The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 285 - Impulse

During the morning court session, several officials criticized Fang Yun.

Their complaints mainly focused on two points.

However, instead of achieving their intended effect, they were met with a severe scolding from Pei Yao.

Previously, they had submitted memorials to test Pei Yao's stance but received no response. Some assumed this meant he didn't care much for Zhao Fei.

So, after a few days, they brought their grievances directly to the court.

By the time the news reached Fang Yun, the court session had already ended.

"Today, the one shouting the loudest was that old censor, Lin Changwei. He kept calling you the daughter of a criminal, unworthy of trust, which enraged His Majesty, who scolded him furiously!" Yuanhe reported, visibly indignant.

"Fortunately, His Majesty understands. He praised Your Highness's sacrifice and recalled how you protected him during times of danger, killing enemies while pregnant and carrying him to escape King Ming's rebels. That shut those ministers up," Yanwei added, her temper flaring.

"These hypocritical censors didn't show up when His Majesty and Your Highness were in danger. They were all cowards, hiding away. Now, with peace, they dare to speak out and slander people!" Yanwei continued angrily.

Fang Yun, however, appeared calm, playing with a white jade fan, her expression serene.

Qingrong glanced at her, signaling Yuanhe and Yanwei to quiet down.

Fang Yun then spoke calmly,

"I have known His Majesty for several years and understand his temperament. He is not like the late Emperor, who valued appearances and was easily manipulated. His Majesty's clear favor towards me has its reasons. They insist on challenging him; once tolerated, the next time they will be rebuked."

She smiled,

"Consider this: I have no personal grudges with these officials. They should advise His Majesty on state affairs, not focus on a concubine like me. His Majesty, newly ascended, is ambitious. Does he appreciate ministers who ignore their duties and instead fixate on his concubine?"

To Fang Yun, the censors had grown too comfortable during Emperor Chengjing's reign. They mistakenly believed they could continue their old ways with the new Emperor.

Unfortunately for them, Pei Yao was not Emperor Chengjing.

Fang Yun's words reassured her attendants.

However, she continued,

"It's strange. I have no prominent family, only an adopted brother who isn't even in office yet. I have no ties to the previous dynasty. This must mean someone in the harem dislikes me."

"Do you mean Yang Fei?" Qingrong interjected, sneering.

"When the late Emperor ruled, Rui Tai Fei was promoted due to her pregnancy despite the Empress and others in the harem trying to block her. Yang Fei, who is still of the same rank as you, is also trying to suppress you."

Fang Yun's eyes darkened, "It's precisely because she aims higher than her current position that she wants to eliminate any potential obstacles."

No one dared to continue that line of discussion—implying that Yang Fei aspired to become Empress was dangerous.

After a brief silence, Qingrong whispered,

"His Majesty indeed defended you this time, but Your Highness, can you continue tolerating her provocations?"

"Tolerate her?" Fang Yun lifted her chin and smiled faintly, "If I keep giving in, how will I establish myself in this palace?"

Due to her background, the palace staff already slightly looked down on her. This was the perfect opportunity to strike back at Yang Fei and assert her authority.

But how to proceed?

Fang Yun tapped her fingers lightly on the table, deep in thought.

At that moment, she overheard the palace maids chatting outside.

"The weather has been good these past few days, and the night sky is especially bright and beautiful."

"Really? I'm on duty tonight; I'll take a look."

Listening to their chatter, Fang Yun suddenly recalled a never-failing method.

She smiled and beckoned Qingrong and the others to come closer.

Fengxuan Palace, Jiaofang Hall

The Empress was playing with a brightly colored parrot in a cage.

Minsi hurried in and recounted the day's events in the court.

After hearing the report, the Empress sneered.

"Yang Fei is too impatient. Now that Zhao Fei has just given birth to the Fourth Prince and is highly favored, and the Emperor has just ascended the throne, young and full of ambition, does she think the Emperor will heed the censors who talk about such trivial matters?"

Minsi nodded, disdainfully spitting.

"Yang Fei couldn't hide her ambitions in the Eastern Palace, and now that she's in the palace, it's even more evident."

"A new official fires up three times. While rulers should heed advice, they shouldn't listen to everything. Those ministers offer no beneficial policies but instead focus on the Emperor's harem. How could the Emperor be pleased?" Tianmo added, echoing the sentiment.

The Empress handed the bird-feeding spoon to Tianmo, her expression indifferent.

"At the Mid-Autumn family banquet, Yang Fei was provoked by Zhao Fei and acted impulsively. Now she only wants to curb Zhao Fei's influence."

It was clear to everyone that Yang Fei's painting presentation at the banquet was an attempt to gain favor, but Fang Yun had quickly overshadowed her, leaving Yang Fei fuming as the banquet ended without any further attention from the Emperor.

"Watch and see. If Zhao Fei wants to retaliate, I don't mind helping her," the Empress said, wiping her hands.

Tianmo pursed her lips, "What if Zhao Fei doesn't take action?"

"Doesn't take action?" The Empress glanced at her with a light laugh, "If she doesn't act now, she'll have no chance once Yang Fei regains her footing. The Nanning Marquisate holds real power."

With such a powerful family, Yang Fei wouldn't remain out of favor forever.

Listening to the Empress, Minsi and Tianmo exchanged glances, not daring to speak further.

Meanwhile, in Zhongsui Palace, Yun Qian knelt on the ground, her hair disheveled, a red handprint on her face.

"It's all your fault!" Yang Fei scolded, her face livid, "If you hadn't mentioned the criminal's daughter, unfit for a consort, I wouldn't have lost my head and arranged for my father to do such things!"

Yun Qian nervously knelt, her fingers tightly gripping the floor, her expression fearful.

"Forgive me, Your Highness. It was my thoughtless words that..."

"Your Highness?" Yang Fei turned, looking down coldly at her, "Yun Qian, don't forget, you're my dowry maid. Just because I elevated you doesn't mean you've changed from what you were."

Terrified, Yun Qian trembled and quickly corrected herself, "It's my fault. I failed to ease Your Highness's worries and caused trouble instead. Please forgive me!"

Seeing Yun Qian cower, Yang Fei's anger subsided a bit.

Returning to her usual gentle demeanor, she helped Yun Qian up.

"Alright, don't blame me. I was just too angry today. I didn't expect the Emperor to defend that wretch Fang Yun so fiercely. It seems we'll need a long-term plan to bring her down."

Facing Yang Fei's sudden change in attitude, Yun Qian nodded cautiously, not daring to speak.

At that moment, a young palace maid came in to report that the Emperor's carriage was heading to Yuzhang Palace again.