The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 258 - Don't Raise a Tiger to Cause Trouble

Yantao sneered, "Yang Cefei must really think people are fools. She praised Fang Cefei excessively while comparing you, just to provoke you into opposing her."

"Exactly," Hu Liangdi said, lowering her gaze. "Such a simple ploy, and Xie Shuren didn't even see through it. She truly believes Xie Shuren is speaking up for me. I'm certain Xie Shuren was guided by Yang Cefei."

During the preliminary selection, Hu Liangdi and Xie Shuren had lived in the palace together for a while, unlike Xu Xin'er, who joined later. They had a bit more shared history.

If it weren't for their shared history, Hu Liangdi wouldn't have bothered advising Xie Shuren.

Unfortunately, Xie Shuren didn't understand.

Yantao brought over a cup of tea. "Liangdi, you shouldn't worry about her. Someone who can't distinguish right from wrong isn't worth getting close to. She might drag you down one day."

"Of course, I'm not concerned with her. I haven't even secured my own path yet," Hu Liangdi replied calmly.

Understanding her meaning, Yantao sighed and said nothing more.

Hu Liangdi sighed, showing a hint of envy. "Fang Cefei is indeed lucky. They say surviving great danger brings good fortune. Her fortune must be this consort position. His Highness's favor has secured her a high rank in the palace."

As for herself, she wondered what rank she might achieve.

Thinking about these matters, Hu Liangdi felt conflicted. On one hand, she regretted not having more time to build her standing with Pei Yao. On the other hand, she was relieved that her family had backed the right side, with Pei Yao's future looking bright.

Caught between these feelings, she felt a surge of frustration and rubbed her temples.

Yantao spoke softly, "Liangdi, Yang Cefei's words aren't entirely wrong. You don't want to be used, but there are others in the inner court. I've heard He Liangdi has always been at odds with Fang Cefei."

Hu Liangdi looked at Yantao, frowning but saying nothing.

After a moment, she said, "Let me think about it. Don't act rashly."

Yantao nodded and said no more.

Meanwhile, at Weiyang Pavilion.

After seeing off Hu Liangdi and Xie Shuren, Yang Cefei's expression turned cold.

Yun Qian dismissed the servants and knelt beside Yang Cefei, massaging her legs.

"Don't be upset, Cefei. People like Xie Shuren are rare. Hu Liangdi is shrewd, so it's not surprising she wasn't easily swayed."

"Whether she was swayed is secondary. I see Hu Liangdi as someone with ambition, and I fear she might become another Fang Yun," Yang Cefei said gravely.

Yun Qian thought for a moment. "But His Highness seems indifferent to Hu Liangdi."

"That's for now," Yang Cefei said, her gaze deepening. "When Fang Yun entered the Eastern Palace, even the long-disfavored Zhao Liangdi dared to step on her. But look at her now."

Yun Qian's expression grew serious. Considering Hu Liangdi's beauty, superior to Fang Yun's, her good family background, and intelligence, it wasn't impossible.

Lowering her voice, Yun Qian said, "In that case, Cefei, you can't let this tiger grow."

"As long as she can't bear children, a tiger is just a paper tiger. Keeping her around can help divert some of Fang Yun's favor and restrain her. When the Third Young Master grows older, I must have another healthy son," Yang Cefei said, placing a hand on her abdomen, her face showing some frustration.

Her premature delivery had left the Third Young Master weak, a constant source of regret.

A few days passed.

Pei Yao, busy with state affairs, hadn't visited the inner court.

Fang Yun enjoyed some peace. After Pei Yao's reprimand, the troublemakers He Liangdi and Xu Xin'er had quieted down, making the atmosphere more pleasant.

With the colder October weather, Fang Yun, now pregnant, enjoyed afternoon naps even more.

When Pei Yao arrived in the afternoon, Fang Yun had just woken up.

Her hair was loose, and she sat on the couch, Qingrong helping her with her shoes.

Seeing Pei Yao, she instinctively started to rise and greet him, but he gently pushed her back down.

"Just woke up?" Pei Yao asked with a soft smile, lightly brushing her rosy cheek with the back of his hand.

"Yes," Fang Yun nodded, leaning lazily on his shoulder, half-joking, "Did you come today because you knew I had lamb stew prepared for dinner?"

Fang Yun smiled and let him hold her hand as they walked out.

However, her hair was still uncombed, and it wouldn't be proper to dine with it down, so she sat at the dressing table to quickly tidy it up.

Pei Yao sat nearby, quietly waiting.

But their tranquility was interrupted when Fu Xi rushed in from outside.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, someone from the palace has arrived. Chen Fei says the Emperor has coughed up blood and requests your immediate presence!"

"What happened? He was fine this morning," Pei Yao said, standing up and frowning.

Fu Xi shook his head. "The consort doesn't know. The imperial physician is attending to him."

Fang Yun, having finished her hair, walked over with Qingrong's support.

"Your Highness, you should go. This isn't a minor issue. If something serious has happened, you need to be prepared."

In this era of limited medical knowledge, coughing up blood was indeed alarming.

If Emperor Chengjing's condition was dire, Pei Yao's ascension could be imminent.

Pei Yao looked at Fang Yun and nodded.

"I'm off. Don't worry, take care of yourself, and eat the buns while they're hot."

"Yes," Fang Yun replied, watching him leave.