The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 319 - Shooting Yourself in the Foot

"Having money is really different. Fifty thousand taels, just like that. I really can't compare," Fang Yun smiled, her lips curving slightly.

Yuanhe, standing by, added, "Although she gave it willingly, it must have hurt. You should have seen Yang Fei's dark expression."

"It's not like I forced her to give it. She named the amount herself," Fang Yun huffed, sitting on the soft couch. "Watch, she'll try to use this to curry favor with the Emperor."

Yanwei scoffed, "The Emperor hasn't visited Zhongcui Palace in ages. She must be desperately waiting."

The room filled with laughter.

Indeed, Fang Yun's prediction was spot on.

After donating the money, Yang Fei sent snacks to Jingqian Palace the next day.

That evening, the Emperor announced he would dine at Zhongcui Palace.

Since the mourning period ended, this was only his third visit to the harem.

Zhongcui Palace was buzzing with excitement.

After all, fifty thousand taels had been well-invested in showcasing Yang Fei's virtue.

Yang Fei, who usually didn't rely on her looks, had dressed up carefully.

She was naturally beautiful, and with the extra effort, she looked stunning.

But Pei Yao, having seen through her hypocrisy, had no interest in her.

The harem was filled with beauties. Fang Yun and even Wan Liangyuan outshone her in appearance. How could Pei Yao be swayed by looks alone?

Still, he played along, offering her a hand as she curtsied.

"Rise, my dear."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Yang Fei's gaze was soft. "You're busy with state affairs. It's rare to see you. I had the kitchen prepare some nourishing soup. Please have some."

Pei Yao smiled, "You've gone to such trouble. I'll be sure to try it."

They exchanged pleasantries and sat down to eat.

It wasn't that Yang Fei had prepared early; Pei Yao had arrived late, as if on schedule, leaving little time for conversation.

Yang Fei didn't mind, attributing it to his busy schedule.

As long as he stayed the night, she was content.

She was particularly attentive at dinner.

"You're used to Zhao Fei's cooking. I hope these dishes suit your taste. I made these myself," she said, offering him a taste.

Pei Yao obliged, then said, "You're always so considerate and capable. I've been preoccupied with state affairs and neglected the harem. Please don't hold it against me."

"Of course not," Yang Fei shook her head. "You're burdened with military matters. I regret I can't help. How could I blame you? I'm happy as long as you're at ease."

Her words rang false.

Anyone else might find them sincere, but Pei Yao knew better, thanks to Fang Yun's earlier revelations.

Inside, he only felt Yang Fei's hypocrisy.

Despite his internal disdain, he maintained a facade, bringing up the donation as Yang Fei had hoped.

"You've donated fifty thousand taels to support the military. The Empress has informed me. As a consort, your concern for the state is commendable. Few in the harem show such understanding," Pei Yao remarked.

Hearing the long-awaited praise, Yang Fei's eyes gleamed as she smiled.

"The Empress called for frugality to aid the military, and I did what I could. Unlike Zhao Fei, who serves you so well, I can only contribute in this way," she said, trying to sound humble.

"Zhao Fei is excellent, and so are you," Pei Yao responded lightly.

He disliked Yang Fei's constant mentions of Fang Yun, suspecting ill intentions.

He knew Fang Yun's miscarriage had connections to Yang Fei, though without evidence, he hadn't pursued it. Fang Yun had never badmouthed Yang Fei to him, unlike Yang Fei's relentless fixation on Fang Yun.

Yang Fei sensed Pei Yao's displeasure and quickly signaled Siqi, changing the subject as she served him food.

"Try this, Your Majesty. This—oh!" she exclaimed as her ornate silver bracelet unclasped, falling into the dish.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, it wasn't intentional," she apologized, reaching for the bracelet but knocking over a hot soup bowl, scalding her sleeve.

Siqi rushed forward with a cloth, scolding lightly, "I told you this bracelet was old. Without suitable jewelry, it would have been better not to wear it. Now look, you've hurt yourself."

"Enough! Don't speak nonsense," Yang Fei said, embarrassed.

But Pei Yao caught Siqi's underlying message and frowned.

"What's going on? You don't have proper jewelry in your palace?" he asked.

"No, it's not that, I—" Yang Fei began, but Siqi interrupted.

"Your Majesty, forgive my boldness. At the Empress's, Zhao Fei pressured our mistress to donate more. Out of concern for you, she donated fifty thousand taels, pawning her jewelry to gather the amount. I couldn't bear to see her in such distress!"

Yang Fei quickly cut Siqi off. "Don't make up stories before the Emperor. Clean up and leave!"

Their act, however, had already angered Pei Yao.

With a loud clatter, he set his chopsticks down heavily.

Yang Fei turned, seeing his stern expression.

"Your Majesty," she called softly, sensing his anger but misjudging its target.

"Enough!" he snapped.

"Don't think I don't know your intentions. I'm pleased you donated, but why do you keep bringing up Zhao Fei? Do you think she didn't donate?"

Yang Fei's face froze in shock.

What? Zhao Fei donated?

When?

How did she not know?

Seeing her confusion, Pei Yao's frown deepened.

"That's enough. I have unfinished business. I'm leaving."

With that, he stormed out.

Yang Fei, realizing too late, chased after him but saw only his receding figure.

Frustrated, she returned and vented her anger in the courtyard, finally understanding why Fang Yun hadn't donated openly—she had already secured the Emperor's favor in private.

Her careful plan had backfired completely.