The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 267 - Completely Clueless

Xu Xin'er's behavior seemed increasingly odd. Fang Yun could sense it, and even the Crown Princess had noticed something was off recently.

After pondering, the Crown Princess had someone investigate.

Xu Xin'er's lack of discipline over her servants meant Qiushuang Pavillion's affairs were easily uncovered.

The steward, Yan Li, returned quickly with his report.

"She's been trying to mimic Fang Cefei's attire, manners, and speech?"

Hearing Yan Li's report, the Crown Princess was immediately agitated.

"Exactly," Yan Li confirmed, looking uneasy. "I questioned the servants at Qiushuang Pavillion. It seems the idea came from Xu Xin'er's main maid, Xiudie. Xu Xin'er is fixated on imitating Fang Cefei, hoping to gain favor quickly."

"Foolish!"

The Crown Princess rubbed her forehead in frustration.

"Imitations are sought when the original is absent. With Fang Cefei here, what's the point of mimicking? Go fetch her for me."

"Yes, Your Highness," Yan Li bowed.

But he was called back.

"Forget it. Seeing her will just irritate me. Tell her to stop this nonsense. His Highness is still upset with her. She should behave herself. In time, His Highness will forgive her and she'll have her chance."

In the end, the Crown Princess decided against seeing Xu Xin'er.

The irritation wasn't worth it. She had tried explaining before, but Xu Xin'er either didn't understand or refused to listen.

Only childhood ties kept the Crown Princess invested in her foolish cousin. Anyone else, and she would have given up on such a dense relative.

After Yan Li left, Min Si pouted.

"Why bother with her, Your Highness? She never knows what's good for her and might think you're intentionally holding her back."

"Min Si's blunt but has a point," Tian Mo sighed. "Your Highness is just too soft-hearted."

The Crown Princess, still frustrated, said, "I can't watch her destroy herself. I couldn't stop her before. Now, at least I can try to save her. My aunt treated me well when she was alive."

With that, the maids held their tongues.

Thinking about Xu Xin'er's temperament, it was clear she was prone to trouble in the deep palace.

Recently, her arrogance at Wutong Garden was only due to her father, Xu De, receiving an additional post. She assumed this meant favor from the Crown Prince.

Completely forgetting how she and her stepmother had schemed against Pei Yao to enter the Eastern Palace.

Unless her father gained a high-ranking ministerial position, Pei Yao wouldn't give her a second glance.

Even if he did, it wouldn't guarantee favor, only financial stability.

Xu Xin'er was utterly clueless.

All the Crown Princess could do was offer advice, uncertain if it would be heeded.

The maids' concerns proved true.

At Qiushuang Pavillion, after Yan Li left, Xu Xin'er, furious, smashed a vase.

"Wait, wait, wait! They always tell me to wait. I'm the only one in the harem not favored. I'm a laughingstock! The Crown Prince isn't heartless. He forgave He Liangdi, didn't he?"

Yindou tried to calm her.

"Shuren, the Crown Princess means well. He Liangdi is different. She has long-standing favor and her family has served His Highness for years. We just came to the capital this year, through the Lu family. Plus..."

And He Liangdi's father's bribery was minimal, caught and warned early, nipped in the bud.

But before Yindou could finish, Xiudie interrupted.

"Why do you always undermine yourself? Is our Shuren any less beautiful, less learned, or from a lesser family than He Liangdi?"

"I didn't mean..."

"Enough!"

Already angry, Xu Xin'er lost patience and slapped Yindou hard.

"You keep mentioning the Crown Princess. Has Lu Yuehua bought you off? How does she know my business? Did you betray me? I trusted you, and you dare act against me!"

Terrified, Yindou immediately knelt.

"I wouldn't! I'm a Xu family servant, serving you since childhood. How could I be disloyal?"

"Then stop saying things I don't want to hear and get out!"

Xu Xin'er pointed to the door, dismissing her angrily.

Yindou, clutching her face, tearfully glanced at Xiudie before leaving.

After she left, Xiudie approached Xu Xin'er, speaking softly.

"Shuren, don't be upset. I heard His Highness is returning early today. The weather is nice. Why not wait for him along his path?"

"But my cousin just sent a message..."

Though displeased with the Crown Princess's constant oversight, Xu Xin'er still feared her.

Seeing her hesitance, Xiudie added,

"If the Crown Princess won't allow it, this is your only chance."

Hearing this, Xu Xin'er pondered before resolutely agreeing.

In the front courtyard.

Pei Yao returned with some time before lunch.

The day's lighter workload had put him in a good mood.

Walking from the palace gates to his quarters, he noticed a vaguely familiar figure ahead.

Dressed like Fang Yun and with a similar build, the figure held a hand warmer and appeared to be admiring flowers, chatting with a maid.

"Is that Fang Cefei?" Hong Zheng squinted. "Doesn't seem so. No sign of a belly."

Fang Yun's pregnancy was visible even under thick clothing. This figure looked like Fang Yun before her pregnancy.

Pei Yao, also intrigued, continued walking to see who it was.

He wasn't naive; a lady from the inner court wouldn't be in the front courtyard for no reason, especially with gardens elsewhere.

Such timing suggested ulterior motives.

As he approached, the woman noticed him and came forward with her maid.

Standing by the corridor's railing, she bowed slightly, her voice sweet.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

The voice was unfamiliar.

Pei Yao narrowed his eyes, then commanded,

"Raise your head."