The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 324 - Military Intelligence

The two women had once lived in the same courtyard at the Eastern Palace, which fostered some familiarity. However, with Xie Meiren now allied with Yang Fei, Song Liangyuan remained distant but polite.

"I'm going to Yuzhang Palace to speak with Zhao Fei. Where are you headed?" Song Liangyuan asked.

"I've been making snacks in my free time. I just ran into you, and I'd love for you to try some," Xie Meiren said enthusiastically, taking a plate from Yulian's food box and offering it to Song Liangyuan.

The offer came so quickly that Song Liangyuan had no chance to refuse.

She tasted a piece. "Your skills are impressive. It's delicious."

"Really? If you don't mind, you can have the whole plate," Xie Meiren said happily, pushing the food box towards her.

But this time, Song Liangyuan gently declined. "That's not necessary. I'm heading to Zhao Fei's palace and can't bring it along. I'll try more of your cooking another time."

Xie Meiren didn't insist, retrieving the plate and watching Song Liangyuan leave.

As they walked away, Song Liangyuan's maid, Nianshuang, whispered, "Xie Meiren is really naive. She's close with Yang Fei, yet still seeks your company despite your bond with Zhao Fei. Doesn't she fear Yang Fei's suspicion?"

"We lived together for a long time in the Eastern Palace. You should know she's always been clueless," Song Liangyuan responded with a resigned smile.

With a brief response, Song Liangyuan ended the conversation and proceeded to Yuzhang Palace, where Fang Yun was playing with the Fourth Prince.

Now that he was over a year old, the Fourth Prince was beginning to walk.

Though unsteady and often needing support, he eagerly tried, much to the exhaustion of his nurses.

Fang Yun was holding his hand, helping him walk around the hall.

"Your Highness," Song Liangyuan greeted with a smile.

Fang Yun turned and signaled Yanwei to take the child.

"You're here. Have a seat," Fang Yun said.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Song Liangyuan replied, sitting down. "I hope I'm not bothering you with my frequent visits."

Fang Yun sipped her tea. "You're the only one I can talk to. Without you, I'd be bored. Between the children, especially now that the Second Princess has started her lessons and the Fourth Prince is learning to walk, my back feels like it's breaking."

Though her words were complaints, her smiling face showed she was enjoying herself.

Song Liangyuan smiled too. "As long as the Fourth Prince is healthy, your happiness is all that matters."

"Yes, I only wish for the children's well-being," Fang Yun replied, then asked, "Any news from your brother?"

They often shared updates, both worried about their loved ones.

Song Liangyuan sighed. "No word yet. I wonder how he's faring. He's used to a life of comfort. I hope he's adapting."

"Boys need challenges to grow into responsibility," Fang Yun comforted. "The Duchess of Qin promised to watch over them. With no news, I believe they're safe."

Having no other updates, Song Liangyuan nodded.

They chatted for a while, and Fang Yun was about to invite Song Liangyuan to stay for lunch when Fuxi arrived.

"Your Highness, the Emperor is furious over state affairs. We can't calm him down. Master sent me to ask for your help," Fuxi pleaded.

"What happened?" Fang Yun asked, puzzled.

"I don't know the details. You'll find out when you get there," Fuxi replied, wiping sweat from his brow.

Song Liangyuan stood. "You should go, Your Highness. I'll take my leave."

Fang Yun nodded, changed her clothes, and followed Fuxi.

At the study's entrance, they heard Pei Yao's angry voice.

"Despicable scoundrels! Using such vile tactics against my soldiers and people!"

"The Emperor is extremely angry," Qingrong said, her grip on Fang Yun's hand tightening in worry. "Be careful."

Fang Yun frowned. "Don't worry. The Emperor doesn't misplace his anger. It must be about the northern border. Wait here."

Qingrong nodded, watching Fang Yun and Fuxi enter the study.

Inside, Hong Zheng stood by Pei Yao, hardly daring to breathe. Seeing Fuxi, he signaled him to proceed.

Fuxi approached cautiously. "Your Majesty, Zhao Fei is here."

Though still fuming, Pei Yao's expression softened slightly. "Let her in."

Fang Yun emerged from behind the screen, greeted by the sight of scattered documents, a broken inkstone, and ink stains everywhere, even on Hong Zheng.

"Your Majesty," she bowed.

Pei Yao rubbed his temples, reaching out a hand.

Fang Yun quietly approached, placing her hand in his.

"Why are you so angry? Has something happened in the north? Anger harms your health. Drink some tea and calm down."

She signaled Hong Zheng, who quickly poured fresh tea.

Fang Yun took the cup and offered it to Pei Yao.

Pei Yao took a deep breath and sipped the tea.

Seeing this, Fang Yun signaled Hong Zheng and Fuxi to leave, then bent to pick up the papers.

Pei Yao then explained the situation.

The military reported that Shangyang sent elderly, women, and children, disguised as war refugees, to seek refuge with their troops.

Duke Qin and his soldiers, moved by their plight, took them in but kept them under guard.

However, two children escaped. One pretended to set fire to supplies, causing chaos, while the other poisoned the soldiers' water.

Though caught and killed, many soldiers were injured or killed by the poison.

During this unrest, Shangyang launched nightly raids, disrupting the troops, and finally launched a major assault at dawn, causing significant damage with only twenty or so decoy civilians.

No wonder Pei Yao was furious.

Fang Yun's heart tightened, worried about Liu Qin's fate.

But she suppressed her concern to comfort Pei Yao first.

"True, all's fair in war, but Shangyang's tactics are despicable, sacrificing civilians for their schemes. Still, the fact that we received this report suggests the situation is under control. This incident will serve as a harsh lesson, and our troops will be on high alert. The soldiers' anger will fuel their determination, ensuring a swift and effective counterattack." Fang Yun calmly reassured Pei Yao.