Yuzhang Palace
When Pei Yao arrived, he didn't see Fang Yun coming to greet him. Puzzled, he stepped into the courtyard just as Fang Yun came out of the hall, her steps light and quick.
"Your Majesty."
She called softly, approaching him.
Pei Yao nodded, "What were you doing?"
"I just put the Fourth Prince to sleep. Physician Zeng came today and prescribed new medicine for his health."
Mentioning the child, Fang Yun's face remained gentle, but a closer look revealed the weariness and heartache beneath.
Pei Yao, too, felt heartache and guilt over the Fourth Prince's situation.
And the more he felt guilty, the more he remembered Yang Fei, who was behind it all.
Seeing the change in his expression, Fang Yun knew she had achieved her desired effect. She quickly changed the subject with a bright smile.
"Your Majesty, you came at the right time. Could it be you smelled the osmanthus cakes I made? They just came out of the oven."
"Indeed, I'm fortunate," Pei Yao smiled.
Fang Yun took his hand and led him inside to sit.
This familiarity was unique to Fang Yun; other consorts wouldn't dare.
Inside, Fang Yun personally poured tea and handed it to him.
"Clear tea to balance the sweetness of the osmanthus cakes. If you like it, Your Majesty, I can make more snacks. I never enjoyed cooking before, but now I love making food myself."
"Did you make these yourself in the small kitchen?"
Pei Yao looked at the beautifully crafted cakes, surprised.
"Your Majesty thinks I can't make such delicate snacks with my clumsy hands?" Fang Yun pouted, pretending to be upset.
Seeing her like this, Pei Yao picked up a cake, tasted it, then smiled as he wiped his hands.
"How could that be? My Zhao Fei is the most skillful."
"These words make me happy, but I wonder if Your Majesty says this to others too."
She leaned closer, sniffing him playfully.
Pei Yao frowned and laughed, "What are you doing, mimicking the Second Princess and the little fox?"
"I wish I were a vixen, so I could keep you here and not let you go elsewhere. Is the fragrance at Yilan Hall better than here?" Fang Yun teased.
Hearing this, Pei Yao realized she was referring to his visit to Wan Lingyi at Yilan Hall for dinner last night.
"You're being cheeky!" Pei Yao gently tapped her nose, "Jealous?"
"Of course, I am. I had dumplings last night and didn't even ask for vinegar."
Fang Yun's neck tingled as she spoke playfully, her eyes curving like crescent moons.
Her sweet and charming smile made her look like a young maiden, making it hard to believe she had given birth.
Pei Yao was momentarily lost in thought, recalling the first time he met Fang Yun.
Pure, delicate, charming, obedient, calm.
Back then, he saw her as clever and kind. Later, he discovered her resilience and difficult past. As he rose to power, she avenged her mother. Their lives intertwined.
Now, they had been together for a long time.
"What are you thinking about?" Fang Yun looked puzzled.
Pei Yao snapped back to reality and smiled, "I remembered something you said."
"What did I say?"
"After hardship comes happiness."
"Why bring that up? Have another osmanthus cake."
Fang Yun knew what Pei Yao meant but chose to change the subject, pushing the plate of cakes forward.
Pei Yao couldn't hold back and recounted the morning's court events.
After he finished, Fang Yun's expression settled. She looked up at him, her eyes slightly glistening.
"You won't believe them, will you?"
"I'm not a fool; I won't let them manipulate me."
Seeing her feigned strong gaze, Pei Yao sighed and pulled her into his arms.
To him, she was a fragile flower bravely standing strong.
"Remember, your surname Fang is just a name. It doesn't tie you to anyone. You are you, my consort, and I will protect you."
He felt her arms tighten around his waist.
Weakened from childbirth, Fang Yun was already thin. Nestled in Pei Yao's arms, she seemed even more delicate.
People naturally sympathize with the weak, especially men towards their beloved.
At that moment, Pei Yao felt nothing but heartache for her.
"My beloved consort is so gentle and kind; how can anyone bully her!"
After holding her for a while, Fang Yun shyly pulled back.
She then said, "You seem tired, Your Majesty. Let me massage you."
"That would be nice. Your massages always help my headaches," Pei Yao nodded.
Seeing this, Qingrong dismissed the attendants, leaving the two alone.
Pei Yao stayed in Yuzhang Palace until after dinner before leaving.
If not for the mourning period, he wouldn't have left at all.
Everyone understood, making the atmosphere in the harem harmonious for now.
But keeping Pei Yao was one thing; Fang Yun continued her plans, making arrangements and seizing opportunities.
Half a month later, after a light rain, news came that the Empress had caught a cold. Fang Yun, playing with the Fourth Prince, smiled even more.
She had planned to act herself, but now she owed the Empress a favor.
The next day, at court.
Zhang Yu, the Superintendent of the Imperial Observatory, presented a memorial, saying the celestial signs were ominous, indicating a small star from the southeast entering the Empress's palace. This threatened the Empress and needed immediate attention to ensure stability.
Normally, such celestial predictions might be ignored, but the Empress was indeed ill.
As the Empress's father, Chancellor Lu immediately suggested Pei Yao investigate.
Given the importance, Pei Yao agreed.
After court, he summoned Zhang Yu to the study.
Half an hour later, in Zhongsui Palace, Yang Fei received a message from Hong Zheng.
"Yang Fei, the Imperial Observatory's readings are unfavorable. It suggests your presence may clash with the Empress's. To ensure the Empress's recovery, His Majesty orders you to move to Ci'an Palace for a month until the Empress recovers."
"Move to Ci'an Palace?!"
The place was the palace's Buddhist temple. Even Yang Fei, known for her composure, was stunned.
"Is this really His Majesty's decree? What does the Empress's illness have to do with me?"
"Please calm down, Your Highness. His Majesty is concerned for you. The Superintendent said if you don't move, it could harm the imperial heirs and yourself. For stability, please prepare to move. Ci'an Palace is ready."
Hong Zheng spoke respectfully and calmly.
His words left Yang Fei fuming but speechless.
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
RomanceAuthor: Huatang Xiuge Translator: Me (Xiaobai) 东宫掌娇 Upon entering the Eastern Palace, Fang Yun lived cautiously, burdened by the label of a substitute bride and daughter of a traitor. She knew well that, as a daughter of low birth, she had been cas...
