The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 249 - Eliminating Future Threats

Pei Yao examined the intercepted letters without a hint of satisfaction on his face, handing them to Chancellor Lu.

Reading the letters, Chancellor Lu's expression turned grave. "What are your plans, Your Highness? Will you expose this now?"

Pei Yao's icy demeanor provided an answer. "What do you suggest, Father-in-law?"

Chancellor Lu, with a glint of determination, replied, "Your Highness, I recommend using this opportunity to eliminate all threats. Since the Emperor and King Ming are father and son, the Emperor might be hesitant to act. We must ensure there are no loose ends."

"I share your sentiment," Pei Yao said with a cold smile.

After their discussion, Chancellor Lu left the Eastern Palace study.

Pei Yao, changing his attire, headed to Biluo Pavillion, feeling uneasy about Fang Yun. He visited whenever he had a chance.

Arriving near lunchtime, he saw Fang Yun sitting under the veranda, watching Manman and the little fox play.

Seeing him, Fang Yun stood with Yanwei's help and greeted him.

"Your Highness."

"At ease," Pei Yao replied warmly, helping her up. "How's your appetite today? Have you been able to eat?"

Since returning to the palace, Fang Yun had experienced morning sickness, feeling nauseous with certain foods unpredictably.

Leading him inside, Fang Yun nodded. "I had two bowls of porridge this morning. My appetite is better if the food is light. What brings you here now? Are you finished with your tasks?"

"Yes," Pei Yao nodded. "We intercepted some secret letters. Your cousin played a part, sneaking out one letter."

After King Ming was confined, he became anxious. Fang Cien, recently favored and pretending to be gentle and sweet, was the only one in the inner court able to approach him. While delivering snacks, she discovered where King Ming hid his letters and managed to steal one.

Fang Yun praised her cousin, "Cien is brave and meticulous, very capable despite her age."

Fang Yun then added, "I wrote to the Fang family. They said Cien's mother has passed away and been buried. You've been busy with King Ming's situation. Have you made arrangements for her?"

"Don't worry, it was planned early on," Pei Yao nodded, indicating the death was staged to free Fang Cien from the Fang family's control.

"Then, once this matter is settled, they should meet," Fang Yun said gently.

Pei Yao held her hand as they sat down. "I have it under control. You just focus on resting and taking care of the baby. There will be a good show soon."

Fang Yun, sensing his intent, smiled and asked no more.

After their meal, Pei Yao took a brief nap in Biluo Pavillion before leaving.

In the rear court, the other women had mixed reactions to his visit. Xu Xin'er, in particular, was frustrated. Feeling neglected despite other new concubines being favored, she sought help from the Crown Princess, only to be harshly rebuked.

Her tears and retreat drew attention, and soon her disgrace was known throughout the harem. Yang Cefei scoffed, "Foolish. Did the Crown Princess treat her cousin equally, or was her jealousy only directed at her family?"

Yun Qian suggested targeting Biluo Pavillion, but Yang Cefei shook her head. "Fang Liangdi is cautious. Hu Liangdi might be a better target, and Xu Shuren can be useful."

Unaware of these schemes, Pei Yao focused on King Ming. King Dun reported that King Ming contacted two alchemists. They brought a new elixir, "Royal Gold Pill," to Emperor Chengjing, claiming it enhanced longevity and appearance.

Emperor Chengjing, delighted, rewarded them and began taking the pill.

Known for his obsession with alchemy, this raised no alarms. But after five or six days, Emperor Chengjing collapsed during court, causing an uproar.

With both King Ming and the Empress confined, Pei Yao took charge. As physicians treated the Emperor, key figures gathered at his chambers, including King Dun, two princesses, royal relatives, and ministers.

Chen Fei, King Dun's mother, reported the Emperor's condition. "The physicians say he has a severe blockage of blood and vital energy. The fall worsened it. The situation is serious. Please go in, Crown Prince."

As Pei Yao moved to enter, the Third Princess barged in, scolding the servants and questioning their care.

Her urgency annoyed Pei Yao, who calmly told her not to disrupt the treatment.

Angry, the Third Princess accused him of indifference, suggesting he wanted their father ill.

King Dun reprimanded her, but she retorted dismissively.

Pei Yao, seeing her agitation, asked, "What are you trying to say? Speak plainly."