The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 299 - Calling the Physician

After New Year's Eve, everyone was busy until the sixth day of the new year.

Fang Yun found herself missing the days of bed rest during pregnancy.

She now realized how fortunate it was to avoid the formalities of the New Year.

Winter clothing was heavy, with multiple layers of formal attire, topped with a headdress like a watermelon. Every time she bowed, she needed support.

On the first day, worshiping the ancestors in the ancestral temple, half a day in, Fang Yun's head was aching from the weight.

The worst part was kneeling in the imperial temple.

Her high rank allowed her to kneel inside with warm braziers, shielded from the wind, but outside, the civil and military officials, titled ladies, and lower-ranked concubines faced the biting cold.

The north wind howled like a slap across the face.

A day in the wind left everyone's cheeks red.

Finally, on the sixth day, it was over. That evening, a heavy snow fell, and the Empress graciously decreed no morning greetings at Jiaofang Palace the next day.

No wonder Fang Yun liked the Empress; she was considerate.

She didn't burden herself or others, allowing everyone a well-deserved rest.

Returning to Yuzhang Palace in the afternoon, Fang Yun felt as if her bones had been removed, collapsing onto the soft couch by the window.

Yanwei brought hot water and carefully wiped her hands with a wet cloth.

"Your Highness, you're weak. These days have worn you out. I had the small kitchen prepare ginseng chicken soup. You should drink some to regain your strength."

"I'm too tired to eat or drink, just want to lie down," Fang Yun sighed. "And this headdress, who designed it? It's so heavy it could kill someone. My neck feels like it's going to break."

Qingrong, placing her cloak aside, brought hot tea.

"It's not just you, Your Highness. Even we feel tired. The Empress's phoenix crown must be even heavier."

"The Empress is the mother of the nation; it's fitting," Fang Yun smiled, then asked, "Where's the Second Princess?"

"She's exhausted too, taken back to sleep by the wet nurse," Yanwei replied.

Though the Second Princess didn't fully participate in the process, she was still tired.

Nodding, Fang Yun rested a bit before changing into her usual attire.

She then went to check on the Fourth Prince.

Children were hard to raise in the palace, especially the weak Fourth Prince, and Fang Yun worried most.

After checking on him, she returned for dinner.

The next day.

When she woke, it was almost the end of the hour of the dragon (7-9 am).

Knowing she was tired, the maids didn't wake her, waiting until she woke on her own.

"Breakfast is ready, with millet porridge and crystal dumplings. Please wash up and eat, Your Highness. Physician Zeng will come to check your pulse soon."

Qingrong gently assisted Fang Yun as she got up.

After a good night's sleep, Fang Yun felt refreshed.

After washing and dressing, she was about to sit down for breakfast when she heard the announcement of the Emperor's arrival.

"Such perfect timing," Fang Yun laughed helplessly.

Setting down her chopsticks, she went out to greet him.

The seventh and eighth days were holidays, with Pei Yao resuming court on the ninth. This was their break.

"Greetings, Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor," Fang Yun bowed.

In high spirits, Pei Yao lifted her up, "Thanks to your blessing, there's good news."

"Whatever the good news, have mercy on my empty stomach first," Fang Yun playfully pulled him inside. "Let me eat while you tell me."

In private, they were increasingly relaxed.

To Pei Yao, her playful manner was endearing.

"You skipped the morning greeting today and slept in. As a mother, you shouldn't skip meals like this, or you'll harm your stomach," Pei Yao chided.

Fang Yun smiled and let him speak.

She personally served him a bowl of millet porridge.

"Your Majesty, try some. I slept in a bit today, so the porridge was cooked longer—it's soft and sweet."

"So it's thanks to you," Pei Yao teased, but he took the bowl from her and tasted it.

Seeing this, Fang Yun didn't hesitate and began eating too.

They chatted at the table.

"After you provoked her at the New Year's Eve banquet, Princess Duanrou returned and argued with Yin Zhangce. They were already supposed to be separated for reflection. Their cold war exposed many flaws, and I've already found plenty of evidence," Pei Yao said quietly.

"Your Majesty seems pleased; it sounds like Princess Duanrou's private treasury is quite ample," Fang Yun remarked.

From the information gathered, it was clear Pei Yu had amassed a lot of illicit money.

A real goldmine.

Pei Yao nodded.

"There's plenty of money, but also many dirty dealings. Since my ascension, I've had numerous state matters, so I hadn't paid attention to her. But in just a year, she and the Marquis of Jinrong's family have done many vile things."

Pei Yao's face darkened.

"Usury is just the surface. They also ran casinos, prostitution rings, human trafficking, fake antiquities, land grabbing—it's unspeakable."

"So outrageous," Fang Yun frowned. "Only a year, and they're so brazen?"

Pei Yao sneered, "Money can move mountains. Fast money is tempting. Of course, Princess Duanrou doesn't know everything. More than half is the work of the Marquis and his son under her name."

"When will Your Majesty deal with this tumor?" Fang Yun asked.

"No rush," Pei Yao handed her a crystal dumpling. "After the fifteenth, we'll slowly settle it."

Clearly, he had a plan, so Fang Yun didn't press further.

After breakfast, Physician Zeng arrived.

In the whole harem, only Fang Yun had a daily check-up, due to her frail health.

Physician Zeng also attended to the Fourth Prince.

After checking her pulse, he said,

"Your Highness is in good health; continue with your current regimen. You seem a bit fatigued from recent days; rest well."

"Thank you, Physician Zeng," Fang Yun nodded. "Qingrong, take the physician to the Fourth Prince."

Qingrong led Physician Zeng out.

Outside the main hall, Physician Zeng whispered.

"Qingrong, with His Majesty present, I couldn't say earlier. While I was diagnosing the lady, a physician was also called to Yichun Palace. It seems Wan Lingyi has caught a cold and is unwell."

Qingrong nodded seriously.

"Thank you for informing us. I'll let the lady know."

"You're welcome," Physician Zeng bowed.

Serving Zhao Fei, the Fourth Prince, and the Second Princess, he was eager to show his loyalty.

After finishing with the Fourth Prince, Qingrong quickly returned to the main hall and found an excuse to lead Fang Yun to the inner chamber.