The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 293 - Unstable Borders

During the mourning period, Pei Yao couldn't stay overnight in the harem, and no one could share his bed. They could only dine and walk together, so the usual palace intrigues were somewhat subdued.

After moving back to Zhongsui Palace from Ci'an Palace, Yang Fei and Wan Lingyi became quite close.

Whenever they went to greet the Empress, they would team up against Fang Yun.

However, in the harem, numbers alone don't guarantee victory. Fang Yun, favored by Pei Yao, could still outmaneuver the two of them with just this one advantage.

Time flew by, and it was almost the New Year again.

This year, the snow came early, falling in mid-November.

Fang Yun, sensitive to the cold, preferred staying indoors, spending most of her time playing with her two children.

As the saying goes, "seven months to sit, eight months to crawl." Now, at six and a half months old, the Fourth Prince could sit up with support.

Though he had suffered in the womb and was weaker, Fang Yun's careful nurturing had made him chubby and fair. However, he still lacked strength and preferred sitting and watching the Second Princess and Rongrong play.

"Your Highness, Eunuch Fuxi just came with a message. His Majesty will have lunch at Yuzhang Palace today. We should prepare," Yuanhe reported, entering from outside.

Fang Yun nodded, "Alright, have the small kitchen prepare a couple of His Majesty's favorite dishes and a pot of lamb soup. It's warming in winter."

"Yes."

Yuanhe responded and left.

After he left, Fang Yun smiled and picked up the Fourth Prince, kissing him.

"Your father is coming to see you. Be good."

The Fourth Prince, though not understanding, grinned at his mother's kiss.

At that moment, the Second Princess saw them and ran over, raising her little face.

"Mother kissed Brother, kiss me too!"

"You little clever one, how could I forget you? Come, Mother will kiss you too."

Fang Yun laughed, freeing one hand to pull the Second Princess closer and kissed her forehead.

Having raised these children herself, even if they weren't her own, she was deeply attached to them.

The Second Princess, delighted by the kiss, suddenly remembered something and ran to drag Rongrong over.

Yanwei, watching, quickly went to rescue the little fox, laughing.

"Good Princess, you can't kiss the fox, or you'll get a mouthful of fur!"

Everyone present laughed at this.

Children, when not mischievous, truly bring joy. Fang Yun, holding the Fourth Prince, laughed heartily.

The mother and children were playing happily, and as lunch approached, they heard the news that the Emperor had arrived. Fang Yun stood up to greet him outside.

To her surprise, Pei Yao wasn't alone; he was accompanied by the First Prince.

"The First Prince?" Fang Yun exclaimed in surprise. "Why did His Majesty bring the First Prince as well?"

Though puzzled, her maternal instincts quickly noticed the First Prince's red eyes.

"Oh dear, have you been crying?" Fang Yun bent down to look.