The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 352 - She Went to Such Lengths

In Zhongcui Palace, Yang Fei had been irritable for several days since the Empress's pregnancy announcement.

Especially frustrating was that Pei Yao spent each of the past three days visiting the Empress at Jiaofang Hall in the daytime, then accompanying Fang Yun.

This made Yang Fei feel as if the Empress and Fang Yun were hogging all the benefits and attention.

"Your Highness, it's time for your medicine," a young maid entered, carrying a tray.

Siqi took it, dismissed the maid, and brought the medicine to Yang Fei.

"Your Highness, please drink it while it's hot. It will be even more bitter if it cools."

"I've lost count of how many of these I've taken. How much more bitter can it get?" Yang Fei grumbled, taking the bowl. "Even if my health improves, it's pointless if the Emperor doesn't come."

She downed the medicine in one gulp, placed the bowl back on the tray, and took a candied fruit from a dish to mask the taste before asking, "How are the preparations for the Third Prince?"

"I checked this morning, and everything is nearly ready. The Third Prince is smart and remembers well."

Siqi put away the bowl and poured a cup of tea for Yang Fei, replying softly.

Hearing this, Yang Fei's expression finally showed some satisfaction.

She lowered her gaze and said, "The weather should be good for the next few days. Keep a close watch on the Emperor's movements and make sure everyone stays alert."

"Yes, Your Highness," Siqi nodded.

Two days later, a cool, windy day arrived.

In Zhongcui Palace, a clever young eunuch had been scurrying in and out several times. In the afternoon, the Third Prince was brought to the imperial garden by his wet nurse and maids, armed with a kite.

Pei Yao, having finished his documents, was heading to the harem, specifically toward Yuzhang Palace.

On his way, he spotted a group flying kites in the imperial garden and paused to watch.

"It's not the season for kite flying," Hong Zheng commented.

"True, it's usually a spring activity," Pei Yao replied, noticing the kite's cute baby hawk design. "Looks like children are playing."

Squinting, Hong Zheng couldn't see clearly due to his nearsightedness. "It might be one of the princes or the Second Princess. Shall we take a look?"

Just then, the kite drifted toward them, followed by a small, wobbly figure running in their direction.

Focusing, Pei Yao saw it was the Third Prince.

The wet nurse and maids hurried after him, bowing when they saw Pei Yao.

"Rise," Pei Yao said, shifting his attention to his son. "An'er, where is your mother?"

The Third Prince looked up, nervously holding his hands behind his back. "Mother is making a new kite for me in the palace."

"Oh?" Pei Yao raised an eyebrow, bending down to pat his head. "Did your mother make this kite too?"

Mentioning his favorite person and activity, the Third Prince eagerly nodded. "Yes!"

As they spoke, the kite, now untended, fell.

The Third Prince moved to retrieve it, but Hong Zheng beat him to it and handed the kite to Pei Yao.

Examining it, Pei Yao noticed small writing on it and read aloud, "Year after year, may you grow strong. Year after year, may the spring grass grow."

The writing puzzled him. It wasn't particularly elegant and seemed to be a copy.

The Third Prince, sensing his confusion, quietly said, "I wrote it."

"You wrote this?" Pei Yao asked, astonished. "Can you write these characters?"

It seemed unlikely for such a young child to write so well. Though not perfect, the writing showed some skill, beyond the Third Prince's capabilities.

Pei Yao began to feel displeased, suspecting Yang Fei was teaching the Third Prince to lie.

However, the Third Prince added, "Mother held my hand and helped me write."

Pei Yao's frown eased slightly.

The Third Prince then boldly asked, "Father, will you come see Mother with me?"

"Do you want to see me, or did your mother tell you to say that?" Pei Yao softened his tone, "An'er, good children don't lie."

Though scared, the Third Prince replied, "I want to see you, and Mother wants to see you too."

He tugged Pei Yao's robe, eyes full of hope.

Despite Yang Fei's flaws, Pei Yao's heart softened for his son.

Recalling Fang Yun's advice, he sighed and picked up the Third Prince.

"Alright, I'll come with you to see your mother."

The Third Prince beamed, eyes curved like crescent moons.

Whether he was happy to see his father or to fulfill his mother's task was unclear.

As they changed direction, a figure darted through a side path back to Zhongcui Palace.

"Your Highness, the Emperor is coming with the Third Prince! Prepare quickly!" Siqi rushed in with the news.

Excited, Yang Fei rolled up her sleeves and busied herself at the desk, working on a nearly finished kite.

Pretending, of course; she didn't actually know how to make kites.

When Pei Yao arrived, he saw Yang Fei acting the doting mother, crafting a toy for her child.

Whether he believed it was up to him.

That day, Pei Yao graciously stayed at Zhongcui Palace.

News spread quickly through the harem.

The Empress, focusing on her pregnancy, paid it no mind as long as Yang Fei didn't cause trouble.

Fang Yun, hearing the news, raised an eyebrow.

"She went to such lengths. At least she managed to keep the Emperor this time. I was worried I might have to help her."

"She'd drag the Emperor to her palace if she could," Yanwei scoffed. "I couldn't bear to watch her jealousy at the Mid-Autumn banquet when she heard the Empress was pregnant."

Handing Fang Yun scissors while trimming plants, Qingrong hummed, "Our mistress is kind, giving her a taste of sweetness."