The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 218 - Learning from an Example

The autumn hunt was to take place at Luming Mountain. Although it was referred to as being in the outskirts of the capital, there were both distant and nearby outskirts, and Luming Mountain was in the distant outskirts.

It was said that traveling another two or three hours forward would reach Huizhou, Yang Cefei's hometown.

However, Yang Cefei was not here this time, having been left in the palace to help the Crown Princess manage household affairs.

The carriages set off early in the morning, rocking for an entire day before finally reaching the hunting grounds around dinner time.

After such a tiring day, Emperor Chengjing, due to his age, couldn't sustain his energy. Upon Empress Li's persuasion, the evening banquet was canceled.

It was a relief, as everyone was quite exhausted, and resting directly was for the best.

Fang Yun was soon led to her accommodation.

During the hunt, everyone stayed in tents, a novelty for Fang Yun.

Though called a tent, it was fully equipped inside, with curtains and screens creating separate spaces, making it indistinguishable from a house.

For this trip, Fang Yun only brought Qingrong and Yanwei, leaving Yuan He at home to take care of the Second Young Lady.

The child was still young, and the hunting grounds' environment was less suitable, with little for a child to enjoy, so she wasn't brought along to endure the hardship.

"Liangdi, I took a look around outside. The tents are set up with the royal family in the east and the ministers in the west, separated by viewing stands. It's convenient for you to go for a walk," Yanwei said, peeking through the curtain with an irrepressible excitement.

These maids rarely had the chance to go out, so it was their first time participating in such a royal event, and they couldn't be happier.

Fang Yun nodded, "Take out our own things and set them up. Although there are arrangements here, I'm not used to them."

"Yes, I'll get to it," Yanwei nodded and was soon joined by Qingrong to start organizing.

Both understood that saying she wasn't used to the provided items was a polite excuse. In such a busy place, using their own things was the safest option.

While they set up, Fang Yun opened a box of snacks on the table, taking out a couple to nibble on.

Lunch had been a simple meal of sesame cakes and meat soup taken in the carriage without stopping.

It wasn't as tasty as the dishes prepared in the palace kitchens, but on the road, there were no choices.

Fang Yun hadn't eaten much because it wasn't to her liking, so she felt hungry now.

Fortunately, she didn't have to wait long as dinner was soon delivered to the tent.

After quickly finishing her meal and washing up, she went straight to bed.

The day's journey had been tiring, and Pei Yao wouldn't be visiting tonight, especially with the Crown Princess also present. If he were to stay with someone, she would be the first.

With no pressure, Fang Yun slept soundly.

The next morning, Qingrong woke her up for washing up before they went to greet the Crown Princess.

Just outside the tent, they met Hu Liangdi.

"Good morning, Sister Fang," Hu Liangdi greeted politely.

"Sister," Fang Yun returned the greeting. "Are you heading to pay respects to the Crown Princess? Let's go together."

It wasn't far, after all.

Hu Liangdi agreed, nodding, and they walked together.

When they arrived, the Crown Princess had just finished getting ready and came out to see them, smiling and motioning for them to sit.

"How was your stay last night? It's not quite like the palace, a bit lacking," the Crown Princess asked.

"Not to make you laugh, Your Highness," Fang Yun responded, fanning herself, "But the bumpy ride left me so dizzy that I slept even better here than in the palace."

Perhaps being outside the palace made the Crown Princess appear more cheerful.

Laughing at Fang Yun's words, she said, "The journey was long and tiring. I went to bed early too."

Listening to their conversation, Hu Liangdi added softly, "I heard there are many mosquitoes in the outskirts. I asked the imperial physician for some insect-repelling herbs and made sachets. If Your Highness and Sister Fang don't mind, wearing them might help."

Hu Liangdi's voice was cool and gentle, matching her serene and gentle aura like a mountain spring.

"You're very thoughtful. Tianmo, take them," the Crown Princess said warmly.

Fang Yun took one and admired it. "What exquisite embroidery! I've never seen this flower before. Hu Liangdi, you are indeed knowledgeable."

Hu Liangdi smiled modestly. "I've heard of your exceptional needlework, Sister Fang. I'm delighted you like it. This flower, called Hypericum, is commonly grown in southern gardens. My mother loves flowers, so I know a bit about them, but I wouldn't dare call myself knowledgeable."

Fang Yun found Hu Liangdi pleasant to interact with, at least for now.

As they chatted, footsteps approached from the entrance.

The curtain lifted, and Pei Yao strode in.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

The Crown Princess hurriedly stood up, leading Fang Yun and Hu Liangdi to greet him.

"No need," Pei Yao waved his hand and helped the Crown Princess up. "I came to have breakfast with you and then go to pay respects to the Emperor and Empress."

The Crown Princess nodded, "I've already prepared. Since Fang Liangdi and Hu Liangdi are here, why not join us?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Yun immediately bowed, "I wouldn't want to intrude on Your Highness and the Crown Princess. Yanwei worried I wouldn't be used to the food here and prepared wontons early. I'll go back and have those."

Hu Liangdi seemed to want to say something but seeing Fang Yun's response and with a thoughtful look, she also bowed.

"I also had breakfast prepared earlier. It would be a waste not to eat it. Your Highness and the Crown Princess, please enjoy your meal. I'll take my leave."

Seeing this, Pei Yao did not stop them.

The two soon left the tent, each returning to their own quarters.

Yuetao, supporting Hu Liangdi, asked confusedly, "Why didn't you stay, Liangdi? It seemed neither His Highness nor the Crown Princess minded. It could have been a chance to interact with His Highness."

"I initially wanted to stay, but seeing Fang Liangdi decline so decisively made me reconsider. There's a reason His Highness likes her and the Crown Princess doesn't dislike her. It's about knowing where to draw the line," Hu Liangdi explained.

Opportunities to interact with the Crown Prince would come later. There was no need to rush and risk offending the Crown Princess.

Yuetao nodded, half-understanding, then heard Hu Liangdi murmur.

"To gain favor, one must first observe how others do it and learn from them. I'm fortunate to witness many of Fang Liangdi's methods during this time. I should take notes."

On the other hand, Fang Yun, unaware she was now Hu Liangdi's role model, was enjoying a delicious breakfast.

She had been hungry since early morning but held off to pay respects to the Crown Princess first. Now back, she started with a bowl of wontons.

Not quite enough, so she drank another bowl of porridge and had some side dishes before stopping.

As the time for the hunt approached, she tidied up and headed to the viewing stands.