Yang Fei, scolded thoroughly, looked grim.
She bit her lip, unsure of how to respond, and bowed her head, irritation flickering in her eyes.
She hadn't expected Xie Meiren to act alone so foolishly, dragging her into trouble as well.
She had rushed over to intervene for Xie Meiren, but Fang Yun and the Empress had joined forces to investigate, keeping their circles tight, so Yang Fei was late to hear the news.
By the time she arrived, Xie Meiren had confessed and been sent to the Cold Palace, and Yang Fei had received a scolding from Pei Yao.
"Your Majesty, Xie Meiren has been dealt with, but with smallpox in the palace, for the sake of your health, you should return to Jingqian Palace," the Empress said sternly.
No matter who fell ill, Pei Yao's well-being was paramount, especially with war at the border.
Pei Yao nodded. "This must not happen again. Empress, ensure strict surveillance of the sick to prevent the spread of smallpox."
"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will be vigilant and strengthen precautions," the Empress promised.
After instructing the Empress, Pei Yao turned to Fang Yun.
"Has the Second Princess improved? How is the Fourth Prince?"
At the mention of the children, Fang Yun frowned with worry.
"I checked this morning. The Second Princess's fever subsided for an hour and a half but returned. She's not improving. The Fourth Prince is fine, showing no symptoms."
The Fourth Prince had always been frail, so Fang Yun had been particularly diligent in his care. From the first smallpox case, she had insisted on daily disinfection and quarantine for his attendants.
The Second Princess, older and attending school daily, was harder to control and had likely contracted the illness while playing outside.
Hearing the Second Princess's condition, Pei Yao looked concerned but reassured, "With the physicians on watch and early detection, she will recover."
Though his words were weak, there was little else to do but hope.
Fang Yun nodded. "Thank you for your comfort, Your Majesty."
Pei Yao gave final instructions to the Empress and Fang Yun, briefly asking Yang Fei about the Third Prince, before hurrying off to attend to state affairs.
With Pei Yao gone, the Empress dismissed Fang Yun and Yang Fei.
Outside Fengxuan Palace, as Fang Yun prepared to leave, Yang Fei called her from behind.
"Aren't you curious how Xie Meiren could access the quarantine so easily?"
Fang Yun turned, coldly staring at her. "What are you implying?"
"I just want to remind you that people have hidden motives. You may dislike me, but don't trust others blindly," Yang Fei said with a smirk, glancing back at Jiaofang Hall.
"The Empress is usually meticulous. How did she miss Xie Meiren's maid visiting the quarantine? Perhaps she allowed it."
Stepping closer, Yang Fei added, "I admit I'm envious of you—favored, with a son and daughter. But the Empress may not be as generous and noble-hearted."
With these parting words, Yang Fei left.
Watching her go, Qingrong started to speak, but Fang Yun stopped her.
"Let's go back."
The journey home was silent.
Back at Zijin Hall, Yanwei met them at the door, anxiously asking, "Was Xie Meiren punished? Are you alright, Your Highness?"
"All is well. The Empress is just, and our evidence was solid. Xie Meiren has been sent to the Cold Palace," Qingrong replied, signaling Yanwei to close the door.
Yanwei understood, ushering the maids out and following them inside.
"What's wrong? Wasn't Xie Meiren's matter resolved?" she asked, seeing Qingrong deep in thought.
Fang Yun stepped in to answer.
"Yang Fei spoke to me, suggesting the Empress allowed Xie Meiren to act by relaxing the Cold Palace guards, which has Qingrong worried."
"Really? It might be possible," Yanwei said, frowning.
"No, it's not possible," Fang Yun stated firmly.
The maids exchanged puzzled looks.
Fang Yun continued calmly, "When I was pregnant with the Fourth Prince, Xu Xin'er poisoned me. Xu Xin'er was the Crown Princess's cousin, yet the Crown Princess acted justly. She's always been fair, caring for the consorts' children. She wouldn't harm a child. Yang Fei's words were meant to sow discord."
Having spent years in the palace, Fang Yun understood the Crown Princess's character well.
"Besides, the Crown Princess has no children. If I were harmed, no one could oppose Yang Fei, who would then threaten the Empress directly. Even if she wanted to spare my child, my frail son wouldn't survive smallpox. Who could guarantee his safety if we shared a palace?"
The maids, reassured, agreed with Fang Yun's reasoning.
"Today, it seemed Yang Fei didn't know about Xie Meiren's actions. Otherwise, she wouldn't have rushed over to be scolded," Qingrong noted.
"Exactly. Xie Meiren couldn't have devised such a plan alone. If not Yang Fei, then who?" Fang Yun asked with a smile.
"Wan Liangyuan!"
The maids spoke simultaneously.
Fang Yun sipped her tea. "Check it out. Didn't Yulian get sent to the Imperial Prison?"
The Imperial Prison was for interrogating and punishing palace offenders.
Yulian had confessed fully, so she wasn't tortured but sent directly to the prison.
"I'll go immediately," Yanwei said, bowing and leaving quickly.
After Yanwei left, Qingrong asked quietly, "When will we address finding Chen Xun?"
"This isn't related to Yang Fei. I'll need time to link it to her. With the Second Princess ill, I lack the energy. We'll wait," Fang Yun replied.
Qingrong nodded.
Yanwei returned swiftly.
Yulian, disillusioned with Xie Meiren, revealed everything.
Indeed, Wan Liangyuan had influenced Xie Meiren with her words.
Hearing this, Fang Yun mused, "What will Yang Fei do if she learns Wan Liangyuan intentionally sacrificed her pawn?"
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...
