In Zhongcui Palace.
"Physician, what is the state of my pregnancy? Is it serious?"
Yang Fei lay on the bed, her face pale, her eyes filled with anxiety and regret.
"Your Highness, you had a premature birth with the Third Prince, which weakened your body significantly. Although you have been recuperating for years and are now healthy, pregnancy inherently fatigues the body and requires ample rest. You should not be overworking or worrying," Physician Wu advised sternly, his brows furrowed.
Though he didn't directly answer her question, it was clear that Yang Fei needed to avoid any stress and rest extensively.
Hearing his words, a trace of worry crossed Yang Fei's eyes.
She softly asked, "Tell me the truth, is my body too weak for this pregnancy? Will the child be frail too? Is it safe for me to give birth now?"
Having already borne one frail child, the Third Prince, she couldn't afford another.
"Rest assured, Your Highness. While your body has suffered, it has recovered sufficiently for a normal pregnancy. However, having given birth prematurely, your current pregnancy is similar to a previously injured leg that, while healed, is still weaker than an uninjured one. With proper care, there should be no issues. You must focus on resting and stabilizing your pregnancy."
Physician Wu carefully chose his words to explain the situation to Yang Fei.
Receiving this response, Yang Fei felt somewhat reassured.
At least she could be confident that this child could be born healthy. Any temporary sacrifices or concessions she had to make seemed unimportant in comparison to the priority of preserving the pregnancy.
Taking a deep breath and placing a hand gently on her abdomen, she spoke seriously. "Since rest is necessary, I will comply. Please, Physician Wu, inform the Emperor and Empress of my pregnancy."
"At once, Your Highness," Physician Wu bowed and exited, carrying his medical kit.
He had wanted to disclose Yang Fei's pregnancy earlier. Keeping it a secret put his position at risk if anything went wrong. With the news out, he could act quickly.
Leaving Zhongcui Palace, he headed straight for Jingqian Palace to inform Pei Yao.
When Pei Yao received the news, he was reviewing a military report from the northern frontier.
It was good news.
Our army had achieved a great victory. Young generals Huo Mingxuan, Ye Yunxiao, and Yang Chengyu had orchestrated an excellent battle after many days of standoff.
Notably, Yang Chengyu captured the Sixth Prince of Shangyang, the favored son of Concubine Yin.
Yang Chengyu's achievement was significant, and now Yang Fei's pregnancy was announced in the harem.
Both were joyous events, yet occurring together and involving the ambitious Yang family, Pei Yao's eyes darkened.
"Your Majesty, about Zhongcui Palace..." Hong Zheng cautiously inquired.
"Reward them," Pei Yao closed the report and rubbed his temple. "Follow protocol. Inform Yang Fei I'll visit her tonight."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Hong Zheng replied and exited.
Outside, Fuxi eagerly approached Hong Zheng.
"Master, why does the Emperor seem unhappy? Isn't Yang Fei's pregnancy a good thing?"
"Of course, it's good news. The Emperor is simply preoccupied with state affairs," Hong Zheng replied, tapping Fuxi's head. "Don't get any ideas. Serving the Emperor requires focus. Don't try to curry favor and get burned."
Fuxi nodded quickly, heeding the advice.
The news spread quickly through the harem, and the Empress's rewards soon reached Zhongcui Palace.
Other palaces also sent their gifts.
Fang Yun instructed Yuanhe to send a spring orchid painting and a pair of blue porcelain vases, gifts from Pei Yao. The items were valuable, though few, to minimize tampering risks.
Yang Fei, needing rest, received immediate orders from the Empress to be excused from morning greetings and relieved from managing the six palaces.
Yang Fei's responsibilities were transferred to Fang Yun, who now shared management duties with the Empress. Given the Empress's pregnancy, Fang Yun handled most matters except the most critical.
Pei Yao, caring for Fang Yun, announced that any troublemakers causing her distress would be severely punished.
With Pei Yao's support, Fang Yun, although not pregnant, commanded significant respect.
Though now holding great power, Fang Yun wasn't eager to handle everything. A few days later, on a sunny afternoon, she visited Jingqian Palace.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," Fang Yun curtsied.
"Sit. What brings you here?" Pei Yao asked, motioning her to sit.
"The white plum blossoms are blooming in the palace. I picked some with the children, dried them, and made a sachet with pine needles for you," Fang Yun replied, dressed in a pale white gown.
Her relaxed elegance and delicate beauty were highlighted by her simple hairstyle and pearl earrings, glowing in the chilly breeze.
Pei Yao noticed her arrival, accompanied by the scent of snow plum blossoms, and guided her to sit beside him.
"I planned to visit you tonight, but you came first."
"Perhaps we are in sync?" Fang Yun smiled, teasing. "I sneezed on my way here, thinking you must be missing me."
"You must be sensitive to the cold. Be careful," Pei Yao, half scolding, half concerned, instructed Hong Zheng, "Prepare ginger tea for Zhao Fei."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Hong Zheng replied, leaving.
Fang Yun smiled gratefully. "Speaking of health, I have a request. With Yang Fei's pregnancy, her diet should be refined. How about setting up a small kitchen just for Zhongcui Palace?"
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...
