The next day, at Jiaofang Hall's morning greeting.
Despite the time, Wan Liangyuan and Xie Meiren's places remained empty.
Ever since Wan Liangyuan and He Lingyi were demoted together, He Lingyi harbored a grudge against Wan Liangyuan.
Seeing their absence, He Lingyi immediately made a snide remark.
"Oh, has the sun risen later at Yichun Palace? They're not here yet, keeping us waiting?"
No one responded, leaving He Lingyi frustrated.
The Empress emerged calmly, acknowledged the greetings, and sat down.
"These days, the weather seems unkind. Yesterday afternoon, someone from Wan Liangyuan's palace reported she was ill with a cough. This morning, Xie Meiren also reported dizziness and nausea, likely from a cold. You should all be careful."
Hearing this, He Lingyi's expression changed.
"A few days ago, a maid at the laundry bureau caught smallpox. What if they've contracted it?"
"Stop with your nonsense!" Jin Pin scolded. "The physicians have checked them. If it were smallpox, they'd know. Don't speak ill."
Unhappy with the rebuke, He Lingyi retorted, "Who are you to talk to me like that?"
"I'm Jin Pin, and you're Lingyi. If you speak wrongly, I can scold you!"
Jin Pin didn't back down.
She wanted to show Fang Yun her loyalty. After Fang Yun's comments about raising the First Prince and Jin Pin's potential promotion, Jin Pin remembered and aspired to align with Fang Yun.
Fang Yun disliked He Lingyi and Yang Fei, so Jin Pin seized the chance to act.
She couldn't confront Yang Fei but had no qualms with He Lingyi, who outranked her.
The Empress watched the bickering and sternly ordered, "Enough! Be quiet!"
Silenced, they stopped arguing.
Yang Fei then spoke with a smile.
"People say Zhao Fei is frail, yet she avoids illness while two others fall sick. Perhaps it's the dragon energy from serving the Emperor that protects her."
She glanced at the Empress and Fang Yun, adding, "I heard the Emperor was very angry yesterday, and it was Eunuch Fuxi who fetched Zhao Fei. Everyone at court knows she is the Emperor's favorite. Isn't that right, Empress?"
Her attempt to sow discord was transparent.
Fang Yun coldly replied, "Yang Fei, you have plenty of time to observe Yuzhang Palace, Jingqian Palace, and Jiaofang Hall. Such attentiveness—why can't you understand the Emperor's mind and keep him at Zhongcui Palace?"
"Nothing compares to Zhao Fei's numerous tricks. Who knows what she uses to enchant him?" Yang Fei retorted, hinting at dark magic.
Fang Yun smiled sweetly. "Oh, you're curious? Next time the Emperor visits my palace, I'll invite you to watch."
"That's unnecessary," Yang Fei replied, turning away, embarrassed.
Seeing Yang Fei brushed off by Fang Yun, the Empress finally spoke.
"Zhao Fei is attentive and thoughtful, favored by the Emperor and myself. Knowing you're not well and have two children, I've prepared some nourishing ingredients for you to take back to your kitchen."
This dismissed Yang Fei's attempt to sow discord.
Fang Yun accepted graciously.
Leaving Jiaofang Hall, she walked with Song Liangyuan.
Noticing Song Liangyuan's discomfort, Fang Yun asked, "Didn't sleep well? You don't look well. Should I call a physician?"
"Thank you, Your Highness. I think I have a cold. I felt unwell this morning but not seriously, so I didn't request leave from the Empress," Song Liangyuan replied, looking queasy.
Fang Yun sent her to rest.
Back at Yuzhang Palace, Fang Yun changed clothes and had Yanwei and Qingrong use medicinal incense from Physician Zeng for prevention.
She worried about the children, especially the frail Fourth Prince.
Once done, she relaxed with her maids.
"Yichun Palace must have bad energy to have two fall sick at once," Yanwei said, making tea.
"Bad intentions bring bad luck. It's their own fault," Qingrong added.
Fang Yun sipped her tea. "I don't care about their health. I'm worried it might spread here."
They agreed to prevent contact with Yichun Palace and limit movements.
However, by afternoon, Song Liangyuan developed a high fever. The physician suspected a cold but wasn't sure.
The next morning, she had a rash—smallpox.
The harem was in chaos.
Though the laundry bureau's outbreak was contained after ten days, Song Liangyuan's illness reignited fears.
Especially since she attended yesterday's morning greeting.
Everyone was on edge.
Yuzhang Palace immediately disinfected again.
"Your Highness, I asked Physician Zeng. Smallpox spreads through droplets and contact. You had the Fourth Prince taken out when Song Liangyuan came, so they didn't share a room. There's no need to worry," Qingrong reassured.
Fang Yun was still anxious. "He wasn't there then, but played in the hall later. Check with Physician Zeng about prevention."
Qingrong hurried off.
Unexpectedly, the Second Princess fell ill first.
Her nurse reported a fever at midnight.
Fang Yun rushed to her side.
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
RomanceAuthor: Huatang Xiuge Translator: Me (Xiaobai) 东宫掌娇 Upon entering the Eastern Palace, Fang Yun lived cautiously, burdened by the label of a substitute bride and daughter of a traitor. She knew well that, as a daughter of low birth, she had been cas...
