The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 252 - The Last Lifeline

Pei Yao visited that evening. With Emperor Chengjing's collapse, Pei Yao, as regent, had many responsibilities. The political shift required significant attention, and he also needed to ensure his allies in the Eastern Palace were well-informed. Before coming to Biluo Pavilion, he spent half an hour with the Crown Princess but didn't stay for dinner.

Upon arrival, he found Fang Yun sitting on a couch, playing with Manman and the little fox. The trio was happily engaged with building blocks.

Hearing footsteps, Fang Yun turned and, seeing Pei Yao, stood with Yanwei's help.

"Your Highness."

"Yes, I came to have dinner with you. I heard you had two bowls of rice at lunch. Is your appetite better? No more morning sickness?" Pei Yao asked gently, holding her hand with a warm smile.

"I'm happy, so my appetite improved," Fang Yun replied with a soft smile. "Thank you for your hard work."

Her light and cheerful tone made it seem like she had always expected this outcome. After the morning's coup attempt, Pei Yao had calmed down by the time he returned home. Fang Yun's sweet and obedient demeanor brought him a sense of peace after the storm.

Smiling, he pulled her into his arms, patting her back like a child. "Once the court matters are settled, I'll request your promotion to cefei."

Though she had anticipated this, the timing surprised her. She leaned her head against his chest. "Thank you, Your Highness. I will give you a healthy child, boy or girl."

"People say surviving great danger brings good fortune. This child will be blessed," Pei Yao said softly.

They then moved to sit by the window.

"I haven't acted against the Fang family, guessing you have plans," Pei Yao said, accepting tea from Qingrong.

"Thank you, Your Highness. I do have plans, but they won't interfere with your affairs," Fang Yun replied with a smile. "With King Ming imprisoned and his household confined, how is Cien? What are your plans for her?"

Fang Cien, whom Fang Yun had involved in the plot, needed protection, especially after her contributions.

"Don't worry. I've arranged for her to write a memorial exposing King Ming's misdeeds and how Fang Hongshen killed her father and brother. She'll be pardoned for her service," Pei Yao assured.

"That's excellent. I can wait, as Cien's actions will be more effective," Fang Yun said, peeling a grape with a serene smile.

"If there's anything you can't do yourself because of your pregnancy, tell me. I'll handle it," Pei Yao said gently, his gaze softening as it fell on her belly.

Fang Yun nodded with a smile, "I understand."

At that moment, Manman approached with a new rabbit doll, its ear torn—likely the work of the little fox. Seeing this, they shifted their attention to comforting the child.

In Changchun Pavilion, Yantao entered, "Liangdi, dinner is ready. Let me help you wash your hands."

Inside, Hu Liangdi was polishing a bow Pei Yao had given her during the autumn hunt. She glanced at Yantao and put the bow away.

"Where did His Highness go tonight?"

"Let me roll up your sleeves first, so they don't get wet," Yantao replied, avoiding eye contact.

Hu Liangdi chuckled, "No need to hide it. Did he go to Biluo Pavilion again?"

Yantao, seeing the bitterness on Hu Liangdi's face, tried to comfort her. "Fang Liangdi is pregnant. It's natural for His Highness to be more attentive. When you are pregnant, he will surely be just as caring."

"Pregnancy isn't something that happens just by wishing for it. Fang Liangdi is truly fortunate," Hu Liangdi sighed.

Yantao added, "Not necessarily. Fang Liangdi's father, Fang Hongshen, is close to King Ming. Everyone knows about the marriages—one daughter to King Ming, the other to the Eastern Palace. Now that King Ming has fallen, His Highness will surely deal with the Fang family. Even if Fang Liangdi is estranged from her family, her father is still her blood. His Highness might be uncomfortable with that."

"Watch your words!" Hu Liangdi scolded, glancing at the door to ensure no one was listening. "We don't have Xiaorong to keep watch anymore."

Realizing her mistake, Yantao fell silent.

Despite her bitterness, Hu Liangdi knew her brother's recent achievements would earn her some favor from the Crown Prince. She decided to wait patiently, hoping to appear obedient and likable.

That night, Pei Yao stayed at Biluo Pavilion, signaling his favor towards Fang Yun, especially after their shared ordeal.

While Fang Yun enjoyed her time, the Fang family faced a different reality. Receiving news from Fang Yun, Concubine Qiao and Concubine Rong were anxious. With King Ming's downfall, the Fang family was in jeopardy. They needed Fang Yun's favor to survive, especially for their children's sake.

When Fang Hongshen awoke from his fainting spell, the concubines urged him to seek help from Fang Yun, the only one who could save them. Though he initially refused, he knew Fang Yun was favored by the Crown Prince. Her pregnancy and status as a favored concubine might have spared him from immediate retribution.

However, swallowing his pride was difficult. Remembering the slap Fang Yun had given him, his face still burned with shame. He knew she hated him, but without her help, his family was doomed.

As he hesitated, Madam Zhao fell ill from the stress. She couldn't accept their downfall, especially with Fang Yun, whom she had despised, now their last hope.

That morning, another message arrived: Fang Cien, King Ming's concubine, had submitted a memorial exposing King Ming and the Fang family's crimes to the Crown Prince.

"Go to the Eastern Palace and beg Fang Liangdi for help!" Fang Hongshen, desperate, sent someone to plead with Fang Yun.