The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 292 - Releasing Her Is Good

Pei Yao hadn't really planned on releasing Yang Fei and returning her child so soon, so he nodded at the Empress's words.

"You're right. I've been busy with state affairs and can't handle all the palace matters. Once you're better, you can arrange this."

"Yes," the Empress nodded.

After Pei Yao left, the maids Tiamo and Minxi came to help the Empress up.

"Your Majesty, why did the Emperor come today?" Minxi asked, puzzled.

Tiamo also wondered, "Is the Emperor softening towards Yang Fei and the Third Prince?"

Hearing their conversation, the Empress remained calm.

"No, the Emperor is only concerned about the child. If he truly cared for Yang Fei, he would have moved her from Ci'an Palace. Besides, he left this matter to me, without setting a clear deadline. He just wanted me to consider the Third Prince. It's not an urgent decision to release Yang Fei and have her care for the child."

The talk of celestial signs, though publicly believed, was a temporary tactic to discipline people.

What mattered most was her recovery.

Once she was well, the celestial concerns would be forgotten.

"What do you plan to do now?" Tiamo asked.

The Empress smiled, "I'm not a physician; I can't cure illnesses. I'll follow the physician's advice and recover gradually, which could take a month."

Though Pei Yao favored her, he likely understood too. In such times, the duration of her illness was within her control.

This simple matter was made possible because Pei Yao also wanted to punish Yang Fei.

News from Jiaofang Palace wasn't hidden from Yuzhang Palace.

Fang Yun, upon knowing, remained calm.

Like the Empress, she knew using celestial signs couldn't trap Yang Fei forever, just a temporary setback.

"Having a child does make a difference. It's her good fortune to benefit from the Third Prince. This might only make her suffer for a month or two," Yanwei said, displeased.

Fang Yun sipped her tea, "It's fine if she's released. Otherwise, I wouldn't know how to fight her, and we can't just kill her."

The Yang family still stood strong, and Wan Lingyi's ambitions were now targeting her. Making a move wasn't realistic.

Risking herself wasn't worthwhile; she had children to care for.

Qingrong, a bit more optimistic than Yanwei, smiled, "Think of it as a break. Without Yang Fei, everyone can have some peace."

"True," Fang Yun nodded, "A break is good."

She then instructed Qingrong to take some gifts to Jiaofang Palace.

On the surface, it was to visit the ill Empress, but secretly, it was to thank her for her support.

Fang Yun wasn't foolish; she understood the Empress's timely illness was to support the celestial story.

The next month and a half were indeed more comfortable.

With Yang Fei gone, Wan Lingyi's low status meant she couldn't challenge Fang Yun.

Jin Pin wasn't favored, and He Pin was too busy competing with Wan Lingyi.

The high-ranking Empress and Fang Yun remained harmonious, making the palace more peaceful.

Even Pei Yao thought confining Yang Fei to Ci'an Palace was a good choice.

But she had to be released eventually.

Over a month later, the Empress finally announced her recovery, and Yang Fei was allowed to move back to Zhongsui Palace, with the Third Prince returning to her care.

The next day's morning greetings at Jiaofang Palace saw the palace women gathering after a long time.

The Empress, after a month of 'illness,' appeared healthy, while Yang Fei, after a month at Ci'an Palace, looked significantly thinner.

When she entered, He Pin couldn't help but laugh.

"Yang Fei must have been devoted to serving Buddha at Ci'an Palace, losing so much weight. She never showed such dedication when serving His Majesty."

These words, rarely pleasant to Fang Yun, made her respond lightly.

"I've heard that Yang Fei has been eating vegetarian meals and praying for the Empress at Ci'an Palace. It must have been hard for her."

Had someone else said this, Yang Fei might have ignored it, but coming from Fang Yun, it was impossible to resist a glare.

Yang Fei knew very well that her month-long vegetarian diet was Fang Yun's doing.

But now, with Fang Yun speaking so nicely, she couldn't openly retaliate and could only grit her teeth.

"Praying for the Empress is our duty. How can it be hard work? Unlike you, Zhao Fei, who has the Emperor's favor and can make even the stars align to your wishes."

"I don't understand what you mean, Sister," Fang Yun's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Celestial phenomena are untouchable, unlike people's hearts. You can manipulate them to say whatever you want, can't you?"

The air in Jiaofang Palace grew tense as the two women exchanged words.

This was an open confession between them.

Fang Yun knew Yang Fei was behind the officials' memorials against her, and Yang Fei knew Fang Yun had orchestrated the celestial story that forced her to suffer.

The Empress finally spoke.

"Enough. The celestial concerns have passed. Yang Fei, you may return to Zhongsui Palace and take good care of the Third Prince."

"Yes, I will take good care of him."

Yang Fei collected herself, knowing it wasn't the time to cause more trouble.

The Empress nodded, "I'm still recovering and not feeling well. Let's end here for today."

Everyone stood, bowing as the Empress left, and then dispersed.

Song Meiren naturally left with Fang Yun, while Wan Lingyi joined Yang Fei.

"Thank you, Wan Lingyi. Without your advice, the Emperor might have forgotten me, and the Empress and Zhao Fei would have oppressed me longer."

Yang Fei smiled, speaking softly.

Wan Lingyi, no longer distant, replied, "You're the Third Prince's mother. The Emperor cares for him, so he'll care for you. The Empress is one thing, but Zhao Fei is too arrogant. I can't stand seeing her do as she pleases."

Hearing this, Yang Fei's eyes gleamed. She looked at Wan Lingyi for a moment, then smiled.

"You're sensible. Why should we, with our backgrounds, be oppressed by the daughter of a criminal?"

"Exactly," Wan Lingyi smirked.

Yuzhang Palace

Fang Yun and Song Meiren were having tea.

"Did you see? Wan Lingyi has sided with Yang Fei. Are they planning to join forces against you?" Song Meiren asked, worried.

Fang Yun remained calm, sipping her tea.

"Wan Lingyi's family background means she'll eventually seek favor. I didn't expect her to ally with Yang Fei. If I had her status, I'd climb cleanly, with no entanglements."

"She's probably desperate, not truly aligning with Yang Fei. She just wants to use Yang Fei to bring you down. After all, her heart lies with the Empress," Song Meiren noted.