After Yang Fei's words, Pei Yao didn't immediately respond.
Yang Fei had mentioned her brother and spoke of defending the nation, implying a deeper meaning.
Fang Yun and the Empress exchanged glances, then silently turned their gaze to Yang Fei.
It sounded like she wanted to recommend her brother for the northern border due to the unrest with Shangyang.
"A man should cultivate himself, manage his household, govern the state, and bring peace to the world. Your brother isn't married yet, right?"
Amidst everyone's thoughts, Pei Yao's voice broke the silence with a personal question.
Yang Fei hadn't expected this topic, but answered promptly.
"Yes, my brother had found a suitable girl and was preparing to propose, but the national mourning delayed it."
"Hmm, at his age, he should marry. Without leaving an heir, your father might not want him to guard the borders."
Pei Yao's casual remark hinted at deeper thoughts.
Yang Fei's eyes flashed with disappointment.
It wasn't her father who was reluctant; clearly, it was the Emperor's decision.
Understanding she couldn't say this aloud, Yang Fei smiled politely.
"A loving father naturally worries for his children, just like Your Majesty."
"Indeed," Pei Yao smiled. "How is the Third Prince's health lately?"
Yang Fei immediately donned a gentle, motherly expression.
"Much better, following the physician's advice, gaining weight."
"Is that so? What medicine has he been taking recently?"
Pei Yao's seemingly casual question caught Yang Fei off guard.
"He's been taking..." she hesitated, signaling Siqi.
Siqi quickly responded.
"He's been taking Nourishing Pills, a new formula from the physician, dissolved in warm water. They taste sweeter, so the Third Prince doesn't resist as much."
Pei Yao glanced at Siqi.
"Your maid is quite sharp."
"Siqi is my chief maid, managing all matters in Zhongcui Palace. She's very capable," Yang Fei smiled awkwardly.
At that moment, the Empress spoke.
"The Third Prince is weak, and so is the Fourth Prince. How is the Fourth Prince doing, Zhao Fei? What do the physicians say?"
Unlike Yang Fei, who didn't know her child's medication, Fang Yun's response was smooth.
"Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince is quite lively. As the saying goes, 'seven sit, eight crawl.' He's almost eight months old and loves crawling on the carpet. We're all watching him closely to avoid accidents. The physician says it's good for him to move. They've prescribed a diet of fish paste, chicken soup, and egg custard, along with breast milk to strengthen him."
Through this exchange, the difference in attentiveness to their children was starkly clear.
Yang Fei's expression was somewhat unnatural.
Especially when Pei Yao softly said,
"Zhao Fei has always been meticulous, personally caring for both children. It's truly exhausting. Here, I toast to you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. It's my duty," Fang Yun smiled gently, lifting her cup.
Their interaction made Yang Fei increasingly uncomfortable. The Emperor had initially addressed her, yet ended up praising Fang Yun's attentiveness, mentioning only her maid's cleverness.
Yang Fei's hand tightened under her sleeve, nails digging into her palm, helping her regain composure.
At least the Emperor hadn't openly criticized her, a small mercy. She just needed to be more careful in the future.
This small interlude ended with Yang Fei gaining nothing and losing face.
Pei Yao, having no intention to linger, chatted briefly with the Empress and Fang Yun before leaving abruptly.
There were more memorials waiting in the study.
With his departure, the banquet couldn't continue.
Within moments, everyone dispersed.
Stepping out of Jiaofang Palace, they found it snowing again.
Snowflakes mixed with the cold wind, sending a chill that made them huddle into their collars.
"Your Highness, please get in the sedan. Don't catch a chill," Qingrong urged softly.
Fang Yun wrapped her rabbit fur cloak tighter. "No rush, I want to walk a bit. It's stuffy inside, let me get some air."
Qingrong signaled the sedan bearers to wait while she supported Fang Yun.
After a few steps, footsteps followed.
"Excuse me, Zhao Fei, but our lady's sedan needs to pass."
Yun Qian's voice came with the request.
Fang Yun turned to see Yang Fei seated in her sedan, looking down at her.
Choosing to walk had blocked Yang Fei's path.
"Thank you, sister," Yang Fei smiled coldly.
"Well, well, it's Yang Fei," Fang Yun's eyes sharp, she remarked.
"Why is Yun Qian standing with Siqi? Though once a maid, she's served the Emperor now. Even if she's loyal, she must remember her status."
Failing her objective had left Yang Fei in a foul mood. She chuckled, her words barbed.
"Yun Qian was my dowry maid. Even as a concubine, she remembers my family's kindness. Unlike some who, upon climbing high, forget where they came from."
Qingrong's face showed anger, but Fang Yun held her back.
Fang Yun responded calmly.
"Yang Fei, you remember everything so well. Yet, why cling to things the Emperor doesn't care about?"
Her gaze swept Siqi beside the sedan, and she chuckled.
"Instead of worrying about old matters, perhaps you should focus on the Third Prince. Next time the Emperor asks, you won't need your clever maid to answer for you. If you can't care for one child, how can the Emperor trust you with another?"
Understanding each other's weak points, Yang Fei targeted Fang Yun's origins, while Fang Yun struck at Yang Fei's parenting.
Before Yang Fei could retort, Fang Yun signaled the sedan bearers.
"Enough talk, I'm tired. I'll take the sedan back."
Her obedient servants quickly helped her into the sedan.
Once she was settled, Qingrong bowed to Yang Fei.
"Excuse us, Yang Fei. Our lady will go first."
Then she hurried after Fang Yun's sedan.
Yang Fei watched Fang Yun's retreating figure, her expression cold.
"She's too arrogant!" Yun Qian bit her lip.
Yang Fei lowered her gaze. "She's favored now, naturally she's proud. But now isn't the time to fight her. We need a path for my brother. Staying in Huizhou won't do."
"But the Emperor seems unwilling to send him to the northern border," Yun Qian frowned.
Yang Fei's eyes flashed with determination.
"The Emperor doesn't need generals yet because the war hasn't started. Once we fight Shangyang, my brother's talent will shine, bringing glory to our family!"
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
RomanceAuthor: Huatang Xiuge Translator: Me (Xiaobai) 东宫掌娇 Upon entering the Eastern Palace, Fang Yun lived cautiously, burdened by the label of a substitute bride and daughter of a traitor. She knew well that, as a daughter of low birth, she had been cas...
