The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 260 - Just Sleep Like This

When Pei Yao arrived, Fang Yun had just started eating.

Hearing Yuanhe announce the Crown Prince's arrival, she put down her chopsticks and went outside to greet him.

"No need for formalities," Pei Yao said at the door, waving his hand. "I'll join you for dinner. No need to trouble the front courtyard kitchen."

In just a few words, Fang Yun sensed something was off in his tone.

Looking closely, she noticed Pei Yao seemed a bit down and irritable.

She instructed Qingrong to set another place and signaled Yanwei to dismiss the other maids.

Once they were seated, only Qingrong, Yanwei, and Hong Zheng remained to serve them.

"Not expecting you for dinner, these dishes are my favorites. Should I have the kitchen prepare a couple more?" Fang Yun asked, placing a piece of food in Pei Yao's bowl.

"No need. Your tastes are similar to mine. No trouble," Pei Yao replied softly, trying to mask his mood with a smile. "Did you enjoy the buns this afternoon?"

Noticing this small change, Fang Yun realized Pei Yao was becoming more considerate and patient with her.

A good sign.

To maintain this positive shift, Fang Yun responded with a gentle smile.

"Liu Momo's cooking is excellent, just like I remember. Even though the buns were vegetarian, they were delicious. I enjoyed them, and the little one inside me was well-behaved this afternoon."

This meant she wasn't experiencing morning sickness.

Thinking of the child, Pei Yao's expression softened.

"It seems this child takes after you, well-behaved and sensible."

"Not necessarily," Fang Yun teased, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe they'll be like you, calm and meticulous."

After this compliment, Fang Yun gently touched her belly.

"They say a kind father raises filial children. With you as a kind father, our children in the Eastern Palace will surely be excellent and filial. This little one is fortunate to have you as their father."

Her words seemed to touch Pei Yao.

The phrase "kind father, filial children" struck a chord with him.

Having lost his parents young, Pei Yao had once genuinely regarded Emperor Chengjing as a father.

But as he grew older and learned about Empress Li and Emperor Chengjing from the servants left by the late Emperor, his feelings faded.

Leading to the current situation.

But the idea of a kind father and filial children resonated with him.

A kind father begets filial children. Emperor Chengjing's insincerity meant Pei Yao couldn't be a foolishly filial son.

Seeing Pei Yao's emotional shift, Fang Yun added more food to his bowl and softly said,

"The late Emperor planned for your future, showing his deep care and love. If he knew you now had children and were about to inherit the throne, he would be pleased."

Hearing this, Pei Yao glanced at Fang Yun, a relieved smile appearing on his face.

"Yes, Father would be happy for me," Pei Yao said, feeling a sense of relief.

Indeed, the one who truly loved him was his father. Everything, from the plans, resources, and even Emperor Chengjing's guardianship of the throne for over twenty years, was arranged by his father.

The one he should honor and respect was his father, not Emperor Chengjing, who had broken his promises and didn't deserve his filial piety.

Leaving the palace, Pei Yao had felt oppressed. Seeing Emperor Chengjing still thinking of King Ming in such a state, Pei Yao had to admit he envied King Ming for having someone who genuinely cared for him. But now, he understood.

Though his father wasn't by his side, his final arrangements were acts of extreme protection and love.

He had grown up safely, with many sacrificing their lives to protect him, all orchestrated by the late Emperor.

No need for envy.

Seeing Pei Yao's relaxed expression, Fang Yun changed the subject to everyday matters, making Biluo Pavilion feel like a normal home, and she and Pei Yao like an ordinary couple.

This relaxed atmosphere eased Pei Yao's mind, making him feel more at ease.

So, he decided to stay the night.

Fang Yun wasn't about to play the role of a virtuous concubine, suggesting he sleep elsewhere.

She was pregnant and needed Pei Yao's company more than ever. Raising the child alone wouldn't be meaningful.

Intimate activities were off the table, so Fang Yun found other things for Pei Yao to do.

While bathing, Fang Yun washed her hair, and they sat on the couch, with Pei Yao drying her hair.

Chatting and drying her hair wasn't new, and Pei Yao didn't mind.

As they talked, Fang Yun grew sleepy.

Initially sitting in front of Pei Yao, she gradually leaned against him.

Feeling her weight, Pei Yao looked and saw she had closed her eyes, finding it amusing.

Fortunately, her hair was mostly dry.

He quietly called Qingrong to prepare the bed.

Then, Pei Yao gently carried Fang Yun to the bed.

As he lay down, she woke up, turned over, and snuggled into his arms, wrapping her arms around his waist.

It was nothing, but her soft body pressed against him, her hands moving like a water snake, creating a light, ticklish sensation that stirred thoughts.

But knowing nothing could happen, Pei Yao whispered, "Let Qingrong bring another blanket."

"No," Fang Yun mumbled, pressing closer. "I have nightmares if we sleep apart."

As an experienced woman, she sensed Pei Yao's reaction and did it on purpose.

Teasing him occasionally, making him crave but unable to have, kept him wanting more.

Pregnancy added to her charm, making her even more irresistible.

Pei Yao, used to sharing a bed with her, had no choice but to swallow his words.

But holding her like this was uncomfortable.

After a while, he turned her around and hugged her from behind.

Feeling his presence more clearly, Fang Yun stopped moving.

Pei Yao found her newfound obedience amusing.

He had enough self-control to refrain when necessary.

So, they slept like this that night.