The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 262 - If Only You Had Known Sooner

"Why can't you tell good from bad?"

Qingrong curled her lips into a mocking smile.

"The eldest daughter is gone, the third son is gone, the family is ruined, and the other children are scattered. Only our Cefei is filial enough to send you a farewell meal."

Fang Hongshen trembled with rage but still asked about his remaining children.

"Madam Zhao is dead, Wenxian is just a child, where could he go? Are Jin'er and Concubine Qiao made into official prostitutes? Rong'er is frail and needs care. Where could she go with her child? You won't even spare them?"

Qingrong, knowing how Fang Yun had suffered due to her illegitimacy, despised Fang Hongshen even more.

Fang Hongshen wasn't indifferent to his illegitimate children; he just ignored them after their mothers died, leaving no one to vie for his favor.

Facing such a selfish, cold-hearted man, Qingrong didn't hold back, revealing the fate of the Fang family.

Wenxian, once a bully, was abandoned by his so-called friends after the family's downfall. He was beaten and left crippled, his whereabouts unknown.

Concubine Qiao and her daughter Jin, with Fang Yun's help, escaped with their savings to live elsewhere.

Concubine Rong also left safely with her child, but Qingrong revealed that Concubine Rong's son wasn't Fang Hongshen's. She had a lover, a cloth merchant, and they were now reunited as a family.

Hearing his youngest son was crippled and his beloved son wasn't his, Fang Hongshen broke down completely.

Qingrong, indifferent, handed him the food and wine.

"Cefei asked me to tell you, 'If only you had known sooner.'"

With that, Qingrong left without looking back.

Fang Hongshen, left in the dark, filthy cell, muttered those words, laughing and crying.

He didn't touch the farewell meal, too afraid and regretful.

When Qingrong returned, the executions had already taken place.

As Fang Hongshen's head fell, Fang Yun felt a weight lift from her heart.

This was the feeling of resolving a deep-seated grudge.

Gently touching her belly, she knew her child was now her only blood relative.

The political turmoil lasted half a month.

Empress Li and King Ming were dead, their allies dealt with. Only Pei Yao's supporters and neutral officials remained in court.

When Pei Yao finally had some downtime, it was the last day of November.

That night, he stayed with the Crown Princess.

This was to show respect to his legitimate wife and clarify his stance: no matter who else was favored, the legitimate wife remained as such.

Currently, the Crown Princess and Fang Yun shared a harmonious relationship, not as subordinates or allies, but in mutual respect.

Respecting the Crown Princess and adhering to the rules, Fang Yun was given due status and comfort.

So, the next day, the first of December, Pei Yao was nudged by the Crown Princess to spend time with Fang Yun.

Fang Yun, now five months pregnant, was showing, but with winter layers, it looked more like she had gained weight.

Arriving at Biluo Pavilion, they found Fang Yun having her cloak fastened by Yanwei, while Qingrong added charcoal to the hand warmer.

"Are you going out?" Pei Yao asked, stepping in warmly.

Seeing him, Fang Yun smiled brightly.

"Your Highness, you came just in time. I've been cooped up here, and the charcoal smoke is making me dizzy. I was about to get some fresh air."

"Hmm, this cloak is warm. Your hands aren't cold today," Pei Yao said, taking her hand and squeezing it. "You haven't mentioned feeling cold this winter. Is it because of the pregnancy?"

Fang Yun nodded. "The imperial physician said it's likely. Pregnant women feel warmer, which is why I feel stuffy indoors."

"Then let's go for a walk. I haven't strolled through the garden in a while."

Pei Yao gently touched her belly, his eyes softening.

"This little one is growing fast."

"Yes, they'll be born next year," Fang Yun smiled, her eyes sparkling.

Chatting, they stepped outside.

A chubby little fox, napping by the fire, stretched and followed its owners.

Though winter, the garden, well-tended, wasn't bleak. Compared to spring and summer, it had a serene beauty.

"Winter came late this year, so the plum blossoms haven't bloomed. Some chrysanthemums are still nice, though," Fang Yun remarked.

Pei Yao replied casually, "The plum blossoms might bloom with the snow, but then it'll be slippery, and you shouldn't go out."

Pregnancy made falls particularly dangerous.

Fang Yun sighed theatrically. "What a pity."

"Red plums are so cheerful, but it seems I won't see them this year."

Knowing she was doing it on purpose, Pei Yao couldn't help but respond.

"It's no big deal. I'll have someone pick the best ones and bring them to your courtyard."

"Thank you, Your Highness, for the flowers."

Fang Yun smiled sweetly, giving a playful bow.

"Imp!" Pei Yao chuckled, pulling her up and playfully tapping her nose.

This scene was witnessed by Hu Liangdi, who had also come to stroll in the garden. She paused, feeling a twinge of discomfort.

Suppressing her inexplicable irritation, Hu Liangdi bowed properly.

"Greetings, Your Highness, Fang Cefei."

Hearing the voice, they turned to see her. Pei Yao waved his hand dismissively.

"Rise."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Hu Liangdi stood, glancing at Fang Yun. "Fang Cefei, what good taste you have. It's rare to see you out. How nice to run into you in the garden."

Fang Yun smiled faintly. "Being cooped up inside gets dull. I've been lazy and less active since becoming pregnant."

"I see." Hu Liangdi smiled slightly. "I thought you were in low spirits lately, with all the unrest outside."