With the outbreak of war, the court was in chaos, leaving Pei Yao no time to visit the harem.
The Empress, always understanding the bigger picture, issued a stern decree during the morning greeting.
Anyone causing trouble out of jealousy or distracting the Emperor would be severely punished, with no room for mercy.
Servants throughout the palace were warned against gossiping and discussing state affairs.
While the concubines understood the Empress's stern nature and obeyed, the lower-ranking servants were harder to control.
Some, thinking they were beyond the Empress's reach, made disrespectful remarks, such as doubting the Emperor's capability to wage war or fearing the morale impact of a potential initial defeat.
True to her word, the Empress showed no leniency.
She captured over a dozen gossips, executing the most defiant two and severely punishing the rest.
This strict enforcement ensured everyone in the imperial city adhered to the rules.
Fang Yun admired the Empress from the bottom of her heart.
To her, no one was more suited to sit on the Phoenix Throne than the current Empress.
The Lu family's upbringing was indeed exceptional.
Despite her admiration, Fang Yun's priority was to focus on her own life behind the palace doors.
With her fragile health and her son's weakness, she needed to ensure careful nurturing. Her delicate daughter also required meticulous care, and Fang Yun couldn't tolerate any disturbances.
Five days later, new war reports arrived.
The first battle was neither a great victory nor a defeat; it ended in a stalemate.
Huo Mingyi led the troops, fighting the enemy commander to a standstill.
Both sides, unwilling to concede in the opening battle, fought fiercely to set a strong tone for their respective forces.
In the end, Huo Mingyi severely injured the enemy commander but lost his left arm in the process.
Both armies then withdrew.
Though not a resounding victory, avoiding defeat in the first battle was a significant morale boost for the troops.
Relieved by the military report, Pei Yao immediately sent an imperial decree to commend Huo Mingyi and the Huo Family Army's soldiers.
The unity of the ruler and his subjects generated a strong sense of war fervor in the court.
Looking at the misty spring landscape outside, with signs of vitality starting to show, Fang Yun called Qingrong to spread out the painting paper.
The next day, Yuanhe delivered the mounted painting to Jingqian Palace.
When Pei Yao returned from court, he found him waiting at the door.
"You are from Yuzhang Palace? What brings you here?"
Pei Yao was familiar with Fang Yun's attendants.
Yuanhe quickly stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I am here on behalf of Zhao Fei to deliver a gift. The lady painted a picture for you, hoping it would bring you some joy."
He presented the brocade box.
Seeing the gift, and knowing Fang Yun's whimsical nature, Pei Yao couldn't help but smile.
"Zhao Fei always has these clever ideas." He took the box himself. "Return and tell Zhao Fei I'll visit when I have time."
Yuanhe nodded, bowed, and left.
Inside the hall, Hong Zheng brought Pei Yao's casual clothes to change into, as the court robes were heavy and tiring.
While waiting, Pei Yao opened the brocade box and unfurled the scroll.
The painting depicted a young man on horseback, full of vigor, standing on a high hill. The simple strokes suggested it was Pei Yao.
In the direction he rode, a massive, disciplined army awaited, millions strong, exuding immense power. Behind him were fertile fields, farmhouses, cities, streets, and people living in peace and contentment.
In the lower left corner was a poem:
"With ambitious heart, young general rides, To conquer lands with frosty sword at side, Bravely battles on fields wide, Enemies vanquished, borders fortified."
Pei Yao silently recited the poem, his smile growing.
Though praising words, they didn't feel like flattery but rather encouragement.
"Hong Zheng," Pei Yao called softly.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Hong Zheng responded promptly. "What are your orders?"
Pei Yao pointed to the poem. "Transcribe this and send it to General Huo Mingyi in the northern army."
Duke Qin's three sons had different strengths: Huo Mingxu excelled in defense, Huo Mingyi in offense, and the youngest, Huo Mingxuan, still unproven at seventeen or eighteen.
Huo Mingyi had lost an arm in the first battle but boosted Great Qi's morale. He deserved commendation, and this poem, though written by Fang Yun, would further inspire the troops.
Hong Zheng nodded and left to carry out the order.
In Yuzhang Palace, Fang Yun sneezed while embroidering.
Qingrong handed her a handkerchief and teased, "Yuanhe just delivered the painting, and you're sneezing. The Emperor must be thinking of you."
"Cheeky girl!" Fang Yun playfully poked her. "I hope it's not a cold. Close the window; it's drafty."
Qingrong nodded and complied.
Amid their conversation, footsteps approached.
Soon, Song Meiren entered.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
"Rise," Fang Yun waved. "Sit. What's the matter?"
Song Meiren, looking troubled, bit her lip, hesitant to speak.
Fang Yun gestured for Qingrong to clear the room, leaving only trusted attendants.
"What's wrong? Speak freely," Fang Yun urged.
Song Meiren sighed. "My brother sent word, saying he wants to join the army. He mentioned Young Master Liu feels the same. These boys, they haven't even passed the imperial exams yet. I'm worried they're being impulsive, so I came to ask if Young Master Liu sent any messages to you?"
"Join the army?"
Fang Yun frowned, turning to Qingrong.
Qingrong shook her head. "No recent messages from Young Master Liu."
Fang Yun's expression grew serious.
With war breaking out, young scholars, filled with patriotic fervor, often dreamed of heroic deeds.
But they were barely skilled at riding, let alone wielding swords.
The idea of joining the army was unrealistic. They'd start as common soldiers, risking their lives before ever advising the generals.
Fang Yun suspected Liu Qin's steadiness had kept him from acting impulsively. However, Song Meiren's brother, raised in a comfortable household, might be more idealistic and sought his sister's opinion first.
"What will you do? We can't let them act rashly," Song Meiren said anxiously.
Fang Yun reassured her, "Don't worry. I'll consult my brother first. This is indeed a serious matter."
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
RomantikAuthor: 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...
