The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 338 - Gift

"In the palace, the Second Princess is the only girl, so it's no wonder she wants to be close to Lady Jingyi," the Empress said gently from her seat of honor.

Pei Yao nodded, teasing, "Usually, we see Wan'er clinging to the First Prince. Today, she's lucky to have an older sister to play with."

"If you want to play with your sister, why not invite her yourself?" Fang Yun encouraged with a smile.

The Second Princess thought for a moment, then got up and walked over to Lady Jingyi.

Seeing her approach, Lady Jingyi nervously looked to her mother.

Princess Consort Dun smiled and nodded. "Go ahead. Remember to take care of your little sister."

"Yes!" Lady Jingyi, her almond-shaped eyes bright with joy, stood up.

She was one year younger than the First Prince, making her six years old, just two and a half years older than the Second Princess. They could indeed play together well.

One playmate wasn't enough, so they pulled in the First Prince too.

Although only two years old, the Third Prince watched them with envy.

Yang Fei, seeing this, naturally had to play the role of a loving mother.

Yang Fei ordered the maids to bring the Third Prince along to join the other children.

Fang Yun chose not to send the Fourth Prince, as he was still too young and had only recently started walking steadily.

With the children out of the way, the adults began the feast.

The first item on the agenda was presenting birthday gifts to the Empress.

Pei Yao led with a magnificent screen called "Phoenix Soaring the Nine Heavens."

Though it was "just a screen," its craftsmanship was unparalleled.

Nearly three meters tall and seven meters long, it consisted of ten panels framed in huanghuali wood, intricately carved. The design on the screen wasn't ordinary embroidery or painting but made using kesi silk weaving, with gold and silver threads and inlaid with various pearls and gemstones.

Even without considering the craftsmanship, the materials alone made it incredibly valuable.

The Empress was astonished by this lavish gift.

While delighted, she also felt concerned.

"Your Majesty, this gift is too extravagant. The nation is at war, and funds are needed for the military. This screen must have been costly; I feel unworthy to accept it."

"There's no need to refuse, Empress. You've managed the six palaces with great effort, and I am aware of your hardships," Pei Yao reassured her. "Besides, this screen wasn't specially commissioned by me. It was a tribute from Jiangnan during the late Emperor's reign. I'm simply passing it on to you."

Hearing this, the Empress felt slightly relieved and accepted the screen with a bow.

Next, the gifts from King Dun and Prince Ning were presented, all equally valuable.

When it came to the consorts, Yang Fei offered a pair of antique vases from the previous dynasty, followed by Fang Yun, who presented a piece of clothing.

The sight of the item on the wooden tray, covered with red cloth, intrigued and surprised everyone.

A consort making sleeping attire for the Emperor was one thing, but presenting clothing to the Empress was unusual, especially outerwear.

When the red cloth was removed, the onlookers were captivated.

The garment shimmered as if woven from moonlight and starlight. Upon closer inspection, it revealed intricate patterns of rice fields, wheat waves, and cotton—crafted with silk threads without excessive jewels.

Even the well-versed Empress was slightly taken aback.

Seeing her interest, Fang Yun spoke up.

"Your Majesty, knowing your concern for the people's welfare, I crafted this garment without extravagance. Though I lack formal education, I understand that the people are the foundation of the nation, and agriculture sustains them. With this in mind, I embroidered fields and crops into the garment to symbolize your benevolence as the mother of the nation."

The Empress's admiration grew, and she approached to touch the fabric.

"Such thoughtful craftsmanship. It's rare for you to think of this."

"Being close to Your Majesty and the Emperor, I've learned to understand your sentiments, even with my limited wisdom," Fang Yun replied humbly.

Pei Yao, observing, joined them and admired the garment, his gaze full of appreciation for Fang Yun.

"Zhao Fei always demonstrates such meticulous thought and intelligence."

"Your Majesty flatters me. It's merely a small gesture," Fang Yun smiled.

To others, this seemed like a display to curry favor with the Empress.

Yang Fei, feeling slighted, remarked, "This garment must have taken significant effort. The fabric is Shu brocade, with silver threads. Not only is it valuable, but the embroidery must have taken considerable time. Despite the Second Princess's illness, Zhao Fei managed to prepare this gift."

Yang Fei's words aimed to undermine Fang Yun, implying she neglected the Second Princess to make this gift.

Fang Yun responded calmly, "The Shu brocade was a previous gift from His Majesty. The silver threads in this garment are worth less than the peacock hairpin you recently commissioned. As for caring for the children, I had help from nurses and physicians, and the embroidery was started before the Second Princess fell ill. It didn't take much time away from my duties."

Yang Fei, catching the veiled barbs, retorted with a cold smile, "Zhao Fei is indeed more capable than the rest of us."

With Pei Yao present, she kept her words brief.

Fang Yun also chose not to continue.

Pei Yao, sensing the tension, grew more irritated with Yang Fei but maintained decorum since it was the Empress's birthday.

Returning to their seats with the Empress, the other consorts continued presenting their gifts.

Unexpectedly, just after Wan Liangyuan presented her gift and before Song Liangyuan could, hurried footsteps were heard from the entrance.

Everyone turned to see a young maid stumbling in.

Fang Yun recognized her as one of the Second Princess's attendants.

Her heart sank.

The maid, panting and tearful, cried out, "Something terrible has happened! The Second Princess fell and hit her head on the flowerbed. She's bleeding!"