Upon hearing King Ming's words, Empress Li was so furious that she almost fainted. Her maid rushed to support her, but Empress Li, pale and gasping for breath, could only glare at King Ming with rage.
Meanwhile, Emperor Chengjing pondered King Ming's suggestion. Pei Yao added quietly, "Marquis Jinrong's family, though diminished, is still noble. The match with the Third Princess is acceptable in terms of status."
Seeing Emperor Chengjing considering the proposal, Rui Pin spoke up, "Your Majesty, given the situation, King Ming's suggestion is the best course of action. The Third Princess and Yin seem genuinely fond of each other, so this marriage wouldn't be a disgrace to the princess."
She glanced at the Third Princess, who immediately seized the opportunity.
"Father, I am willing," the Third Princess knelt and declared.
Yin Changce, following suit, deeply bowed, "Your Majesty, if I am permitted to marry the Third Princess, I pledge to devote my life to protecting and cherishing her. The princess is a precious gem to both you and the Empress, and she is my heart's treasure. My love for her is sincere, witnessed by heaven and earth!"
Hearing this, Empress Li's remaining strength faded, and she fainted.
Emperor Chengjing, tired of looking at Empress Li, ordered her to be taken away. After arranging the scene, he left with Rui Pin.
With the Emperor and Empress gone, the Third Princess and Yin Changce helped each other up, looking like struggling swans.
King Ming's expression turned cold. He glanced at the pair and then instructed his attendant, "Escort the princess back."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The attendant promptly took the Third Princess away, as King Ming didn't want to lose face in front of Pei Yao.
Upon hearing the news, his first instinct was to kill Yin Changce. However, after listening to Fang Cien, he changed his mind.
Arriving and witnessing the scene confirmed Fang Cien's advice.
Indeed, his father only directed his anger at the Empress, sparing him.
Pei Yao watched King Ming and the Third Princess leave with a faint, mocking smile.
Following King Ming, Fang Cien subtly glanced at Pei Yao before leaving the tent.
Pei Yao acknowledged her contribution to convincing King Ming to switch sides, nodding slightly in response.
The Crown Princess, unaware of their exchange, suggested softly, "It's late, Your Highness should rest early."
Pei Yao nodded, "It's cold at night; remember to keep warm, Crown Princess."
The Crown Princess smiled warmly and agreed, and they soon parted.
Back at Pei Yao's tent, Fang Yun, determined to hear the firsthand account, was fighting sleep.
When Pei Yao returned, she was resting her eyes on the chaise lounge but woke up at the sound of his entrance.
"Your Highness," she murmured drowsily, her voice soft and endearing.
Pei Yao, in a good mood from his success, couldn't help but smile as he approached her and gently lifted her onto his lap.
"Why not sleep on the bed if you're tired?"
"Waiting for you," Fang Yun replied, leaning into his chest, half sleepy, half playful.
Noticing his good mood, she suspected the plan had worked.
Indeed, Pei Yao gently patted her back, like soothing a kitten.
"You're pregnant; rest when you're tired. No need to wait for anyone."
"Alright," Fang Yun agreed softly, nuzzling his neck. "You mentioned a good show. How did it go?"
Pei Yao's smile widened, "It went splendidly. I have a new brother-in-law, and the Empress has a new son-in-law."
"Really? It seems congratulations are in order for the Third Princess and Yin Changce tomorrow."
Fang Yun smiled, wrapping her arms around Pei Yao's neck, sitting up to face him.
Pei Yao raised an eyebrow, "You and King Ming's concubine are clever. How is it that the legitimate one is so foolish?"
Fang Yun understood who he meant. She pretended to ponder.
"Perhaps, without parents, we must carve our own paths."
This was both a self-deprecating comment and an attempt to resonate with Pei Yao.
As expected, Pei Yao's expression deepened, then he sighed and held her tighter.
"Yes, carving our paths is always harder."
"But there's a saying, 'Sweet are the uses of adversity.' I believe that day will come," Fang Yun said, smiling sweetly, her eyes earnest.
Her words dispelled Pei Yao's gloom, replacing it with a smile.
"Well said. Sweet are the uses of adversity."
With that, he lifted her, carrying her to the inner chamber.
"Now, you need sleep. Be good; I'll join you after washing."
The maids outside, hearing the commotion, smiled and hurried to prepare water.
Feeling joyous, Fang Yun slept soundly through the night.
Waking early despite the late night, she rose as Pei Yao stirred.
They shared breakfast before heading to the hunting grounds.
Arriving early, Fang Yun overheard discussions about the previous night's events.
The narrative had changed to imply that the Third Princess and Yin Changce were engaged, and she had visited him out of concern.
Regardless of private thoughts, everyone outwardly agreed on the official version.
Amused, Fang Yun didn't sit long before Empress Li arrived, looking exhausted and trying to keep up appearances.
Clearly, she had a rough night.
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
RomanceAuthor: Huatang Xiuge Translator: Me (Xiaobai) 东宫掌娇 Upon entering the Eastern Palace, Fang Yun lived cautiously, burdened by the label of a substitute bride and daughter of a traitor. She knew well that, as a daughter of low birth, she had been cas...
