The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 345 - Princess Shuhui's Marriage

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

With a gentle sway, Fang Yun entered the room, her voice melodious.

"Come here," Pei Yao said, his mood clearly uplifted as he beckoned her.

As Fang Yun approached, Pei Yao pulled her onto his lap.

Seeing this, Hong Zheng quickly averted his eyes and left the room.

Fang Yun playfully scolded Pei Yao but comfortably wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Your Majesty, aren't you ashamed?"

"Why should I be ashamed to hold my beloved consort?" Pei Yao raised an eyebrow, admiring her. "You look even more radiant in pink, my dear."

"You're already a mother of two, yet still so fair and tender."

Fang Yun reached out and lightly tapped Pei Yao's nose, only to have her wrist caught by the man.

"Still so mischievous, like a child. How can you already be a mother of two? So, what delicious snacks have you brought for me today?"

"Here I am, yet all Your Majesty thinks about are snacks," Fang Yun huffed softly, pulling her hand back. "It seems Your Majesty no longer has eyes for me anymore."

Pei Yao, playing along, slyly tickled her waist until she surrendered with laughter and a few affectionate kisses.

After their playful moment, Fang Yun stood up and arranged the snacks.

Being an emperor was no easy task, especially after a long day of reviewing documents. Pei Yao, feeling the strain in his neck and shoulders, began to stretch.

Noticing this, Fang Yun offered to massage his shoulders. "Your Majesty may be young, but prolonged sitting can still harm your health, especially with your head down. I felt similar pain after hours of embroidery. Please take care of yourself."

"I'd like to, but I'm too busy to slack off," Pei Yao sighed, enjoying her massage and gentle scolding.

"Physician Zeng gave me a plaster for neck and shoulder discomfort. It works wonders. You should try it, Your Majesty. I've come to trust his medical skills over the years."

"He was assigned to you for a reason. If you find it effective, I'll give it a try," Pei Yao agreed.

Fang Yun's recommendation wasn't purely out of concern. She had other motives. The current head of the Imperial Pharmacy, Guo Miaochun, was 66 years old and might soon retire. Physician Zeng, with Fang Yun's support, had already gained favor. More of Pei Yao's approval could secure his position as the next head.

The plaster was indeed effective, easing Fang Yun's own discomfort from prolonged sitting during embroidery and painting.

After a while, Pei Yao felt much better and had Fang Yun stop. He then led her to his desk and pulled out a book of architectural plans.

"What is this?" Fang Yun asked, glancing at it. "Renovation plans for a residence? Who needs a residence built?"

Pei Yao opened the book. "It's for Princess Shuhui's residence. We're renovating a former marquis's estate for her. She's my only sister now."

Emperor Chengjing's legitimate children had all passed away, leaving only King Dun, Princess Shuhui, and the similarly-aged Prince Ning.

Without siblings by blood, Pei Yao's familial duties extended to his cousins.

"I forgot Princess Shuhui is of marriageable age. You're renovating her residence to prepare for her wedding?" Fang Yun asked with a smile.

Pei Yao nodded. "Despite the ongoing war, Shuhui's marriage shouldn't be delayed. With no parents, it's my duty to arrange it. The Empress reminded me of this on her birthday."

If Pei Yao and the Empress didn't attend to this, no one else would.

Fang Yun inquired, "Have you chosen a suitor for her, Your Majesty?"

"If I had, I wouldn't have called you here," Pei Yao replied, taking a sip of tea. "The Empress and I have shortlisted four candidates, but none are perfect. Your insights are always sharp, so I'd like your opinion."

Fang Yun, half-joking, said, "With the Empress and Your Majesty's selections, I'll be like a dice roller, deciding by chance."

"Cheeky!" Pei Yao chuckled, setting down his cup and speaking seriously. "The Empress's cousin is one choice. He's talented and handsome but has no official rank due to the halted civil service exam. Another is Grand Secretary Zhang Zonghe's eldest grandson, a promising scholar in the Hanlin Academy but of average appearance."

Fang Yun interjected, "Isn't Zhang Zonghe the adoptive father of Rui Tai Fei?"

"Yes, you met him during our southern tour when I was still the Crown Prince. Rui Tai Fei now resides with Prince Ning outside the palace, making the Zhang family royalty by extension," Pei Yao confirmed.

Indeed, Zhang Zonghe is essentially Prince Ning's grandfather.

Fang Yun nodded in understanding. "These two gentlemen seem quite promising. Your Majesty mentioned there were four candidates. Who are the other two?"

"Why don't you guess? You know them well," Pei Yao teased, a twinkle in his eye.

Fang Yun pouted at him but gave it some thought. "The first two are scholars. In the spirit of balance, could the next two be military men?"

Watching his amused expression, she tugged on his sleeve, playfully pleading. "Alright, Your Majesty, don't make me guess. You asked for my help, so tell me already!"

Amused by her antics, Pei Yao relented, sitting up straight. "Alright, I'll tell you. The other two candidates are... Ye Yunxiao, son of the Right Governor of the Five Military Departments, and Yang Chengyu, heir of the Nanning Marquis."