The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 322 - Bestowing Names

No matter how angry Yang Fei was, Fang Yun paid her no mind.

She had brought it upon herself. If her donation had been sincere and not an attempt to outdo Fang Yun, she wouldn't be feeling this sting without any gain.

The first birthday banquet for the Fourth Prince was a joyous occasion, and as his mother, Fang Yun naturally took Pei Yao with her after the event.

No one could argue with that.

Fang Yun was favored normally, and on such a special day, the Emperor would certainly show her even more favor.

In Yuzhang Palace, after bathing, they wore their nightclothes and talked in the inner chamber.

Pei Yao, having enjoyed himself at the banquet, drank a bit too much. Feeling slightly dizzy, he asked Fang Yun to massage his head.

"You shouldn't drink too much, even if you're happy. It's bad for your health," she murmured while massaging.

Pei Yao smiled, "The Fourth Prince is frail and has had a difficult start. Seeing him healthy and happy today was truly uplifting."

He spoke from the heart.

Fang Yun and the Fourth Prince had endured much during the pregnancy, and Pei Yao remembered it well.

Moved by his words, Fang Yun lowered her eyes and said softly, "As long as you and the children are well, I have no other wishes."

"Indeed. The Fourth Prince is now one year old. It's time to give him a name and enter it into the royal genealogy," Pei Yao said suddenly.

Fang Yun looked up, "Now? The Third Prince hasn't been named yet."

"Exactly. During the mourning period, it was inconvenient. Now, with the Fourth Prince's first birthday, we'll name both brothers," Pei Yao replied casually, adding, "The Second Princess is now three years old. It's time for her to start her education alongside the First Prince."

"That's good. Education is essential for understanding. While girls don't need to pass exams, they should be knowledgeable and cultured," Fang Yun agreed.

After this brief conversation, they lay down and soon fell asleep, tired from the day's events.

To Fang Yun's surprise, Pei Yao acted quickly. The next afternoon, Jingqian Palace announced the names for the Third and Fourth Princes.

The Third Prince was named Pei Yanan, and the Fourth Prince was named Pei Yanyi.

"People often praise a gentleman with the phrase 'bright and clear like the moon after the rain.' It's part of our Fourth Prince's name. It's a beautiful name!" Yanwei said, her eyes sparkling.

Fang Yun smiled, "The Emperor chose it, so naturally, it's a good name."

"Now that the Fourth Prince has a formal name, and the Second Princess is starting school, she should be addressed by her given name," Qingrong added gently.

Though the Second Princess already had a name, Fang Yun still often called her by her nickname. Even Pei Yao followed suit. Now that she was starting school, they should follow the proper etiquette.

Fang Yun nodded in agreement.

"Since the Second Princess is going to school, she needs reliable company. Yuanhe has been managing her affairs, so he can accompany her for now until we find someone suitable," she instructed.

Qingrong bowed, "Yes, I will inform him shortly."

With these arrangements made, Fang Yun decided to go check on the children.

Meanwhile, at Zhongcui Palace, Yang Fei was fuming over the naming process.

"Couldn't they have picked any other time to name them? Now people will think my son only got his name because of Fang Yun's child," she grumbled, staring at the paper with the names.

Xie Meiren, present at Zhongcui Palace, tried to console her.

"The name 'An' means peace and harmony, showing the Emperor's love for our Third Prince."

"What's so good about 'An'?" Yang Fei sneered, her eyes filled with resentment.

"'Ji' means the sky clears after rain, symbolizing a broad mind and peaceful governance. With the ongoing war, does the Emperor hope that sickly child will bring good fortune?" she spat.

Hearing Yang Fei's tirade, Xie Meiren didn't know how to respond.

She merely lowered her head and fiddled with her handkerchief.

Seeing this, Yang Fei's anger flared even more.

"Lift your head! Shrinking like a quail every day—how do you expect to gain favor? Do you want to watch Zhao Fei monopolize the Emperor's affection? Look at Wan Liangyuan and He Lingyi's situations now. If you don't step up, you'll be next, and even Song Liangyuan will surpass you!"

Yang Fei had once pushed Yun Qian to serve in her place, hoping to solidify her position.

But Yun Qian had failed, unable to retain the Emperor's favor.

Xie Meiren was slightly better—prettier and from a better background.

But Xie Meiren lacked the intellect and courage, making her useless.

"Calm down, Your Highness," Xie Meiren said nervously, "It's not that I don't want to try. After the Emperor scolded me last time, I'm afraid of making him angry again."

"Then cheer him up! Must I teach you everything?" Yang Fei snapped, slamming the table.

Xie Meiren, terrified, knelt with teary eyes, biting her lip.

"I understand, Your Highness. Please don't be angry. I'll try my best."

"Fine, think it over and plan well."

Yang Fei waved her off.

Xie Meiren quickly bowed and left, feeling wronged.

Outside Zhongcui Palace, Yulian couldn't hold back her frustration.

"Song Liangyuan was promoted without serving the Emperor—that's thanks to Zhao Fei. But Yang Fei expects you to fight for favor. If she were favored herself, she wouldn't push you. She made you stop the Emperor's carriage last time, and now this..."

"Enough. Don't speak ill," Xie Meiren interrupted, frowning. "Yang Fei's pushing me for my own good. I don't want to be like Song Liangyuan, living a lonely life despite being promoted. I want the Emperor to favor me genuinely."

Yulian fell silent, unsure what to say.

Finally, she suggested gently, "Then don't be too aggressive. The Emperor is busy with state affairs. Perhaps make a pouch or nightclothes for him. He'll remember you."

"Alright, help me make something."

Xie Meiren nodded, accepting the advice.

As they neared Yichun Palace, they saw Wan Liangyuan waiting outside.

"You're back, sister. Were you with Yang Fei? I made some fresh pastries for you to try," Wan Liangyuan said with a smile.