The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 257 - Instigation

Hu Liangdi was surprised by Yang Cefei's invitation. Given Yang Cefei's higher rank and the straightforward invitation, declining would be an obvious affront.

So, she nodded. "It's an honor to be invited by Cefei."

"You're too polite," Yang Cefei smiled. "We're all sisters here. You can call me sister; 'Cefei' feels too distant."

Xie Shuren, listening in, quickly agreed. "Indeed! Sister Yang's tea is excellent, and the pastries are exquisite, thanks to Yun Qian's superb skills!"

Yun Qian, following behind, smiled at the compliment.

Hu Liangdi observed quietly, smiling politely but saying little.

Soon, the four women made their way to Weiyang Pavilion.

Yang Cefei arranged for two to sit outside, checked on the Third Young Master, and then returned.

Once tea and pastries were served, they began conversing over tea.

"I heard you excel at riding and archery. You shone during the autumn hunt with His Highness. I'm quite envious," Yang Cefei said.

Hu Liangdi smiled, "Cefei, coming from the Marquis of Nanning's family, you're also from a military household. My skills are nothing in comparison."

Yang Cefei's smile paused briefly before widening. "You flatter me. I was lazy in my youth, learning only a bit of flowery boxing for fitness, and have long forgotten it. I can ride but not shoot. You're truly the daughter of a military family."

"My skills are crude, unlike you, Cefei. You discuss military strategy with His Highness, compose poetry and manage the household, and even gave birth to the Third Young Master. I'm the one truly envious," Hu Liangdi replied, returning the flattery.

The more polite Hu Liangdi was, the more Yang Cefei realized it was a form of distancing. She decided to cut to the chase.

"As a noble lady, you can certainly achieve the same. Honestly, I always thought the other Cefei position should have been yours."

"Yes, Hu Liangdi, you come from a good family. Your brother holds a high position and has contributed much to His Highness. Since you entered the palace, you've been valued. With time..." Yun Qian paused deliberately.

Xie Shuren, holding a teacup, picked up the conversation. "Given time, the position of Cefei would surely have been yours. If it weren't for Fang Cefei's pregnancy and her perilous adventure with His Highness, with the Fang family now disgraced, how could she be worthy of such a title? Even now, her merits barely balance her faults, and she shouldn't have been promoted."

Xie Shuren's words seemed sincere, like an honest observation, making Hu Liangdi glance at her. It sounded like she was stating a fact.

Hu Liangdi sighed, "I've been in the palace a short time and lack experience. These things come down to luck and fate. I must not have the fortune. Fang Cefei, now pregnant and favored by His Highness, shouldn't be spoken of this way."

Her tone conveyed resignation, appearing disheartened yet accepting reality.

Yang Cefei nodded gently. "Indeed, she's favored now, and everyone in the palace gives way to her. As a newly appointed consort, when His Highness ascends and she enters the imperial harem, her rank won't be low. She's gained a head start."

Hu Liangdi listened, responding only with a bitter smile and sipping her tea in silence.

Seeing this, Yang Cefei dropped the subject and invited everyone to try the pastries.

After spending over half an hour at Weiyang Pavilion, Hu Liangdi finally left.

Xie Shuren, walking with her, said cheerfully, "Yang Cefei is truly kind. Since entering the palace, she's treated me best, like a sister, looking after my needs. Sister Hu, you should visit more often. Fang Cefei seems gentle but distant, not one for close relationships. I wonder how Sister Song got close to her."

Hu Liangdi's brows knitted slightly as she listened. She pressed her lips together before speaking softly, "You're living with Song Shuren now. It's best to maintain good relations with her. Yang Cefei is in another courtyard."

"Don't worry. I know who's kind to me. But I sincerely advise you, Sister Hu," Xie Shuren said earnestly.

Hu Liangdi smiled and nodded, saying no more. They soon parted ways.

Meanwhile, at Biluo Pavilion, Fang Yun was feeding the little fox chicken with chopsticks while Song Shuren played with Second Miss on the couch, chatting casually.

Yanwei hurried in, speaking softly. "Cefei, Hu Liangdi and Xie Shuren have left Weiyang Pavilion and returned to their courtyards. Xie Shuren seemed very happy, while Hu Liangdi looked calm."

"Xie Shuren has a child's temperament. Yang Cefei takes care of her needs, so she sees her as a sister. I've hinted many times, but she doesn't seem to understand, so I gave up," Song Shuren said with a trace of helplessness.

"Yang Cefei is skilled at winning hearts. You and I saw it before. Xie Shuren, though, is either simple or clueless," Fang Yun remarked with a smile.

Yanwei nodded. "But I'm more worried about Weiyang Pavilion stirring up trouble for Hu Liangdi. More enemies mean more danger."

Qingrong agreed. "Cefei, with your pregnancy, must be extra cautious. If Hu Liangdi is incited, it could be harmful."

"We can't control others' thoughts, only stay vigilant," Fang Yun said, handing the chopsticks to Qingrong and wiping her hands. "I'm more curious about why His Highness reprimanded He Liangdi. What has her family done?"

Influenced by Pei Yao, Fang Yun had become more interested in court affairs.

Yuanhe immediately responded, "I heard someone attempted to bribe using He Liangdi's father's connections to curry favor with His Highness. Some say His Highness's ascension would elevate her father from Assistant Minister of War to Minister. Others are seeking positions through him."

Hearing this, Fang Yun sneered. "Isn't this asking for death? At such a time, daring these actions—are they expecting to be eradicated before His Highness ascends?"

"That's why His Highness was angry today," Yuanhe nodded. "It's said the briber has been dealt with. He Liangdi's father is likely very anxious now."

Fang Yun sighed, "It has nothing to do with me. I have no family."

Her words were met with silence, understanding her family situation.

With Fang Hongshen in prison, already sentenced to death without an execution date, Fang Yun focused on external affairs while Hu Liangdi thought of Fang Yun.

Suppressing her worries, Hu Liangdi dismissed others and spoke to her maid, Yantao.

"See, they want to use me. Quite flattering."