The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 263 - Just a Tactic

"Feeling upset, and unrest outside."

Separately, these words meant little, but together, they hinted at something more.

The current unrest was due to Pei Yao's decisive actions against King Ming and his faction, paving his own future.

As Pei Yao's concubine, Fang Yun should be pleased with his success. However, considering her family's downfall, her mood could be seen differently.

Hu Liangdi's words implied this connection.

"I'm focused on nurturing my baby, not concerned with outside matters. Unlike you, Hu Liangdi, I'm not as informed about everything. Besides, with His Highness in charge, he's surely doing good for the country and the people. How could there be unrest? Why would I be upset?" Fang Yun said, one hand on her belly, the other holding Pei Yao's, smiling gently.

Her calm response subtly pressured Hu Liangdi.

She pointed out two issues: as a lady of the Eastern Palace, Hu Liangdi should focus on serving the Crown Prince, not gossiping about politics. And questioning Pei Yao's governance suggested incompetence.

Hu Liangdi, though clever, lacked experience.

She intended to unsettle Fang Yun and remind Pei Yao of her family's flaws but forgot to clear herself and Pei Yao first.

A clumsy tactic.

Pei Yao saw through her intent and normally wouldn't bother.

But Fang Yun's words, directed at Hu Liangdi, served to intimidate the newcomer.

Sure enough, before Pei Yao could speak, Hu Liangdi, realizing her mistake, quickly bowed.

"I misspoke. His Highness governs excellently. I just overheard servants discussing the recent executions and felt scared. I worried for Fang Cefei."

Despite her misstep, she deflected blame swiftly.

Fang Yun, not wanting to trouble her further, kept her gentle demeanor, especially with Pei Yao present.

"No need to be so formal, Sister Hu. We're family, chatting privately. You meant well; it's not a slip of the tongue."

"Right, Your Highness?" Fang Yun looked at Pei Yao.

Pei Yao nodded, "Yes, no need for formalities."

He saw the verbal sparring but deemed it manageable.

Overseeing such disputes daily would be exhausting.

To Hu Liangdi, though, it seemed different.

She saw that whatever Fang Yun said, Pei Yao agreed, showing his favor.

Feeling jealous, she gripped her handkerchief.

She thought her newness, beauty, and unique skills would captivate Pei Yao.

But the autumn hunt, her chance to impress, turned disastrous.

Losing a maid, while Fang Yun became special to Pei Yao.

Her efforts seemed forgotten.

Jealousy growing, Hu Liangdi couldn't stand seeing their closeness and quickly excused herself.

"I won't disturb Your Highness and Fang Cefei. I'll take my leave."

They didn't stop her.

After she left, they continued their walk, seemingly unaffected.

However, Pei Yao, with a half-smile, asked, "Not angry?"

Fang Yun blinked innocently. "Why?"

Her innocent look left Pei Yao momentarily stunned.

Fang Yun felt a sudden pang of guilt, wondering why she had even bothered to stir up trouble.

He pinched her nose, gave a light cough, and said, "I was just worried you were unhappy, that's all."

"You're lying, Your Highness!"

Catching Pei Yao feeling sheepish, Fang Yun's demeanor shifted, her delicate eyebrows arched, and she lightly poked his chest, pouting.

"You were teasing me, weren't you? Trying to make fun of me and Hu Liangdi?"

"Of course not." Pei Yao, unable to defend himself, averted his gaze.

But Fang Yun, one hand supporting her belly, quickly took a few steps to stand directly in front of him.

"Hu Liangdi's intentions were clear. If you didn't help me earlier, you can't make fun of me now. I won't accept it!"

Pei Yao rubbed his forehead, realizing he had walked right into a trap.

He had intended to tease Fang Yun but found himself needing to soothe her instead.

He smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"That's not true. If someone bullies you, I feel distressed, not amused. Hu Liangdi spoke out of turn, and I naturally ignored her. Let's continue our walk."

"To see the koi fish."

Fang Yun huffed.

Pei Yao nodded, "Yes, I'll have Hong Zheng prepare some fish food."

"New Year's is coming, and I haven't made new shoes yet," Fang Yun said, lifting her foot slightly.

Pei Yao waved his hand, "Make as many pairs as you like, and new clothes and jewelry too."

Hearing this, Fang Yun's face lit up with a sweet smile.

Thanking him, she led him to the fish pond.

A little temper tantrum was just a bit of fun. Fang Yun couldn't genuinely be angry with the Crown Prince. It was merely a tactic to vie for favor.

While Fang Yun strolled and fed the fish with Pei Yao, Hu Liangdi, returning from the garden, encountered He Liangdi on her way there.

Seeing Hu Liangdi looking displeased, He Liangdi sneered.

"Well, well, hit a snag, did we? I thought you were too aloof for these vying games. Can't keep it up now?"

Recalling Hu Liangdi's early days in the palace, she had been aloof and polite.

He Liangdi, for all her faults, was honest. She fought openly for what she wanted, without pretense.

To her, Hu Liangdi's behavior seemed hypocritical.

After all, she had heard the Crown Prince and Fang Cefei were strolling in the garden.

Seeing Hu Liangdi coming from that direction looking displeased, what else could it mean?

Normally, Hu Liangdi wouldn't bother with He Liangdi's remarks. But today, she was in a foul mood.

Not knowing the Crown Prince would be in the garden, it was a chance encounter, making He Liangdi's comments even more annoying.

Her face cold, she glared at He Liangdi and said indifferently,

"I'm not good at vying for favor like you, clinging like a plaster and seizing every opportunity. It never works, yet you keep trying. Truly, your perseverance is admirable."