The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 372 - Opportunities Are for Those Who Are Prepared

Despite everyone's various thoughts, the Lantern Festival banquet on the fifteenth of the first lunar month went off smoothly.

Traditionally, the Lantern Festival was a family banquet without outside officials.

But this year was special. With Great Qi's victory, officials and their families were invited to the palace, making it lively.

The Empress, now six months pregnant, was particularly cautious, especially since her previous pregnancy ended in tragedy at six months. She focused on resting and avoiding unnecessary matters.

Yang Fei, in the early stages of her pregnancy, initially continued her scheming. However, as her pregnancy reached three months, she became quieter.

Although she never mentioned it, Fang Yun knew her pregnancy was unstable.

Conceived with medication, early on, it showed no issues, but as time progressed, complications arose.

Based on Physician Zeng's description, Yang Fei likely felt increasingly fatigued and weary each day.

Of course, pregnant women often feel sleepy and sluggish, which is normal. Besides, it wouldn't show up in the pulse.

Without Yang Fei's constant scheming, things were certainly more peaceful. However, with the Empress resting, Fang Yun's role as co-manager of the six palaces became akin to a full-time job, leaving her exhausted.

Most of the tasks could be delegated to Jin Pin or Song Lingyi, but hosting the banquet couldn't.

By the end of the banquet, Fang Yun's face was sore from smiling.

Meanwhile, the Empress and Yang Fei had retired early.

Fang Yun couldn't help but think that having a baby bump could be quite convenient at times.

Feeling stifled from sitting in the hall for so long, Fang Yun stepped outside for some air.

In the corridor, she unexpectedly encountered the two young mistresses of the Duke Qin's Mansion, Lady Wen and Lady Zheng.

Seeing Fang Yun, they hurriedly bowed.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

"Please rise," Fang Yun quickly said, gently helping each of them up. "I didn't see the Duchess at the banquet today and was worried. I haven't had a chance to speak with you until now. How is she?"

Those outside only knew of Zhao Fei as the favored concubine who had eradicated her family to gain favor, perceiving her as a ruthless beauty. But today, they saw a gentle and dignified woman.

Lady Wen, the eldest daughter-in-law, replied, "Thank you for your concern. We are in mourning and generally should not attend banquets, but His Majesty was considerate and allowed us to come. However, my mother-in-law is too grief-stricken and bedridden to attend."

"With the passing of the Duke and the eldest son, His Majesty has been deeply saddened for many days. I can only imagine the Duchess's pain. You both look weary, which is concerning. Thankfully, the army's victory must have brought some comfort," Fang Yun spoke with sincere respect and comfort.

Thinking of her late husband, Lady Wen couldn't help but shed tears, quickly wiping them away.

"My apologies for my rudeness, Your Highness," she said.

Lady Zheng, her eyes also red, handed a handkerchief to her sister-in-law and bowed to Fang Yun.

"Please forgive her, Your Highness. My sister-in-law rarely saw her husband, and now they are forever separated. With two young children to care for and my mother-in-law ill, she's truly exhausted."

"I wouldn't blame you," Fang Yun said, waving her hand. "It is my failure not to have visited to pay my respects."

She then turned to Qingrong, instructing, "Fetch the scriptures I copied and have them brought to the two ladies to take back. Burn them in front of the generals' spirits as a token of my respect. Also, prepare some fine medicinal herbs from the storeroom as a gift."

"Your Highness is too kind; we couldn't possibly..." the two ladies began to refuse, but Fang Yun gently stopped them.

"Please, accept them. The scriptures were copied for the departed souls, and I trouble you to take them."

Hearing this, Lady Wen and Lady Zheng didn't insist further.

Fang Yun wasn't lying about the scriptures; she had prepared them for the Duke's mansion, intending to send them when the coffins arrived in the capital in two days.

The Duke and his eldest son's coffins were being transported from the northern border, receiving spontaneous tributes from the people along the way.

Preparedness always meets opportunity.

That night, Lady Wen and Lady Zheng reported the encounter to the Duchess, who was deeply touched.

Reading the handwritten scriptures, she sighed, "Even if Zhao Fei did this to win our favor, she clearly put effort into it. Each word carefully written shows sincerity."

"So, Mother, should we..." Lady Zheng asked.

Lady Wen, widowed with young children, couldn't inherit the title. Her husband survived but lost an arm and his health, leaving him unlikely to inherit either.

The title would likely go to the third son, Huo Mingxuan.

Previously, harmony was maintained because the Duke balanced everything. Now, with changes, Lady Wen and Lady Zheng, feeling their weakened positions due to their husbands' conditions, diligently tried to please the Duchess.

Seeing through her daughters-in-law's carefulness, the Duchess said, "Since you've come to discuss this, you must believe Zhao Fei is worth befriending. I'm ill, and the second son is also unwell. The house depends on you. The third son is young and can't manage everything. Make your decisions."

Exchanging glances, the two ladies bowed and left to discuss, eventually sending a thank-you gift to Fang Yun on behalf of the Duke's Mansion.

The gift wasn't as important as the gesture, showing willingness to build a relationship.

But the ladies didn't know that the Duchess had her own plans.

To protect her second son, she had once collaborated with Fang Yun, never imagining that fate would bind her third son with Fang Yun's sworn brother.

Fang Yun might not know yet, but the Duchess was aware that her only capable son, Huo Mingxuan, had become life-and-death comrades with Fang Yun's brother, Liu Qin.

When the army returns to the capital, everyone will know.

At that point, Duke Qin's Mansion and Zhao Fei will undoubtedly be linked.

So, instead of waiting until then to make amends with Zhao Fei, which would seem forced, it's better to accept Zhao Fei's goodwill now.

During their interactions, Duchess Qin observed that Fang Yun is a calculated and capable person.

Befriending her should be beneficial.