The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 344 - Conception Medicine

This July has been hot and humid.

Frequent rainstorms kept people indoors.

Despite the weather, the month brought good news.

The northern frontier reported multiple victories over Shangyang. Out of seven battles, there were five wins and two losses.

Duke Qin and his son Huo Mingxuan secured three victories together.

General Zhang, newly dispatched from the capital, won one and lost one due to unfamiliarity with the terrain. Ye Yunxiao and Yang Chengyu won a battle together.

The loss came from an unexpected enemy night raid following a daytime defeat.

Still, the five-to-two win-loss ratio was impressive.

The heated battles stirred the spirits of the entire Great Qi nation.

Not only did Ye Yunxiao and Yang Chengyu gain some fame, but Liu Qin, serving as a strategist for Huo Mingxuan, also earned recognition.

Initially underestimated due to his connection with Zhao Fei, Liu Qin proved his worth with strategic insights.

Liu Qin's talents extended beyond warfare to civil administration, understanding the needs of ordinary people and suggesting practical measures.

The northern frontier, with its camps and civilian population, faced economic hardships.

Duke Qin, responsible for both defense and civil affairs, appreciated Liu Qin's valuable suggestions.

As a result, Liu Qin's alias, Chen Qin, appeared more frequently in reports sent to the capital.

While generals are crucial, strategists are equally important.

Pei Yao noticed the increasing mentions of Chen Qin and began to remember the name.

With the battlefield advantage, Pei Yao's court duties eased, allowing him more visits to the harem.

While the Emperor didn't always stay overnight, his visits to the consorts, sharing conversations and meals, were a sign of favor.

Despite his supreme position, an emperor needs the support of many. Being inflexible leads nowhere.

Consorts entered the palace to bring glory to their families. Without showing favor, how could they be pleased?

Naturally, this matters only if their families influence the court. Hence, those with influential backgrounds rarely lose favor, while others might remain neglected.

For instance, He Lingyi and Wan Liangyuan both saw the Emperor in July.

However, Fang Yun received the most visits.

The Emperor also visited Zhongcui Palace more frequently, partly due to the Third Prince's health and Yang Fei's brother's recent victory.

Fang Yun didn't object to these visits. She noticed Pei Yao's patience waning with each call to Zhongcui Palace, often using the Third Prince as an excuse.

Pei Yao likely tolerated this for Yang Fei's family's sake. Overuse of such tactics would eventually backfire.

Initially, Fang Yun intended to address her wrongful accusation by Yang Fei during their time in the Eastern Palace immediately. But she now envisioned a more enjoyable approach and wasn't in a hurry.

Nonetheless, she continued her daily routines, including taking care of her health.

She didn't hide this, and news spread quickly.

In Zhongcui Palace, Yang Fei played with a jade ruyi, deep in thought.

"You say Zhao Fei has been taking medicine to aid pregnancy?"

"Absolutely," Siqi confirmed. "I had someone check with the Imperial Pharmacy."

Yun Qian, sitting below, remarked, "Physician Zeng specializes in gynecology and health care. He treated Zhao Fei during her difficult pregnancy with the Fourth Prince. His prescriptions must be excellent."

Yang Fei knew how Fang Yun's pregnancy had been endangered. Had Pei Yao not summoned the physician late at night, it might have resulted in tragedy. Saving the pregnancy didn't guarantee a safe delivery, yet Fang Yun gave birth successfully and seemed healthy now.

"I thought she'd focus on her sickly son and stop having children. Now she seems desperate," Yang Fei scoffed.

Yun Qian suggested, "Perhaps she's anxious seeing the Emperor visiting other consorts. With the war going well, and our young master earning merit, she needs more children as her backing."

"Her frail body won't benefit from the best medicine," Yang Fei sneered. "I had a preterm birth and still haven't recovered. Can she conceive before me?"

Her reasoning was sound, but Yun Qian hesitated, then added, "Your Highness is right. But Physician Zeng isn't incompetent. His medicine must be highly effective. You've been recovering for years without success. Why not try Zhao Fei's prescription?"

Yang Fei glanced at her, considering, then frowned.

"Yuzhang Palace is tightly guarded. How can we get her prescription?"

"If it's truly effective, it's worth trying," Yun Qian proposed.

Yang Fei, already tempted, nodded.

The next day, Physician Zeng informed Fang Yun.

"Your Highness, Yang Fei seeks your prescription. Should I give it?"

"She is eager to know. Give it to her," Fang Yun smiled. "But if it's too easy, she won't believe it. You understand how to handle this, right?"

Physician Zeng nodded, understanding her intentions.

Satisfied, Fang Yun had Qingrong escort him out.

She couldn't rest either. Taking the medicine required making it effective.

Changing into a new outfit, she headed to Jingqian Palace with snacks.

Though it seemed she brought snacks, it was clear she was presenting herself to Pei Yao.

He had just finished reviewing documents and felt tired. Hearing that Zhao Fei had arrived, his spirits lifted, and he immediately invited her in.