'er's character while maintaining a facade of gentleness and virtue in front of Xu De to earn his trust.

This time, Madam Wang schemed to ruin Xu Xin'er's life, hoping to disgrace Xu De with the Lu family and the Crown Prince, thus dooming his career.

If not driven by madness, who would risk everything to harm others, including involving the Crown Prince?

Madam Wang's long-harbored hatred had twisted her, making her reckless.

The Crown Princess had already investigated thoroughly before sending the letter. Now, with Pei Yao's nod, Madam Wang's fate was sealed.

Regardless, Madam Wang's scheme meant Xu Xin'er's life was destined to be tumultuous.

In the end, Madam Wang succeeded in destroying Xu Xin'er's life.

Meanwhile, Pei Yao, feeling frustrated after Yan Li left, went to Fang Yun's courtyard.

He found her pruning a potted plant under the corridor.

Hearing his approach, Fang Yun turned, handed her scissors to Yanwei, took a handkerchief from Qingrong to wipe her hands, and then greeted Pei Yao.

"Your Highness," Fang Yun greeted, bowing slightly.

"Mmm," Pei Yao nodded, lightly supporting her.

"What are you up to?" he asked.

"Just tending to some flowers and plants to pass the time. I'm not very skilled, so my pruning isn't great," Fang Yun smiled, pointing to the potted plants in the corridor.

"You haven't done this before, so it's normal to be unskilled. Come, make me a cup of tea," Pei Yao's tone was slightly low, and Fang Yun quickly sensed his bad mood. She gave a signal to the two maids behind her.

Understanding, they prepared the necessary items inside and then silently retreated.

With just the two of them left, Fang Yun rolled up her sleeves to make tea and gently asked, "Your Highness seems troubled. Is it something from court?"

"No, it's from my household," Pei Yao's eyes showed his frustration.

Despite the slow flow of news at the villa, Fang Yun was aware of the outside events.

"Is it about Xu Xin'er?" she asked.

"Who else?" Pei Yao's tone was cold and displeased. He then recounted the whole situation regarding the Crown Princess's letter.

Fang Yun frowned after hearing it.

"When I met Madam Xu in the palace, I could tell she was scheming. I didn't expect her to orchestrate such a thing."

Xu Xin'er's life was essentially ruined. Fang Yun left the latter part unsaid, not wanting to imply that being a concubine to the Crown Prince was a dismal fate.

Pei Yao, looking down, said indifferently, "I granted her the rank of Shuren out of respect for the Crown Princess and the Xu family. Nothing more."

Even if Xu Xin'er was manipulated, her actions led Pei Yao to despise her.

Seeing Pei Yao's resolve, Fang Yun changed the topic, speaking softly, "It's already happened. Please don't let it trouble you further, Your Highness. Worrying too much could harm your health. How about a walk after finishing the tea I made? You once mentioned a spring and a pavilion on the mountain. I haven't seen it yet."

Her gentle words soothed his irritation.

Taking the cup she handed him, Pei Yao sipped the tea and nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, at the Xu household, Xu Xin'er, having received Yan Li's message about her new title of Shuren, was elated.

"Congratulations, my lady, for achieving your goal," said Yundou, the round-faced maid who had shown genuine concern for Xu Xin'er's injuries.

Xu Xin'er beamed, smoothing her hair, "Though the rank is low, as Shuren, once I gain the Crown Prince's favor, I'll surely rise. My cousin and aunt do care for me. Mother's strategy worked. When I'm favored and bear a child, I won't forget them."

In her mind, the Crown Princess couldn't have children anymore due to health issues.

Yundou forced a smile, agreeing reluctantly.

Unaware of the details, Xu Xin'er asked, "Where's Qiao Cui?"

"Oh, Madam isn't feeling well, so Qiao Cui is caring for her, showing your filial piety," Yundou explained.

She knew Madam Wang's true situation but had orders not to tell Xu Xin'er.

Satisfied, Xu Xin'er nodded and continued daydreaming about her future in the Eastern Palace.

Her demeanor made Yundou sigh inwardly, but there was nothing she could do—each person's fate was their own.