The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 254 - Silence the Noise

By the time Biluo Pavilion received the news, it was already evening. The Fang family had acted swiftly to save themselves, fulfilling Fang Yun's demand the same day. Fang Hongshen sent someone, and both Concubine Qiao and Concubine Rong wrote letters, reporting that Madam Zhao had been beaten to death at the ancestral hall entrance, her mouth gagged, just like Concubine Song.

Hearing this, Fang Yun initially laughed but soon found tears streaming down her face. Even though her mother's death had been avenged, her mother could never return, leaving an unhealable wound.

"Now everyone in the Fang residence knows that Auntie was wronged. Outsiders are talking about it too, condemning Madam Zhao and even her family," Qingrong said.

Fang Yun mocked, "My father has always understood people's hearts. He knows what I want, so he did everything he could, not caring about his reputation as long as he could save his life."

"There's more news. The master elevated Auntie to the honored concubine and ordered a new tablet for her in the ancestral hall," Qingrong added.

Fang Yun's face showed clear disgust. "That's unnecessary. My mother wouldn't want to be in such a filthy place. Did they say anything else?"

"They asked you to speak kindly of them to His Highness, not seeking glory, just hoping to keep their lives," Qingrong said softly.

Fang Yun, playing with a jade bracelet, didn't look up. "Did his sons say anything about Madam Zhao's death? Don't they hate me or their father?"

Qingrong's face turned contemptuous. "Third Master, who always seemed so filial, didn't plead for Madam Zhao. It was Fourth Master, the scoundrel, who defended his mother."

Hearing this, Fang Yun chuckled. "No wonder Fang Zhanming is Fang Hongshen's favorite. They are alike—selfish, cold-hearted hypocrites."

"What do you plan to do?" Qingrong asked. "You won't really help them, will you?"

Fang Yun placed the bracelet back on the table, smiling faintly. "It's not my decision. We need His Highness's approval."

Soon, Pei Yao received the news. Fang Yun wanted to see her family, including Fang Pei. As he had promised to help whenever needed, he immediately made arrangements.

Pei Yao was busy with court matters. Emperor Chengjing, though conscious, was unwell and unable to leave bed, so Pei Yao handled all affairs. Organizing Fang Yun's family visit took six or seven days.

This delay made the Fang family anxious. Fang Hongshen, pretending to be ill, avoided court, fearing Pei Yao's judgment.

Finally, the Eastern Palace sent word that Fang Yun, pregnant, wished to see her family, and the Crown Prince approved. Fang Hongshen and Fang Zhanming were to meet her in the Eastern Palace's front courtyard, greatly relieving Fang Hongshen.

Fang Hongshen believed Fang Yun had kept her promise and convinced the Crown Prince, so he hurried to the meeting.

However, upon entering the small side hall and seeing Fang Pei, he felt a sense of foreboding.

"What are you doing here?" Fang Hongshen asked immediately.

Fang Pei, agitated, responded, "You killed my mother, didn't you? You killed her!"

"Let go, sister!" Fang Zhanming stepped forward to intervene. "Mother died to save the family. Without her sacrifice, with King Ming imprisoned, you wouldn't be here."

Before he could finish, Fang Pei slapped him hard.

Her expression turned wild. "Fang Zhanming, have you lost your mind? That was our mother. Even if we die, it's not right for her to die for us. This is all Fang Yun's doing, isn't it? Do you really believe she'll save you? Do you know Fang Cien is..."