The voice was all too familiar, especially in recent days.
Fang Yun turned to see the Third Princess, Pei Yu.
"Greetings, Princess," Fang Yun said, giving a perfunctory bow, sensing hostility.
Pei Yu, eyes full of malice, stepped closer.
Qingrong and Yanwei immediately took defensive stances, shielding Fang Yun.
Pei Yu stopped a few steps away.
"I underestimated your schemes before. Had I dealt with you earlier, we wouldn't have today's trouble," she spat.
Last year at Anlu Villa, Fang Yun had interfered, ruining Pei Yu's plans to help her mother remove the troublesome Rui Pin, resulting in her own punishment and disgrace.
The grudge had long been there, now rekindled by new events.
Fang Yun remained calm, feigning ignorance, "I don't understand what the princess means. How have I offended you?"
"Don't play dumb. I know it was you spying in the woods!"
Pei Yu hissed, glaring.
"You and the Crown Prince conspired against me. Now everyone sees me as a joke!"
"I'm truly puzzled by your words," Fang Yun said, appearing hurt. "I haven't even congratulated you on your engagement to Marquis Jinrong's heir. Are you upset because of this?"
She curtsied again, "Please forgive me, Princess. I've been resting due to my pregnancy and haven't been out much."
Fang Yun's meek demeanor only fueled Pei Yu's fury, making her want to tear Fang Yun apart. But after last night's chaos, she dared not cause more trouble and restrained her anger.
With a cold glare, she threatened, "You'll see. I won't let you go. You better hope that bastard in your belly is born safely!"
She stormed off, leaving Fang Yun with a chill in her eyes.
"She's so vile, cursing an unborn child. She and Marquis Jinrong's heir are truly a perfect match!" Yanwei fumed.
Qingrong frowned, "Such a person, and the Empress wanted to match her with the Ye family's son? Dream on. Liangdi, you should inform His Highness. The Third Princess's hatred for you is dangerous."
Fang Yun chuckled coldly, "She's just picking on the weak, finding me an easy target. If she were truly capable, she'd confront the Crown Prince."
"I used to think the Empress was formidable, but seeing her children, I'm not so sure anymore," Yanwei remarked.
Fang Yun shook her head, "The Empress is still more skilled than King Ming and the Third Princess. Her tactics were focused on the Emperor. When she was young and favored, he listened to her. But now, with Rui Pin favored and His Highness toppling her family, she faces many challenges, limiting her influence."
Analysis aside, caution was necessary. The Third Princess was a threat, and Fang Yun had more to lose now, being pregnant.
Back in the tent, she found the little fox sleeping in a bamboo basket, arranged by Yanwei.
Hearing them, the fox perked up and scampered around them excitedly.
Watching the lively little creature, Fang Yun's mood brightened. No wonder mischievous women were called "fox spirits"; this fox's eyes were indeed enchanting.
She had Yanwei fetch some meat to feed it.
With many people around and being pregnant, she decided to stay in the tent all day.
She only showed her face at the evening banquet.
Pei Yao, concerned, asked about her day's meals and condition. With Hu Liangdi's brother present, he then joined the Hu siblings for a conversation.
Due to her mental preparedness, Fang Yun felt no disappointment.
Indeed, after the evening banquet, Pei Yao went to Hu Liangdi's quarters.
The following four or five days were relatively peaceful for Fang Yun. Everything proceeded smoothly.
The scandal involving the Third Princess and Yin Changce had been too significant. Both Emperor Chengjing and Empress Li were displeased, and no one wanted to risk confrontation at this time.
The hunt neared its end under this tense calm.
One day, during a walk, Fang Yun met Fang Cien in private.
"Cousin," Fang Cien curtsied, "I haven't yet congratulated you on your pregnancy."
Fang Yun smiled, "You must have helped with the Third Princess's situation. His Highness mentioned your contribution."
"I just said a few words to King Ming; it was nothing." Fang Cien smiled, bowing again. "Yesterday, Fang Hongshen spoke to me about my mother. I assume you and His Highness have started your plan?"
Fang Yun nodded, "I was looking for a chance to tell you. In about half a month, your mother will be freed from their control. His Highness has arranged for a physician to use a fake death potion to save her and then secretly transport her to a safe place. I'll arrange for you two to meet then."
Hearing this, Fang Cien's face lit up with excitement, bowing repeatedly.
"Thank you, cousin. But I'm not just here about my mother; there's another matter."
"Regarding King Ming?" Fang Yun's attention sharpened.
"Two days ago, after serving him, King Ming got drunk and spoke disrespectfully of the Crown Prince. Worse, he mentioned the Emperor taking elixirs for immortality, believing it would turn him into a celestial being, living eternally in paradise."
"Paradise." Fang Yun frowned, "So the Emperor's elixirs are problematic."
Fang Cien nodded, "I tried to ask more, but King Ming refused, only saying that once the Emperor ascended to immortality, he would manage the kingdom, and the Crown Prince would join the Emperor, fulfilling filial duties in the afterlife."
Lowering her voice, Fang Cien added, "Cousin, I fear King Ming plans to use the Emperor's elixirs to eliminate both the Crown Prince and the Emperor. Be careful."
"Understood." Fang Yun nodded, glancing around. "We shouldn't linger. Share any updates with me."
Fang Cien nodded, quickly leaving.
After she left, Fang Yun sighed, thinking how treacherous this path was, fraught with dangers.
Steadying herself, she headed to Pei Yao's tent with Qingrong's help.
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...
