At Zhongcui Palace.
Due to the smallpox outbreak, morning greetings were suspended, and Yang Fei stayed in with Yun Qian.
Yun Qian brought news.
"Your Highness, Zhao Fei's people visited the Imperial Prison yesterday."
"The Imperial Prison?" Yang Fei asked, glancing at Yun Qian. "Why?"
"Xie Meiren's maid, Yulian, is there. I think they went to question her," Yun Qian replied, narrowing her eyes.
"They've already sent Xie Meiren to the Cold Palace. What more is there to investigate? Are they suspecting me and trying to gather evidence?" Yang Fei scoffed, fiddling with a jade bracelet, her eyes mocking.
To her, Fang Yun was overly suspicious.
But Yun Qian continued, "Your Highness isn't involved, but others might have used Xie Meiren as a tool."
Yang Fei frowned. "You mean Wan Liangyuan?"
She hadn't considered Wan Liangyuan, who seemed aligned with her and was recently ill.
However, Yang Fei, like Fang Yun, was distrustful by nature.
After pondering, she sent Siqi to investigate the Imperial Prison.
Learning it was indeed Wan Liangyuan's doing, she laughed coldly.
"That Hu family girl is craftier than I thought, not even informing me."
In Yang Fei's eyes, Wan Liangyuan had pledged loyalty, like Xie Meiren.
Wan Liangyuan leading Xie Meiren to such foolishness was an internal conflict in Yang Fei's ranks.
Yun Qian offered tea, "Don't be angry. Wan Liangyuan likely resents you for not supporting her against He Lingyi. She doesn't want to serve you and hopes to stand alone after defeating Zhao Fei. She needs a lesson."
Yun Qian couldn't help Yang Fei vie for favor, fearing her own downfall, so she focused on strategy.
Yang Fei glanced at Yun Qian, then called Siqi, whispering instructions.
Fang Yun was not particularly concerned, at least for now, about how Yang Fei might deal with Wan Liangyuan or whether she would act at all.
What weighed more heavily on her mind was the Second Princess's illness.
Though she couldn't enter Yuzhang Palace to see the child, Fang Yun visited the palace gates three to four times daily to inquire about the Princess's condition.
Many in the palace initially thought Fang Yun wouldn't care much for the Second Princess, as she wasn't her biological child and was a girl. However, Fang Yun's consistent concern and detailed inquiries showed everyone how much she valued the Second Princess.
This diligence ensured that the palace staff and physicians took extra care in treating the Princess.
On the fourth day of the Second Princess's illness, there was good news: her fever had subsided, and her temperature was normal.
However, this didn't mean the illness was over. It marked the mid-stage, the rash phase. The initial red spots would spread, turning into papules and then pustules, accompanied by another fever.
So, while the fever's temporary absence was a relief, it was only the beginning of the mid-stage.
Song Liangyuan, being older and stronger, was still holding on.
By this time, Fang Yun and the Fourth Prince were still healthy, indicating they hadn't contracted smallpox.
With one child safe, Fang Yun felt slightly relieved.
Meanwhile, news from the court stirred things up.
An official reported that Wan Liangyuan's cousin, leveraging the Hu family's influence, had secured a position in the capital's defense camp but was abusing his power and extorting protection fees from merchants.
Pei Yao ordered an investigation, as internal discord during a war was dangerous.
Even minor issues like extortion could breed resentment among the populace and against the court.
Despite any merits Wan Liangyuan's brother, Hu Daixu, might have had, this misconduct warranted reprimand.
Wan Liangyuan, hearing the news, tried to speak on her brother's behalf but was denied an audience with Pei Yao.
The news spread in the harem, amusing some, especially He Lingyi.
Upon hearing it, He Lingyi intercepted Wan Liangyuan on her way back to Yichun Palace.
"Well, if it isn't Wan Liangyuan. I heard you were bedridden with a cold. Feeling better now? What's that saying? 'Rising from the sickbed in surprise'?"
He Lingyi laughed, waving her handkerchief. "Your brother hasn't been demoted yet, but you're already scared."
"Coming here just to mock me, He Lingyi? You must be very idle," Wan Liangyuan retorted coldly. "I couldn't see the Emperor. Can you? We're in the same boat."
Irritated, Wan Liangyuan spoke bluntly.
But He Lingyi, there to taunt her, wouldn't let her off easily.
Feigning surprise, He Lingyi asked her maid, Panshun, "Did Wan Liangyuan greet me?"
"No, she didn't," Panshun replied promptly.
He Lingyi smirked. "Have you forgotten palace etiquette, Wan Liangyuan? No greeting before speaking? Should my maid teach you?"
She signaled Panshun, who stepped forward. "Please observe, Wan Liangyuan. When a lower-ranked consort greets a higher-ranked one, she must first..."
"I greet He Lingyi," Wan Liangyuan interrupted, bowing perfunctorily. "I'm unwell and must return to my palace. Excuse me."
She truly didn't want to engage with He Lingyi.
But the more she wanted to leave, the more He Lingyi wanted to torment her.
Blocking her path, He Lingyi sneered, "Did I say you could leave?"
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...
