The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 323 - Benefiting from Children

Feeling low after being scolded by Yang Fei, Xie Meiren found comfort in Wan Liangyuan's warm smile.

Taking Wan Liangyuan's hand, she sighed.

"You're always thinking of me. Why don't we sit at my place? I have something to discuss with you."

"Sure, let's do that," Wan Liangyuan agreed, smiling gently as they headed to Fuxi Pavilion.

Seated, Xie Meiren poured out her woes.

"You don't know how much Yang Fei scolded me today. She despises my lack of ambition. But what can I do? The Emperor only has eyes for Zhao Fei. I don't even know where to start!"

Wan Liangyuan sighed, adopting a sympathetic look.

"Isn't it true? Zhao Fei is unmatched now. Apart from the Empress, she doesn't regard anyone. She's the only one with two royal children."

Hearing this, Xie Meiren frowned even more.

"In terms of looks, she's not as beautiful as you, sister. In terms of family, she can't compare to Yang Fei. Her family line is gone, and by rights, even Yun Cainu, a maid, is better off. I just can't see what the Emperor sees in her."

"Everyone has their preferences," Wan Liangyuan shrugged.

"But in my opinion, she benefits from having the children. The Emperor thinks of them and visits her, and affection builds over time."

"If she had no children, the Emperor would soon forget her!" Xie Meiren blurted out.

Wan Liangyuan sighed.

"That's unlikely. The Second Princess has no biological mother; Zhao Fei raised her. The Fourth Prince is her own. Who can take them away? Unless Zhao Fei falls seriously ill and can't care for them."

"That's difficult," Xie Meiren agreed. "They said she was weak after the Fourth Prince's birth, but she's probably recovered."

It's not easy for someone like a porcelain doll, who breaks at the slightest touch, to get sick. Fang Yun, careful with her health and following Physician Zeng's advice, kept herself and the Fourth Prince stable for over a year.

Wan Liangyuan sighed again but suddenly remembered something.

"Speaking of illness, I heard that a new maid at the laundry bureau contracted smallpox today. Did you know?"

Hearing about the smallpox outbreak, Xie Meiren was startled and covered her mouth with a handkerchief. "That's highly contagious! What's the situation now? Have they been removed?"

Wan Liangyuan shook her head. "No, sending them out would only risk spreading it more. They've been isolated in the Cold Palace. The laundry bureau staff can't leave, and physicians are monitoring them."

Relieved that the infected couldn't leave, Xie Meiren frowned. "Why wasn't this reported earlier? It's terrifying."

"The recent focus was on the Fourth Prince's birthday preparations. No one paid attention to a laundry maid. Thankfully, the supervising matron noticed quickly, just as the maid fell ill."

Sipping her tea, Wan Liangyuan added, "Fortunately, it's contained. Physicians are on watch."

Xie Meiren's eyes flickered with a dark thought as she tightened her grip on her handkerchief.

She released it and nodded in agreement. "You're right, sister."

After some more idle talk, Wan Liangyuan returned to her quarters.

At Yuzhang Palace, news had already reached them.

With two children, Fang Yun was particularly cautious.

Yuanhe reassured her, "No need to worry, Your Highness. As you instructed, the princess and prince's clothes are washed here at Yuzhang Palace. Only our servants' clothes go to the laundry bureau."

The laundry bureau was divided, with some staff washing for the royals and others for servants.

Having experienced mishaps before, Fang Yun was extra vigilant. Yuzhang Palace had its own kitchen and washed its clothes internally.

"For now, let's wash everything here. Better safe than sorry," Fang Yun instructed, adding, "Take some silver from my chest and distribute it. It's tough times, and everyone is working hard."

"Yes, Your Highness," Qingrong nodded and left.

With smallpox being highly contagious and difficult to treat, everyone preferred to be cautious. Fang Yun's extra compensation ensured no complaints.

This boosted loyalty and appreciation towards Zhao Fei within Yuzhang Palace.

The Empress also handled the smallpox outbreak prudently. It remained confined to the laundry bureau, with only those sharing quarters with the infected maid also isolated.

With the situation contained, it faded from memory within a week.

Meanwhile, the northern border saw renewed tensions.

The Duchess of Qin's visit had bolstered morale, and young General Huo secured another victory, temporarily gaining the upper hand.

However, Shangyang was well-prepared and sent a renowned general, equalizing the battlefield once more.

The stalemate meant Pei Yao focused on state affairs, leaving the harem in relative peace.

Fang Yun, though, was anxious about Liu Qin, her carefully chosen ally.

With no news from him, she worried for his safety amidst the chaos of war.

The same concern plagued Song Liangyuan for her own brother.

She visited Fang Yun almost daily.

One day, on her way to Yuzhang Palace, Song Liangyuan encountered Xie Meiren.

"Greetings, Sister Song," Xie Meiren said sweetly, bowing. "Where are you headed?"