With the hunt nearing its end, people weren't keen on heading to the grounds. Instead, they preferred riding and archery near the viewing stands.
It was nearly time for lunch when Fang Yun guessed Pei Yao would be back in his quarters, so she went to see him.
She found him there, but to her surprise, Hu Liangdi was with him.
The young maid at the entrance quickly greeted her, "Greetings, Liangdi."
"Yes," Fang Yun acknowledged, "Is His Highness inside? I need to see him."
The maid hesitated, "His Highness is inside, but Hu Liangdi went in a short while ago. They're playing chess now."
Knowing the matter Fang Cien mentioned wasn't suitable to discuss in Hu Liangdi's presence, Fang Yun decided to leave and return later.
Just then, Hong Zheng emerged with an empty teapot and noticed Fang Yun.
"Liangdi, you've arrived. Why not come in instead of standing outside?" he said, lifting the tent flap invitingly.
His gesture meant it was fine to enter, so Fang Yun didn't refuse. Supported by Qingrong, she entered to see Pei Yao and Hu Liangdi seated opposite each other over a chessboard.
They both looked towards the entrance as she entered.
"Sister Fang is here," Hu Liangdi rose and greeted her with a smile.
Fang Yun returned her greeting before turning to Pei Yao, "Your Highness."
"Don't be formal. Hong Zheng, bring a chair with a soft cushion," Pei Yao ordered. He then addressed Qingrong, "She shouldn't have tea leaves. Prepare something suitable for pregnancy."
Qingrong complied, leaving to fetch the items.
Watching Pei Yao's attentiveness, Hu Liangdi felt a twinge of envy but maintained her warm demeanor.
"I've heard pregnant women often feel nauseous, but Sister Fang seems well. This child must be well-behaved and will surely be a dutiful one."
"Thank you for your kind words. Boys are lively, and girls are more gentle. I prefer daughters," Fang Yun said, smiling.
Pei Yao also smiled, "A daughter like you would be intelligent and lovable."
"Your Highness's praise makes me blush," Fang Yun said softly. "I came at a bad time today, not knowing Sister Hu was here. I've disturbed your game."
Before Hu Liangdi could speak, Pei Yao interjected, "It's fine; we were just passing the time. But you, what brings you here?"
"Nothing much," Fang Yun's face showed slight displeasure, her tone hinting at annoyance. "I encountered King Ming's concubine. She spoke rudely, and I was so upset that I wandered and ended up here."
The tone suggested she came seeking comfort, which felt calculated.
Knowing Fang Yun's family troubles, Hu Liangdi thought she was acting spoiled because of her pregnancy.
She said, "You're pregnant, Sister Fang. Don't let such people upset you. His Highness will handle any grievances for you."
"Of course," Pei Yao agreed.
Fang Yun smiled, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Hu Liangdi thought to herself, Fang Yun acting more pampered might be better. Too much pampering would lead to annoyance.
At that moment, Pei Yao spoke again, "Alright, you're pregnant. Don't upset yourself. I'll have your favorite dishes prepared for lunch."
This was directed at Fang Yun.
Hearing this, Hu Liangdi wondered what she would eat if lunch was tailored to Fang Yun's tastes. Seeing Pei Yao's attention on Fang Yun, she knew it was best to leave.
She excused herself politely.
Pei Yao didn't stop her. He knew Fang Yun had likely come with other news, as her story about quarreling with Fang Cien was a pretext. Mentioning lunch was a way to excuse Hu Liangdi.
Luckily, Hu Liangdi was perceptive enough to leave without further prompting.
Once alone, Pei Yao asked about Fang Yun's visit.
She relayed Fang Cien's message.
Pei Yao frowned thoughtfully.
"King Ming has long coveted the throne. Now it seems he doesn't want to wait, aiming to replace the Emperor directly."
"Killing the Emperor and Crown Prince is a heinous crime, universally condemned. King Ming will likely find a scapegoat to cover his misdeeds," Fang Yun said quietly.
Pei Yao looked at her deeply.
"A scapegoat—naturally, I'm the perfect choice in his eyes."
"Your Highness, you must be careful," Fang Yun urged, worried. "Last time, dealing with the Third Princess, you likely bribed the Emperor's Taoist disciples. They'll be more cautious now, making it harder to use similar tactics."
Pei Yao nodded in agreement.
After a moment's reflection, he took her hand gently.
"Don't worry, I'll handle this. You need rest, especially now that you're pregnant. Don't overthink and strain yourself. Just inform me of any news."
Fang Yun nodded.
She agreed. External matters were important but not more so than her pregnancy. Any mishap could result in a double tragedy.
After discussing this, Pei Yao looked at her belly.
"You don't seem to be showing yet. Have you been eating well? You look too thin."
"Not at all. It takes four or five months to show. If I were already showing, it'd likely be twins," Fang Yun laughed.
Pei Yao raised an eyebrow, "Twins would be good, two at once."
"Then, Your Highness, ensure I have plenty of delicious food," she teased.
Their light-hearted banter continued through lunch, creating a pleasant atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Hu Liangdi, looking at her meal, felt less than cheerful.
As she prepared to eat, her maid Yuetao entered.
"Liangdi, your brother is here to say farewell. He's leaving this afternoon."
"Right, it's time for him to return to duty," Hu Liangdi put down her chopsticks. "Bring him in, Xiaorong, set another place."
Xiaorong complied, quickly setting another place.
Soon, a tall, well-built man in his late twenties entered behind Yuetao, bearing a resemblance to Hu Liangdi. He was her brother, Hu Daixu.
"Sister, weren't you at the Crown Prince's tent? Why are you back here for lunch?"
Hu Daixu frowned upon entering.
Hu Liangdi lowered her gaze, "Fang Yun went to see the Crown Prince. She's pregnant, and he favors her more, so I left."
"Outrageous!" Hu Daixu was displeased, "How can she use her pregnancy to monopolize his favor so unscrupulously?"
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...
