The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 217 - First in Line

Fang Yun and Song Shuren stopped, waiting as Xie Shuren approached.

She first courteously greeted them, then smiled warmly.

"Yesterday, Sister Song said Fang Liangdi is a wonderful person, and seeing you today, I can tell she was right. I couldn't help but want to get closer."

Since Xie Shuren and Song Shuren lived together, she had already met Song Shuren after entering the palace yesterday.

Fang Yun smiled faintly.

"Just a matter of getting along. We are all sisters now and should get along harmoniously."

"Sister Fang, you are absolutely right," Xie Shuren nodded quickly. "My parents always reminded me to get along well with everyone once I entered the palace."

Her tone was light and gentle, her eyes clear, making it seem as if she genuinely meant it.

Fang Yun glanced at Song Shuren, who smiled at her with a hint of resignation.

Seeing this, Fang Yun guessed that Xie Shuren might indeed have a simple nature.

It made sense. The Hanlin Academy officials, though not high-ranking, were known for their integrity.

Xie Shuren's father, a Fifth-Rank Hanlin Scholar, came from a respected scholarly family. Yuan He's investigation revealed the Xie family was of pure lineage, likely raising Xie Shuren to be simple and harmless.

Such a nature, however, could easily lead to her being taken advantage of in the deep palace.

Still, it was hard to judge a person's true character at first glance, so Fang Yun didn't plan to get too close.

Song Shuren, understanding her thoughts, softly said to Xie Shuren, "Today, after paying respects to the Crown Princess, you'll receive gifts. It's best to hurry back and await them, not neglecting the palace officials. I have an appointment to learn sewing from Fang Liangdi, so I won't accompany you. I'll return later."

Xie Shuren, suspecting nothing, nodded obediently and thanked Song Shuren for the reminder before hurrying away.

After she left, Fang Yun and Song Shuren returned to Biluo Pavilion and began chatting.

"What do you think of Xie Shuren?"

"She seems simple-minded for now," Song Shuren sipped her tea, smiling lightly. "But the palace is like a dye vat; anyone who enters is bound to be influenced. We'll understand her better in time."

Fang Yun understood the implication.

Newcomers' true natures often reveal themselves over time and through interactions.

"Being cautious is wise. If Xie Shuren is truly good, it would be beneficial to get along with her," Fang Yun said softly.

Song Shuren nodded, "Don't worry, Liangdi. I'll handle it."

After this brief exchange, Song Shuren glanced outside and remarked, "The newcomers are allowed to serve tonight. Who do you think will be first?"

Fang Yun chuckled nonchalantly. "You ask the obvious."

Song Shuren knew Fang Yun didn't mind the topic, so she laughed along.

"I see that Hu Liangdi is quite a beauty, the highest-ranked among this batch, with a good family background. As long as she's not foolish, she'll likely secure her place in the palace."

Fang Yun's eyes dimmed slightly. "If Hu Liangdi gains favor, has such a good family background, and bears a child or two, her future will be boundless."

"So, Liangdi, you need to act quickly and have your own child soon," Song Shuren suggested. "I can see His Highness likes you, and the Crown Princess is willing to support you. If you have your own child, with two children under your care, the other Cefei position is surely yours."

Fang Yun looked up, smiling helplessly. "Of course, I've thought about it, but having children can't be forced."

Song Shuren sighed lightly, saying no more.

She was indeed eager for Fang Yun to rise higher, as it would benefit her own position.

But as Fang Yun said, such matters required the right time, place, and people.

After half an hour of idle chat, Song Shuren left Biluo Pavilion.

Fang Yun didn't dwell on the conversation and went about her business.

Sure enough, by evening, news came that the Crown Prince would dine with Hu Liangdi at Changchun Pavilion.

Of course, dinner was just a pretense; everyone knew Hu Liangdi had taken the lead.

Newcomers entering the palace often went through such a process.

As expected, Hu Liangdi was favored by Pei Yao, serving him for two consecutive nights and receiving many rewards.

However, she remained low-key, not becoming arrogant with favor, treating others respectfully and harmoniously, reminiscent of Fang Yun's early days.

But unlike Fang Yun, who kept a low profile due to unstable footing, Hu Liangdi's humility seemed genuine, taking a more tranquil path.

She appeared gentle yet aloof, exuding a cool and independent aura, minimizing trouble.

She barely acknowledged provocations, including those from He Liangdi.

Following Hu Liangdi, Xie Shuren was next to serve.

Xie Shuren's turn seemed routine, with no particular highs or lows.

Having seen the first two through, Fang Yun pondered how Pei Yao would handle Xu Xin'er, only to receive news of the upcoming autumn hunt.

Such grand events allowed a few female attendants, raising the question of who would accompany him.

This time, the Crown Princess would also attend, taking one spot and limiting additional companions.

The final decision was for Yang Cefei to stay in the Eastern Palace, temporarily handling the household affairs, while Fang Yun and Hu Liangdi accompanied the Crown Princess.

This outcome was expected.

Among the existing ladies, Fang Yun was most favored, and among the newcomers, Hu Liangdi led. It struck a balance.

Of course, not everyone was pleased.

He Liangdi, for instance, wished to replace Fang Yun in the carriage.

And then there was Xu Xin'er.

Eagerly anticipating her turn, she now faced a twenty-day wait until Pei Yao's return, filled with frustration and anxiety.

However, this annual royal event was not to be disrupted, so grievances had to be stifled.

While they fumed, Fang Yun reclined against a large cushion in the carriage, lazily dozing off.

The adage "spring sleepiness, autumn fatigue, summer drowsiness" felt particularly true for her recently.

She longed for an extra hour of sleep each day.

While Fang Yun dozed off, Hu Liangdi, accompanying the Crown Prince for the first time, sat upright, familiarizing herself with the autumn hunt's procedures and etiquette with her maid.

"Liangdi, why not rest? Fang Liangdi seems very at ease. Perhaps you don't need to know all this; you could just observe from the stands," suggested her maid, Yuetao, softly.

Hu Liangdi waved her off, "Her ease comes from long service to His Highness and familiarity with the protocols. Didn't you hear she accompanied him to the villa last month? I must be diligent to match her."