The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 268 - Putting Oneself First

As Pei Yao's voice fell, he noticed the woman's lips curl into a delighted smile from his vantage point.

With a bashful demeanor, she slowly lifted her face.

"Your Highness, I am Xu Shuren."

Xu Xin'er, oblivious to any impending trouble, introduced herself eagerly, her heart racing with anticipation.

However, her smile had barely formed when it froze instantly at his next words.

"Xu Shuren, entering the front courtyard without permission. Your punishment is to kneel here for two hours and be confined for ten days."

Pei Yao's voice was icy, without a trace of emotion, as if he were dealing with an insignificant person.

Xu Xin'er was stunned for a moment before her face transformed from shyness to shock and fear as she dropped to her knees.

"Your Highness, I didn't mean to. No one told me I couldn't come here. No one stopped me. Please forgive me, Your Highness. I only came because I missed you too much."

But Pei Yao didn't spare her another glance and walked away without turning back.

Desperate, Xu Xin'er didn't dare follow him, so she cried and knelt, tears streaming down her face.

Her frustration needed an outlet, and Xiudie became the target, bearing the brunt of her anger.

Before long, the scandal spread throughout the palace.

Everyone gossiped about how Xu Shuren, in her misguided imitation, was punished by the Crown Prince and then lashed out at her maid like a madwoman.

The story made Xu Xin'er a laughingstock not just among the women of the harem, but also among the palace servants.

Of course, that came later.

At the moment, Pei Yao was unaffected.

Returning to his quarters, hearing from Fu Xi that Biluo Pavilion had invited him for lunch, and recalling the earlier incident, he wasted no time changing clothes and heading there.

Unaware of Xu Xin'er's earlier encounter, Fang Yun went outside to greet him upon hearing of his arrival.

"Your Highness."

"I said there's no need for such formality." Pei Yao helped her up. "Fu Xi told me you wanted lamb stew. Did you have the kitchen prepare it?"

Fang Yun, letting him take her hand as they walked inside, smiled and nodded.

"I had them instructed early. Stew is best enjoyed with company, so I invited you. It's perfect timing; you're back before lunch, and we won't have to wait until evening to satisfy our cravings."

Hearing this, Pei Yao smiled as well, teasing her as they sat down.

"I think it's the mother who's craving, using the little one as an excuse," Pei Yao teased.

"Well, I get to benefit then!" Fang Yun replied, taking the tea cup Qingrong handed her and offering it to Pei Yao.

"What's this talk of benefiting? Even without the pregnancy, if you want to eat something, just eat it."

People often say a mother's status rises with her child's.

Even Fang Yun subconsciously felt she was favored because of her pregnancy.

But Pei Yao's words inadvertently reminded her of something crucial.

It's not about the child; she is what matters most.