Amid the women's gazes, Pei Yao, wearing his Crown Prince attire, strode into the hall and headed straight for the main seat.
The Crown Princess rose, leading everyone in a bow.
"Rise," Pei Yao gestured, taking his seat. "Since you're all here, I have a few things to say."
He rarely appeared at the Wutong Garden morning assembly, and still in his court attire, it seemed urgent. Everyone focused attentively.
Minsi quickly brought a chair for the Crown Princess. Once she was seated, Pei Yao began.
"You all know the Emperor is bedridden. I've been busy managing state affairs and dealing with Prince Ming and Empress Li's treason. Recently, I discovered someone with sinister intentions targeting my inner court."
His face darkened as he glanced around. Some women remained calm, others curious or uneasy. He Liangdi, in particular, looked uneasy. Not adept at hiding her emotions, Fang Yun noticed immediately.
Pei Yao's gaze settled on He Liangdi.
"In these critical times, keep your thoughts in check. Anyone caught conspiring or bribing will be severely punished, including your families. I'm being lenient now, but if you don't heed the warning, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Everyone understood the implication: likely, He Liangdi or her family had done something questionable. Yet, no one spoke, only nodding in unison.
Unexpectedly, Xu Xin'er, her eyes gleaming, jumped in.
"Rest assured, Your Highness. I can't speak for others, but the Xu family will obey. My father is loyal to you, ready to follow your lead and serve you faithfully!"
Even the usually composed Yang Cefei frowned at her.
The Crown Princess, considering their connection, interjected.
"Xu Shuren speaks frankly. The Xu family is loyal to Great Qi."
"Yes, Minister Xu is loyal to the court," Pei Yao replied indifferently, unwilling to entertain Xu Xin'er's foolishness.
Despite Pei Yao's victory and control, Emperor Chengjing was still alive. As his uncle and guardian, it wouldn't be prudent to dispose of him hastily, risking accusations of filial disrespect.
Thus, Pei Yao remained a Crown Prince, balancing between ruler and servant. As a servant, he owed loyalty to Emperor Chengjing, as did all officials. Xu Xin'er's declaration of loyalty to Pei Yao alone was inappropriate, inviting criticism from scholars.
Oblivious to her mistake, Xu Xin'er, mistaking Pei Yao's words for praise, boldly sought his favor.
"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. My family sent me some homemade floral tea. Please come and try it."
Her cluelessness left the Crown Princess visibly displeased.
Pei Yao gave Xu Xin'er a dismissive glance and turned his attention to Yang Cefei. "I've been busy lately and haven't visited you. How's the child? Fu Xi mentioned the physician visits daily."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. The Third Young Master is much better now. The physician and nurses are taking good care of him, and he's getting stronger," Yang Cefei replied with a smile.
Her response, smoothly following Pei Yao's lead, effectively sidelined Xu Xin'er.
Feeling snubbed, Xu Xin'er turned pale, biting her lip and lowering her head. Her resentment toward Yang Cefei grew.
Pei Yao ignored her completely. The Yang family, though appearing to be stationed in Huizhou, actually played a critical role in guarding the capital, indirectly supporting Pei Yao. Hence, Pei Yao treated Yang Cefei kindly.
Yang Cefei understood the political intricacies and, while outwardly pleased, contemplated that Pei Yao's affection might not be sufficient. She envied Fang Yun, who, despite lacking family support, still received Pei Yao's favor.
What she didn't realize was that Fang Yun had earned Pei Yao's favor through her own efforts and had also subtly assisted in political matters, making her stand out.
After asking Yang Cefei about the Third Young Master and checking on Zhao Liangdi about the eldest son, Pei Yao finally turned to Fang Yun.
"Has Second Miss been well-behaved? Don't overwork yourself with another child on the way. Let the nursemaids help you more."
"Second Miss is very well-behaved and often keeps me company. Please don't worry, Your Highness," Fang Yun replied obediently.
Pei Yao nodded. "That's good. Since your appetite has been poor during pregnancy, I've arranged for a separate kitchen in Biluo Pavilion to prepare your meals specially."
This thoughtful gesture, although influenced by Yang Cefei's precedent, showed Pei Yao's care for Fang Yun.
Fang Yun's gratitude was genuine.
Yang Cefei, observing this, remarked with a smile, "Your Highness truly cherishes Sister Fang. With such good fortune, her baby is likely a boy, making a perfect pair of children—how enviable!"
"Sister, you jest. Didn't you have a separate kitchen when expecting the Third Young Master? I'm just following your example," Fang Yun replied with a soft smile.
Yang Cefei waved dismissively, saying no more.
Uninterested in further small talk among the women, Pei Yao spoke briefly with the Crown Princess before dismissing everyone and returning to his study to continue his work.
This dispersed the potential squabbling among the women.
Fang Yun returned early, avoiding too much exposure.
Song Shuren followed her protectively, but Xie Shuren, who had become close to Yang Cefei in Fang Yun's absence, stayed by Yang Cefei's side.
As for Hu Liangdi, she hadn't gone far before Yang Cefei called her back.
"Sister Hu, you haven't joined me for tea since entering the palace. The weather is nice today. How about joining me and Xie Shuren for a cup?"
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
Roman d'amourAuthor: Huatang Xiuge Translator: Me (Xiaobai) 东宫掌娇 Upon entering the Eastern Palace, Fang Yun lived cautiously, burdened by the label of a substitute bride and daughter of a traitor. She knew well that, as a daughter of low birth, she had been cas...
