The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 371 - Morning Grumpiness

On the eighth day of the lunar new year, snowflakes were drifting down in the morning.

Initially, the Empress hadn't planned for the concubines to come for their morning greetings during the New Year period. However, due to the news of Shangyang's surrender the previous day, she sent out word for all concubines to come today, likely to discuss the victorious events.

Last night, Pei Yao was so elated that he kept Fang Yun up until midnight. This morning, she was groggy and irritated from lack of sleep.

Knowing her temperament, Qingrong and Yanwei were quiet and efficient, ensuring not to aggravate her morning grumpiness.

Though Fang Yun had a good temper, even with morning grumpiness she wouldn't take it out on them. Still, no one wanted to provoke her.

While she was well-served in Yuzhang Palace, outside there were always those who clashed with her.

Being the last to arrive, Fang Yun entered Jiaofang Hall to hear Yang Fei's voice.

"Zhao Fei must indeed be quite delicate. Yuzhang Palace is so close, yet I, pregnant, have arrived before Zhao Fei. Were the bearers afraid to hurry, lest they jostle her too much?"

The sarcastic tone made Fang Yun's eyes cold.

She glanced at Yang Fei indifferently, replying calmly.

"Yang Fei truly understands the meaning of asking questions she already knows the answers to."

Too lazy to argue further, if Yang Fei wanted to say she was delicate, so be it.

Yang Fei, momentarily flustered, retained her composure, smiling slightly.

"It's not that I want to say too much, but the Emperor and Empress always praise your diligence and manners. How is it that after serving the Emperor last night, you're late for the Empress's morning greeting today? One might think it's intentional negligence."

"Tsk."

Fang Yun clicked her tongue, tilting her head to look at Siqi beside Yang Fei.

"You there, what time is it?"

Caught off guard, Siqi glanced at Yang Fei before replying softly.

"It's the third quarter of the hour."

"Qingrong, what time did the Empress set for morning greetings?"

Fang Yun continued quietly.

Qingrong, standing behind her, answered without hesitation.

"It is set for the fourth quarter, Your Highness."

Fang Yun smiled slightly, looking at Yang Fei.

"Everyone hears about 'pregnancy brain' for three years, but I haven't heard of it being effective after just three months. Yang Fei accuses me of being late, yet I am actually early."

Her words were playful, but the undertones were sharp.

Yang Fei's face momentarily changed, clearly displeased.

Realizing she had been too focused on nitpicking and hadn't noticed the time, Yang Fei quickly shifted her tone, touching her abdomen.

"I am only three months pregnant. Zhao Fei, having been through this once, surely understands the hardships of pregnancy. I was so sick this morning that I forgot the time. Why would you, sister, take it so seriously?"

It was clear she was using her pregnancy as an excuse.

But Fang Yun, now provoked, had no intention of letting her off easily.

"Oh, Yang Fei, how interesting." Fang Yun chuckled, leaning on Qingrong's hand, and slowly made her way to her seat. "When you claim I am late, it's not taking things seriously, but when I joke, it suddenly becomes serious? Does the level of seriousness depend on whether one is pregnant?"

Scanning the room, Fang Yun continued, "Learn from Yang Fei, everyone. If you're pregnant, your words are above questioning. It's as if my luck has run out while others can follow Yang Fei's lead and speak as they wish, without challenge."

She didn't need to invoke Pei Yao's authority. Her words alone made Yang Fei's face darken with displeasure.

Amid soft laughter from the others, Yang Fei coldly retorted.

"Zhao Fei's sharp tongue is no surprise. No wonder you could summon the Emperor away with just a few words in the garden yesterday. It seems bearing an heir is less effective than a sharp tongue for gaining favor. Isn't that right, Wan Lingyi?"

Summoned unexpectedly, Wan Lingyi's expression tightened. She disliked being a pawn in their conflict.

While she held contempt for Fang Yun, Wan Lingyi was no fool.

She responded softly, "Zhao Fei, being close to the Emperor, naturally says things he likes. I must learn how to serve the Emperor better."

Unhappy with the response, Yang Fei was about to say more when Fang Yun intervened.

"Yang Fei, you should rest more during your pregnancy. You wouldn't want to tell the Emperor later that we've been exhausting you with conversation."

Fang Yun's words not only shut Yang Fei up but also reminded her not to reverse the narrative later. Everyone knew who started this.

With the time approaching, the Empress entered, supported by her maids, her pregnant belly leading the way.

The Empress's arrival silenced the room. Everyone stood and bowed.

"Please, sit," the Empress said warmly. "Yang Fei, do you have a cushion?"

Tianmo bowed, "Yes, Your Majesty, both cushion and pillow are provided."

Nodding, the Empress addressed the assembly.

"I assume you all know about our army's victory and Shangyang's surrender. This is a time for national celebration. Given that it is still the New Year, I propose we celebrate the Lantern Festival grandly this year."

Jin Pin, delighted, quickly responded, "Absolutely, Your Majesty. After the mourning period for the late Emperor and the wars, it's been a long time since we've had such joy in the palace."

The Empress smiled gently, "Indeed, it is time to celebrate. However, with my pregnancy, I can't oversee the preparations. Zhao Fei, I must rely on you, but I worry it might be too much with your own duties."

Looking at Fang Yun with consideration, the Empress's tone was consultative rather than commanding.

Fang Yun smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I can manage, but I might need help to avoid any mistakes. If Jin Pin and Song Lingyi could assist, it would be most helpful."

The Empress had intended to delegate the task to Fang Yun and found her choice of helpers suitable, so she nodded approvingly.

Jin Pin and Song Lingyi rose to bow, grateful for the opportunity.

For Jin Pin, it was a chance to align herself with Fang Yun, hoping for future advancement, much like Song Lingyi.

But in Yang Fei's eyes, this was Fang Yun consolidating her power, deepening her resentment.