The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 342 - A Carefully Built Image

Fang Yun's eyes held a deeper emotion as she spoke, seemingly reflecting on her own experiences.

Pei Yao, thinking she was recalling her past mistreatment, felt a pang of sympathy and gently held her hand.

Before he could offer comfort, Fang Yun spoke softly.

"Your Majesty, I usually refrain from commenting on others, but as a mother, I must speak."

She had never criticized other consorts before, making this a first.

Pei Yao tightened his grip on her hand and nodded. "Go ahead, I'm listening."

With permission, Fang Yun continued.

"Yesterday, the Third Prince was at fault, but Yang Fei's actions were baffling. She hurriedly pushed the Third Prince to apologize, as if to quickly absolve herself of any blame. Yang Fei, from a noble family and well-educated, surely understands right from wrong. Why not teach her child these values? Instead, she waits for trouble and then pushes the child to apologize, thinking it resolves everything."

Fang Yun straightened, her expression serious.

"Your Majesty, I'm not one to beat around the bush. Though I dislike Yang Fei, I've never spoken ill of her to you. This time, I'm not speaking for Wan'er, but because I can't bear to see the innocent Third Prince neglected."

She paused, sighing and lowering her gaze.

"After all, the Third Prince carries your blood. I can't bear to see him suffer."

Her words criticized Yang Fei for neglecting the Third Prince and subtly conveyed her concern for Pei Yao's child.

Pei Yao, already frustrated with Yang Fei, found Fang Yun's words resonating with his own thoughts.

He pulled her into an embrace, sighing deeply.

"You always think of others. It's one thing to care for Wan'er, but even the Third Prince... Who else in the harem has a heart like yours?"

Pei Yao's admiration stemmed from Fang Yun's consistent kindness and integrity over the years.

Despite her past grievances, she never sought revenge. She even adopted the Second Princess, the child of someone who had wronged her, and treated her as her own.

During Pei Yao's rise to power, Fang Yun, pregnant, stayed by his side through danger.

As a consort, she bore him a son and remained respectful to the Empress, never flaunting her favor or causing trouble.

She supported Pei Yao wholeheartedly, both emotionally and financially, during times of war.

Step by step, she built a positive image in Pei Yao's mind: gentle yet strong, principled, and kind-hearted.

Not every man prefers such qualities, but Pei Yao valued her understanding and adherence to propriety.

While the Empress earned his respect, Fang Yun's additional virtues won his favor.

Embracing her, Pei Yao felt a deep affection.

"Don't say that. If I had a choice, I'd rather live a simple life with you and our children, free from jealousy and worry," Fang Yun said, hugging him back.

"Your words make my heart ache," Pei Yao murmured, resting his chin on her soft hair.

He didn't make empty promises of exclusive love, knowing his role as Emperor required multiple consorts, especially with only three sons, two of whom were frail.

In a few years, with more healthy heirs, he could justify not taking more consorts.

He valued order and propriety in his harem, not beauty or numbers.

After a moment of intimacy, Fang Yun sat up and spoke seriously.

"Don't blame me for speaking out, but please pay more attention to the Third Prince."

"Of course, I trust you," Pei Yao replied, squeezing her hand.

Their conversation was interrupted by the playful sounds of their children.

The Second Princess and Fourth Prince chased their pet fox into the room, asking to visit the imperial garden.

Pei Yao agreed, and they changed into casual clothes to take the children to the garden.

As they arrived, they saw Wan Liangyuan finishing her stroll.

Seeing the approaching group from afar, Wan Liangyuan paused to observe.

"Your Ladyship, it's the Emperor and Zhao Fei," Yuetao whispered. "Would you like to greet them?"

"No, thank you," Wan Liangyuan replied, shaking her head and clenching her handkerchief.

"The fall of Xie Meiren was due to Zhao Fei's revelations. She might suspect me too. It's best to avoid her for now."

Her guilty conscience was evident.

Though she had only verbally provoked Fang Yun before, instigating Xie Meiren to cause trouble that resulted in Song Liangyuan and the Second Princess contracting smallpox had made her nervous.

She had been terrified when Xie Meiren was taken away by the Empress's people.

Yuetao, sensing her mistress's unease, quickly lowered her head.

As Wan Liangyuan turned to leave, she glanced back at the approaching figures, feeling a pang of jealousy seeing Pei Yao holding Fang Yun's hand.

She bit her lip and walked away.

Meanwhile, Fang Yun and Pei Yao, oblivious to Wan Liangyuan's departure, continued their stroll through the imperial garden.

After half an hour, they returned to Yuzhang Palace.

The children, hungry from playing, eagerly sought food.

They were served snacks to tide them over while the small kitchen prepared lunch.

Halfway through their meal, a disturbance arose outside.

Soon, Yuanhe entered with a message from Zhongcui Palace: the Third Prince was ill, and Yang Fei requested the Emperor's presence.

Pei Yao paused, frowning. "How did he suddenly fall ill?"

"The messenger said he felt unwell this morning and began vomiting during lunch, causing Yang Fei to worry," Yuanhe explained.

Fang Yun's eyes flickered with concern. She gently set down her utensils and spoke softly, "Your Majesty, it's best to go and see him, no matter the circumstances."