The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 235 - The Fang Family Father and Son

"Brother, watch your words!"

Hearing her brother's remarks, Hu Liangdi quickly intervened, signaling her maid.

Yuetao understood and went outside to stand guard.

Hu Liangdi then poured wine for her brother, speaking softly.

"Walls have ears. Be cautious, Brother. We don't need more enemies. Right now, it's best to get along with Fang Yun."

Seeing her caution, Hu Daixu sighed, frowning.

"I'm just worried about you, fearing you might suffer."

"I understand your concern," Hu Liangdi smiled gently. "Don't worry, Fang Yun isn't too hard to deal with. Besides, she's pregnant and can't serve at night, which is my chance. The position of the other concubine isn't decided yet."

Her words eased Hu Daixu's expression, and he nodded.

"Though I'm not influential, I can speak a few words before His Highness to help you."

Hu Liangdi, moved, nodded appreciatively.

After lunch.

In the afternoon, Pei Yao, tired of hunting and archery, decided to take a walk with Fang Yun.

Unexpectedly, they encountered Fang Hongshen and his son, Fang Zhanming.

In the past, Fang Yun had little interaction with her legitimate younger brother, only recognizing his face. After two years, Fang Zhanming had grown significantly.

He seemed more presentable than his younger brother, Fang Wenxian.

Though, he too was a hypocrite.

Fang Wenxian, spoiled from a young age as the youngest legitimate son, had become a notorious troublemaker, even abandoned by Fang Hongshen and Madam Zhao. But Fang Zhanming was different.

The eldest legitimate son, Fang Zhanming, had always been intelligent and hardworking, excelling in his studies. His father, Fang Hongshen, had high hopes for him, expecting him to inherit his position.

However, this depends on who ascends the throne. If Pei Yao becomes Emperor, both Fang Zhanming and Fang Hongshen are doomed.

Seeing Pei Yao and Fang Yun made both father and son visibly uncomfortable, especially Fang Hongshen, who remembered the humiliation Fang Yun caused him last year.

Despite this, they adhered to protocol and greeted respectfully.

"Your Highness, Fang Liangdi."

"At ease, Minister," Pei Yao replied, his gaze landing on Fang Zhanming. "This must be your eldest son. Remarkably distinguished, just like his father."

Praise from Pei Yao always made the Fang family uneasy. Fang Hongshen responded, "Your Highness flatters us. We won't intrude on your walk with Fang Liangdi. We'll take our leave."

"Father, why rush?"

Before Pei Yao could speak, Fang Yun interjected softly.

"I haven't seen Father and Brother in a long time. Though we've been at the hunt, we've had no chance to speak. Now that we've met, perhaps His Highness wouldn't mind us talking for a bit?"

Fang Yun looked up at Pei Yao with a gentle expression.

Pei Yao smiled warmly, "Yun'er is pregnant and naturally misses her family. Minister Fang and your son, please stay. Let's walk and talk."

Pei Yao's endearing use of her given name and holding her hand made it clear he favored her greatly.

With the Crown Prince's invitation, Fang Hongshen and Fang Zhanming had no choice but to agree.

As they walked, Fang Yun adopted a sisterly demeanor, addressing Fang Zhanming.

"If I remember correctly, Brother is eighteen this year. You'll be sitting for the imperial exams next spring, won't you? And considering marriage as well? Father and Mother must have found a good match for you."

In the past, Fang Zhanming wouldn't deign to speak with his half-sister Fang Yun, often not even acknowledging her. Occasionally, he'd hypocritically speak "fairly" during Fang Pei's schemes, deepening their father's prejudice against Fang Yun and resulting in harsher punishments.

Now, speaking as a sister, Fang Yun made him uncomfortable. Yet, times had changed, and he had to show due respect, bowing his head for the first time.

"Thank you for your concern, Liangdi. Marriages are arranged by parents and matchmakers. I've focused on my studies and haven't discussed this with Mother."

Fang Zhanming, not foolish, kept his personal matters to himself.

To Fang Hongshen and Fang Zhanming, Fang Yun was no longer family but an enemy.

Fang Zhanming's silence didn't surprise Fang Yun. She smiled and nodded gently.

"Brother, it's good that you're diligent in your studies. With a new little brother at home, you're their role model."

Mentioning Concubine Rong's child made Fang Zhanming's face stiffen. Even though he didn't involve himself in household matters, he knew how much conflict there was between his mother and Concubine Rong.

Fang Hongshen's expression also darkened. He privately favored Concubine Rong and her son, but her low status made Fang Yun's mention of them embarrassing.

He tried to change the subject.

"Liangdi, you're newly pregnant and should rest. The hunting grounds are chaotic; you shouldn't be startled."

"It's fine," Fang Yun smiled. "Father might not know, but His Highness and I consulted the imperial physician. He said pregnant women should walk and exercise to stay healthy for childbirth. I've seen my sister suffer multiple miscarriages and am very cautious."

Mentioning Fang Pei, Fang Yun sighed.

"When we were young, my sister was healthier than me. Perhaps Mother didn't tell her about these matters, causing her to suffer."

Lowering her voice, she added a reminder.

"Father, you should talk to Mother. Spoiling children isn't good. I often hear people say Fourth Brother is a troublemaker, frequenting gambling dens and brothels at a young age. It's embarrassing. Whether true or not, Father should discipline him."

After this, Fang Hongshen's face turned livid.

"Liangdi, you're pregnant. Focus on your health. Worrying about other matters isn't good for the baby."

"Indeed, Minister Fang is right. Other trivial matters are not as important as you and the baby," Pei Yao agreed, taking Fang Yun's hand. "We've been out for a while. Shall we return?"

The encounter was meant to let Fang Yun vent. Seeing it was enough, Pei Yao didn't want to prolong it and risk upsetting her.

Understanding his intent, Fang Yun nodded obediently.

"Yes, I'm a bit tired after all this talking."

With that, they left without regard for the Fang father and son, showing their indifference.

After they left, Fang Zhanming, still young and impatient, fumed.

"Father, did you see that? That wretch acts so high and mighty, thinking she's superior because she's attached to the Crown Prince. When King Ming ascends, she'll get what she deserves!"

"Enough, shut up!" Fang Hongshen snapped. "Stay away from your mother. How have you become so impatient? Without this composure, how will you handle great responsibilities in the future?"

After being scolded, Fang Zhanming looked unhappy, pursed his lips and lowered his head.

Fang Hongshen frowned and said, "Let's go. King Ming has summoned us. We have been delayed. Let's go quickly."