The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 340 - Many Wanting Children

Listening to Yang Fei, Pei Yao's expression darkened.

Just as he was about to speak, Physician Zeng arrived.

Tending to the Second Princess took precedence, leaving Yang Fei momentarily aside.

Thankfully, despite the bleeding, the Second Princess's injury wasn't severe. After cleaning and applying medicine, the wound was manageable.

But the child, exhausted from crying, continued to sob quietly on the small couch.

Yang Fei, standing nearby, felt agitated, worrying how Fang Yun might seize this opportunity against her.

She pulled the Third Prince forward. "Quick, apologize to your sister."

Pushing the child forward drew Fang Yun's attention.

The Third Prince, clearly frightened, bit his lip and looked pitifully small.

As he glanced at Yang Fei for comfort, she pushed him forward again.

"Go on, a man must take responsibility for his actions."

Yang Fei scolded him, her eyes darting to Pei Yao, fearing her son's behavior would lead to her own reprimand.

"An'er, come here," Pei Yao bent down, beckoning the Third Prince.

Rarely seeing Pei Yao, the Third Prince hesitated.

Yang Fei, anxious, knelt to coax him. "Your father is calling. Go to him."

Tears welled in the Third Prince's eyes. He clutched Yang Fei's clothes, seeking protection.

Unconcerned with his feelings, Yang Fei feared his reluctance might reflect poorly on her.

She pushed him towards Pei Yao again.

The Third Prince, helpless, obeyed.

As Pei Yao touched his head, he burst into tears. "I didn't mean it. I wanted the flower for Mother," he sobbed.

At just two and a half, the child was overwhelmed by fear. His closest nurse was missing, and his mother kept pushing him away, leaving him surrounded by unfamiliar faces.

"Why are you crying? Apologize to your sister," Yang Fei urged.

"Enough," Fang Yun's voice interrupted.

"Why pressure a child, Yang Fei? The Third Prince made a mistake, but he's young and lacks proper guidance. Once he starts schooling with a tutor, he won't repeat such behavior."

Surprised by Fang Yun's leniency, Yang Fei hesitated, then bowed slightly, feigning guilt.

"It's my fault. The Third Prince hurt the Second Princess. I'll discipline him properly. For now, I apologize on his behalf."

"The Third Prince is clever. I hear you've already started teaching him to read. With proper guidance, he'll learn right from wrong," Fang Yun replied calmly, her gaze cold.

She wouldn't hold a grudge against a child.

The Third Prince is still so young, he can't be held accountable.

And even if he caused harm, it's not as serious as if a concubine harmed a prince. The blame ultimately falls on Yang Fei as his mother.

Fang Yun's words subtly criticized Yang Fei for emphasizing academic learning without teaching basic moral values.

Yang Fei understood, her expression shifting between anger and resignation. "You're right, Zhao Fei."

Fang Yun smiled and turned to bow to Pei Yao and the Empress. "Today is the Empress's birthday feast. The children's antics disrupted the celebration. I apologize on behalf of the Second Princess."

"Don't worry. Children are bound to have disagreements. The important thing is that the Second Princess's injury isn't severe," the Empress responded gently.

Pei Yao glanced at the tearful Second Princess and Third Prince, frowning slightly.

"Enough. Send the children back. No need to frighten them further."

Fang Yun nodded, instructing Yuanhe and Yanwei to take the Second Princess and Fourth Prince back.

Yang Fei was about to send the Third Prince back when Pei Yao said, "The Third Prince seems upset. Yang Fei, you should personally take him back and comfort him. It's not a serious matter, but he's young and shouldn't be scared."

"Uh, yes, Your Majesty," Yang Fei agreed reluctantly.

It was clear Pei Yao wanted to remove Yang Fei from the feast, not out of concern for the Third Prince.

Understanding this, Yang Fei complied and left, later sending a message that she wouldn't return to the feast.

The rest of the celebration continued smoothly.

Pei Yao spent the rest of the evening with the Empress, as expected.

Others quickly dispersed.

Song Liangyuan walked with Fang Yun, discussing the day's events.

"Thankfully, the Second Princess wasn't seriously hurt. But I pity the Third Prince. With a mother like that, he's bound to suffer," Song Liangyuan sighed.

Fang Yun nodded. "Yang Fei is ambitious, wanting a healthy prince. The Third Prince, born prematurely and frail, is of little concern to her."

"She may not want him, but many in the harem would love to have a child by their side," Song Liangyuan remarked.

Her words seemed to spark an idea in Fang Yun. "What was that you said?"

"I said, many in the harem wish to have a child," Song Liangyuan repeated, puzzled.

Fang Yun's eyes glinted with thought. "Perhaps someone else might want the Third Prince if Yang Fei doesn't."