The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 301 - Is It He Pin?

"Musk?!"

Yanwei exclaimed upon hearing the word.

"Isn't musk forbidden in the harem due to its harmful effects on women? Why would Wan Lingyi need an antidote for musk poisoning?"

"Because she's been poisoned with musk," Qingrong replied, lips pressed together.

With a more serious expression, she turned to Fang Yun.

"Your Highness, according to Physician Zeng, Physician Wei and Wan Lingyi are close. If Wan Lingyi shows signs of musk poisoning and they're hiding it, something is definitely wrong."

"Qingrong is right," Physician Zeng nodded. "Musk is very harmful to women, as Your Highness knows. Physician Wei is skilled and wouldn't prescribe such medicine without reason. He claimed Wan Lingyi merely had irregular periods."

After everyone had spoken, Fang Yun finally spoke softly.

"Someone poisoned Wan Lingyi with musk. She has noticed but hasn't made it public, likely planning a counterattack. I didn't do it, and the Empress probably wouldn't either. Could it be from Zhongsui Palace?"

"But Zhongsui Palace is currently on good terms with Wan Lingyi," Qingrong said.

Yanwei frowned, "Could it be Yang Fei trying to control Wan Lingyi by making her infertile?"

Physician Zeng added, "It's possible. Judging by the dosage in Physician Wei's prescription, the person who poisoned Wan Lingyi didn't hold back. Besides the antidote for musk, there are other ingredients to counteract substances harmful to pregnancy. If it hadn't been discovered early, Wan Lingyi might have been permanently harmed."

"That's a ruthless move," Fang Yun narrowed her eyes.

After thinking for a moment, she said, "I understand. Please keep this to yourself and keep an eye on Physician Wei. I want to see how this plays out."

Physician Zeng agreed and was escorted out by Yuanhe.

After he left, Fang Yun instructed Qingrong to call Song Meiren.

Yanwei was puzzled, "Why call Song Meiren?"

"I had her keep an eye on Wan Lingyi and Xie Meiren. Now that something has happened to Wan Lingyi, I need to ask her," Fang Yun explained.

Yanwei understood.

"You think it might not be Yang Fei?"

"Just a guess. Yang Fei has been behaving since her setback last year, focusing on her children and playing the role of a loving mother for the Emperor. She might not have the time," Fang Yun said calmly.

Yanwei scoffed, "Yang Fei a loving mother? She's only thinking about having another healthy prince, not caring about the Third Prince. She pretends to be hands-on, but it's just for show."

Fang Yun smiled at this.

But then she remembered what happened earlier with Pei Yao.

The Fourth Prince was closer to her, and she had said that if a child wasn't close to her, it meant she hadn't been personally caring for them.

Pei Yao had seemed thoughtful at that moment. Could he have been thinking about Yang Fei and the Third Prince?

After all, if she could gather such information, so could Jingqian Palace.

Fang Yun couldn't understand Yang Fei's mindset. Instead of feeling guilty and caring for her premature and weak child, she wanted to abandon him and have another.

Even Pei Yao, as a father, valued the child more.

But this wasn't her concern. She was happy to see Yang Fei dig her own grave.

She'd gladly help with a few shovels of dirt when the time came.

Soon, Song Meiren arrived.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

"Rise and sit," Fang Yun waved her hand.

Song Meiren sat and asked, "Why did you call me?"

"Wan Lingyi called for a physician today. Do you know why?" Fang Yun asked.

Song Meiren nodded.

"I've been watching Yichun Palace. I sent a maid to find out. They said she caught a cold from kneeling in the wind at the imperial temple, causing irregular periods, so she called a physician."

She took her task seriously.

"Irregular periods, no wonder she noticed something was wrong early. She's lucky," Fang Yun smiled.

Song Meiren was puzzled, "What do you mean, Your Highness?"

Seeing her confusion, Yanwei explained what Physician Zeng had said.

Understanding dawned on Song Meiren.

"No wonder you said she's lucky. The person who poisoned her didn't expect her to be menstruating. The medicine caused irregular periods, leading her to call a physician. Otherwise, it might not have been discovered."

"So, who do you think poisoned Wan Lingyi with musk?" Fang Yun asked softly.

"Yang Fei is the obvious suspect, but if you're asking me, you must suspect someone else," Song Meiren thought seriously and then said, "He Pin."

"He Pin?" Fang Yun was surprised. "Why her?"

Since entering the palace, Fang Yun's rising status and favor had suppressed He Pin. Now, He Pin didn't dare act out in front of her.

He Pin was also known for being somewhat foolish, not worth much attention.

But Song Meiren seemed sincere.

"At the New Year's Eve banquet, after you left, He Pin and Wan Lingyi had a quarrel. Wan Lingyi mocked He Pin for being infertile. Knowing He Pin's temper, she has a motive."

Fang Yun understood.

"If it is He Pin, and Wan Lingyi finds out, there will be a good show," Fang Yun mused.

Song Meiren asked, "What do you plan to do with this information?"

After all, He Pin had often targeted Fang Yun in the Eastern Palace. Fang Yun might want to take advantage of this.

"Yes," Fang Yun raised her eyes and tapped her fingers on the table, "I plan to give He Pin a little push."

Song Meiren became interested, "Give her a push? How do you plan to help?"

Fang Yun smiled at the question.

"If only He Pin falls, it would be too plain. Wan Lingyi has had too smooth a journey in the palace. At her current position, the next promotion would be to Consort. Her ambitions are growing, perhaps because she started too high."

If there was going to be trouble, no one should be spared. If someone was going to fall, they should fall together.

If Wan Lingyi hadn't shown such obvious hostility towards her, Fang Yun wouldn't have bothered.

The principle of "nurturing a tiger to cause trouble later" was clear to both Yang Fei and Fang Yun.

When it's time to suppress, there should be no room for softness or kindness.