The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 337 - Family Feast

Both court affairs and palace intrigues reached a temporary lull.

The war in the northern frontier saw success, with Duke Qin delegating rear duties to his eldest son, Huo Mingxu, while leading his youngest, Huo Mingxuan, in battle himself. Duke Qin, an accomplished general, fought skillfully alongside his fierce young son, winning numerous victories.

Madam Qin was already en route to the capital with her severely injured second son, Huo Mingyi.

In the capital, the replacements for Huo Mingyi swiftly headed to the northern frontier.

While the court found stability, good news also spread through the harem.

Song Liangyuan had fully recovered, though her scabs had not entirely healed. Despite being healthy, she still needed rest, and was no longer contagious.

The Second Princess's situation was similar.

However, managing a child's recovery proved more challenging. The Second Princess's scabs itched terribly, and she constantly wanted to scratch them.

Scratching could cause scarring, making it vital to prevent her from doing so. Nurses and maids kept a close watch to avoid any scratching.

The itchiness made the Second Princess irritable and difficult to console. Despite Fang Yun's efforts, the child cried and fussed, her red, swollen eyes breaking Fang Yun's heart.

Once the Second Princess finally fell asleep, Fang Yun summoned Physician Zeng.

"The Princess's scabs itch terribly. She can't scratch them, but the discomfort is unbearable. What can we do?"

Physician Zeng pondered before replying, "Scabs are naturally itchy during healing. It can't be completely alleviated, but can be eased. With the summer heat, ice is already in use. Freezing metal objects like spoons and placing them on the itchy spots may help."

"Wouldn't ice be more convenient?" Yanwei asked.

Physician Zeng shook his head. "Ice can melt, which would wet the scabs, hindering healing."

Understanding, Qingrong promptly ordered preparations.

Fang Yun also requested itch-relief lotion and high-quality scar ointment from Physician Zeng.

After seeing off the physician, she sent Qingrong to Song Liangyuan.

Along with sharing the itch-relief method, Fang Yun gave her two boxes of scar ointment.

Song Liangyuan, deeply grateful, knew she owed her recovery to Fang Yun's care and the attentive treatment by the imperial physicians.

Without Fang Yun's support, she might not have survived her illness.

Feeling indebted, Song Liangyuan held Fang Yun in high regard.

Fang Yun also reassured her that her brother, Song Shuyan, was safe and well in the northern frontier camp.

With things settling down, the palace found a rare moment of peace.

By the end of June, the half-month period seemed both long and short. The officials sent to the northern frontier had arrived, and several favorable military reports had come in.

The Second Princess had endured the scabbing phase, and her scabs were gradually falling off.

To ease the tense atmosphere, Pei Yao announced a birthday celebration for the Empress.

It was to be a simple family feast, with the consorts, King Dun, Prince Ning, and the late Emperor's unmarried Fourth Princess attending.

The Empress's birthday was on the second day of July, just a couple of days away.

Though a family feast, birthday gifts were essential, prompting a flurry of activity in the palace.

Fang Yun, however, was well-prepared. She had always maintained a respectful demeanor, and the Empress treated her well. Remembering the Empress's birthday, she had prepared a gift in advance.

She didn't concern herself with others' preparations, choosing appropriate attire and bringing her two children to the feast on time.

When Fang Yun arrived, Pei Yao and the Empress had yet to appear. Inside were Jin Pin with the First Prince, Wan Liangyuan, and the late Emperor's Fourth Princess, Princess Shuhui.

Seeing Fang Yun, they quickly rose to greet her.

"At ease," Fang Yun said kindly, her gaze falling on Princess Shuhui. "Shuhui, you've grown more beautiful. If I recall correctly, you're sixteen now."

"Yes, Your Highness has a good memory," Princess Shuhui replied shyly.

Once timid and overshadowed by the late Emperor's legitimate daughter, Princess Duanrou, Shuhui had blossomed under Pei Yao's reign and the Empress's care.

Fang Yun smiled, bringing the Second Princess forward. "Wan'er, greet your aunt."

"Aunt," the Second Princess said, bowing.

Princess Shuhui, flustered, waved her hands. "Please, rise. No need for such formality!"

Though no longer oppressed, Shuhui remained cautious around favored consorts like Fang Yun.

She quickly removed a bracelet and handed it to the Second Princess's nurse. "The Second Princess was ill for so long. I didn't visit to avoid disturbing her. Seeing her well now is a relief. This is a small token for her."

Though not as valuable as Fang Yun's gifts, it was a sincere gesture.

Fang Yun accepted it with a smile, then exchanged a few words with Jin Pin before sitting down.

Soon, others arrived.

Pei Yao's harem was small, with only the Empress, Yang Fei, Fang Yun, Jin Pin, He Lingyi, Wan Liangyuan, Song Liangyuan, and Yun Cainu—eight in total.

For an emperor, this was modest, fewer than during his time as Crown Prince.

Once everyone was present, Pei Yao and the Empress arrived together.

All the imperial offspring, regardless of age, were present, lifting Pei Yao's spirits.

Seeing the Second Princess recovering well, he was especially pleased.

"Wan'er looks well. Is she fully recovered? Have her scabs fallen off?" he asked Fang Yun.

Fang Yun stood gracefully. "Your Majesty, Physician Zeng examined her today. The Princess is healed, but her scabs will take another six or seven days to fall off. The physician prescribed ointment to prevent scarring."

"Good," Pei Yao nodded. "Girls always care about their appearance, even young ones."

Fang Yun smiled. "Indeed. This morning, she saw me applying makeup and insisted Qingrong use powder to cover her scabs!"

The lighthearted remark eased the atmosphere, making everyone laugh.

The Second Princess blushed, embarrassed.

She tugged Fang Yun's hand. "Mother, I want to play with that sister."

Following her gaze, Fang Yun saw it was King Dun's eldest daughter, Lady Jingyi.