The next day, during the morning greetings at Jiaofang Hall.
Fang Yun knew Zhongcui Palace was farther from Fengxuan Palace, so she deliberately lingered at Jingqian Palace. By the time she arrived at Jiaofang Hall, everyone else was already there.
Accompanied by the doorman's announcement, Fang Yun elegantly entered, holding Qingrong's hand.
Today, she had dressed meticulously. She wore a long, floor-length gown of Suzhou embroidery, adorned with blooming camellias. The dress highlighted her fair, delicate skin and slender waist, making her look as graceful as a willow in the spring breeze.
Her hair, styled in a flying fairy bun, was adorned with crystal tassels and white jade hairpins, making her appear like a celestial maiden.
With a spring-like complexion, dark brows, and a light smile, her eyes shone with a gentle charm.
Fang Yun's natural beauty, enhanced by her attire, made her even more captivating, especially as she had spent the previous night with the Emperor. Her radiant appearance stirred envy among the other consorts.
Ignoring the whispers, Fang Yun gracefully took her seat and began conversing with Yang Fei.
"Yang Fei, you mentioned the Third Prince was unwell yesterday. How is he today? The Emperor couldn't visit but sent Chief Physician Guo. Clearly, he cares for the Third Prince."
Fang Yun's rare directness towards Yang Fei caught everyone's attention.
Yang Fei responded with a forced smile. "Thank you for your concern. Chief Physician Guo's visit has improved the Third Prince's condition."
"That's good to hear," Fang Yun smiled. "It seems calling the physician is more effective than calling the Emperor, wouldn't you agree?"
Before Yang Fei could respond, Fang Yun continued, "With Chief Physician Guo's care, the Third Prince should be healthier. As a mother, hearing about his ailments has worried me too."
"Zhao Fei truly has a mother's heart. No wonder the Fourth Prince, though weak, remains healthy under her care," Wan Liangyuan interjected, taking a subtle jab at Yang Fei.
Yang Fei, feeling slighted, retorted, "Are you implying I'm a bad mother, Wan Liangyuan? You have no children yet seem well-versed in childcare."
"I meant no such thing, Yang Fei. How could you think that?" Wan Liangyuan replied innocently. "Though childless, I've seen many children in the palace and at home. Plus, books describe motherly love. How could I not know?"
Seeing an opportunity, Fang Yun chimed in, "Yes, Wan Liangyuan is young and healthy. She will eventually bear an imperial heir, and then she'll truly understand the worries Yang Fei and I share."
The mention of bearing an imperial heir clearly irked Yang Fei. Despite taking medicine for so long, she had not conceived again despite Pei Yao's visits, frustrating her further.
Noting Yang Fei's displeasure, Fang Yun smiled subtly and remained silent.
At that moment, the Empress entered, looking radiant and in good spirits.
After some light conversation, the Empress brought up an important matter.
"Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, and the Emperor wishes to celebrate it grandly. A banquet will be held in the palace, and many nobles and officials will attend. There are many preparations to be made, and I can't manage everything alone. Zhao Fei, Yang Fei, I need you both to assist me."
This was the first time the Empress had asked for help in managing such affairs.
Both women readily agreed.
After the greetings, the Empress kept them behind to discuss the details.
Yang Fei had experience in such matters, but it was Fang Yun's first time. However, the Empress entrusted them equally.
Leaving Fengxuan Palace, Fang Yun teased, "The Third Prince's health is poor, and now you must manage the banquet. If it's too much, let me take on more."
"Save your concern for your son, Zhao Fei. My son's health has never required a physician to say he must reach ten to stabilize. You have only one son. Don't get carried away and lose more," Yang Fei retorted sharply.
Fang Yun's expression turned cold. "Whether I have more children isn't for you to decide."
With that, she ordered, "Prepare my sedan chair. We're returning to the palace."
Her reaction seemed to infuriate Yang Fei but also hinted at something.
Back at Zhongcui Palace, Yang Fei pondered, "Could Zhao Fei be healthy enough to conceive again?"
"The physician once said she might not be permanently infertile, just for five or six years," Siqi mused.
The possibility intrigued both.
Yang Fei decided, "Physician Zeng has been treating her for a long time. We must get that prescription. I want to see what it entails."
Siqi agreed, increasing her efforts.
Physician Zeng, aware of their actions, informed Fang Yun during a check-up.
Fang Yun smiled, "Let them take the bait."
"Understood," he replied.
After days of persistence, the prescription was finally obtained and delivered to Yang Fei, who had other physicians verify its effectiveness. Reassured, she secretly prepared the medicine.
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
RomanceAuthor: Huatang Xiuge Translator: Me (Xiaobai) 东宫掌娇 Upon entering the Eastern Palace, Fang Yun lived cautiously, burdened by the label of a substitute bride and daughter of a traitor. She knew well that, as a daughter of low birth, she had been cas...
