The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 225 - The Heir of Marquis Jinrong

Meanwhile, Fang Yun had just been settled in.

Pei Yao had a cushion placed on the chair and added a pillow before letting her sit down.

"Your Highness, there's no need to be so nervous. I'm pregnant, not made of porcelain," Fang Yun said with a smile.

Qingrong said sternly, "Liangdi, please don't joke about this. The first three months are the most precarious, and you need to be extra careful. His Highness's arrangements are the best."

"Yes, if we had known you were pregnant, we would have been even more diligent," Yanwei added.

Thinking about Fang Yun's fall earlier, Yanwei still felt a bit frightened.

Pei Yao nodded in agreement, "Being cautious is never wrong."

"Alright, I'll listen to His Highness," Fang Yun smiled.

With that, Qingrong and Yanwei were dismissed, leaving only Hong Zheng to serve them.

Pei Yao then asked Hong Zheng, "Have you found any clues about the snake incident?"

"Your Highness, an undercover guard reported that after the incident, a patrolling guard was seen lingering around Fang Liangdi's tent for a long time, acting suspiciously. Someone is already investigating him," Hong Zheng reported.

He then continued, "Regarding the Third Princess's secret meetings, we've identified two possible suspects: the youngest son of the Minister of Personnel and the heir of Marquis Jinrong."

The Third Princess was sociable and often mingled with the daughters of high-ranking officials, frequently interacting with noble sons.

Initially, six young men were identified, but after further checks, only these two remained.

"The Minister of Personnel is King Ming's father-in-law, aiming to marry off his son and daughter to royalty. Marquis Jinrong's heir is idle, lacking heirs despite the title. Investigate him," Pei Yao ordered.

Hong Zheng nodded and left.

Once the tent was quiet, Fang Yun softly asked, "Your Highness, what are your plans? I'm worried the perpetrator might realize their failure and take precautions."

"Don't worry. These two men are not the Empress's choices for the Third Princess. If she seeks the Empress's help, it will cause a stir. I have people watching," Pei Yao reassured her.

The Third Princess, now seventeen, had her marriage set for this year or next.

Trusting his arrangements, Fang Yun didn't press further.

Seeing the fruit on the table, she reached for one.

"Are you hungry?" Pei Yao asked gently, his demeanor softening.

Feeling embarrassed, Fang Yun nodded, "After all this, I am a bit hungry. I'll have some fruit since it's not yet time for dinner."

"No, you need proper food, especially now. I'll have some light dishes prepared," Pei Yao insisted.

Pei Yao called for someone to bring some pregnancy-friendly food from the kitchen.

Fang Yun thought this was one of the benefits of being pregnant; at least her treatment was improving.

Thinking about treatment reminded her of her promotion prospects.

With a successful pregnancy and maintaining favor, she might secure the concubine position.

This made Fang Yun more cautious about her pregnancy.

Some might say she was treating the child as a bargaining chip, but in the palace, mother and child relied on each other. A child would bring her more benefits, and her stable status would provide a better environment for the child.

Fang Yun didn't believe in selfless sacrifice. She would love her child but loved herself more.

So, she focused on eating well to avoid hunger.

Pei Yao, having been busy all day, also hadn't eaten, so they ate together harmoniously.

Meanwhile, things were not going well in Empress Li's tent.

The eunuchs and maids at the door heard the sound of porcelain breaking, too scared to breathe.

No one knew what the Third Princess had said to the Empress to anger her so much.

"You unfilial daughter! Are you trying to kill me with anger?" Empress Li shouted, holding onto a chair, her face flushed, chest heaving, pointing at the Third Princess.

"I told you I had found a match for you, the eldest son of the Right Governor of the Five Armies, Master Ye. He is accomplished in both civil and martial arts, handsome, already working in the Five Armies Office, with a father in a powerful military position and a respectable family background. Why would you entangle yourself with the heir of Marquis Jinrong?"

The Third Princess knelt, cowering under the scolding.

Tearfully, she looked up at the Empress, "But Mother, I truly love Brother Yin. Master Ye may seem great, but he's dull, unromantic, and rigid. Marrying him would be like living with a block of wood."

"Do you know what you're talking about?"

Empress Li was infuriated by her words.

"Do you think Marquis Jinrong's house is a good place? Do you know who Yin Changce is? He may be called an heir, but he's a useless fool, living off his ancestral title without achieving anything. His father's house is full of women; what good can he bring?"

"No, Mother, it's not like that. Brother Yin was unwell and couldn't take the exams. He studies hard, and his poetry and essays are excellent. He promised to earn his title and restore our family's honor. He's not like his father!"

Upon hearing the Third Princess still defending the heir of Marquis Jinrong, Empress Li was furious and almost raised her hand to hit her.

Fortunately, the Third Princess realized her approach was wrong and quickly bowed her head, crying.

"Mother, I know I was wrong, but now, since I met with the Marquis's heir in private, and Fang Shi, the Crown Prince's concubine, saw us. The Marquis's heir wanted to silence her but failed. They must be suspicious. If they make a fuss, it will not only bring shame to me but might also implicate you and my brother."

Mentioning this, Empress Li understood the gravity of the situation.

While her daughter was important, her hopes lay with her son.

If Pei Yao seized this opportunity to act against King Ming, it would be disastrous.

After a moment of silence, Empress Li composed herself and spoke coldly.

"Tonight, you must not act rashly. Follow my instructions. Do you understand?"

"I will do everything you say, Mother!"

The Third Princess, clinging to this lifeline, quickly stood and leaned towards Empress Li, showing her utmost obedience.