The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 214 - Forced into Action

Eastern Palace.

Weiyang Pavilion.

Yang Cefei had kept a low profile lately, focusing on recuperating and nurturing the Third Young Master's health.

The premature birth was entirely her fault due to carelessness. Realizing this, she regained some rationality.

First and foremost, she hoped the Third Young Master's health could be restored. If not, she needed to have another healthy son to secure her future.

Therefore, she couldn't neglect her own health.

Secretly sending word to her hometown in Huizhou, she received an excellent tonic recipe from the Marquis of Nanning's household and was now taking it.

The recipe came from a highly skilled old physician.

Years ago, this physician was saved from bandits by Yang Cefei's father and had since served the Yang family.

Previously, Fang Yun's aunt, Song Qiuhe, agreed to work for Yang Cefei by infiltrating Fang Yun's circle because of Yang Cefei's promise that the physician could cure her son, Chen Xun.

Unfortunately, Song Qiuhe's demise meant her task remained incomplete.

Today, as Yang Cefei received supplements from the Marquis of Nanning's household, she also received another piece of news.

Chen Xun had escaped.

"Let him escape. With his heart condition, he won't survive outside the Marquis's household."

Yang Cefei sipped her health tonic, showing no concern.

Clearly, with Song Qiuhe gone, her son Chen Xun's life was as insignificant as grass to Yang Cefei.

Yun Qian nodded, saying no more.

Indeed, in Huizhou, the Marquis of Nanning's word was law. What could a sickly man like Chen Xun possibly accomplish?

If not for the old physician's kindness in trying to treat him, Chen Xun would have died with Song Qiuhe.

"His Highness has been away for about ten days and should return in five or six days. Though I can't show myself now, you must find a path for yourself. You can't rely on me entirely; otherwise, how will we support each other in the future?"

Yang Cefei finished her tonic, placing the bowl and spoon aside.

"But Cefei, your health is poor. I feel uneasy not attending to you personally," Yun Qian said, offering her a handkerchief.

Taking the handkerchief, Yang Cefei wiped her mouth and glanced toward the foot of the bed.

There stood a maid, formerly a second-class maid of Weiyang Pavilion.

"Since you started serving His Highness, Yunrou has been training her. I've observed her these days; she's meticulous and trustworthy. I've renamed her Siqi, and she'll manage things for me from now on. You must find a way to gain favor yourself. If not, once new people arrive, His Highness will forget you entirely."

Hearing this, Yun Qian looked at Siqi and then obediently nodded.

Yang Cefei then gifted her some clothes and jewelry, clearly intending to elevate Yun Qian's status.

Yun Qian felt uncertain.

She wasn't particularly attractive and had been a maid, but she had no choice but to try.

She knew her days would be difficult if she lost her value entirely, worse than being Yang Cefei's maid.

In the Eastern Palace, this old master-servant pair schemed for favor, while at the villa, He Liangdi did the same.

Pan Chun and Ying Xia decided not to tell He Liangdi about Xu Xin'er entering the Eastern Palace, fearing she would cause trouble and upset His Highness.

Considering He Liangdi's fiery temper, Ying Xia hesitated but agreed.

Unaware of Xu Xin'er's impending arrival, He Liangdi focused on winning Pei Yao's favor from Fang Yun.

Since arriving at the villa, Pei Yao either spent nights alone or with Fang Yun. He Liangdi and Song Shuren were sidelined.

Song Shuren didn't mind, understanding Fang Yun brought her for relaxation and focused on enjoying herself.

But He Liangdi sought favor and wanted a child, so she constantly tried to get close to Pei Yao.

After finally spending a night and having lunch with him, she couldn't find him the next day.

Hearing he was busy with state affairs, she didn't mind until she learned he had gone to Fang Yun's place after court.

After lunch, she heard he went with Fang Yun to the mountain pavilion.

Unable to bear it, He Liangdi wanted to go out, but Ying Xia stopped her.

"Why interrupt them now? You'll only ruin His Highness's mood, and Fang Yun knows how to talk. She hasn't stopped you from seeing His Highness, right?"

"What do you mean?" He Liangdi frowned.

Ying Xia gently said, "You've been too clingy lately, which is counterproductive. Plus, the weather looks bad today. They won't stay out long. If you act more gentle and thoughtful like Fang Yun, His Highness might remember you more."

Knowing confronting Fang Yun directly never worked, He Liangdi hesitated but relented.

"Fine, let her be charming for now. She takes all those tonics but still can't get pregnant."

Meanwhile, Fang Yun didn't care what He Liangdi thought.

She and Pei Yao were walking to the pavilion.

Despite the overcast sky, the lush greenery, the bubbling spring with playful fish, and the birds drinking at the water's edge were captivating.

Lost in thought, she didn't notice a loose stone slab and lost her balance, falling backward.

"Careful!"

Pei Yao, quick to react, grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, thank you, Your Highness," Fang Yun said, heart still racing, gripping Pei Yao's hand tightly.

Nodding, Pei Yao didn't let go.

Qingrong, rushing up worriedly, asked, "Liangdi, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Fang Yun assured, noticing she was still holding Pei Yao's hand and blushing as she let go.

But Pei Yao held her hand again.

"I'll hold your hand. The mountain path is uneven, and your long dress makes walking difficult."

Surprised, Fang Yun smiled warmly and nodded, letting him lead her onward.