The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 232 - Instigation

"You're here early, Sister Fang."

The voice of Hu Liangdi came from behind.

Fang Yun turned to see Hu Liangdi approaching.

Their eyes met, and Hu Liangdi greeted her with a smile.

Today, she wore a riding outfit in lilac, her hair styled like a man's, exuding both strength and a touch of allure.

Fang Yun nodded in return, complimenting, "You look valiant today, Sister Hu. Planning to join the hunt?"

"Yes, I've watched from the stands for days and couldn't resist any longer. It's better than just sitting around. My brother is here too, and we can catch up."

"Master Hu, young and accomplished, must be quite skilled. With you two working together, I expect a great harvest today," Fang Yun said playfully.

Hu Liangdi responded with a teasing tone, "No matter how great the harvest, it can't compare to the blessing of being cherished by His Highness. Last hunt, he gave you a little fox, and soon after, you were expecting. You are clearly favored."

Having known each other for a short time, this was the first time Hu Liangdi spoke this way. Fang Yun couldn't tell if she was genuinely envious or just pretending. Regardless, Fang Yun chose to take it as a jest.

She laughed, "You tease me, Sister Hu. You ride and hunt with His Highness, while he only brings me small trinkets. I'm hardly as interesting as you, who shares his adventures."

"Sister, I can't believe you think yourself uninteresting. I've heard you're quite talented," Hu Liangdi remarked, her gaze drifting to Fang Yun's belly.

"When you have this little one, you'll have both a son and a daughter, a blessing many would envy. His Highness treasures you and certainly won't neglect you."

These words carried deeper meaning. What did "won't neglect" truly imply? More affection or a promotion in status?

Fang Yun maintained her composure but saw Hu Liangdi in a new light. She wasn't simple.

Before she could respond, the Crown Princess's voice came from behind.

"What are you two discussing so animatedly from afar?"

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Fang Yun and Hu Liangdi rose and curtsied.

The Crown Princess, always warm, seemed in an especially good mood today—likely due to the previous night's events.

Hu Liangdi laughed, "Your Highness, I was just saying how blessed Sister Fang is. With this pregnancy, she'll have both a son and a daughter, the first in the Eastern Palace. His Highness must be even more devoted to her."

Though Hu Liangdi's tone was sincere and her smile seemed pure, her words carried a hint of provocation.

Fang Yun caught this and replied gently, "The children of the Eastern Palace are all under Her Highness's care. If anyone has both a son and a daughter, it is Her Highness. My pregnancy is still early, and we don't know the baby's gender yet. But a daughter would be lovely. Second Young Lady is so sweet and adorable, and I'm very fond of her. With two sons in the palace already, a daughter would complete the family nicely."

The Crown Princess, listening without showing any emotion, nodded at Fang Yun's words.

"Both sons and daughters are blessings. Expanding His Highness's lineage is an accomplishment, and we both appreciate it."

Fang Yun blushed and lowered her head in modesty.

Seeing their interaction, Hu Liangdi's smile faded a bit but said nothing more. After a moment, she excused herself to join the hunt.

"Liangdi, do you believe the Crown Princess is truly so magnanimous?" her maid, Xiaorong, asked doubtfully.

Hu Liangdi remained calm, "Whether she is or not, we must try. If she is truly virtuous, it's to Fang Yun's benefit, and mine as well."

Though taught to avoid jealousy, Hu Liangdi, having seen many household struggles, found the relationship between the Crown Princess and Fang Yun odd. It seemed genuine yet was hard to believe. They competed for the same man's favor, so how could they not be rivals?

She, new to the palace and still having a young girl's feelings for Pei Yao, couldn't understand their perspective.

The Crown Princess, groomed to be a nation's mother, valued her position and family honor over personal feelings. Years in the palace taught her that power and status were paramount.

Fang Yun, seeking favor but avoiding enemies due to a lack of strong familial support, knew making too many enemies would be detrimental. Thus, she avoided offending others whenever possible.

Each woman in the palace had her own thoughts.

Hu Liangdi pondered Fang Yun, while Fang Yun observed Hu Liangdi on the hunting grounds.

Pei Yao, Hu Liangdi, and her brother, talking together on horseback, then riding off amiably.

"Qingrong," Fang Yun called softly.

"Yes, milady."

"Prepare my tent. I'll move back tonight."

Qingrong frowned, glancing at the distant riders. "Do you mean His Highness might summon Hu Liangdi tonight?"

"I'm pregnant, and His Highness has spent two nights with me. With Hu Liangdi's brother visiting today, His Highness will show her some favor. It's only reasonable."

Fang Yun showed no jealousy, accepting it calmly. With a child on the way, she knew Pei Yao wouldn't forget her, so she had nothing to fear. One can't always hold onto benefits without sharing.

Hearing her decision, Qingrong nodded in agreement.

Yanwei then lightened the mood, "Liangdi, you haven't been back in a few days. I wonder if the little fox still remembers you. I've been feeding it daily; it's so friendly, not wild at all."

"The little one's too young; it's easily attached," Fang Yun said with a smile, standing with Qingrong's support. "Let's go see it. If it's well-raised, it can keep both children company."

Not affected by Hu Liangdi's matter, Fang Yun seemed in good spirits. The maids, relieved, supported her happily.

But as they reached a quiet area, a sharp female voice called out behind them.

"You wretch, stop right there!"