The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 362 - A Decisive Battle

The undercurrents in the harem didn't concern Fang Yun.

The next day was Pei Yao's day off, so they slept soundly in Jingqian Palace until the servants woke them.

They rose to have breakfast together.

"After greeting the Empress, come to the study and help me grind ink. I have a few memorials to review, not many," Pei Yao said gently, placing a crystal shrimp dumpling in Fang Yun's bowl.

"Alright," Fang Yun smiled.

After breakfast, she headed to Fengxuan Palace.

Yanwei, attending to her, remarked happily, "The Emperor is fond of you, Your Highness. He stayed last night and now wants you to assist him. He clearly enjoys your company."

"You're quite cheeky," Fang Yun's brows arched slightly.

She thought to herself that her performance last night paid off. The more Pei Yao cherished her, the better.

Though she wasn't a heavy drinker, a few cups of bayberry wine wouldn't make her completely drunk. She used the pretense to paint herself as a vulnerable, unfortunate woman, relying only on Pei Yao.

Now, with the Empress and Yang Fei pregnant, she was told her injuries might prevent future pregnancies.

Fear of losing favor and attention was natural.

A few tears from a worried beauty could easily elicit pity.

Especially since Pei Yao genuinely cared for her.

Why put on this act?

So that if Yang Fei's pregnancy faced any issues, it clearly wasn't Fang Yun's fault.

After all, she even arranged a separate kitchen for Yang Fei.

Of course, these thoughts remained unspoken.

Acting needs to be convincing, even fooling oneself.

But Fang Yun couldn't deny Pei Yao's genuine affection for her.

If they were an ordinary couple, she would be immensely happy. But this was the royal family.

In the royal family, it's best to guard one's heart, but not betray others' sincerity.

The following days kept Fang Yun busy.

Managing palace affairs by day and spending evenings with Pei Yao.

Perhaps her pitiful act worked too well, as Pei Yao now spent more time with her than with the two pregnant consorts.

Though he still visited the Empress and Yang Fei, he didn't stay as long.

Thus, Zhao Fei seemed to enjoy exclusive favor.

Noticing this, Yang Fei grew more intent on placing someone in the palace.

With the war ongoing, who knew when the next selection would be? By the time she could serve Pei Yao again, it could be over a year.

Without favor, she needed someone to secure her position.

Determined, she secretly sent a message to her family, asking them to select a suitable Yang girl for the palace.

She entrusted this to her mother, the Marquise of Nanning, feeling assured.

Meanwhile, Pei Yao, unaware of Yang Fei's plans, read an urgent military report.

Previously, our northern forces achieved a great victory, with Yang Chengyu capturing Shangyang's favored Sixth Prince.

However, Shangyang's ruler, furious at his son's capture, threatened a major offensive if his son wasn't respectfully returned.

Their Crown Prince now led their high-morale army.

Reading the report, Pei Yao's eyes turned icy.

"Minister Lu, look at Shangyang's audacity," he said, handing the document to Hong Zheng.

Lu Chuan, the Empress's father and the newly appointed Duke Hua, read the report, frowning deeply.

"Shameless scoundrel, daring to make such threats!" he fumed.

After reading the report, the Minister of War coldly commented, "Shangyang hasn't gained anything substantial from this war. If they're so arrogant, why not execute the Sixth Prince to demoralize them?"

"Absolutely not," countered Zhang Zonghe, the Grand Secretary.

"Executing him might vent our anger, but it would provoke Shangyang further, giving them an excuse for more ruthless actions. Instead, let's send the Sixth Prince to the capital as a hostage. If Shangyang's ruler truly cares for him, he will hesitate to act rashly. If not, and they still choose war, it merely exposes their brutality."

Pei Yao surveyed his ministers. "What do you all think of Minister Zhang's proposal?"

King Dun and Prime Minister Lu nodded in agreement, setting the consensus.

Pei Yao immediately sent orders to the northern frontier, instructing the Sixth Prince's transfer to the capital.

The message reached Duke Qin promptly, aligning with his strategy. He quickly dispatched trusted soldiers to escort the prince to the capital.

Infuriated by the failure to reclaim the prince, Shangyang's Crown Prince ordered a major offensive.

Shangyang committed 80% of its forces, determined to force a decisive battle. Duke Qin, not underestimating the threat, led his troops personally, leaving his eldest son to manage the rear defenses.

The ensuing battle was grueling.

Liu Qin, by Huo Mingxuan's side, found his previously scholarly hands stained with enemy blood.

Reports flooded the capital, describing the intense standoff. Pei Yao's expression grew grimmer with each one.

The outcome hung in the balance—either Shangyang would break through Baiyang Pass and advance south, or Great Qi would defend its territory.

The tension permeated both the court and the harem.

Fang Yun felt an inexplicable unease, thinking of Liu Qin. On the capital's first snowy day, she even visited Baohua Hall, seeking divine favor—a rare act for her.

Yet, the palace's concerns couldn't reach the northern frontier, just as its deafening battle cries couldn't reach the capital.

Everyone's hearts were gripped by the looming battle, fearing any missed detail.

In such times, even self-preservation overshadowed concern for the realm's fate.

After ten days of fierce fighting, another report reached the imperial study.

The messenger, a soldier still clad in bloodstained armor, appeared exhausted from nonstop travel.

Kneeling before Pei Yao, his eyes red with emotion, he tore a bloodstained cloth from his uniform, tying it around his head, and bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty, Duke Qin has fallen in battle!"