The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 298 - Fear of Wanting Nothing

Madam Qin, Han Shi, was indeed feeling unwell from drinking, so she allowed Fang Yun to help.

After sitting in the side hall, rinsing her mouth, and drinking some warm water, she began to feel better.

"Thank you for your care, Your Highness."

"No need for thanks. It was a coincidence. I came out for some fresh air to sober up and happened to see you."

Fang Yun's expression was gentle as she called Qingrong.

"Did you bring the sobering honey pills I asked for? Give one to Madam Qin."

"Yes," Qingrong replied.

She pulled a palm-sized porcelain bottle from her sleeve and handed it to Han Shi's maid.

Han Shi was slightly surprised, "Does Your Highness always carry these?"

"Don't laugh," Fang Yun smiled with a hint of embarrassment. "A while ago, I drank chrysanthemum wine with His Majesty and didn't realize its strength. I almost made a fool of myself in front of him. Knowing I'd have to drink today, I brought these along. They're more convenient than brewing sobering soup."

Hearing this, Han Shi smiled, "Your Highness and His Majesty share a close bond, to be able to drink together. It's enviable."

"You need not envy me. I truly envy you," Fang Yun lowered her gaze.

A hint of sorrow flashed across her face.

Han Shi was puzzled, "What do you envy about me?"

"I envy that you have three sons, all strong and talented, who can protect our country. My Fourth Prince... never mind, let's not talk about sad things."

Fang Yun sighed, her eyes reddening, but she quickly smiled.

As fellow mothers, their worries resonated.

At that moment, Fang Yun wasn't just Zhao Fei; to Han Shi, she was simply a mother concerned for her child.

Seeing this, Han Shi thought Fang Yun's life, despite its apparent glamour, must be filled with hidden hardships.

It mirrored her own situation.

Outsiders saw the loyal and powerful Qin family, but only she knew her daily worries for her husband and sons' safety.

As a committed couple, Han Shi hadn't seen her husband for years. With their third son also at the frontier, she returned to the capital.

She managed her eldest and second sons' children and reassured those in power.

After all, the Qin family, holding significant military power, needed someone in the Emperor's control.

Alcohol often stirs emotions, and Han Shi's thoughts drifted to her family, feeling a pang of sadness.

Remembering Fang Yun's closeness to Pei Yao, her eyes moved, and she spoke again.

"Though the Fourth Prince is weak, with the love and care of His Majesty and Your Highness, and the palace physicians, he will surely grow stronger. But Your Highness seems slender and must be working hard serving His Majesty. With the recent unrest in Shangyang, you must know how the Emperor worries for the state."

Her words, though seemingly concerned, aimed to glean insights through Fang Yun.

Fang Yun preferred this; she feared Han Shi wanting nothing from her.

She wished to connect with Han Shi.

So she replied truthfully, "His Majesty worries for the northern frontier but often tells me that Duke Qin and his sons are wise and brave, well-acquainted with the region. He trusts Duke Qin's judgment on Shangyang."

The Qin family, with their generations of loyalty and bravery, were indeed trustworthy.

Hearing this, Han Shi felt relieved.

She had feared mutual distrust before the impending war.

She thanked Fang Yun, "With Your Highness's words, I am reassured. Though our Qin family isn't exceptionally talented, we will give our all to defend Great Qi's borders!"

"Your words will surely move His Majesty when I tell him," Fang Yun smiled warmly.

They chatted a bit more before returning to the main hall separately.

Building a relationship would take time.

The banquet ended not too late.

Pei Yao, newly crowned, was plied with drinks by the officials and left half-drunk.

After sending off the Emperor and Empress, Fang Yun leisurely climbed into her sedan chair.

In Great Qi's harem, only those of rank 'Pin' or above were allowed sedan chairs, unless granted special permission.

Wan Lingyi watched as Yang Fei and Fang Yun left in their sedan chairs, feeling envious.

Her starting point wasn't low. Another step up would make her a Consort, and once she bore a child, she'd quickly rise to the Nine Consorts and beyond.

As He Pin's sedan chair passed by, she sneered.

"What's there to envy? It's cold and windy. Better hurry back before you catch a chill and can't do any meritorious service."

Wan Lingyi's face instantly turned cold at the mockery.

Looking up, she replied calmly, "I'm still young; there's no rush for children. He Pin should take care of herself. Serving His Majesty for so many years, even Zhao Fei has given birth. You should try harder."

He Pin had served Pei Yao longer than both Wan Lingyi and Fang Yun and was five or six years older.

Though not much older, women are sensitive about age, especially with Wan Lingyi insinuating she couldn't conceive.

Having hit a sore spot, He Pin's temper flared.

"How dare you speak to me like that! Pan Chun, slap her mouth!"

"Your Highness, please calm down," Pan Chun urged.

"I know you're angry, but today is New Year's Eve. Striking someone now would bring bad luck for the coming year. If the Emperor finds out and gets upset, it won't be good!"

With the banquet just ended, and the Emperor, Empress, and court officials likely still nearby, causing trouble would only bring trouble.

Mentioning Pei Yao brought He Pin to her senses, and she hesitated.

Finally, she gave Wan Lingyi a fierce glare and left in a huff.

After she left, Yuetao spat towards her departing figure.

"Bah, what a thing. Abandoned by the Emperor, relying on her family's old influence for occasional favor, yet still putting on airs. Serving the Emperor all these years without conceiving must mean she can't have children!"

"Enough, stop talking. If someone hears, we'll be in trouble again." Wan Lingyi interrupted softly, her eyes downcast. "Let's go back. She won't be pleased for long."

Without children and with fading favor, even a consort's rank wouldn't help much.

Yuetao nodded and said no more, helping her back to the palace.

Back at Yong'an Palace, He Pin, still seething, smashed two vases.

"That wretched Hu Shi! From the moment she entered the Eastern Palace, I knew she was trouble. Just like her name, a seductive wretch! A mere Lingyi, daring to mock me for not bearing children. Fine, I'll show her what it's like to truly be barren!"