The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 266 - Imitation

Xie Shuren was new to the palace, and her sudden prominence was seen as a sign of coming favor.

She herself was happy, feeling that Yang Cefei genuinely cared for her, and there were many benefits to being close to her.

Fang Yun, now pregnant, was prepared for others to serve Pei Yao in her stead.

Even if she could serve him, Pei Yao had many women in his harem, so there was no need for jealousy.

However, she did warn Song Shuren to keep an eye on Xie Shuren's movements.

Since Xie Shuren was clearly aligned with Yang Cefei, caution was necessary.

Xie Shuren's rise did not upset Fang Yun, but others were not as comfortable.

Hu Liangdi, always perceptive, maintained appearances but clearly distanced herself from Xie Shuren. He Liangdi, unable to leave her quarters due to illness, fumed in her own space. Xu Xin'er was the most envious.

Among the three new arrivals, Hu Liangdi had initially gained favor, followed by Xie Shuren, leaving Xu Xin'er feeling insignificant.

Already harboring admiration for Pei Yao, she felt both wronged and anxious.

Her new maid, Xiudie, noticed her distress and tried to comfort her.

"Shuren, I know you're anxious, but worrying won't help. We need a plan."

"I've tried everything," Xu Xin'er said, frustration etched on her face. "I've sought help from my cousin, arranged encounters with His Highness, even sought favor publicly, only to be mocked."

Her maid, Yindou, tried to console her.

"The Crown Princess won't ignore you. It's just a matter of timing. Be patient..."

"But I don't agree, Yindou," Xiudie interrupted. She paused, gauging Xu Xin'er's reaction, and seeing no displeasure, continued.

"Shuren, I've been in the palace long enough to know that with so many women, once forgotten, it's hard to regain favor. His Highness is likely to ascend soon, and when he does, there will be a new batch of women entering the harem. Shuren, you can't afford to wait."

Xu Xin'er, inherently impatient, felt Xiudie's words resonate.

"So what should I do?" she asked eagerly.

"Look at how others gain favor. Hu Liangdi relies on her family, Xie Shuren on Yang Cefei's support. These can't be imitated. But Fang Cefei gained favor on her own. Why not learn from her?"

Xiudie's analysis led Xu Xin'er to ponder.

"Is that possible?" she asked, unsure.

Xiudie nodded. "Those who love plum blossoms often like plum-patterned clothes and vases. If Shuren learns what His Highness likes and imitates it, she won't go wrong!"

Encouraged by Xiudie's conviction, the already anxious Xu Xin'er quickly accepted her advice.

"Yes, imitating Fang Cefei must be right!"

Yindou, concerned, interjected, "But Shuren, have you forgotten what the Crown Princess said..."

"This is Qiushuang Pavillion, not Wutong Garden. Yindou, remember who your mistress is." Xiudie reminded her.

Xu Xin'er frowned. "Yindou, don't forget you're my maid."

"Of course, I'm loyal to Shuren!"

Seeing Xu Xin'er's displeasure, Yindou bowed and fell silent.

Satisfied, Xu Xin'er turned back to Xiudie, asking for specific steps.

The next day, at Wutong Garden, Fang Yun noticed Xu Xin'er observing her closely.

The gaze held no malice, just a serious scrutiny, which puzzled Fang Yun.

Once might be coincidence, but repeated instances indicated something more.

In the following days, not only Fang Yun but even Song Shuren noticed.

Walking together after leaving Wutong Garden, Song Shuren voiced her curiosity.

"Xu Shuren seems to be staring at you these days. Her dress and mannerisms also seem to mimic yours. What is she up to now?"

Nowadays, Xu Xin'er was somewhat of a joke in the Eastern Palace, so any mention of her brought thoughts of her antics.

"An imitation," Qingrong said softly. "I think she's trying to mimic Fang Cefei."

Hearing this, Song Shuren chuckled, covering her mouth with a handkerchief.

"She doesn't know the saying about imitating the tiger and ending up a dog."

"She's just trying to gain favor," Fang Yun said with a nonchalant smile. "Whatever her method, if it works, it's a skill."

"You have a broad mind, Cefei. If I knew someone was mimicking me daily, I'd be annoyed," Song Shuren teased.

"Why be annoyed? The original has nothing to fear from a copy," Fang Yun said calmly, showing no concern.

Her composed response led Song Shuren to nod in agreement.

"Indeed, who would choose a replica over the original in front of them?"

Even if the Crown Prince finds it amusing and favors the imitation temporarily, it won't last. It's still just a counterfeit.

The two women chatted as they parted ways at a crossroads.

Back at Biluo Pavilion, Yanwei waited at the door.

Seeing her approach, Yanwei quickly greeted her.

"The brazier is burning brightly inside. Come warm yourself. The Needlework Bureau just delivered the new shoes and clothes His Highness ordered for you. Take a look to see if they're to your liking."

Allowing Yanwei to remove her thick cloak, Fang Yun set down the hand warmer and went inside.

Everything was laid out on the table, in her favorite colors and patterns, tailored to her current figure.

It seemed a bit wasteful since these maternity clothes wouldn't be needed later.

But since Pei Yao had put in the effort, she didn't refuse.

After inspecting them and finding no issues, she had them put away.

"His Highness hasn't visited in a few days. It's windy and cold today. Have the kitchen prepare a lamb stew for lunch. Yuanhe can go to the front courtyard and invite His Highness to Biluo Pavilion for lunch if he returns early."

Fang Yun instructed as she walked out with Qingrong's support.

It had been a while since she actively invited Pei Yao. Today's thoughts about Xu Xin'er prompted this.

Not out of any sense of urgency, but to remind Pei Yao of what the original was like.

That way, encountering the imitation would be interesting.

Fang Yun considered herself small-minded and vengeful, needing to settle certain matters.

For instance, she still remembered how Xu Xin'er had insulted her the first time she visited the Eastern Palace with her stepmother.

Now, in an attempt to gain favor, Xu Xin'er was imitating her.