The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 228 - A Suitable Match

Pei Yao's words were like a fishbone stuck in Empress Li's throat, rendering her speechless.

Seeing the situation, the Crown Princess also stepped in. Although she didn't know the exact details, she realized Pei Yao didn't want the Third Princess to marry into the Ye family.

"Yes, Aunt. While the Ye family's young master is excellent, he may not be a suitable match for the Third Princess. Like peacocks and tigers, both are magnificent but shouldn't be paired together. Perhaps this is why the celestial beings sent a dream to warn you, preventing a lifetime of misfortune for the Third Princess."

The husband and wife duo's coordinated remarks left Empress Li fuming.

Meanwhile, Fang Yun watched with amusement. It was clear that the young Taoist had been bribed by Pei Yao. She marveled at how Pei Yao managed to arrange this while spending the afternoon with her.

Empress Li's expression darkened, but Rui Pin, ever the opportunist, added fuel to the fire, addressing Emperor Chengjing.

"Your Majesty, it seems the Empress's maternal love moved the heavens, resulting in the divine dream."

This praise cornered Empress Li. If she continued to question the young Taoist's interpretation, it would make her seem obstinate and unrepentant. Summoning the elder Taoists would also disrupt Emperor Chengjing's interests, which she couldn't afford.

When plans go awry, someone is usually behind it.

Empress Li's gaze turned icy as she looked at Pei Yao.

She had no choice but to say, "It seems Yu'er's marriage needs more careful consideration."

Though displeased, she could tolerate it, as the affair between the Third Princess and Marquis Jinrong's heir, Yin Changce, hadn't been exposed. She guessed Pei Yao lacked sufficient evidence, which calmed her somewhat.

But to her surprise, Pei Yao had more tricks up his sleeve.

After Empress Li's remark, the young Taoist bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Empress, I calculated a hexagram before coming here and already knew Empress's query. I also dared to calculate the Third Princess's marriage. The hexagram shows that her suitable match is someone whose element is Earth."

Hearing this, Emperor Chengjing remarked, "How coincidental! Yu'er's birth element is Metal. Earth creates Metal; it's the way of the five elements."

The royal family's birth details aren't easily known, making this match seem divinely ordained to Emperor Chengjing.

Empress Li felt increasingly stifled, thinking if the young Taoist spoke another word, she'd have to act forcefully to prevent Pei Yao from ruining her daughter's marriage.

Thankfully, the young Taoist didn't say more, offering some flattering words to Emperor Chengjing before excusing himself.

Empress Li felt a sigh of relief, not noticing the shy demeanor of the Third Princess.

The Third Princess was pleased because Yin Changce's element was Earth.

Empress Li hadn't considered Yin Changce for the Third Princess, so she didn't know this. The Third Princess, however, felt even more destined for her "Brother Yin."

This dream interpretation episode ended for now.

As Empress Li suspected, Fang Yun only overheard fragments of the conversation, without concrete evidence to prove the Third Princess's affair with Yin Changce, limiting Pei Yao's actions today.

After the banquet, Pei Yao, wary of another venomous snake incident, had Fang Yun stay in his tent.

The Crown Princess anticipated this and said nothing.

Hu Liangdi felt a twinge of jealousy but hid it well.

Feeling full from the roasted meat at the banquet, Fang Yun wanted to walk off her meal. Pei Yao took her hand, intending to walk before returning.

Unexpectedly, they encountered Empress Li.

Her gaze fell on Fang Yun.

"The Crown Prince is truly considerate, pampering Fang Liangdi as soon as she's pregnant. But a concubine is still a concubine. No matter how much the Crown Prince values his offspring, he shouldn't neglect decorum. Spoiling a concubine over a wife brings criticism."

Annoyed by the banquet's events, Empress Li targeted Pei Yao.

Before Pei Yao could respond, Fang Yun softly curtsied.

"Empress, you worry too much. His Highness always respects decorum, and I dare not overstep. His Highness walks with me due to the child I carry. Also, perhaps because my elder sister, I mean, King Ming's concubine, has had multiple miscarriages, His Highness is extra cautious to prevent any issues."

Fang Pei's miscarriages were well-known in the royal family. Mentioning this made it seem like King Ming didn't care for his descendants or concubines.

Empress Li's gaze grew colder, and she snapped, "When do you get to interrupt when I'm speaking with the Crown Prince?"

"I wouldn't dare," Fang Yun curtsied again, "I just didn't want you to misunderstand His Highness. I couldn't bear if my presence caused a rift between you and His Highness."

Glancing at Pei Yao, Empress Li coolly said, "The Crown Prince grew up without his birth mother, essentially raised by me, his aunt. He could almost call me half his mother. There's no rift between us, is there, Crown Prince?"

Using her status as a senior, Empress Li tried to unsettle Pei Yao with their familial ties.

Pei Yao's expression turned colder, but he replied, "Aunt is right."

Seeing Pei Yao's displeasure, Fang Yun played innocent and sweet, smiling, "Ancient wisdom says, 'When the father loves, the mother is serene; when the mother is serene, the child is peaceful; when the child is peaceful, the family is harmonious; a harmonious family prospers.' It is due to the Empress's kindness that the Crown Prince and King Ming's homes are peaceful."

If Empress Li claimed to be Pei Yao's half-mother, Fang Yun crowned her with a "kind mother" title.

Everyone knew King Ming's household was a battleground, with the princess and concubine clashing, multiple miscarriages, and bringing in a cousin to compete for favor. Hardly a peaceful home.

Such a counter pushed Empress Li to the brink.

What could she say?

Deny Fang Yun's praise and admit she had nothing to do with Pei Yao's harmony and her own son's chaotic household?

Suppressing her rage, Empress Li spat, "You have a sharp tongue. It seems beneath you to be a mere concubine."

"Thank you for the compliment, Empress. Serving His Highness is a blessing of many lifetimes. I dare not hope for more."

Fang Yun lowered her gaze.

Empress Li, at a loss for words, sneered and left in a huff.

After Empress Li walked away, Pei Yao took Fang Yun's hand again, half-smiling as he repeated, "Fang Liangdi, such a clever tongue."

"Your Highness, don't tease me!" Fang Yun feigned anger, giving him a sideways glance.

"Not teasing at all, just genuinely praising you," Pei Yao's smile widened. "Come, let's walk and help digest the meal. Then you can rest properly."