The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 335 - Breeding Trouble Easily

"You're weaker than me, yet you still worry about me. Isn't that more exhausting?"

Pei Yao took Fang Yun's hand, guiding her to sit and looked her over carefully.

Watching Fang Yun squirm a bit under his gaze, Pei Yao smiled and said, "Good, you haven't lost too much weight."

Fang Yun couldn't help but smile wryly. "Qingrong and Yanwei ensure I eat meals prepared according to Physician Zeng's prescriptions thrice daily, plus a bowl of tonic soup. If I still lost weight, I fear I'd..."

"Don't say such things," Pei Yao cut her off, frowning. "You're a mother now; you shouldn't speak carelessly."

Fang Yun lowered her gaze, smiling gently. "Just a joke. I didn't mean it."

"No jokes like that," Pei Yao insisted firmly.

His demeanor turned solemn as he recalled something. "You don't know, seeing Lord Wen's reaction to his son's death weighed heavily on me. I can't bear to think of losing someone dear to me."

"It won't happen," Fang Yun reassured him, holding his hand firmly. "The Second Princess is recovering, Song Liangyuan is improving, and everyone in the harem, including the Fourth Prince, is well. The northern frontier is victorious. Everything is moving in the right direction."

Pei Yao, comforted by her words, was reminded of the northern frontier issue.

He frowned slightly and mentioned, "Lord Wen's anger is directed at Hu Daixu. Though Zhao Ruining was a scoundrel, his death in prison creates unnecessary conflict. Let's have Hu Daixu stay in the capital."

Hearing this, Fang Yun's gaze dropped momentarily before she spoke. "Speaking of Hu Daixu, I've heard some whispers in the harem."

"What whispers?" Pei Yao asked, turning to her.

"Nothing harsh, just palace staff speculating. They wonder if, since Your Majesty is selecting generals from consort's families for the frontier, it will be Yang Fei's brother or Wan Liangyuan's brother."

Pei Yao's face darkened. "Gossip is becoming rampant. With the mourning period over, it's time to dismiss some people."

"Don't be angry, Your Majesty. The Empress is already handling it. But if I may, I'd like to share my thoughts," Fang Yun said respectfully.

Pei Yao nodded. "Go on."

"Palace staff gossiping like this means Yang Fei and Wan Liangyuan are likely aware. The recent incidents involving their brothers seem too coincidental. Lord Wen's son's death caused him to vehemently oppose Hu Daixu, potentially swaying Your Majesty's decision."

Pei Yao's expression remained unreadable, so Fang Yun continued sincerely, "It seems to me this was orchestrated to target Hu Daixu and alter Your Majesty's intentions. With Great Qi at war with Shangyang, internal scheming for personal gain is unacceptable."

Pei Yao's gaze grew complex. He hadn't planned further investigation and was ready to announce the northern frontier appointment the next morning.

To him, internal disputes were secondary; the northern frontier took precedence.

However, Fang Yun's words reminded him of the potential dangers of sending a self-serving person to the military camp, prone to causing trouble.

The room fell silent as Pei Yao pondered, while Fang Yun felt anxious, fearing he might reprimand her for discussing state affairs.

Thankfully, Pei Yao wasn't that rigid.

After a moment, he reached out to Fang Yun. "You're the only one who dares speak such truths to me."

Seeing his outstretched hand, Fang Yun placed hers in his and lowered her gaze.

They sat together in Jingqian Palace for another half-hour before Fang Yun left.

Unexpectedly, she encountered Yang Fei in the imperial garden.

Yang Fei wasn't alone; nearby, a few nurses and eunuchs were playing with the Third Prince.

Usually, Yang Fei didn't venture out with the Third Prince. Today, pleased with the news from court, she felt cheerful enough to enjoy the sunshine with her son.

Upon meeting Fang Yun, both sides showed unfriendly expressions.

"The Empress often praises Zhao Fei for her exquisite mind. I wondered what that meant, and now I see you manage to care for children and still have time to flaunt before the Emperor. If the Fourth Prince were ill, would you still have the energy to curry favor?" Yang Fei's words were sharp, knowing Fang Yun had come from Jingqian Palace.

Fang Yun remained calm, a hint of disdain in her tone. "The Second Princess lost her mother young. It was you, Yang Fei, who refused to take her in, giving me the chance to raise her. Do you really think I'd treat her poorly like you might?"

Fang Yun glanced at the Third Prince before continuing, "Sister, you're so heartless that you neglect even your own son because of his frailty. But the Emperor is a loving father who cherishes his children. How can he favor you when you act like this? At least I can see the Emperor, whether to curry favor or not. He sees me, but not you."

This struck a nerve, making Yang Fei's gaze sharp. "You rely on your looks and words to gain favor. When you age and lose your beauty, new consorts will replace you. What will you be then? I may not be as favored as you, but at least I have my family, who will never abandon me."

At this, Fang Yun covered her mouth, laughing lightly. Then, looking at Yang Fei as if she were a fool, she sighed softly, "Indeed, Sister, you must plan well for yourself and your family. If all your efforts are in vain, how will you face your ambitions?"