The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 226 - Mutual Disgust

The evening banquet.

Pei Yao and Fang Yun arrived together, with the Crown Princess and Hu Liangdi already present.

King Ming was conversing with Emperor Chengjing. Upon seeing Pei Yao, he jokingly remarked, "I heard the Crown Prince returned early to rest today. I was hoping for another competition. Has the Crown Prince's riding and archery skills declined, tiring you out so quickly?"

Emperor Chengjing chimed in, "It's rare to come out hunting. This is a chance for our royal youth to show their vigor. Crown Prince, you must not slack off. Today, I saw Zecheng's progress; his riding and archery skills have improved, and he hunted a lot of game."

"Father's praise is too generous. I was just thinking of using the hides from the game to keep Father warm in winter," King Ming replied, smiling with false modesty.

Everyone present listened without daring to interject, but all silently observed the situation.

Emperor Chengjing's growing favoritism towards King Ming was becoming evident, putting the Crown Prince in a precarious position.

Although the throne was initially given by the former emperor, who would remember this after Emperor Chengjing's long reign? Many were now mere spectators.

Fang Yun glanced at Pei Yao, sighing inwardly, knowing his struggles.

However, her current position didn't allow her to speak up and defend him.

Being of low rank, speaking out before the emperor would be improper and embarrassing for Pei Yao.

Moreover, Pei Yao had likely faced such situations often and could handle them.

Indeed, Pei Yao showed no change in expression, smiling warmly as he responded, "Uncle, you're right. However, I wasn't shirking. I received news that there were venomous snakes in Fang Liangdi's tent. Concerned, I hurried back, only to find out she's pregnant. Worried for her and the child, I stayed to comfort her instead of returning to the hunt."

Hearing this, Emperor Chengjing looked surprised.

Cherishing descendants and fulfilling the duty of a husband was commendable, forcing him to praise Pei Yao.

Pretending to realize, he smiled warmly, "I see. With few children, it's important to care for your pregnant concubine. Well done."

He then glanced at Fang Yun, adopting a kind elder's demeanor, and instructed, "Since we have a pregnant woman here, prepare a separate meal for her at the banquet."

The chief eunuch complied and went to make arrangements.

Watching Emperor Chengjing's act, Fang Yun felt nauseated, like seeing her father, Fang Hongshen, pretending to be a loving parent.

Her gaze swept over the ministers, spotting her father and her legitimate brother, Fang Zhanming.

Why should she be the only one disgusted?

So, while thanking the emperor, she softly said, "It's my honor to serve the Crown Prince, thanks to His Majesty's grace and my father's nurturing. Now, being pregnant, my greatest wish is to give the Crown Prince a child."

Hearing Fang Yun's words, Pei Yao smiled faintly and immediately turned to Emperor Chengjing with a bow.

"Indeed, without Uncle and Minister Fang, I wouldn't have such a cherished person by my side. Thank you, Uncle, for your grace."

He then addressed Fang Hongshen.

"Minister Fang, you have taught your daughters well. Both King Ming and I are fortunate."

Having two daughters respectively marry the Crown Prince and King Ming, even as concubines, appeared favorable for Fang Hongshen.

But inwardly...

Fang Hongshen's somewhat stiff expression suggested otherwise.

Nonetheless, he had to exchange polite words with Pei Yao and hypocritically congratulate Fang Yun.

Fang Yun's pregnancy also annoyed King Ming, as Fang Pei had suffered two miscarriages.

Empress Li, seeing her beloved son slighted, felt displeased. With a cold glint in her eyes, she glanced towards the Crown Princess and then spoke with a gentle smile.

"Speaking of which, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess have been married for some years. The Crown Princess has been nurturing her health. It's high time for a legitimate heir."

Hearing this, Fang Yun couldn't help but feel a weight in her heart.

Fang Yun thought to herself, "I haven't even exposed your daughter's scandal yet, and you still have the nerve to stir up trouble."

The reason for the Crown Princess's lack of an heir was well known to Empress Li.

Although Pei Yao's expression remained unchanged, his voice turned colder as he responded.

"Thank you for your concern, Empress. Yuehua's miscarriage years ago weakened her, and she is still recuperating. I'm in no rush; we are both still young."

Addressing the Crown Princess by her given name showed his support.

The Crown Princess stood and apologized, "Though the palace strife years ago led to my miscarriage, failing to bear an heir remains my fault."

Rui Pin, who entered the palace later, feigned ignorance and asked curiously, "How is the Crown Princess's miscarriage related to the palace strife?"

This question put Emperor Chengjing in a difficult position.

How to respond?

Admitting in front of everyone that Empress Li caused it and framed others?

Even without revealing the truth, it would imply Empress Li's poor management of the harem led to the Crown Princess's miscarriage, embarrassing the royal family.

Thus, Emperor Chengjing sternly said, "Enough. Childbearing follows fate and cannot be forced. Let's leave it at that and take our seats."

Further discussion would be problematic.

Although Empress Li remained composed, her unease was evident. The topic was swiftly dropped, and everyone resumed their places.

But the Third Princess was distressed, focusing on resolving her marriage predicament and desperately signaling Empress Li.

Seeing her impatience, Empress Li calmed her with a gesture.

Soon after the banquet began, Empress Li offered a toast to Emperor Chengjing.

"Your Majesty, I toast to your health and eternal reign."

"Thank you, Empress," Emperor Chengjing graciously drank.

Empress Li continued, "Your Majesty looks healthier than ever. The rejuvenation elixir from the two Taoists must be effective. Where are they tonight? I had a strange dream and hoped they could interpret it."