The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 297 - A Group Can't Defeat Zhao Fei Alone

Wan Lingyi's voice caught Pei Yao's attention, but he said nothing.

At this point, Xie Meiren chimed in.

"Sister Wan, you know Zhao Fei suffered greatly during the birth of the Fourth Prince. She's been recuperating for half a year and is still weak. Others might accept being contradicted, but someone in her condition cannot."

Due to her close relationship with Wan Lingyi and living together in Yichun Palace, Xie Meiren now saw them as sisters in the same boat.

Her insinuating remark suggested Fang Yun was pretending to be weak, bullying others while not allowing anyone to challenge her.

Song Meiren, sitting next to Xie Meiren, shot her a glance.

"If you know Zhao Fei's health was compromised from childbirth, why speak so sarcastically? Are you implying Princess Duanrou's behavior wasn't offensive and that Zhao Fei is feigning illness?"

Fearful of having her words turned against her, Xie Meiren, not particularly eloquent, was left speechless by Song Meiren's direct retort.

Seeing this, Wan Lingyi stepped in to support.

"What are you saying, Song Meiren? Princess Duanrou's actions were indeed improper. Xie Meiren means that Zhao Fei, having endured the hardship of bearing an imperial heir and now being frail, has every right to reprimand others, but no one should offend her."

"What meritorious service? I can't accept such praise," Fang Yun's calm voice cut through the air.

Everyone turned to see her serene expression.

"Giving birth to imperial heirs is the duty of the harem's concubines. I don't consider it a hardship. But according to Wan Lingyi, it's a meritorious service. She hasn't even given birth yet. If she does, will she boast about it?"

"That's not what I meant..."

"Then what did you mean? Are you trying to flatter me?" Fang Yun interrupted with a raised eyebrow and a smile.

Wan Lingyi's face tightened, her expression sour.

At this moment, Yang Fei, seated beside Fang Yun, laughed.

"Why are you making such a big deal, Zhao Fei? It's just a slip of the tongue from two sisters. If you take it so seriously, people might think you're narrow-minded."

Yang Fei's sharp tongue aimed to pin the blame on Fang Yun.

But Fang Yun wouldn't let her get away with it. She smiled, holding her handkerchief to her lips.

"Oh, Yang Fei, can't you see I'm joking with them? We're all sisters here. Why would I hold a grudge? I'm not magnanimous, but I know right from wrong. I won't hold them accountable. Isn't that right, Sister?"

Though she smiled, her eyes were cold, staring directly at Yang Fei.

Yang Fei, knowing her own guilt, felt a pang of guilt and didn't respond.

To the guests, it seemed like a group couldn't defeat Zhao Fei alone.

First, she dealt with Princess Duanrou and the Prince Consort, expelling them from the palace. Now, she was verbally sparring with the concubines, holding her ground.

Many had thought Fang Yun's favor was due to her looks and children. Now, the court officials saw her in a new light.

This Zhao Fei was formidable.

Courage, skill, and cunning—she had it all.

Recalling the failed attempts to impeach her and the celestial anomaly that forced Yang Fei to Ci'an Palace for a month and a half, no one dared underestimate Fang Yun anymore.

Some officials, uninvolved with other concubines, even considered aligning with Zhao Fei for their own advancement.

Fang Yun noticed these thoughts.

Establishing her authority in the harem was to avoid trouble. Doing so in front of the officials was to build her own support.

Favor was fickle. She never intended to rely solely on Pei Yao's affection.

Despite these thoughts, she maintained a charming smile, toasting Pei Yao as the banquet began.

Halfway through, many officials' wives toasted her, and she became slightly tipsy.

Excusing herself to the Empress, she stepped outside with Qingrong for some fresh air.

Seeing her leave, Wan Lingyi followed shortly after.

Not far away, Fang Yun, wrapped in a white fox fur, sat under the corridor, talking to her maid.

The red bricks, yellow tiles, and a hanging lantern illuminated the snowy courtyard. The scene was ethereal.

Wan Lingyi, clutching her small copper heater, felt a surge of jealousy.

Though she was more beautiful, Fang Yun was always favored, always so calm and composed.

In the hall, Fang Yun had been sharp and mocking, but now she seemed serene, as if untouched by the world.

Wan Lingyi, filled with jealousy and resentment, had lost her peace.

Was she truly inferior?

No, impossible.

Biting her lip, Wan Lingyi thought.

She was a pampered, well-educated daughter of an official, while Fang Yun was a lowly concubine, orphaned young and poorly treated by her stepmother.

It must be because Fang Yun was low-born, willing to lower herself and seduce the Emperor with her charms.

That must be it!

"Using beauty to serve others won't last," Wan Lingyi muttered coldly.

"What did you say?" Yuetao asked.

"Nothing," Wan Lingyi replied, adjusting her cloak. "Let's go back. The cold air has sobered me up."

Unaware, Yuetao helped her back to the hall.

After they left, Fang Yun and Qingrong looked at their previous spot.

"They're gone," Qingrong said.

Fang Yun smiled, "Let them go. I wasn't waiting for her."

Just then, they heard a maid's worried voice nearby.

"Madam, your stomach is upset, and you've drunk too much. You're vomiting again. Let's ask the Emperor and Empress for leave to rest."

"No need," a middle-aged woman coughed. "My husband is guarding the frontier. They're under scrutiny. The more prominent we are, the more careful we must be. If I leave now, it will seem arrogant."

Hearing another bout of vomiting, the maid hurried to help.

Fang Yun quickly approached.

"What's wrong? Shall I call a physician?"

Seeing the situation, Fang Yun looked concerned and offered assistance.

"Isn't this Madam Qin? Are you feeling unwell from drinking? Qingrong, quickly help her to the side hall to sit for a while. Send someone to call for Physician Zeng to take a look."