The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 284 - Presenting a Memorial to the Emperor

Imperial Study

Pei Yao was reviewing memorials.

Suddenly, his red brush paused, and his brows furrowed.

Hong Zheng, who was grinding ink nearby, noticed his expression and discreetly glanced at the memorial. He saw words like "Fang family" and "daughter of a criminal."

It was clear that this memorial was criticizing Zhao Fei.

Who dared to be so bold?

Before Hong Zheng could see the name at the bottom, Pei Yao closed the memorial and tossed it aside.

Having served Pei Yao for so long, Hong Zheng knew what this gesture meant.

Pei Yao was not going to entertain this memorial.

Unexpectedly, three more memorials that day mentioned Fang Yun.

They all had similar complaints: Pei Yao favored Fang Yun too much, the renovations of Yuzhang Palace were too extravagant, and despite giving birth to imperial heirs, Fang Yun, as the daughter of a criminal, was unfit for her position and should not be raising the Second Princess.

Previously, no one commented on Fang Yun's matters, but now that she was in a prominent position, she easily attracted trouble.

Hong Zheng sighed inwardly but showed no emotion on his face.

After assisting Pei Yao with washing his hands and changing clothes, he heard Pei Yao's instructions.

"Let's go to Yuzhang Palace. I want to see Zhao Fei and the Fourth Prince."

"Yes," Hong Zheng nodded and then loudly ordered outside, "Prepare to go to Yuzhang Palace!"

Soon, the imperial sedan arrived.

A young eunuch had already seen it from afar and informed Fang Yun, so she was waiting at the palace gate when Pei Yao arrived.

"Your Majesty, I greet you. May you have peace and prosperity."

"Rise."

Pei Yao stepped forward and gently helped her up.

"Your Majesty, why didn't you bring an umbrella? The sun is still strong. There's some cool tea inside. Please come and rest," Fang Yun said gently, like a concerned wife.

She took Pei Yao's hand and led him inside.

Seeing her delicate figure beside him, Pei Yao's eyes softened.

After sitting down in the hall, Fang Yun poured cool tea and instructed Yanwei to bring a bowl of lily and lotus seed ice cream from the small kitchen.

"Although it's hot, you just finished your confinement period, so you shouldn't eat too much cold food," Pei Yao reminded her.

Fang Yun gently waved a fan, looking helpless.

"I don't have the luxury to enjoy these. Physician Zeng advised me to drink warm water even in summer. These are prepared for you, Your Majesty."

She gestured to Qingrong.

"Bring the patterns for His Majesty to see."

"What patterns?"

Pei Yao took a sip of tea, puzzled.

Fang Yun smiled, "Now that you are the Emperor, your old clothes are no longer suitable. Even your nightwear needs to be new. I've been idle these past few days and just finished embroidering them. See if you like them."

As she spoke, a piece of nightwear was brought out.

Fang Yun's embroidery skills were impeccable, delicate yet grand, with unique and fresh patterns. It was clearly her handiwork, not something made by palace embroiderers.