The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 358

After everyone dispersed, Qingrong couldn't help but comment once they returned to Yuzhang Palace.

"Yang Fei really can't let go of power. Even while pregnant, she's willing to take on these tiring tasks."

Fang Yun's eyes held a hint of mockery. "You can't have your cake and eat it too. She wants to nurture her pregnancy and manage the six palaces. Such good fortune doesn't exist. At most, she'll hold power for two months. She's really trying to seize every opportunity."

"What do you plan to do, Your Highness?" Qingrong frowned.

Someone like Yang Fei shouldn't be allowed to have her way for even a day.

"She wants power, and so do I," Fang Yun tapped her fingers on the table, her eyes playful. "Someone as greedy as her, who won't let go once she gets a taste, needs a scare to back off."

Hearing this, Qingrong perked up and leaned in to discuss plans with Fang Yun.

Meanwhile, at Zhongcui Palace, Yun Qian was speaking with Yang Fei.

"Why did you agree to manage the six palaces, Your Highness? The physician said you were injured during the Third Prince's birth. You must rest and recuperate for this second pregnancy."

"I know my body. Managing for a month or two won't hurt. With the Empress pregnant and unable to manage, it's a rare chance for me to handle palace affairs. If I seize it, I might achieve something significant."

Reclining on a pillow, Yang Fei's ambition was evident.

Yun Qian looked worried. "You don't intend to... harm the Empress's pregnancy, do you?"

"Fortune favors the bold. If she gives birth to a legitimate son, her position will be even more secure," Yang Fei interrupted coldly. "Besides, I'm not the only one managing the six palaces. Zhao Fei, favored and now with power, might develop improper thoughts and disrespect the Empress. And with my pregnancy, what could I possibly do?"

Understanding Yang Fei's intentions, Yun Qian immediately offered her loyalty. "I will help you, Your Highness."

"Rise. With your loyalty, I won't mistreat you," Yang Fei waved her off.

In the afternoon, Fang Yun was practicing calligraphy when Yuanhe hurried in.

"Your Highness, the Emperor's carriage is coming."

"Understood," Fang Yun nodded, putting down her brush and going to greet him.

As she reached the palace gate, the Emperor's carriage arrived.

Seeing Pei Yao alight, Fang Yun smiled warmly and curtsied.

"Your Majesty."

"What were you doing today?" Pei Yao asked, taking her hand and walking into the courtyard. "I heard the Empress granted you and Yang Fei the power to manage the six palaces. Is it tiring?"

"The account books and such were just delivered this afternoon. I haven't looked through them yet. The Empress managed everything well. I just need to follow her example. It's not tiring."

Fang Yun replied softly, then added, "But you, Your Majesty, haven't visited the harem for days. With year-end state affairs and the northern war, you must be very busy. But no matter how busy, remember to eat and rest."

As they spoke, they entered the hall and sat down.

Pei Yao teased, "I think you shouldn't stay in the harem. You should be my personal attendant."

"Are you saying I'm nagging?" Fang Yun pouted.

Pei Yao smiled, "Not at all. I find you attentive and caring."

Fang Yun's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Then make me a lady-in-waiting, and I'll serve you in Jingqian Palace."

"And how much would Lady Fang charge for her services?"

Fang Yun raised an eyebrow proudly. "Food and lodging provided, plus five taels of gold monthly."

"Impudent!"

Pei Yao laughed, playfully tapping her nose.

The attendants in the room stifled their laughter.

After their playful exchange, Pei Yao discussed other matters with her.

"The northern frontier is already cold, and it's only late October. Duke Qin wrote that it has started snowing there."

"In such freezing conditions, the soldiers' hardships increase. We must ensure they have enough food and warm clothing," Fang Yun sighed. "I wonder how much longer this war will last."

She hadn't received a letter from Liu Qin in a long time.

Pei Yao sipped his tea, his expression serious. "The battle is at a stalemate. The harsher the weather, the tougher the fight. It's a test of national strength and morale. Fortunately, Duke Qin leads well. Though his officers are young, they rival Shangyang's seasoned generals."

Indeed, Huo Mingxuan, Ye Yunxiao, and even Yang Chengyu were all very young—unmarried lads.

"Heroes have always emerged from the young. The Emperor is young, and so are his soldiers and ministers. It shows that Great Qi is a vibrant, thriving nation," Fang Yun smiled gently, comforting him.

"Well said," Pei Yao's eyes sparkled with determination. "Great Qi will win this war!"

A newly crowned young emperor, full of ambition.

Fang Yun's eyebrows arched gracefully. "Then let me toast with tea to the Emperor and our army's victory."

Pei Yao smiled back, raising his tea cup.

As they spoke, the Fourth Prince woke from his nap and was brought over by his nurse.

Freshly awake, the little boy clung to Fang Yun, seeking comfort.

Pei Yao couldn't resist pinching his son's rosy cheeks. "You're going to be a big brother soon. Aren't you embarrassed to still cling to your mother?"

The Fourth Prince giggled, squirming from the tickles. "I'm the little brother."

He said it as if correcting them.

He was used to being the youngest, with the Second Princess and the First Prince always calling him "Fourth Brother."

Fang Yun explained with a smile, "Your mother empress is expecting a little brother. When he's born, you'll be the big brother."

"Little brother?" The Fourth Prince frowned, thinking. "Mother Empress has a little brother in her belly, but doesn't Mother Consort?"

Fang Yun was momentarily at a loss for words.

Pei Yao stepped in, "There will be in the future."

"When is the future? Will it be at dinner?" The Fourth Prince persisted.

"The future is the future. Your sister will be out of school soon. Why don't you go pick her up?" Fang Yun, feeling awkward, tried to divert him.

Seeing Fang Yun's slightly flushed face, Pei Yao found it amusing.

He picked up his son, laughing. "Not at dinner, but after dinner, Father will work on it."