The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 283 - The Court's Patronage

The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet made it clear to everyone that there was a conflict between Fang Yun and Yang Fei.

As a result, the palace servants began to subtly divide into two factions.

Some sided with Fang Yun, believing that Zhao Fei's beauty and favor with the Emperor, combined with their shared history of life-and-death trials, and now having the Second Princess and Fourth Prince, meant she had a promising future.

Others thought that despite Zhao Fei's favor, she had no powerful family backing, making her vulnerable like a rootless duckweed, unable to withstand turbulent times.

Yang Fei, although currently out of favor, had a healthy son and noble birth, making her unlikely to fall easily.

Regardless of their private thoughts, outwardly, Fang Yun had the upper hand, receiving flattery and sycophancy.

After all, Fang Yun was still favored by the Emperor and was currently his favorite.

Yuzhang Palace

Fang Yun reclined on a chaise lounge, leisurely drinking bird's nest soup from a white jade bowl, watching the Second Princess and a small fox play on the carpet.

"Your Highness, Song Meiren is here," Yuanhe reported as he entered from outside.

"Let her in."

Fang Yun nodded.

Soon, Song Meiren was led in by a young palace maid.

"Your Highness, I greet you."

"No need," Fang Yun waved her hand, "Sit."

Song Meiren bowed slightly, "Thank you, Your Highness."

After she sat down, Fang Yun signaled to Qingrong and Yanwei. Understanding her intentions, one asked the wet nurse to take the Second Princess and the small fox out, while the other dismissed the rest of the attendants in the hall.

Song Meiren, perceptive, knew there was something to discuss. She directly asked,

"Your Highness, what instructions do you have for me?"

"Let's not beat around the bush. There are indeed some matters to discuss," Fang Yun put down the small bowl in her hand and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief. "Now that we are in the inner palace, it's not like the Eastern Palace. The place is much larger, and even if I had three heads and six arms, I couldn't keep an eye on everything. Besides, I am currently weak and need to take care of the Fourth Prince."

Upon hearing this, Song Meiren immediately understood.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. Although I am not very clever, I can be your eyes and ears, keeping an eye on palace affairs for you!"

Seeing her understanding, Fang Yun nodded with satisfaction.

"You don't need to be overly concerned. Just keep an eye on Wan Lingyi and Xie Meiren for me. As for Zhongsui Palace, I have my own arrangements."

"Yes, Your Highness," Song Meiren nodded.

This clearly outlined their division of responsibilities.

Then Fang Yun continued, "I heard you have a younger brother? How old is he?"

"Yes, my younger brother and I are twins, so we are the same age, twenty this year. His name is Shuyan," Song Meiren replied.

"Twenty, that's two years older than my brother," Fang Yun smiled.

The sons of the Fang family were long gone, their ashes scattered who knows where. Everyone knew Fang Yun had an adopted brother, so Song Meiren understood who she was referring to and praised him.