The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 216 - Completing the Quartet

After paying respects at Wutong Garden, it was time for lunch.

Although the stay at the villa had been pleasant, returning to the familiar courtyard brought an unexpected sense of comfort.

Perhaps it was the familiarity after so long.

Even the Second Young Lady seemed more at ease in the well-known courtyard.

"Liangdi, it's very sunny outside. Please come inside and rest. I've sent someone to the kitchen. Wash your hands and have lunch," Qingrong said softly.

Fang Yun nodded and instructed, "Bring the Second Young Lady inside. Feed her some egg custard for lunch."

"Yes," the wet nurse replied, carrying the child into the east wing.

Watching the child go inside, Fang Yun returned to her room.

Yanwei brought water for her to wash her hands. Fang Yun dipped her hands in the comfortable, warm water.

"Yuan He," Fang Yun called.

A servant quickly approached, "Yes, my lady."

Fang Yun glanced at her, taking the handkerchief from Qingrong and drying her hands. "Investigate the backgrounds of the newcomers entering the palace in September. I overheard in the Crown Princess's courtyard that one is surnamed Hu and another Xie, but I don't know their ranks."

There was no need to investigate Xu Xin'er, as Fang Yun already knew her situation well.

"Yes, my lady," Yuan He bowed and left.

After he left, Fang Yun had a simple lunch and took a nap.

Having gotten up early to return from the villa, she hadn't slept enough.

In the afternoon, Yuan He returned with the information.

"I've investigated thoroughly. Three are entering the palace: Hu Wanhuai, sister of Hu Daixu, Assistant Commander of the Beijing Guard, with the rank of Liangdi; Xie Qinlan, daughter of Hanlin Scholar Xie, with the rank of Shuren; and Xu Xin'er."

Listening, Qingrong frowned.

"The positions of Liangdi in the Crown Prince's rear court are limited to four. Adding Hu Liangdi completes the quartet, indicating her importance to His Highness."

Fang Yun remained calm.

"The Beijing Guard secures the capital, managing its defense and security. The Assistant Commander is a powerful position, naturally valued by His Highness."

Especially since one of the two positions had been taken by an ally of the First Prince due to He Liangdi's father's negligence. Now, reclaiming one, Pei Yao would certainly value it.

Moreover, Hu Daixu and Hu Liangdi being siblings implied the new Liangdi was young. To have such a position and Pei Yao's trust at her age indicated her capability.

"At least she didn't enter as a Cefei. There's still an open position. Our Liangdi, being favored, is bound to be promoted!" Yanwei encouraged.

With only trusted people around, Fang Yun didn't reprimand her for boasting, instead smiling.

"Thank you for your confidence. I must strive hard!"

"Please don't tease me, Liangdi!" Yanwei laughed, but her words resonated with Fang Yun.

The vacant Cefei position was on Fang Yun's mind.

Given her lowly family background, if Pei Yao ascended to the throne, her standing in the Eastern Palace would be crucial for securing a good position in the imperial harem.

Entering as Liangdi might not guarantee a high rank, but as a Cefei, especially with the Second Young Lady as leverage, she would at least be a consort.

A consort, the head of a palace, represented a significant milestone. Rising beyond this position meant a world of difference from those below.

Pondering this, Fang Yun called for Song Shuren to discuss matters.

Preparations and precautions were necessary, given the newcomers' unknown temperaments and tactics.

That night, Pei Yao spent the night at Wutong Garden with the Crown Princess.

They discussed the newcomers' arrangements.

"I've planned for Hu Liangdi to stay in Changchun Pavilion, Xie Shuren with Song Shuren in Tinglan Pavilion, which is spacious and was renovated early this year. Lastly, Xu Shuren will be in Qiusong Pavilion, which is more secluded," the Crown Princess said, observing Pei Yao's reaction.

She was anxious.

After all, Xu Xin'er and her stepmother, Madam Wang, had plotted against the Crown Prince this time.

Fortunately, Pei Yao wasn't one to misplace his anger. After hearing the arrangements, he showed no displeasure.

"Your arrangements are appropriate. Let's proceed as you planned."

"Yes," the Crown Princess sighed in relief and gently said, "It's getting late. Your Highness should rest."

Pei Yao nodded, saying no more.

The following month in the palace was peaceful.

Mainly because Pei Yao hadn't visited the rear court much.

It was known that Emperor Chengjing planned an autumn hunt at Luming Mountain on September 10th, so Pei Yao was busy with preparations.

According to the Great Qi royal family's tradition, the emperor typically held three hunts yearly, each lasting 15 to 20 days. However, Emperor Chengjing wasn't skilled in riding and archery, so after his ascension, he reduced it to one hunt per year, sometimes making excuses to skip it.

Occasionally, in high spirits, he'd organize another hunt in spring.

But generally, it was like this year, with just one hunt in autumn.

This timing was fortunate, as the new entrants to the Eastern Palace were to arrive on September 2nd, just before the hunt.

The newcomers didn't serve at night on their first day and were to offer tea and pay respects to the Crown Princess at Wutong Garden the next morning before being eligible to serve.

Thus, Wutong Garden was bustling the next morning.

Even Yang Cefei, who had avoided people due to illness, sat elegantly in the first seat next to the Crown Princess.

Fang Yun also dressed up, wearing a stunning scarlet dress.

Such occasions called for a display of favored concubine stature; otherwise, a weak first impression would invite unnecessary troubles.

The newcomers didn't keep them waiting long and were led in by Wutong Garden's maids.

As expected, the leading lady was the only Liangdi among them, Hu Wanhuai.

Hu Wanhuai was exceptionally beautiful, rivaling even Zhou Shuren of the past. She had delicate features, a graceful figure, and an air of elegance and ease, embodying the gentleness and beauty of a noble lady.

In this aspect, she was superior to Zhou Shuren, who came from a lesser household.

Xie Shuren, following behind, was also lovely, graceful, and refined, exuding a scholarly aura befitting the daughter of a Hanlin scholar, appearing very gentle and serene.

Xu Xin'er, of course, was an eyesore.

The Crown Princess followed protocol, accepting their tea, bestowing gifts, and offering some words of advice, signaling the end of the ceremony.

Perhaps specially instructed beforehand, Xu Xin'er behaved herself, making all three newcomers seem well-mannered and sensible.

Though appearances can be deceiving, time will tell their true natures.

Unexpectedly, as Fang Yun and Song Shuren were leaving Wutong Garden, a gentle, melodious voice called out.

"Please wait, sisters!"

They turned to see Xie Shuren approaching with her maid, smiling brightly.