The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 282 - Preventing Her From Gaining Favor

Regardless of what others thought, no one interrupted the conversation between Fang Yun and Yang Fei.

In the palace, the hierarchy and rules were even stricter, and everyone was still unfamiliar with the new environment, so they didn't dare to intervene casually.

"The Emperor and Empress have arrived!"

At that moment, another announcement was made at the entrance.

Everyone stood up to greet them.

Pei Yao and the Empress entered side by side and took their seats at the head of the table, then allowed everyone to rise.

"Zhao Fei, how is your health today? You haven't been out for a while. Today, being the Mid-Autumn Festival family banquet, it's a good opportunity to meet everyone," the Empress spoke first.

Fang Yun stood and bowed, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am much better now. I heard that Your Highness has been coughing recently, so I had the small kitchen in Yuzhang Palace prepare some loquat honey balls to soothe your lungs and stop the cough. I hope they will be of some use."

As she spoke, she gestured for Yanwei to present the brocade box.

"You are thoughtful," the Empress smiled, signaling for Minsi to accept the gift.

At this point, Jin Pin seized the opportunity to flatter,

"Zhao Fei is truly filial to the Empress. I would never have thought of such thoughtful things."

"Jin Pin can speak for herself, but why drag us into it?" He Pin huffed beside her, "Don't make others think we are all as heartless as you."

Unhappy that Jin Pin had an additional title, He Pin had been discontent for some time.

Jin Pin, apart from having a son, had long fallen out of favor and had no influential family background, so He Pin was naturally rude to her.

Being rebuked, Jin Pin's face turned ugly, but she retorted for once,

"If He Pin claims to be thoughtful, why haven't you, like Zhao Fei, brought some honey balls for the Empress?"

Unexpectedly, Jin Pin's retort left He Pin surprised and at a loss for words.

She hadn't prepared anything like Fang Yun, so she could only stubbornly say,

"Filial piety isn't shown through these things."

Jin Pin wanted to say more, but Pei Yao's voice interrupted her,

"Enough. It's a family banquet for the Mid-Autumn Festival. This noise is unseemly."

With his words, the two immediately fell silent, not daring to continue the argument.

At this moment, Yang Fei stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, today is the Mid-Autumn Festival, and it is also your first festival as the Emperor. I have painted a picture to present to you. Please have a look."

Although Yang Fei was currently out of favor, today was a family banquet, so she was given some face and Pei Yao nodded, allowing the painting to be presented.

The scroll was unfurled, revealing an awe-inspiring landscape painting divided into four sections, depicting the four famous scenic spots of the Great Qi's east, west, south, and north.

Though bold and grand in its overall impression, the detailed landscape within showed meticulous and refined artistry, highlighting the painter's profound skill.

This wasn't surprising. Despite Yang Fei's many flaws, her noble birth as the legitimate daughter of a marquis household meant she had received a top-notch education from a young age, excelling in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.