The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 383 - Some Things Need to Be Settled

Zhongcui Palace

"Physician, what is wrong with my belly? I still feel a vague discomfort, can't sleep well at night, have a stuffy chest, and feel irritable. Isn't it said that these symptoms occur in the first three months of pregnancy, when the fetus isn't stable yet? Why am I still feeling like this at over four months?" Yang Fei asked irritably, leaning on the chaise lounge.

Physician Wu, standing nearby, frowned.

"Your Highness, you hadn't been feeling so uncomfortable recently. Did these symptoms reappear after the Third Prince fell into the water and got sick?"

"Yes, after the Third Prince got sick, Her Highness was worried day and night. The Third Prince often wakes up crying from nightmares, and now that he's moved to the eastern warm chamber in the main hall, he keeps waking Her Highness," Siqi answered quickly.

Hearing this, Physician Wu spoke solemnly.

"For a pregnant woman, rest isn't just about physical relaxation; it's also about mental calm. Sometimes, peace of mind is more beneficial than sitting and resting for hours. Your Highness has been worrying about the Third Prince day and night, unable to sleep well. Such physical and mental exhaustion can harm both body and pregnancy."

"But the child has only just started to recover. I can't just ignore him," Yang Fei said.

Yang Fei appeared irritable, showing clear signs of impatience.

Her concerns weren't truly about the Third Prince but rather about maintaining appearances for Pei Yao and the other members of the harem. She had no choice but to care for the sick child to uphold her image.

"Perhaps I should check the Third Prince and prescribe something for his nightmares. If he sleeps better, Your Highness can rest more comfortably," Physician Wu suggested.

His words sparked an idea in Yang Fei.

Her eyes gleamed as she casually asked, "I remember the first night after the Third Prince fell into the water; he cried a lot. You prescribed a calming tonic that night, and he didn't cry. If it works, why not prescribe more?"

Physician Wu hesitated before speaking.

"Your Highness, the Third Prince is still young. Calming medication should only be given in special circumstances. That night, he had a high fever and was extremely frightened, needing a good sleep. If he continues to take it..."

"Would taking it for seven or eight days be harmful?" Yang Fei interrupted, dismissing his earlier caution.

Physician Wu paused and then shook his head.

"Long-term use isn't advisable, but for seven or eight days, it should be fine."

Satisfied with this answer, Yang Fei instructed, "Then prescribe it for him. In seven or eight days, his illness should be fully recovered, and he can move out of the east warm chamber and back to his own room."

Seeing her weary and irritated expression, Physician Wu swallowed his objections.

His primary duty was to ensure Yang Fei's pregnancy, not to care for the Third Prince.

After preparing the prescription, Physician Wu left Zhongcui Palace, feeling uneasy.

He had sensed something off about Yang Fei's pregnancy from the start. Her pulse indicated a weakened vitality, likely due to physical exhaustion.

Despite stabilizing after three months, recent signs suggested renewed weakness.

Unable to identify a clear cause, he suspected mental and physical stress as the primary issue. But approaching five months, the pregnancy still seemed unstable, worrying him.

Determined to monitor the situation closely, he planned to discuss it with Yang Fei if her condition didn't improve.

Meanwhile, back in Zhongcui Palace, Yang Fei also worried about her unborn child.

Leaning on Siqi's hand, she lay down, grumbling, "Those useless servants couldn't watch the child properly. If the Third Prince hadn't fallen into the water, I wouldn't be so stressed. And that child cries like a girl, disturbing my sleep every night!"

"Calm down, Your Highness," Siqi soothed, adjusting the pillows. "You need to focus on resting for the baby. I'll instruct the wet nurses to comfort the Third Prince, and Physician Wu's medicine will help."

Sighing, Yang Fei resigned, "I can't handle much more."

She then instructed Siqi, "Keep an eye out. If my brother sends a message, tell me immediately."

"Of course, Your Highness," Siqi nodded.

With those instructions, Yang Fei closed her eyes to rest.

Meanwhile, Fang Yun, having changed, carried a food box to Jingqian Palace to follow up on Pei Yao's earlier suggestion.

Arriving at Jingqian Palace, she was informed that two officials were speaking with the Emperor, so she waited outside.

After a short while, the Empress's father, Chancellor Lu, and King Dun emerged.

Exchanging greetings, Fang Yun was then escorted in by Hong Zheng.

"Your Majesty."

"You're here," Pei Yao waved her over. "Come, sit."

Nodding, Fang Yun dismissed Qingrong and approached with the food box.

"Your Majesty drank a lot last night. I had the kitchen prepare a stomach-soothing soup for you," she said.

"You're always so considerate. I've been talking with Chancellor Lu and King Dun for a while and feel quite thirsty," Pei Yao replied cheerfully, opening the food box himself.

Fang Yun placed the porcelain soup bowl in front of him.

As the lid was lifted, a fragrant aroma filled the air.

"Here, try this first," Pei Yao said, offering her a spoonful.

Smiling, Fang Yun took a sip. "Perfectly cooked, fresh, and light. Please enjoy it."

Nodding, Pei Yao began drinking the soup slowly.

Fang Yun then spoke up, "Your Majesty, did you know Zhongcui Palace called for a physician this morning? Yang Fei isn't feeling well and even missed her morning greeting to the Empress. I'm quite worried."

"I heard from Hong Zheng. I planned to check after my meeting with Chancellor Lu and King Dun, but you came first. Is it serious?" Pei Yao asked, setting down his spoon.

Fang Yun shook her head, "I haven't checked either. Yang Fei prefers solitude when resting, so I didn't want to disturb her. But as I manage the harem, I worry it might be due to something I've overlooked."

"Of course not," Pei Yao replied without hesitation. "You've always been meticulous and reliable. Everything in her palace is as refined as the Empress's, with a separate kitchen for her meals. How could this be related to you?"

Pausing briefly, Pei Yao then instructed Hong Zheng, "Go fetch the physician who examined Yang Fei. I want to know the details of her condition."