The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 278 - Inheriting the Throne Before the Ancestor's Spirit

Yuzhang Palace

The soft sedan chair carried Fang Yun all the way into the courtyard, and Qingrong carefully helped her out.

Pei Yao had already ordered the palace to be renovated, making the entire Yuzhang Palace spacious, clean, luxurious, and exquisite.

Compared to Biluo Pavilion in the Eastern Palace, it was indeed several times larger and much more opulent.

In addition to the eight attendants Fang Yun brought, twelve palace servants had already been arranged.

Six were responsible for Yuzhang Palace's private kitchen, and six were for general duties.

These were only the initial arrangements, with more to be added according to regulations later.

After briefly familiarizing herself with the faces, Qingrong and Yuanhe helped Fang Yun into the house to rest.

"His Highness truly cherishes Fang Cefei. I didn't expect the palace to have a private kitchen already," Qingrong said happily.

Yuanhe explained, "With the Emperor's passing, the royal family must observe mourning, wearing plain clothes and eating simple meals. Given Fang Cefei's pregnancy, she couldn't handle it, so it makes sense to have her meals prepared separately."

Listening to their discussion, Fang Yun said solemnly,

"Although these are His Highness's arrangements, the palace is unfamiliar territory. Be extra cautious. I can't endure any more trouble. Where is Physician Zeng? Please bring him here."

Yuanhe bowed, "Physician Zeng entered the palace with us. I'll fetch him."

Fang Yun nodded, saying no more.

When Physician Zeng arrived, he thoroughly inspected everything in the room, and Fang Yun finally felt at ease.

As the saying goes, "Once bitten, twice shy." Having recently suffered, her fear was understandable.

After lunch, Fang Yun took a nap.

Physician Zeng had advised that although her condition seemed improved, the closer to childbirth, the more bed rest she needed.

Moving from the Eastern Palace to the Imperial Palace today seemed minimal but required caution.

Her nap wasn't long, probably due to the new environment.

Upon waking, she saw a familiar figure in a chair nearby.

"Your Highness?"

Hearing her, Pei Yao opened his eyes, quickly coming to sit by the bed.

"Awake? How do you feel after the jostling entry?"

"The carriage was well-padded, and I was carried in a sedan, so it wasn't taxing," Fang Yun smiled faintly. "You're busy with state affairs and still made these arrangements for me. I'm overwhelmed."

Pei Yao helped her sit up.

"You're weak. How could I not be thorough? The palace is large, and you might get bored. I had them bring Manman here, right next to you."

"That's good. I have one child in my belly and worry about the other," Fang Yun leaned into him. "The Crown Princess has cared for Manman so well. When I'm better, I must properly thank her."

"It's good that you're considerate. You can thank her when you're well."

Pei Yao gently embraced her.

Fang Yun nodded and then noticed the dark circles under his eyes, frowning.

"You've exhausted yourself these past days. I saw you resting in the chair earlier. Why not sleep properly? There are plenty of empty rooms here."