The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 270 - Difficult to Conceive Again

A cold wind blew outside, making Xu Xin'er shiver and quickly look away from the Crown Princess's gaze.

"I don't know, I really don't know. I'm just scared. I heard she's bleeding, and she's pregnant."

Xu Xin'er's voice was shaky.

At that moment, the Crown Princess's sense of foreboding grew stronger.

She looked at Xu Xin'er again and said,

"If you truly know something, you must tell me. Whether it's meritorious or a crime, as long as you speak, I can still protect you."

Hearing this, Xu Xin'er's hand, hidden under the cloak, clenched tighter. She was about to lift her gaze to the Crown Princess when Xiudie, standing behind her, subtly pulled her back.

That tug made Xu Xin'er bite her lip and firmly shake her head.

"I really don't know anything."

"Very well."

The Crown Princess gave her a deep look, then her gaze quickly swept over Xiudie before turning to head towards the Second Lady's room.

When the Crown Princess returned, she was alone. Tianmo had been sent to take the Second Lady to Wutong Garden, but Min Si was also missing.

However, everyone's attention was on Fang Yun, and no one noticed the missing maid.

Yet, someone did notice, like Xiudie.

She said to Xu Xin'er, "Shuren, it might be a while. I'll go fetch your cloak. Using the Crown Princess's cloak is against protocol, and she might catch a cold."

"Be quick," Xu Xin'er said nervously, glancing inside and grabbing her hand. "I'm scared."

Xiudie squeezed her hand back, reassuringly, "Don't be afraid. This has nothing to do with you."

Hearing this, Xu Xin'er nodded, watching her leave.

Meanwhile.

The palace physicians quickly arrived, including the chief physician, Lord Guo, and his wife, Madam Zhou, who were summoned directly by Pei Yao.

At sixty-five, Lord Guo wasn't on duty that night, but Pei Yao sent for him personally.

Perhaps out of concern, Madam Zhou accompanied him.

"Greetings, Your Highness," Guo Miao Chun said, panting.

Pei Yao waved him off, "No need for formalities. Quickly, see to Fang Cefei. She ingested aloe, is poisoned and bleeding, and is five and a half months pregnant. Please do your best to save them both."

Hearing this, Guo Miao Chun hurried in with his medicine box.

Madam Zhou wanted to follow, but Yuanhe, guarding the door, blocked her.

Guo Miao Chun explained that his wife's medical skills matched his and could help. Pei Yao nodded, allowing her to enter.

Given the situation, everyone at Biluo Pavilion was on high alert.

Within a short time of the Guo couple entering the room, Pei Yao heard Fang Yun retching violently, clearly in distress.

Hesitating only briefly, Pei Yao immediately strode into the inner chamber.

The Crown Princess quickly followed.

The others dared not enter, standing outside anxiously.

"What's happening? Why isn't the physician saying anything? It's nerve-wracking," Song Shuren worriedly peered inside.

Zhao Liangdi replied, "What good will worrying do? The physicians are surely treating her."

"Enough, be quiet!" Yang Cefei impatiently cut them off. "Do you want more chaos?"

Scolded, they stopped speaking, though displeased.

At that moment, Hu Liangdi glanced at Yang Cefei and suddenly spoke,

"Why did this happen today, of all days? His Highness left the palace for a banquet, drank, and returned late. Had it happened earlier, no one might have been around to handle it."

Yang Cefei gave her a side glance.

"Indeed, not a good day."

After briefly meeting eyes with Yang Cefei, Hu Liangdi said no more.

Inside, Fang Yun struggled to remain calm and think, but her discomfort overwhelmed her ability to concentrate.

Clutching Qingrong's hand, she whispered,

"It's been too long. The poisoner has likely cleaned up. Focus on people first, then evidence."

"Don't talk, Cefei. Just follow the physician's advice to detoxify and protect the child!" Qingrong, near tears, urged.

When Pei Yao entered, he saw Fang Yun slumped at the bedside, her face as pale as paper, drenched in cold sweat, looking miserable.

Why not say she looked like she'd been pulled from water?

Because her face was swollen from vomiting, the candlelight reflecting off her sweat made her look greasy.

It was not a pretty sight, vastly different from her usual elegance.

But Pei Yao and Fang Yun had seen each other at their worst, in life-and-death situations. This scene didn't repulse him, instead reminding him of her gentle beauty a few days ago, fueling his rage.

Fortunately, Guo and his wife, Madam Zhou, met Pei Yao's expectations.

An hour after their arrival, Fang Yun's condition stabilized.

Exhausted, Fang Yun fell into a deep sleep, while Pei Yao's legs were numb from standing.

The Crown Princess, silently supporting him, suggested he sit outside.

After completing the treatment, Guo and the other physicians emerged to report.

"Your Highness, I've done my utmost to save the fetus. Thankfully, the child is far enough along. Otherwise, it would have been impossible. Though saved for now, the danger isn't over."

"What else needs to be done? Just tell me," Pei Yao, tense, asked.

Physician Guo sighed, "The bleeding has severely harmed the fetus. From now until birth, Fang Cefei must remain bedridden, not moving unnecessarily. The child will likely be weak. Moreover, the mother's body is damaged. If not impossible to conceive again, it will be inadvisable for at least four to five years."

Hearing this, Pei Yao's cold anger intensified.

After dismissing the physicians, his expression turned even darker.

Sweeping his gaze over everyone present, his eyes settled on Hong Zheng.

Understanding, Hong Zheng stepped forward,

"Your Highness, I've checked everything Fang Cefei consumed since yesterday's dinner. The tampered item was today's rice cakes."

"Impossible! Those rice cakes were checked by a physician since they weren't made in Biluo Pavilion's kitchen!" Yanwei exclaimed.

Pei Yao glared at her, ordering,

"Who checked them? Fetch them immediately!"

At his words, the sound of porcelain shattering came from the doorway.

Everyone turned to see Xu Xin'er frantically trying to pick up the broken pieces.

Pei Yao's eyes narrowed,

"Xu Shuren, do you have something to say?"

Hearing him, the Crown Princess closed her eyes, a pained expression crossing her face.