The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 317 - Profiting

"Flowers don't bloom forever, and fortunes change. Zhao Fei, it's wise to leave some room for others."

As the tension between Fang Yun and Yang Fei grew, Wan Liangyuan's voice broke in.

Fang Yun glanced at her, then smiled lightly.

"Wan Liangyuan, you seem well-read, knowing such principles. However, the flowers haven't yet bloomed at your Yichun Palace, and the fortunes haven't turned your way. It's best to be cautious, or you might never see that day."

Her words were gentle, but her gaze held a sharp edge.

Wan Liangyuan, feeling cornered, bit her lip and looked down, holding back her resentment.

She wasn't foolish. Realizing she wouldn't gain anything, she wisely stepped back.

She had spoken partly to support Yang Fei and partly out of jealousy.

He Lingyi, seeing Wan Liangyuan silenced, thought of mocking her.

But a glance from Fang Yun made her rethink, and she quickly averted her gaze, fearing retribution. She knew she had often schemed against Fang Yun in the past.

Yang Fei, observing this, remained silent and took her seat.

She knew that Fang Yun was not only favored but also slowly gaining authority.

This was troubling. She needed to regain favor and quickly bear a healthy prince.

Fang Yun ignored Yang Fei's scheming, understanding her current ambitions and the likelihood of them coming true.

Once the room quieted, the Empress emerged from the inner chamber, seemingly unaware of the earlier disputes.

As the primary wife and matriarch, she didn't deign to involve herself in the concubines' squabbles. In her mind, she stood apart from the other concubines.

Everyone stood and greeted her, and she warmly waved them down.

"Rise and be seated."

After everyone was seated, the Empress spoke with a calm authority.

"With the ongoing war at the border, even recent good news doesn't allow for complacency. The outcome and duration of this conflict remain uncertain, and the military's expenses are substantial. Since we in the harem cannot assist the Emperor directly in state affairs, we can contribute by being frugal and saving funds to support the soldiers."

The Empress had been considering this matter for some time.

Though Pei Yao hadn't discussed the state treasury's situation with her directly, she adhered to palace rules and refrained from inquiring about state affairs. Recently, she learned from her family about the treasury's limitations.

After reviewing many account books, she decided to lead by example and reduce palace expenses to support the military.

Despite the delay, her initiative demonstrated foresight.

Fang Yun was the first to stand in support.

"Your Majesty's concern for the soldiers and the nation is truly admirable. Reducing palace expenses is a practical measure. Even the Second Princess, a small child, cannot consume ten plates of snacks, six plates of fruit, and a twelve-dish meal daily. Such excess is wasteful. Converting these into funds for the military, as Your Majesty suggests, is wise."

Yang Fei, unwilling to be outdone, also expressed support.

Supporting the Empress was a way to demonstrate loyalty to Pei Yao.

"Zhao Fei is right. Our daily allowances far exceed our needs, leading to waste. As someone with family in the military, I understand the hardships soldiers face. I willingly contribute additional funds to show my support."

Hearing this, Fang Yun's eyes sparkled slightly, then she smiled.

"See, Your Majesty? Yang Fei is indeed generous, as expected from a noble house. I wonder how much she will donate?"

The Empress smiled gently, "Coming from a military family, Yang Fei's dedication to the soldiers is evident."

Turning to Yang Fei, she added, "Your support will be reported to the Emperor."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. It's just a small effort on my part," Yang Fei replied calmly.

Then she turned to Fang Yun.

"As the Emperor's favored one, will Zhao Fei also contribute to ease his burden?"

Her words, though polite, carried a hidden challenge.

Fang Yun raised an eyebrow, looking determined.

"The Emperor has been generous to me, so of course, I will do my utmost for him!"

Yang Fei smirked. "Then how much will Zhao Fei donate?"

"Whatever you donate, I will match," Fang Yun said, lifting her chin slightly, showing no weakness.

Yang Fei smiled and looked at the Empress.

"Your Majesty, since Zhao Fei is so determined, I cannot donate less. Otherwise, it might seem Zhao Fei's commitment to the Emperor is lacking."

She glanced at Fang Yun.

Entering the Eastern Palace at the same time as Fang Yun, she knew Fang Yun had once struggled even to reward her servants.

Even with her favored status in recent years, how much could she have saved?

Most rewards were in jewels and fabrics, not cash.

But Yang Fei was different. Her dowry included ten thousand taels of silver, and she had saved more over the years.

She smiled coldly, eager to see Fang Yun's embarrassment when she couldn't produce the funds.

Selling jewelry and decorations?

Thinking this, she spoke clearly.

"Your Majesty, I will donate fifty thousand taels."

"Fifty thousand taels?!" Jin Bin exclaimed in shock, unable to hide her thoughts.

Yang Fei glanced at her, a hint of disdain in her eyes, then looked back at Fang Yun, expecting to see her discomfort.

But Fang Yun appeared indifferent.

Before Yang Fei could react, Fang Yun spoke calmly.

"Fifty thousand taels, I can't manage that. My sleeves are empty, and my purse is light. I'll comply with the Empress's decree and save from my allowance."

"You're not donating?!" Yang Fei couldn't help but ask.

Fang Yun glanced at her, sighing with apparent helplessness.

"I wish I could, but I have no silver. Why ask if I'm not donating? Does that mean you won't donate if I don't?"

Covering her mouth with a handkerchief, she feigned surprise.

"Could it be Yang Fei only said fifty thousand taels out of spite? If you don't have it, why force yourself? Look at me, I admit it when I don't have it."

Yang Fei realized she had been outmaneuvered.

But she couldn't back down after naming the amount.

"Enough," the Empress interjected gently.

"Whether to donate or not, and how much, is all about the intention behind it. Zhao Fei doesn't have the funds, so it's fine if she doesn't donate. Yang Fei, when would it be convenient for you to have someone fetch the fifty thousand taels from Zhongcui Palace?"

Yang Fei, already irritated by Fang Yun's maneuver, was further agitated by the Empress's direct request for the money. Feeling cornered, she clenched her handkerchief tightly to maintain composure and replied through gritted teeth,

"No need to trouble Your Majesty. I will arrange for it to be sent from Zhongcui Palace myself."