Yang Fei's words were truly nauseating.
First, she flaunted her pregnancy, then implied that Fang Yun was a mere hardworking steward. The worst part was her "wish" for Fang Yun to have another healthy prince soon.
Everyone knew Fang Yun had hurt her body during childbirth and was currently unfit to conceive. The Fourth Prince's frail health, closely guarded by Fang Yun, was common knowledge.
Despite feeling a surge of disgust, Fang Yun maintained a neutral smile and raised her cup towards Yang Fei.
"The Empress bearing the heir and Yang Fei being pregnant are joyous events for the harem. It's only right that I help with daily affairs. Unfortunately, I can't live up to your kind wish of having another child. May your wishes come true and you bring another healthy prince to His Majesty."
She then looked at the Third Prince, her smile deepening.
"I'm sure the Third Prince looks forward to having a companion. Do you want a brother or a sister, Third Prince?"
"A brother," the Third Prince replied obediently, adding before Yang Fei could stop him, "Mother says Father prefers brothers."
He looked at Pei Yao with hopeful eyes, not realizing the trap he had set for his mother.
Hoping to please his father and make his mother happy so she would spend more time with him, the innocent child couldn't comprehend the adult world's treachery.
Yang Fei, feeling a wave of irritation towards her son, quickly covered up with a smile.
"See, what a child! I often mention to the palace staff that the Emperor has three princes and only one princess. Our imperial princess is precious and unique. If I have another son, the Second Princess will have many brothers to protect her."
Reluctant to praise Fang Yun's children, Yang Fei had to compliment the Second Princess to avoid Pei Yao's displeasure.
But despite her lighthearted explanation, Pei Yao could guess her true thoughts.
He grew more disgusted.
Despite the Third Prince's weakness, he was still Pei Yao's son and not for concubines and ministers to judge.
Yang Fei's actions revealed her dissatisfaction with the Third Prince, desiring a healthier child not out of love but to further her family's ambitions.
Though displeased, Pei Yao masked his emotions at the banquet, avoiding any display of discord before the ministers.
So Pei Yao just smiled, appearing easy-going.
"Whether princess or prince, it doesn't matter. I love them all. Speaking of which, during the New Year, it's a tradition to give children lucky money. I heard about it this year and have prepared some. Come forward and receive yours."
He signaled to Hong Zheng, who brought a tray with several prepared pouches.
As the children walked up, an interesting scene unfolded.
The First Prince, Second Princess, and Fourth Prince often played together. The First Prince, being the eldest, held his sister and brother's hands as they walked up.
The Third Prince, trailing behind, appeared left out.
Yang Fei's frustration grew as she watched her small son lag behind the other children, feeling he lacked princely demeanor.
But she failed to recognize that while Jin Pin and Fang Yun's lower status didn't stop them from loving their children dearly, ensuring they grew up confident and unafraid, her son wasn't so fortunate.
Some people never consider their own shortcomings, only blaming others for not meeting their standards and expectations.
After distributing the lucky money, the atmosphere relaxed.
Starting with Fang Yun, the remaining consorts offered their toasts to Pei Yao.
After Fang Yun and Jin Pin, Pei Yao declined further drinks. Surprisingly, Wan Liangyuan then offered to perform a dance.
"Knowing my limitations, unable to ease Your Majesty's burdens or assist the Empress, I've taken the time to learn sword dancing. I wish to perform for Your Majesty, praying for our army's unstoppable force, defeating enemies and securing the borders."
With the New Year's Eve banquet lively due to good news from the north, her performance seemed a fitting way to enhance the atmosphere.
So Pei Yao agreed.
Other consorts, however, weren't pleased.
They saw it as an attempt to win favor, especially He Lingyi, who regretted not having the idea to also perform and steal the spotlight from Wan Liangyuan.
Fang Yun remained indifferent.
Winning favor was about using one's abilities.
Wan Liangyuan ignored others' thoughts, quickly changing into suitable attire in the side hall.
Soon, thunderous drums and zither music created an illusion of the cold, windy northern battlefield.
Dressed in white, holding a red plum branch, Wan Liangyuan's half-up hair pinned with a wooden hairpin, the rest flowing freely, highlighted her delicate beauty.
Her exquisite features were accentuated by the simple white dress, drawing all eyes to her face and figure.
Clearly, Wan Liangyuan had practiced long and hard.
She embodied the perfect balance of strength and grace.
Even Fang Yun, not being a man, felt the urge to applaud, let alone the male guests, who were mesmerized.
Pei Yao, sitting at the head, also looked appreciative.
After her dance, applause thundered.
Wan Liangyuan's cheeks flushed, either from the vigorous dance or the shyness of performing for her beloved.
"Your Majesty, with the Empress and Yang Fei pregnant, I heard they shouldn't see weapons. So, I replaced the soft sword with a plum branch, perhaps losing some of the sword's essence. I hope Your Majesty understands."
"Using plum branches instead of swords enhances the feminine beauty. The plum blossoms in winter, matching your white attire perfectly. An excellent dance, you deserve a reward!"
In good spirits, Pei Yao summoned Hong Zheng.
"Announce my decree: Wan Liangyuan is promoted to Lingyi."
Upon hearing this, Wan Liangyuan was overjoyed, hastily kneeling to thank him.
Her joy was others' envy.
As Wan Lingyi returned to her seat, Yang Fei cast her a fleeting glance, while He Lingyi seemed to bore a hole into her with her stare.
But Wan Lingyi, elated, didn't care.
Fang Yun showed no reaction.
To her, this outcome was expected.
Wan Lingyi was young and beautiful, her family influential, and she was intelligent. It was only a matter of time before she rose again.
The Empress, observing everything, lowered her gaze, her expression indifferent.
She soon excused herself, citing fatigue from her pregnancy, and left early.
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
RomantikAuthor: 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...
