The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 221 - Judging Character

In the afternoon, Emperor Chengjing did not participate in the hunt. He sat in the viewing stands with Empress Li, accompanied by his always-favored Rui Pin.

When Fang Yun arrived, Hu Liangdi was already seated. The Crown Princess had not arrived yet. After a brief exchange of greetings, they turned their attention to the hunting ground.

Led by Pei Yao, King Ming, and King Dun, the field was filled with eager hunters on horseback, holding their bows.

These hunts always had prizes.

Winning not only meant receiving a valuable treasure but also gaining recognition before the Emperor, a coveted opportunity for all.

Especially for the younger officials, while civil officials had some chances, military officers had fewer opportunities to stand out, making this an important event.

"Father, I've prepared my bow and arrows to hunt some deer and make leather boots for you. What prize have you prepared this year?" King Ming asked exuberantly, reining in his horse.

Emperor Chengjing, in high spirits, laughed aloud. "I've prepared the prize. Let's see if you have the skill to win it. Bring it out!"

At his command, two eunuchs carried redwood trays. One held a bow, the other a box of arrows.

Seeing these items, those in the know perked up.

"Uncle, is that the Lingbao Bow?" Pei Yao asked first.

Emperor Chengjing nodded, "Indeed, you have a keen eye. This is the Lingbao Bow passed down from the previous dynasty, used by General Li. The arrows are made from the feathers of the Haidongqing, priceless treasures."

Many might not know the history of the Lingbao Bow, but the Haidongqing bird was legendary.

To some nomadic tribes, the Haidongqing was a divine messenger, highly esteemed and representing royalty. It was an elusive bird, rarely seen, and its feathers, used to make arrows, were incredibly valuable.

Regardless of the ethical concerns, the arrow's value was indeed as Emperor Chengjing described.

As Fang Yun examined the bow and arrows, Hu Liangdi whispered beside her.

"The Lingbao Bow, lightweight yet incredibly powerful, can shoot over a hundred steps. General Li from the previous dynasty used it to expand territory and stabilize the realm. It's a rare treasure, coveted by those who practice martial arts."

Hearing this, Fang Yun looked at Hu Liangdi with a hint of surprise.

"You know about these things?"

"A little," Hu Liangdi smiled. "My father and brother are both martial artists. My brother is particularly obsessed, so I've heard a lot since childhood and remembered some."

Fang Yun nodded in understanding and didn't ask further.

However, she increasingly felt that Hu Liangdi was not simple.

Calm and composed, with a good family background and extensive knowledge, she was not to be underestimated.

As this small exchange ended, the hunt began.

Without needing to consider Emperor Chengjing's presence, everyone was eager to give their best. At the sound of the horn, they shot off like arrows.

They quickly dispersed, disappearing into the vast hunting grounds.

There was a banquet planned for the evening, featuring roasted meat from the day's hunt.

Emperor Chengjing, coaxed by Rui Pin, went for a walk, leaving Empress Li looking displeased at Rui Pin's flirtatious behavior.

Fortunately, the Empress was accompanied by two princesses, preventing her from being alone.

This was Fang Yun's first time seeing the Fourth Princess.

She was very beautiful, even more so than the legitimate Third Princess, but lacked the latter's poise, sitting timidly without any royal demeanor.

The Third Princess, Empress Li's daughter, was pampered from a young age. She chatted with the Empress while listening to the compliments of several noblewomen, like a proud peacock.

A quick glance made Fang Yun sigh inwardly.

If the Fourth Princess couldn't stand up for herself, her future would be even harder.

After all, she was still in the boudoir now but would eventually marry.

Of course, this wasn't Fang Yun's concern. Feeling a bit drowsy, she informed the Crown Princess and left the stands for a walk to clear her head.

Not far into her stroll, she encountered Princess Consort Ming and Fang Cien.

They were also taking a walk.

Meeting them, Fang Yun greeted them politely.

"Greetings, Princess Consort."

Although Pei Yao was the Crown Prince, higher in rank than King Ming, the Princess Consort was his legitimate wife, unlike Fang Pei, who was a concubine, so Fang Yun remained courteous.

"What a coincidence to meet Fang Liangdi. This time, Fang Cefei didn't come, but Fang Shufei did. Otherwise, you three sisters could have had a good chat," the Princess Consort said with a smile, though her gaze was less respectful, scanning Fang Yun up and down before adding.

"You three are sisters and all concubines. You must have a lot to talk about, right, Fang Shufei?"

She glanced at Fang Cien as she spoke.

Her words were clearly sarcastic, highlighting Fang Cien's difficult life in King Ming's mansion.

It made sense. Fang Cien entered under the guise of Fang Pei's cousin, ostensibly to support Fang Pei's favor. The Princess Consort and Fang Pei didn't get along, so she wouldn't treat Fang Cien well.

After a quick exchange of glances with Fang Yun, Fang Cien spoke softly.

"You jest, Princess Consort. Cefei and I are legitimate daughters and were not close to Fang Liangdi in the boudoir. Now, as concubines of the Prince, we are even less close. However, the Prince said I should talk more with you, Princess Consort, as you are kind and will treat me like a sister."

Fang Yun knew Fang Cien was clever, but this was the first time she saw her in action.

Her words were well-crafted.

She distanced herself from Fang Yun, emphasized her loyalty to Fang Pei, preventing the Princess Consort from sowing discord, and subtly insulted the Princess Consort by mentioning the Prince.

Seeing this, Fang Yun knew she hadn't misjudged her.

She smiled lightly and added, "Indeed, I am a concubine and not close to Shufei. But now, Shufei and the Princess Consort are true sisters. I wonder, how did a legitimate daughter learn to be a concubine? Shufei seems to be favored by the Prince. Is it self-taught or thanks to the Princess Consort's guidance?"

Facing two opponents, Fang Yun didn't back down.

The Princess Consort glared at her, "Your family certainly teaches sharp tongues."

"Thank you for the compliment, Princess Consort," Fang Yun replied indifferently.

Arguing with her own concubines was one thing, but arguing with others' concubines was less interesting.

The Princess Consort didn't pursue it further, leaving with a flick of her sleeve, and Fang Cien followed silently.

After they left, Fang Yun continued her walk.

To avoid more trouble, she headed to a secluded area, planning to stroll through the woods where it was cooler.

Just as she was about to enter the woods, she heard playful voices.

"Yu'er, I've missed you so much. Let me hold you."

"You shameless thing, don't wrinkle my clothes. I have to return to Mother soon!"

"I know, I'm always careful, aren't I?"

Hearing this, Fang Yun and Qingrong exchanged a stunned glance.