"The Ye family is known for their loyalty. Their ancestors were renowned generals in the previous dynasty, and they even had an Empress among their women. Young Master Ye is indeed worth nurturing," Fang Yun said calmly.
Seeing Pei Yao nod, she continued thoughtfully.
"Hu Daixu once saved Your Majesty and me, earning merit. He's capable, and Wan Liangyuan has been dutiful in serving Your Majesty. Though he failed to restrain his clan, he remains dutiful. But his role as Commander of the Capital Guards is crucial. Can we leave such an important position vacant?"
"Of course, someone else would temporarily oversee it," Pei Yao replied, sipping tea.
Fang Yun appeared worried. "I'm concerned about the stability of the rear during wartime. Your Majesty's safety is paramount. Can you fully trust a new appointee?"
Pei Yao looked at her. "So you think Hu Daixu shouldn't be sent?"
"I dare not suggest that. My thoughts are solely for Your Majesty's safety."
Fang Yun sighed. "I only know the families of two military officials, Yang Fei's and Wan Liangyuan's. If Your Majesty asked about embroidery or child-rearing, I could speak more."
Seeing her innocent and troubled expression, Pei Yao relaxed.
"Alright, alright. I won't press you. I haven't seen Ji'er in a while. I'll go see him."
Pei Yao was very fond of the young Fourth Prince.
Fang Yun nodded, following him.
In the simple world of children, untouched by war or illness, the Fourth Prince was safe and happy.
At a year old, he walked steadily without needing help.
Hearing the commotion, he saw Fang Yun and Pei Yao and ran to them.
Pei Yao lifted him high, making the child laugh.
"Daddy!"
Pei Yao froze, then smiled. "What did you say? Say it again."
"Daddy!"
Pei Yao, delighted, played with the child before turning to Fang Yun.
"When did he start talking?"
"He could say a few words before, but he learned quickly recently. It's a coincidence he called you today," Fang Yun explained, touching the child's head.
Then she had the nurse take him to play.
Pei Yao, not doubting her, was overjoyed.
"Ji'er is smart. He'll excel in his studies. I'll find him a good tutor."
"He's just over a year old. There's time," Fang Yun smiled.
"It's never too early. A good tutor is crucial," Pei Yao insisted.
Fang Yun agreed. "Your Majesty will make the best arrangements."
After spending time with the Fourth Prince and having tea in the main hall, Pei Yao left to attend to other matters.
Back in her room, Fang Yun dismissed everyone except Qingrong.
"Do you have something on your mind?" Qingrong asked, offering tea.
"Yes." Fang Yun looked at the cup, thoughtful. "If Hu Daixu goes to the northern camp and gains merit, Wan Liangyuan will likely rise too."
With strong family backing, things change.
Qingrong nodded. "Who knows what His Majesty will decide."
"The Emperor's thoughts are hard to grasp. All I can do is speak a little. I can't control his decisions," Fang Yun sighed. "Any news from Liu Qin?"
"Not yet," Qingrong replied.
Fang Yun dismissed her, pondering.
Good news often comes unexpectedly.
In the evening, Yuanhe brought a letter with a smile.
"Your Highness, Young Master Liu sent news!"
"Let me see!"
Fang Yun's eyes sparkled as she took the letter.
After reading it, she smiled.
"Good news?" Yanwei asked eagerly.
"Liu Qin is now an advisor to Huo Mingxuan. He contributed to the recent victory. His name is on the merit list, using his mother's surname, Chen Qin," Fang Yun explained, burning the letter.
The flames quickly consumed the thin paper, turning it to ash.
"Now you can relax, Your Highness. Young Master Liu truly has skills!" Qingrong said, smiling.
Fang Yun nodded. "It wasn't in vain to arrange this for him. Clear away the ashes quickly."
"Yes," Qingrong replied, tidying up immediately.
After she left, Fang Yun thought for a moment, then called Yanwei over and whispered instructions.
The next day, in the court.
Pei Yao presented Duke Qin's request, and with unanimous support from the ministers, agreed to allow Huo Mingyi to return to the capital with his mother to recover.
Though Huo Mingyi was severely injured, he held a position in the northern frontier.
With his departure, Pei Yao proposed sending additional personnel to the frontier.
Of course, such decisions couldn't be based solely on Fang Yun's advice. The ministers had to speak as well.
Candidates included Hu Daixu, Yang Fei's brother Yang Chengyu, Pei Yao's favored Ye family member, and other notable generals.
Pei Yao listened without making an immediate decision, needing careful consideration for such an important matter.
Meanwhile, in the harem, Yanwei, following Fang Yun's instructions, took discreet action after hearing the court's news.
Soon, Yang Fei received the news at Zhongcui Palace.
"How can the Hu family's brother compare to mine? My brother, the legitimate son of the Marquis's house, trained as heir from a young age, excels in both civil and military skills. Our Nanning Marquis House commands the Huizhou army, a title earned through ancestral merit. The Hu family are mere upstarts," Yang Fei scoffed upon hearing Pei Yao was considering between Yang Chengyu and Hu Daixu for the frontier.
She saw this as a prime opportunity.
Confident in her brother Yang Chengyu's abilities, she believed he would surely achieve merit in the frontier.
This would not only honor their family but also strengthen her position.
Her eyes hardened with resolve. "Quick, send word to the Marquis's house!"
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...
