The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 353 - September

Time quickly passed, and it was already mid-September.

The situation on the northern frontier had reached a stalemate.

As the war dragged on and the weather grew colder, Shangyang increased their forces after the Mid-Autumn Festival, pushing harder before winter set in.

In early September, they broke through two gates, forcing our troops to retreat over sixty miles.

However, under Duke Qin's calm and strategic leadership, we quickly reclaimed the lost territory and advanced further.

Among the many meritorious deeds, Liu Qin and Huo Mingxuan stood out with their impressive teamwork and victories. Their achievements piqued Pei Yao's interest in the young duo, both under twenty.

In comparison, Song Liangyuan's brother made some contributions but wasn't as notable. He seemed more suited for civil service, unlike Liu Qin, who had a knack for military strategy.

However, individual achievements meant little if the overall war wasn't won. Both the soldiers and Pei Yao understood this well.

With Shangyang boosting their forces, Great Qi couldn't fall behind. Pei Yao mobilized 100,000 troops from garrisons nationwide to the border, aiming to end the war before winter.

The Nanning Marquis offered 20,000 troops from his 30,000-strong force, combining with the local garrison to form a 30,000-strong army.

After his previous embarrassment, Yang Chengyu redeemed himself with several impressive victories. The Nanning Marquis invested heavily in his son's future, hoping his success would improve his daughter's standing in the harem, especially now that the Empress was pregnant and Yang Fei's position was precarious.

In the harem, the pregnant Empress was the undisputed leader. Missing her mother, Pei Yao allowed Madam Hua to stay and keep her company.

This news displeased Yang Fei.

"Just because she's pregnant, she's acting so delicate. Who hasn't been pregnant?" she grumbled.

"Her first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage at six months, and she's waited years for this one. She's probably extra cautious now," Siqi said, massaging Yang Fei's shoulders.

Yang Fei scoffed, "Just because she's pregnant doesn't mean she'll have a healthy baby. And even if she does, it might just be a girl. Let's see how she struts if she only has a daughter."

"True," Siqi nodded, "The Empress doesn't seem as fortunate as you. Your forehead is full, a sign of good fortune."

Though aware it was flattery, Yang Fei enjoyed it. She smiled, waving Siqi off.

"Despite the Empress's pregnancy, An'er has been well-behaved. The Emperor has visited three times this month, staying once. It's an improvement."

"Yes, they say familiarity breeds affection. The Emperor seems closer to you now, not just because of the Third Prince," Siqi handed her a cup of tea, smiling.

Yang Fei took a sip. "I've known the Emperor for years; there's some affection there."

Siqi suggested, "The weather's nice today, and I've heard the chrysanthemums in the imperial garden are blooming, including new varieties. A walk might do you good; the physician recommended more movement."

Putting down her teacup, Yang Fei glanced outside at the sunshine and felt tempted.

She nodded, changed her clothes, and went out.

When she arrived at the imperial garden, she noticed someone else enjoying the flowers.

It was Song Liangyuan.

"Liangyuan, I think that's Yang Fei," Nianshuang whispered.

Talking about flowers, Song Liangyuan frowned upon hearing this and immediately looked up.

Seeing it was indeed Yang Fei, she scowled.

"Such a killjoy. No point in staying. Let's go."

"Yes," Nianshuang agreed, supporting her as they turned to leave.

Given Yang Fei's animosity towards Zhao Fei, Song Liangyuan naturally avoided her.

However, Yang Fei didn't let them go.

Noticing Song Liangyuan's intent to leave, Yang Fei had Siqi stop them.

"Song Liangyuan, wait!" Siqi called out, quickly approaching and pretending to smile. "Liangyuan, don't leave yet. Our mistress invites you to enjoy the flowers and chat."

"I've been out for a while, and the wind has made me unwell. I wouldn't want to pass any illness to Yang Fei. Thank you, but I'll pass," Song Liangyuan replied coolly.

She wasn't naive; nothing good would come from Yang Fei's summons.

But Siqi didn't budge. "You should tell the mistress yourself. I'm here on orders and wouldn't want to disobey."

Polite words, but they left no room for refusal.

Frowning, Song Liangyuan realized she couldn't avoid this and reluctantly agreed.

Thinking she'd handle whatever came her way, she followed Siqi and properly greeted Yang Fei.

"Greetings, Yang Fei."

"Rise," Yang Fei said, appraising her. "You're fortunate. Despite smallpox, no scars mar your face."

The Second Princess has a faint scar on her left forehead, not solely from smallpox but also from a later fall in the flowerbed. However, with Fang Yun's guidance, the young princess doesn't mind, often hiding it with her bangs and having already forgotten about it.

Song Liangyuan, disliking Yang Fei's tone, lowered her gaze and replied coolly, "Thanks to the physicians, I was fortunate."

"Indeed, fortunate," Yang Fei laughed lightly. "Without currying favor with someone important, no one would care if you died."

She implied Fang Yun, but Song Liangyuan retorted, "The Empress manages the harem and cares for the consorts diligently. I received much care during my illness and am deeply grateful. Surely, as a fellow consort, you also appreciate the Empress's kindness."

In the palace, the Emperor and Empress were the only true authorities; others were merely consorts. Song Liangyuan's words were correct, but by praising the Empress and equating herself with Yang Fei, she displeased Yang Fei.

Yang Fei's face darkened. "I never realized how sharp-tongued you are. It seems you've picked up some bad habits from Zhao Fei, becoming slick and sly."

"I dare not. My praise for the Empress was sincere. Does Yang Fei disagree with what I said?" Song Liangyuan replied softly.

Unexpectedly, Yang Fei squinted and slapped her across the face.