The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 275 - Yu Zhang

This New Year's Eve was destined to be unsettled.

When Hong Zheng went to Weiyang Pavilion to take the Third Young Master, Yang Cefei felt a jolt of alarm.

Though she maintained a calm facade, expressing gratitude, she was internally uneasy.

Once Hong Zheng left, her face fell, and she quickly retreated to her room, sinking into a chair.

"Cefei, are you alright?" Yun Qian followed closely, concerned.

Siqi hurriedly brought a cup of tea, but Yang Cefei waved it away.

"I'm fine, just worried His Highness suspects me."

"But surely there's no evidence, or he would have done more than just take the Third Young Master," Yun Qian reassured quietly.

On the surface, Pei Yao's decision to raise the Third Young Master in the front courtyard was for safety. But in reality, it was to separate Yang Cefei from her son, a form of punishment.

Implying her personal care was unsafe showed a lack of trust.

Yang Cefei's eyes narrowed. "Taking the child isn't a big deal. He's still His Highness's son, and no tiger eats its cubs. My concern is that His Highness's suspicion might lead to estrangement."

Without trust, how could she hope to bear another healthy child?

"No need to worry too much, Cefei. The palace is full of disputes. His Highness can't keep track of everything. For now, Fang Cefei is favored, occupying his thoughts. Once he's distracted, he'll forget this."

Yun Qian consoled.

Yang Cefei pressed her lips together. "True. Without family backing, few women thrive here. Favor is crucial, but also the most unreliable."

Turning to Siqi, she ordered,

"Go to Xie Shuren and tell her to avoid Weiyang Pavilion for the next two months. Focus on pleasing His Highness."

Siqi nodded and left quickly.

Alone with Yun Qian, Yang Cefei looked at her.

"I've supported Xie Shuren, and I'll support you too. Do your best. She's an outsider, but you I trust to share my burdens."

"It's my failure to disappoint you," Yun Qian stood, "I will do my utmost to relieve your worries."

Feeling unsettled, Yang Cefei dismissed her with a wave.

The New Year passed quickly.

Due to the aftermath of Fang Yun's incident, Pei Yao was in a foul mood throughout January, making everyone else cautious and the palace unusually quiet.

By early February, Fang Yun, having rested in bed for a month, was more stable, and Pei Yao's demeanor softened.

After court, as usual, he went straight to Biluo Pavilion.

Upon arrival, he saw the Crown Princess's chief eunuch, Yan Li, standing with Yuanhe under the corridor.

Curious, Pei Yao approached, and Yan Li quickly greeted him.

"Your Highness, the Crown Princess is inside, speaking with Fang Cefei."

Pei Yao nodded and entered.

Inside, the Crown Princess rose to greet him.

"No need," Pei Yao waved her off, moving to sit by Fang Yun's bed, taking the chair Qingrong brought him. "Why are you here today?"

The question was directed at the Crown Princess.

The Crown Princess, supported by Tianmo, stood up, "I didn't want to disturb Fang Cefei's rest, but the Second Lady has been eager to see her. The physician said Fang Cefei's health is more stable, so I brought the Second Lady to visit."

Nodding in understanding, Pei Yao assumed the visit was about Xu Xin'er.

Due to the bad omen of bloodshed in January, Xu Xin'er was still confined in Qiushuang Pavillion, awaiting her fate.

Now, in February, it was time to address the matter.

"And the child?" Pei Yao asked.

Fang Yun softly replied, "She's in her room, playing. She loves the little fox. I suggested to Her Highness that we send the fox to Wutong Garden to keep her company."

"That's a good idea," Pei Yao nodded, half-serious. "That little fox is always darting around. I'm worried it might hurt you."

"It's well-behaved," Fang Yun smiled.

Watching them, the Crown Princess rose tactfully.

"Your Highness is here with Fang Cefei, so I'll return with the Second Lady. When Fang Cefei recovers, I'll bring her back."

"Thank you, Your Highness. I apologize for not seeing you off," Fang Yun said respectfully.

The Crown Princess nodded, said a few kind words, and left.

With the room empty of others, Pei Yao turned to Fang Yun.

"How are you today? What did Physician Zeng say?"

"The pregnancy is more stable after a month of rest," Fang Yun said softly, though a trace of sadness crossed her face as she touched her belly. "But it's still not like a normal pregnancy."

Pei Yao felt her sorrow, sharing her disappointment.

He, too, had high hopes for their child, believing that surviving great danger would bring great fortune. Yet, the child, not even born, was already marked as weak. It pained him deeply.

Fearing his emotions might affect Fang Yun, Pei Yao took a deep breath, calming himself, and spoke gently.

"Don't worry. Focus on getting better and bringing the child into the world. I'll bring the best physicians to care for you both."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Fang Yun looked up, her smile tender and fragile.

Pei Yao tightened his grip on her hand, then said,

"The palace physicians say my uncle's time is near, likely within two months. The Ministry of Rites is preparing for his funeral and my ascension. I brought blueprints from the palace. Choose which palace you like, and I'll have it renovated for your comfort."

Half expected, half unexpected news.

It was known that Emperor Chengjing's days were numbered, but Fang Yun didn't expect Pei Yao to let her choose a palace.

This was a clear sign of favoritism.

Besides the Crown Princess's residence being fixed by tradition, other allocations were typically managed by the Crown Princess.

Though unexpected, Fang Yun saw no reason to refuse such favor.

Taking the blueprints from Hong Zheng, she looked them over, and Pei Yao spoke first.

"I think this one is excellent. It's near my quarters, with no other palaces nearby, and has a small, serene garden."

"Your Highness can read minds," Fang Yun joked. "I like it too, but the name is a bit old-fashioned. Could you give it a new one?"

Pei Yao glanced at it and nodded, "Yingrui Palace does sound old. How about Yuzhang Palace?"

"Your choice is perfect," Fang Yun smiled, nodding obediently.

She wasn't being picky about the name but testing Pei Yao's feelings.

Zhang, one of the six ceremonial jades, signifies auspicious power and authority.

Not bad.

Reassured of Pei Yao's intentions, Fang Yun felt confident in pursuing her plans.