The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 220 - Understanding the Rules

"Your Highness," Hu Liangdi greeted, bowing slightly.

The Crown Princess nodded slightly, "Sit. The luncheon will begin soon."

Hu Liangdi glanced around and asked, "Where is Fang Liangdi?"

She actually wanted to ask about the Crown Prince but couldn't be so direct in front of the Crown Princess, nor was she sure of his presence or Fang Yun's involvement.

The Crown Princess saw through her thoughts and answered directly, "Fang Liangdi is helping His Highness change clothes and should be here soon."

Hu Liangdi showed no reaction, just nodded slightly and remained silent.

Not long after, Pei Yao and Fang Yun entered the banquet tent together.

Both had faint smiles, seemingly having had a pleasant conversation.

After entering, Pei Yao went to sit with the Crown Princess, and Fang Yun naturally went to her own seat beside Hu Liangdi.

Seeing Fang Yun, Hu Liangdi quietly observed her.

Fang Yun's demeanor was not what Hu Liangdi had imagined for a favored concubine.

Usually, favored concubines were associated with displacing the wife, but this wasn't the case in the Eastern Palace.

The Crown Princess wasn't favored by the Crown Prince but was highly respected, which was apparent to everyone, including newcomers like Hu Liangdi.

It wasn't just about the Crown Princess being virtuous and tolerant; it also required the concubines to be compliant.

Thus, Fang Yun must have maintained her position by adhering to the rules, and never overstepping.

Hu Liangdi had considered the issues of the Fang family before entering the Eastern Palace.

Initially, she thought Fang Yun's favor was due to her beauty and seductive skills, a common assumption for concubines.

However, after meeting Fang Yun, she found her indeed beautiful but not the most stunning in the Eastern Palace, yet with excellent demeanor, graceful and gentle.

Observing over the days, Hu Liangdi realized this balance and understood that knowing and following the rules was key.

Fang Yun, unaware of Hu Liangdi's analysis, started eating quietly, genuinely hungry.

In such a setting, she had little to do; Pei Yao and the Crown Princess led the way.

The banter mostly revolved around Pei Yao, King Ming, and Empress Li, nothing new.

Fang Yun ate until she was about 70% full before slowing down, and looking around at the scene.

She noticed two old Taoists in robes entering together.

In front of everyone, they presented Emperor Chengjing with a rejuvenation pill.

"Your Majesty, this rejuvenation pill, crafted by my junior brother and me over years, was finally perfected with Your Majesty's dragon energy. It is more effective than any previously taken, promoting longevity, rejuvenating appearance, and boosting vitality, though not reversing aging, it strengthens the emperor's health," said the purple-robed Taoist.

The blue-robed Taoist remained silent but nodded in agreement.

"Very well, Taoist. You have met my expectations. Present the pill to me and grant these Taoists seats!" Emperor Chengjing ordered.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The purple-robed Taoist, maintaining a profound demeanor, performed a respectful Taoist salute.

Fang Yun watched silently, then glanced at Emperor Chengjing, who was holding the pill box with a delighted expression. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

How could people still believe in these pills?

If they truly worked, why would Taoists need doctors and prescriptions when they were sick, instead of taking their own concoctions?

"What are you looking at, sister?" Hu Liangdi's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Fang Yun returned to the present and smiled at her, "Oh, nothing. I had heard about the two highly skilled Taoist masters by the Emperor's side. I was just curious to finally see them today."

Hu Liangdi followed Fang Yun's gaze towards the two Taoists and then quietly asked, "Do you believe in the rejuvenation elixir?"

"As long as the Emperor believes, whatever these Taoists say is true," Fang Yun replied calmly.

Hu Liangdi smiled faintly and asked no more.

The luncheon ended quickly, as they only had an hour to rest before the afternoon hunt, and no one drank much.

Moreover, Emperor Chengjing was eager to return and enjoy the rejuvenation pill.

So, the gathering dispersed swiftly.

Pei Yao went straight to his tent, leaving the women with nothing much to discuss.

They each returned to their quarters.

Back in her tent, Fang Yun instructed Yanwei, "Find out what happened with Hu Liangdi and His Highness during the hunt today. She's been looking at me strangely since she returned."

"Yes, my lady. I'll go right away," Yanwei nodded and was about to leave when Fang Yun called her back.

"Stop by the kitchen and ask for some goat milk or fresh chicken. We need to feed the little fox."

Yanwei acknowledged and left quickly.

Qingrong helped Fang Yun inside to rest and asked, "Do you think Hu Liangdi has animosity towards you?"

"Not really, just curious. She keeps looking at me," Fang Yun replied, sitting by the bed and removing her shoes. "But let's wait until Yanwei returns. I'm a bit tired. I'll nap for a while."

Seeing this, Qingrong said no more, covering her with a light blanket before leaving.

When Fang Yun woke up, Yanwei brought back the news.

As she helped Fang Yun dress, Yanwei explained.

On the way back from the hunt, His Highness encountered Hu Liangdi. They walked together for a while and found a den of foxes.

Hu Liangdi showed her impressive skills, shooting down a large fox. The den had three cubs.

The two larger cubs fled into the woods, but the smallest was caught.

Hu Liangdi wanted to kill it, but Pei Yao stopped her. He captured the little fox alive, mentioning how Fang Yun liked a fox she saw at the villa and would be happy to have it.

Hu Liangdi didn't show any reaction, merely praising the fox's cuteness, but her true thoughts were unknown.

Fang Yun laughed wryly.

"His Highness really knows how to put me in difficult situations. This will surely cause some resentment."

"However, Hu Liangdi doesn't seem as difficult as He Liangdi," Yanwei noted.

Qingrong disagreed, "Remember Yang Cefei? Silent dogs are the ones that bite."

As the maids discussed, Fang Yun waved her hand.

"Enough. It's already happened. No use dwelling on it. Get ready; we're going to the viewing stands."