The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 346 - Not Yet Dismissed

Hearing these two names, Fang Yun's expression tightened.

She understood Pei Yao's reasoning. The Empress's cousin, the Zhang family's young man, and Ye Yunxiao came from trustworthy families. Marrying Princess Shuhui to any of them would ensure her a stable life.

But Yang Chengyu's inclusion was different.

Marrying Princess Shuhui to him was likely a move to keep the Nanning Marquis family in check under the guise of favor.

With Shuhui being Pei Yao's only sister, her marriage was a convenient means to this end.

Pei Yao could use his concern for his sister to keep Yang Chengyu and Shuhui in the capital, effectively distancing the Nanning Marquis family.

Of course, this depended on Yang Chengyu surviving the war and returning from the northern frontier.

Fang Yun softly suggested, "These are all excellent choices. But Ye Yunxiao and Yang Chengyu are currently on the frontier. If chosen, would the marriage wait until the war ends?"

"This war has dragged on for half a year. Shangyang has gained little, and the colder it gets, the harder the fighting will be. If we endure through winter, by spring, the war might be over," Pei Yao explained.

Lengthy battles meant holding the line but not gaining significant ground. It likely wouldn't last much longer.

"So, you plan to wait until the war ends to decide on Shuhui's marriage?" Fang Yun asked.

Pei Yao raised an eyebrow. "I asked for your opinion, yet you turn it back on me."

"I think you have a decision but hesitate to make it, so you ask for my input. Am I right?" Fang Yun tilted her head, staring at him.

After a moment, Pei Yao sighed and smiled. "You always understand my thoughts."

"Yes, I'm like a worm in your belly," Fang Yun joked, nodding vigorously.

"Such nonsense," Pei Yao lightly tapped her waist, his tone chastising, but his face smiling.

The playful exchange eased the tension.

Fang Yun then said, "Since it's not urgent, perhaps you can wait and see how things unfold."

"Agreed. I have enough to consider," Pei Yao responded, effectively tabling the discussion.

Fang Yun preferred not to make a definitive choice herself. As a consort, it wasn't her place to decide a princess's marriage.

Best to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

After lightening the mood with other topics, they were interrupted by Hong Zheng's knock.

"Your Majesty, someone from Zhongcui Palace is here."

"What is it?" Pei Yao asked, frowning but staying patient.

"Your Majesty, the Third Prince is unwell and requests your presence," Hong Zheng reported from outside.

Fang Yun, sitting beside Pei Yao, heard everything.

Before Pei Yao could respond, she tugged his hand, pouting playfully. "They say illness makes one a doctor. You're healthy, yet you've become a doctor. Have you been studying medicine along with state affairs?"

Pei Yao, initially frowning, couldn't help but laugh. "Is that a hint of jealousy I hear?"

"Why can others be envious but not me?" Fang Yun teased, lightly tapping his palm. "You're too biased."

"Biased?" Pei Yao squinted. "If I were biased, I'd leave for Zhongcui Palace now instead of staying here."

He stood up, clearly teasing her.

Knowing his playful intent, Fang Yun joined in the fun.

With a quick movement, Fang Yun grabbed Pei Yao's arm, feigning urgency. "Even if something's wrong, you can't just heal him by looking. The physician must come. Why tire yourself with a trip? Besides, hasn't the Third Prince been fine before? Why is he suddenly unwell this month?"

Pei Yao tilted his head at her, still standing.

Fang Yun bit her lip, pretending to be upset. "Go, go. I'll return to Yuzhang Palace to check on Wan'er and Ji'er. The three of us are just left alone."

Turning away, she hid her smile.

Pei Yao laughed, dropping his pretense. He pulled her into his arms. "Look at you, getting upset over a joke."

He called out to Hong Zheng, "Tell Yang Fei I'll send Chief Physician Guo to check on the Third Prince and see if the previous physicians were negligent."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Hong Zheng replied, glancing at the nervous maid from Zhongcui Palace before delivering the message.

Back at Zhongcui Palace, Siqi received the news with a frown.

"The Emperor isn't coming?" she asked.

The maid nodded. "No, His Majesty said he'll send Chief Physician Guo and check if the previous physicians were negligent."

"Alright, I understand. You may go," Siqi dismissed her.

Inside, Yang Fei guessed the outcome. "The Emperor isn't coming, is he?"

"No," Siqi confirmed. "The Emperor might be upset or perhaps Zhao Fei said something. He'll send Chief Physician Guo to check the Third Prince."

"Who else but her would say something? The Emperor truly dotes on her. While he can share his favor with others, it seems Zhao Fei is the only one who can't be neglected."

"That's right. Last time, when the Emperor was dining at Wan Liangyuan's place, he came immediately when called," Siqi agreed.

Yang Fei scoffed, "Let the Emperor spoil her. The higher she climbs, the harder she'll fall. I want to see how long she can remain pleased with herself."

Despite her words, they were merely complaints.

Yang Fei knew that constantly using the Third Prince's illness as an excuse was no longer effective and needed a new approach.

Meanwhile, in Jingqian Palace, it was announced that Zhao Fei would stay the night.