The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 314 - Great Victory

"Physician, how is my health? When I gave birth to the Third Prince, I went into premature labor and harmed my body. Can I conceive again?" Yang Fei asked, withdrawing her hand, her brow furrowed.

The physician bowed. "Your Highness, your vitality looks good. It seems your body has been well-nurtured. You should be able to conceive again soon."

Hearing this, Yang Fei's expression relaxed.

"Siqi, see the physician out properly. Thank him for his visit and ensure he receives some tea money."

"Yes."

Siqi nodded, respectfully handing the physician a purse and escorting him out.

Returning, she smiled. "You can rest easy now, Your Highness. Once the mourning period is over and you receive favor again, you'll surely conceive a healthy prince."

"Hopefully soon," Yang Fei's eyes gleamed with ambition. "Preferably before the Empress."

She didn't voice one more thought.

That the Empress would never conceive.

In Yang Fei's mind, the First Prince's mother, Jin Bin, was neither favored nor from a distinguished family. The First Prince didn't seem particularly clever, always playing with the Second Princess, showing little promise.

The Third Prince, her own son, was too weak to be of much use, effectively as if she hadn't given birth to him.

The Fourth Prince was even more frail, and Zhao Fei couldn't bear more children.

If Yang Fei bore a healthy child, with no legitimate sons and the eldest lacking potential, her child would be the most competitive.

Siqi could clearly see Yang Fei's ambitions and sweetly wished her success.

"May Your Highness achieve your desires soon!"

Yang Fei smiled but said nothing more.

In Yuzhang Palace, Yuanhe entered briskly.

"Your Highness, Zhongcui Palace summoned a physician."

"Oh?" Fang Yun turned. "For whom?"

"They said it was for Yang Fei's health," Yuanhe replied.

Fang Yun's eyes narrowed. "Did the physician say anything?"

"No," Yuanhe shook his head. "No one from Zhongcui Palace went to get medicine, so it seems there's no issue."

Hearing this, Qingrong whispered, "It's likely about her trying to conceive. With the mourning period ending soon, she must be anxious."

"The kitchen staff, Liang Xian, is meticulous. There should be no problems," Yanwei added softly.

Fang Yun nodded, instructing Yuanhe, "Keep an eye on things. Inform me of any changes. Also, tell Physician Zeng to monitor the physician who examined Yang Fei today."

"Yes, Your Highness," Yuanhe bowed and left quickly.

After he left, Qingrong spoke again.

"Physician Zeng said the dosage wouldn't be detected. There shouldn't be any issues. Even if she stops taking it, she shouldn't be able to conceive for three to five years."

"Better safe than sorry," Fang Yun said. "We need to be prepared for any changes."

Qingrong and Yanwei exchanged glances and nodded.

The next day, there was news from the court.

The Emperor, showing compassion for the soldiers, decreed that families with members serving in the northern border would have their taxes halved this year.

Additionally, he permitted Duchess Qin to visit the northern army, representing all the soldiers' families.

Duchess Qin, being wise, publicly expressed her gratitude, praising the Emperor's kindness and understanding of her maternal love and the concerns of all military families.

She announced her departure the next day, inviting families to send letters and items for their loved ones in the army, which she would deliver.

This act of unity between the ruler and his subjects became a celebrated story.

Amid this fervor, Liu Qin and Song Meiren's brother, Song Shuyan, quietly enlisted under assumed names, heading north.

To avoid detection, Liu Qin took his mother's surname, becoming Chen Qin, and Song Shuyan changed his name to Song Yan. They posed as cousins.

These details were discreetly shared with Duchess Qin.

Duchess Qin owed Fang Yun a favor for facilitating her request to visit the northern border. Directly asking Pei Yao would have raised suspicions about her and Duke Qin's loyalty.

Now able to travel, Duchess Qin was grateful to Fang Yun.

Perhaps her visit had an impact, as good news arrived shortly after her arrival at the northern camp.

Following a stalemate in the first battle and several inconclusive skirmishes, the Huo family army achieved a significant victory in late March.

The victory was led by Huo Mingxuan, the eighteen-year-old third son of the Huo family.

This triumph greatly boosted the army's morale.

Praises for the young general, such as "a hero in his youth" and "a prodigy," echoed everywhere.

Even the usually composed Empress mentioned it with a smile during the morning greeting, praising Duke Qin's lineage.

Fang Yun and the other concubines echoed the sentiment.

However, Fang Yun's thoughts were with Liu Qin's safety.

He was risking his future, which was also Fang Yun's leverage.

Unbeknownst to her, in the northern camp, the victorious Huo Mingxuan was drinking with Liu Qin.

Liu Qin had offered a small but useful suggestion during the battle, earning Huo Mingxuan's favor.

"Hey, tell me honestly, do you really have a beautiful sister?" Huo Mingxuan asked, draping an arm over Liu Qin's shoulder.

Liu Qin shivered. His identity was supposed to be secret. Only Duchess Qin, Duke Qin, and Song Shuyan knew his true identity.

"Who told you that?" Liu Qin asked, feigning a playful tone.

Huo Mingxuan pointed to the drunken Song Shuyan.

"Song Yan said so. He said your sister is even more beautiful than his, like a fairy. That kid looks good, but you..."

Liu Qin couldn't compare in looks but had a scholarly charm.

Young men always wanted to compete.

Liu Qin elbowed Huo Mingxuan's chest.

"Don't judge by appearances. Just because I'm not handsome doesn't mean I can't have a beautiful sister. My sister is as beautiful as Song Yan said, like a fairy!"

He left Huo Mingxuan and went to check on Song Shuyan, fearing he might reveal too much.

But Huo Mingxuan followed, still teasing.

"Hey, you're seventeen or eighteen. How old is your sister? With the mourning period, no marriage talks are allowed. Is she married? If not, what about me...?"

Huo Mingxuan's words were cut off as Liu Qin clapped a hand over his mouth.

Whoa, daring to think about my sister! Do you want to lose your head?

Though Liu Qin didn't say it out loud, his exasperated look conveyed the message. He simply said, "Little General, watch your words!"

"Alright, alright, I won't say anything more," Huo Mingxuan shrugged, removing Liu Qin's hand. "You scholars are always so serious. I was just joking!"