The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 248 - Both Confined

Rui Pin was struck by Empress Li, stumbling and falling at Emperor Chengjing's feet. The Fifth Prince, in the Emperor's arms, began to wail in fear.

Realizing her actions, Empress Li turned pale and knelt hurriedly. "Your Majesty, Rui Pin spoke out of turn. I only meant to discipline her."

"You grow bolder by the day, daring to act so brazenly in my presence!" Emperor Chengjing, already troubled by King Ming's situation, was further enraged by Empress Li's outburst.

Handing the crying prince to a nurse, he glared at Empress Li. "Rui Pin spoke wisely. The harem must not interfere in state affairs, a rule set by our ancestors. I have overlooked your past transgressions out of our marital bond, but that does not mean you can influence my decisions!"

"Your Majesty, I acted out of concern for King Ming, driven by a mother's love," Empress Li pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

Rui Pin, supported by palace maids, held her swollen cheek and tearfully added, "If the Empress truly cared for King Ming, she would teach him filial piety and respect for his brother. She would also instill virtues in the Third Princess. Instead, King Ming's actions torment the Emperor, and the Third Princess's marriage brings shame. Though I am but a concubine, I have heard of these matters. Even if King Ming is innocent, this scandal tarnishes the Emperor's reputation. The Empress should seek to ease the Emperor's burdens, not add to them."

Rui Pin had always played the role of Emperor Chengjing's confidante, subtly guiding his thoughts without overtly advising him. In contrast, Empress Li's direct approach often made the Emperor feel controlled.

Rui Pin's words only fueled Emperor Chengjing's dissatisfaction with Empress Li. "The Empress has behaved disgracefully and spoken out of turn. She is confined to the palace and may not leave without my decree!"

"Your Majesty, I meant no harm!" Empress Li's cries were ignored as she was forcibly removed by eunuchs.

Rui Pin, still holding her cheek, sat beside the Emperor, offering comfort.

With King Ming confined, no one dared to stir trouble outside the palace.

After leaving the palace, Pei Yao quickly arranged his affairs and headed outside the city to fetch Fang Yun. He was worried, knowing she was pregnant.

Fortunately, Qingrong and Yanwei had taken good care of her, and the little fox had kept her entertained. Fang Yun had rested well and looked healthier.

To ensure the Liu family's safety, Pei Yao brought them along, except for Liu Qin, who stayed by his side.

Fang Yun had not yet announced recognizing Liu Qin as her sworn brother, planning to do so after King Ming's matter was settled. The Liu family remained cautious.

Seeing Pei Yao, they hurriedly bowed.

Pei Yao exchanged a few pleasantries with the Liu family before asking Liu Qin to take care of them. He then turned to Fang Yun.

"I've come to take you back to the palace. How have you been these past few days? Any discomfort?"

"Don't worry, Your Highness. I'm well," Fang Yun replied with a gentle smile. "Chancellor Lu even arranged for a doctor to check on me and the baby. Everything is fine."

Pei Yao's gaze softened as it fell on her belly. He gently took her hand. "It's safe now. Let's return to the palace today. I'm sure Manman misses you."

"Alright," Fang Yun nodded, her demeanor obedient and gentle.

Unbeknownst to her, Pei Yao had new plans for her after this ordeal.

They boarded the carriage and returned to the Eastern Palace.

The news of the Crown Prince's return brought joy to the palace. Hearing that Fang Yun was safe and her pregnancy unharmed, reactions varied.

He Liangdi was furious, having hoped Fang Yun would die or at least lose the baby. She was livid that Fang Yun had survived.

Yang Cefei, though outwardly calm, grew more wary of Fang Yun. She believed that surviving such a perilous ordeal with Pei Yao would deepen their bond, and with Fang Yun already favored and pregnant, her influence would only grow.

Hu Liangdi, having had little interaction with Fang Yun, felt a twinge of jealousy, especially considering the competition for the remaining consort position. If Fang Yun took it, Hu Liangdi would remain a concubine unless the Crown Prince ascended the throne, which was uncertain.

Regardless of their feelings, Fang Yun returned safely. She first paid her respects to the Crown Princess before heading to Biluo Pavillion.

Manman, not having seen her for days, was even more affectionate. She ran to Fang Yun, hugging her legs.

"Mother!" the little girl called sweetly.

Perhaps due to her pregnancy, Fang Yun felt even more tender towards children. She bent down to stroke Manman's head. "Manman, have you missed Mother?"

"Yes!" Manman replied brightly, opening her arms. "Mother, hug!"

"Liangdi, you're pregnant. It's best not to carry her. Let me do it," Qingrong quickly intervened.

Fang Yun knew her health was paramount and nodded, patiently explaining to Manman. Though Manman didn't understand about siblings, she was fascinated by the little fox Fang Yun brought back, and they soon played together.

Fang Yun, eager for news, called Yuanhe to learn what had happened in her absence.

Meanwhile, Pei Yao was busy in his study, discussing matters with his ministers and secret guards.

Rui Pin informed him that the Empress had also been confined. With both King Ming and the Empress at a disadvantage, they might take desperate measures. Pei Yao needed to closely monitor them and gather the most incriminating evidence.

Setting traps for panicked prey was easier. Within two days, Pei Yao intercepted three crucial pieces of evidence.