The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 291 - Using the Child as Leverage

"Xie Meiren and Yun Cainu?" Fang Yun furrowed her brows.

Yanwei nodded, "Yes, it was those two."

"They couldn't come up with such a plan, especially Xie Meiren. Isn't Xie Meiren currently living in Yichun Palace with Wan Lingyi?" Fang Yun mused, lifting her gaze.

Qingrong immediately responded, "Your Highness suspects that Wan Lingyi, frustrated from her defeat today, used Xie Meiren as a pawn to help Yang Fei, hoping someone would pressure you?"

"Most likely."

Fang Yun calmly rubbed her temples and then stood up.

"Let them play their games. I drank a bit today and feel tired. Prepare the bath; I'll check on the Fourth Prince and then rest."

The two maids acknowledged and busied themselves.

The next morning.

Fang Yun was inside, embroidering, when Yanwei hurried in, speaking softly.

"Your Highness, Xie Meiren has gone to Jingqian Palace."

"Summoned by the Emperor?"

Yanwei shook her head, "No, she went on her own."

"On her own? She must be seeking something from His Majesty. Keep an eye on her," Fang Yun said calmly.

Yanwei nodded and withdrew.

Meanwhile, in Jingqian Palace, Xie Meiren was greeting the Emperor.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Enough. What brings you here?" Pei Yao waved his hand.

Xie Meiren looked at him, seemingly afraid, but clenched her fists and spoke.

"Your Majesty, I've come to discuss the Third Prince. Although it may not be my place, I can't stand by and watch him suffer."

Hearing this, Pei Yao frowned.

Matters concerning the imperial heirs were important, so he let Xie Meiren continue.

"Yesterday, I accompanied Yun Cainu to Hongwen Pavilion to see the Third Prince. We found him alone, crying on the bed, with no attendants around. When we comforted him, the wet nurses returned, reeking of alcohol!"

"Upon questioning, they admitted they sneaked off to drink when the Prince fell asleep, not expecting to be caught."

"The wet nurses begged for forgiveness, promising never to neglect their duties again. Given that they've served the Third Prince since birth and that Yang Fei is... combined with my low status, I pardoned them."

"But this morning, Yun Cainu came to me in tears, saying she found the Third Prince with a large bump on his head. The wet nurses claimed he fell off the bed during the night. When Yun Cainu scolded them, they blamed Yang Fei, saying her misfortune affected the Prince, making him weak and unmanageable."

Anger flashed across Xie Meiren's face as she hesitated.

"Speak clearly!" Pei Yao demanded.

"Yes," Xie Meiren nodded quickly, "The wet nurse said Yang Fei's bad luck clashed with the Empress, causing the Third Prince to be weak and premature, that no amount of care could overcome his fate."

"Your Majesty, they're neglecting the Third Prince because they see Yang Fei out of favor!"

"Poor Third Prince, already weak from premature birth, now suffering more. I couldn't bear it and took the liberty of informing you."

Pei Yao didn't care much for Yang Fei, but the children's welfare was important to him.

Hearing Xie Meiren's words, his expression darkened.

He immediately sent Hong Zheng to investigate Hongwen Pavilion.

Task done, Xie Meiren quickly left, fearful of her first time doing such a thing, though not everything she said was false.

Leaving Jingqian Palace, she went straight to Zhongsui Palace.

"How did it go? Did you tell His Majesty everything?" Yun Qian asked, ushering her in.

After drinking some water, Xie Meiren nodded.

"Don't worry, I told him everything. His Majesty has sent someone to investigate. Once he sees the Third Prince's condition, he'll remember Yang Fei is his birth mother and let her care for him."

Yun Qian's face relaxed, and she sat down.

"Good. I've also sent word to the Marquisate for help."

Xie Meiren nodded, staying a bit longer before returning to Yichun Palace.

Although they used the Third Prince, his poor treatment at Hongwen Pavilion was true.

In the Eastern Palace, a smaller place with more manageable people, the wet nurses wouldn't dare neglect him. But here, seeing the Third Prince rarely visited by the Emperor and with Yang Fei out of favor, they slacked off.

Ultimately, it was the child who suffered.

Pei Yao, after verifying the situation, replaced all the attendants serving the Third Prince.

When the news reached Yuzhang Palace, Fang Yun understood their plan.

She didn't act, knowing Yang Fei had only been at Ci'an Palace a few days. Pei Yao, no matter how much he cared for his son, wouldn't disregard the Empress.

At least for now, Yang Fei wouldn't be released until the Empress recovered.

But Xie Meiren and Yun Cainu's efforts weren't wasted.

Mentioning the Third Prince to Pei Yao ensured he wouldn't forget about releasing Yang Fei eventually.

After all, the duration mattered.

If the Empress remained ill, would Yang Fei be kept away indefinitely?

"Where is His Majesty now?" Fang Yun asked.

Yanwei replied, "His Majesty went to see the Third Prince and then to visit the Empress."

Fang Yun nodded, "Understood. Keep an eye on things."

Jiaofang Palace

The Empress lay on the bed, looking unwell. Seeing Pei Yao, she was about to get up and salute, but he stopped her.

"No need for formalities. I'm here to check on you," Pei Yao said, sitting down. "How are you feeling today? What did the physician say?"

"I'm feeling a bit better. The physician said I caught a cold on that rainy night, and recovery will be gradual," the Empress weakly replied, coughing into her handkerchief.

"Why did you come? I'm afraid I'll pass my illness to you," she said.

"It's alright. I have something to discuss with you," Pei Yao frowned, explaining the situation with the Third Prince.

Hearing this, the Empress's expression turned serious. "Those insolent servants, mistreating the Third Prince. Do you intend to send him back to Yang Fei?"

"I do think it would be better for the child to be with his birth mother," Pei Yao said solemnly, considering that despite Yang Fei's faults, she would likely care for her own child.

The Empress spoke, "Your concern for the Third Prince is understandable, and it's right for him to be with his mother. But the Astronomical Bureau says the stars clash with me and the imperial heirs. To avoid instability, it might be better to wait until this astrological period passes before sending the Third Prince back. If something goes wrong, it will only cause more controversy."