The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 222: Secret Meeting with a Man

Qingrong was about to say something, but Fang Yun quickly stopped her with a look and gestured for them to leave.

Eavesdropping wasn't something Fang Yun was interested in, especially since it sounded like a secret meeting between a man and a woman. The forest, though dense, offered little cover if they were discovered.

They were both defenseless and could easily be caught.

Despite their quick departure, the people inside noticed.

"It seems like someone is outside," the woman's voice said.

The forest was dark, and it was easier for those inside to see out.

"Don't panic," the man's voice became steady.

Fang Yun, hearing the noise faintly, quickened her pace. She and Qingrong hurried away without looking back.

Whether they were seen or not, Fang Yun wasn't sure, but they breathed a sigh of relief upon reaching a safe spot.

"Liangdi, wipe your sweat. We should be fine now," Qingrong handed her a handkerchief.

Fang Yun took it, wiping her forehead, feeling calmer. She then lowered her voice to review what had happened.

"Did you hear the woman mention 'Mother Empress'?"

"Yes," Qingrong nodded. "And the man called her 'Yu'er'."

They exchanged a glance, both realizing who it might be.

A woman who could call someone 'Mother Empress' was either a princess or the Empress's daughter-in-law. The only one named with 'Yu' was the Third Princess, single-named Yu.

The answer was clear.

"Forget what you heard earlier. Don't tell anyone without my permission, including Yanwei. Understand?" Fang Yun warned sternly.

Qingrong knew the gravity of the situation and nodded firmly.

Once they calmed down, they returned to the viewing stands.

Near the entrance, they encountered the Third Princess, who seemed to be waiting for them.

"Oh, Fang Liangdi, where have you been? I heard that Shufei from King Ming's mansion, who is your cousin, is here. Why didn't you catch up?" the Third Princess asked, half-smiling.

If the Third Princess hadn't stopped her, Fang Yun would have been 90% sure, but now she was certain.

The Third Princess wouldn't seek her out without a reason, especially after their conflict last year over Rui Pin's childbirth.

But Fang Yun didn't intend to show her suspicion, so she frowned slightly, her expression calm.

"She's just a cousin, not someone I'm close to. If there's nothing else, I'll return to my seat, Your Highness."

Fang Yun appeared indifferent and puzzled by the Third Princess's presence, showing no signs of having found leverage.

The Third Princess scrutinized Fang Yun's face, then Qingrong's, seeing nothing unusual, her doubt slightly eased.

With a light hum, she turned and left.

Fang Yun didn't look back, calmly leading Qingrong back to their seat.

After drinking a cup of tea, she steadied her nerves.

Fang Yun knew she had to inform Pei Yao about this later.

By evening, the hunters began to return.

Honestly, it was quite boring, not as comfortable as the palace.

There were people everywhere, and every move had to be cautious to avoid disgracing the Eastern Palace. It was exhausting to maintain decorum all day.

With the hunters back, things finally livened up.

Fang Yun and Hu Liangdi followed the Crown Princess down from the viewing stands and saw Pei Yao dismounting, directing the guards to count the game.

Winning the prize depended not only on the quantity but also on the quality of the game, so it wasn't just about hunting the most.

During a break in the counting, Pei Yao noticed Fang Yun and the others and walked over.

After they greeted him, Pei Yao, in a good mood, said, "We're having roasted meat tonight. Fresh venison should taste good."

"Your Highness hunted deer, so today's harvest must be plentiful," the Crown Princess smiled.

Hu Liangdi added, "Wild deer are agile and hard to catch. Your Highness's riding and archery skills are indeed excellent."

Seeing the two chatting, with Fang Yun remaining silent, Pei Yao glanced at her.

Feeling his gaze, Fang Yun smiled shyly.

"I'm hungry. Hearing about roasted meat made me lose focus."

Pei Yao laughed, "I've been busy all day and haven't complained about hunger, yet you're already hungry."

"Please don't tease me, Your Highness. I might be too embarrassed to eat later," Fang Yun said, her eyebrows arching playfully.

Finally, Pei Yao waved his hand, "Alright, come with me to change clothes. By the time we return, the counting should be done."

This was directed at Fang Yun, so she accompanied him.

Under the Crown Princess and Hu Liangdi's gaze, they left together.

The Crown Princess remained calm, but Hu Liangdi couldn't help but wonder.

Could Fang Yun's favor be due to her ability to act cute and charming?

Maybe she should try it next time.

Meanwhile, in the tent, Fang Yun dismissed the servants and helped Pei Yao change clothes while recounting the day's events.

After listening, Pei Yao narrowed his eyes and sneered.

"As expected of Li's daughter, bold like her mother, but misusing it. Secretly meeting a man before marriage, I wonder how the Empress would react."

"But we don't know who she met. The hunting ground is crowded, making it hard to investigate," Fang Yun said softly.

Among the ministers accompanying Emperor Chengjing were both military and civil officials.

Even if they excluded all the military officers who went hunting today, it would take time to investigate the civil officials. Moreover, a military officer could have pretended to go hunting and sneaked back.

"Leave it to me. I'll investigate," Pei Yao said, squeezing Fang Yun's hand. "She tested you today, probably suspecting you. I'll assign two secret guards to protect you for the next few days."

Fang Yun was pleasantly surprised by Pei Yao's proactive concern for her safety, something she had been worried about broaching herself.

With Pei Yao bringing it up, she gratefully accepted his offer.

In addition, Pei Yao gave her a few instructions regarding Fang Cien, seeking to glean some information about King Ming.

Fang Yun was already planning to do this, making their exchange smooth and cooperative.

After getting ready, they headed to the evening banquet together.

While the first banquet had its novelty, the second felt much the same.

Similar to ordinary royal feasts, only now held in a tent rather than the opulent palace halls.

Feeling genuinely hungry, Fang Yun ate quietly, filling her stomach before becoming sleepy.

Fortunately, Emperor Chengjing, due to his age, ended the banquet early, sparing her from prolonged fatigue.

After the banquet, Pei Yao sent Hong Zheng to fetch Fang Yun, bringing her to his tent.

Observing this, Hu Liangdi felt a pang of frustration. Despite being prepared, seeing the Crown Prince favor Fang Yun still brought a sense of defeat and displeasure.

However, she kept her composure, quietly returning to her quarters with her maids.