The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 350 - The Empress is Pregnant

"The Empress is unwell? Has the physician seen her?"

Pei Yao immediately expressed his concern.

The Empress smiled and nodded, "No need to worry, Your Majesty. I..."

She paused, looking down at her abdomen, then continued softly, "The physician says I am pregnant."

Though her voice was low, Pei Yao heard clearly and was overjoyed.

"Is it true? Which physician examined her? Such wonderful news! Summon the physician for another check!"

Having a legitimate heir was indeed joyous, especially with the virtuous Empress.

As Pei Yao's joy grew, Yang Fei's face turned sour.

She hadn't expected her toast to reveal such news. The Empress's pregnancy made her ambitions even more difficult to achieve.

No one cared about Yang Fei's feelings at the moment.

Upon learning of the Empress's pregnancy, everyone offered their congratulations. Fang Yun, though surprised, was genuinely happy for the Empress, who had been trying for years.

Fang Yun wasn't worried about the Empress having a son. If the child shared the Empress's character, he would be a good and caring future ruler, far better than Yang Fei's children.

However, if the Empress had a daughter and no more sons, Fang Yun would still push for her own son's position.

Besides the Empress's child, Fang Yun only trusted her own son for that role.

Chief Physician Guo soon arrived. After checking the Empress's pulse, he smiled and confirmed, "The Empress is indeed pregnant, one and a half months along."

"Wonderful news! Reward him!" Pei Yao exclaimed.

After rewarding the physician, Pei Yao continued, "According to tradition, the Empress's family can be ennobled. Chancellor Lu, the Empress's father, will be titled Duke Hua of the First Rank!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Chancellor Lu and his wife gratefully accepted.

The Empress, sitting beside Pei Yao, gracefully smiled, her hands resting on her abdomen, clearly overjoyed.

With this happy news, the banquet's focus shifted to celebrating the Empress.

Fang Yun felt no envy. She had often been the center of attention herself.

However, others' jealousy was palpable.

Yang Fei, closest to her, forced a smile, her face stiff.

He Lingyi was openly envious, her eyes nearly glowing with jealousy.

Wan Liangyuan showed some admiration, but her discomfort was evident, her chopsticks moving without much eating, eyes frequently glancing at the Emperor and Empress.

Others didn't seem envious—Jin Pin, with a son, wasn't; neither was Song Liangyuan, childless but content with her position.

"Yanwei," Fang Yun called.

Yanwei approached. "Yes, Your Highness?"

"Take this plate of white plum pastries to Yang Fei. Tell her I noticed she seemed unwell and thought some sweets might cheer her up. It is Mid-Autumn Festival, after all."

Yanwei understood and promptly delivered the message.

Soon, Yang Fei cast a 'friendly' glance at Fang Yun, who responded with a gentle smile. Yang Fei, though annoyed, had no choice but to turn away.

With the banquet's joyous mood and the Empress's pregnancy, Yang Fei dared not cause a scene.

After the banquet, Pei Yao escorted the Empress to Jiaofang Hall.

Yang Fei, in a foul mood, immediately left in her sedan chair.

Fang Yun had hoped for a friendly exchange, feeling a bit disappointed. She turned to her children and headed back to Yuzhang Palace to enjoy the moonlight.

In the small kitchen of Yuzhang Palace, mooncakes were made, especially for the children, shaped like rabbits and foxes.

The little ones had been eagerly waiting for them, even during the banquet.

However, by the time they returned, it was late, and they were tired. Each ate one mooncake before falling asleep, carried off by their nurses.

Fang Yun, still in high spirits, gathered Qingrong, Yanwei, and Yuanhe to sit under the moonlight.

With a pot of good wine and a few dishes, they drank until slightly tipsy before retiring for the night.

The next morning, just as Fang Yun was about to rise and head to Jiaofang Hall for morning greetings, she was informed that the Emperor had decreed the Empress should rest due to her pregnancy, and morning greetings were temporarily suspended.

Relieved, Fang Yun went back to sleep.

She overslept, waking only when she heard someone outside announcing the Emperor's arrival.

Startled, she quickly sat up.

Through the bed curtains, she saw a tall figure approaching, and soon a large hand pulled back the curtain.

"Your Majesty," Fang Yun knelt on the bed, looking up at him with innocent eyes.

How could anyone blame her for not getting up to greet him?

"Still not up? Ji'er is already playing in the courtyard," Pei Yao's lips curved slightly.

He looked at Fang Yun's tousled hair.

It wasn't too messy, but after a night of rolling around with waist-length hair, it wasn't exactly neat either.

However, her pretty face made her look endearingly disheveled.

"I was just being lazy," Fang Yun moved closer, daring to hold Pei Yao's hand and nuzzle his palm. "Have you finished court, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, I came to wake you," Pei Yao felt the warmth in his palm, his smile growing.

He had come, worried that Fang Yun might be upset about the Empress's pregnancy, given her own difficulties in conceiving again.

But seeing her now, he realized his concern was unnecessary.

Unaware of Pei Yao's thoughts, Fang Yun, well-rested and in a good mood, playfully said, "I'm too lazy to get up. Will you carry me, Your Majesty?"

She shook his arm.

How could he refuse?

He lifted her, sat her on the bed, and put on her soft shoes before helping her down.

After Fang Yun dressed and washed, she found Pei Yao already seated at the table.

Breakfast from the small kitchen was laid out.

It wasn't the first time Pei Yao had encountered Fang Yun waking late, so he was used to it.

He sat with her as she ate.

Then he asked, "Did you drink last night?"