The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 384 - Moving to the Yanqing Institute

Hong Zheng nodded and left immediately.

Soon after, Physician Wu arrived at Jingqian Palace and explained the reason for Yang Fei's discomfort.

As Fang Yun suspected, the blame was placed on the Third Prince.

Yang Fei had always been displeased with the Third Prince. Fang Yun, experienced in raising children, understood that sick children often cry due to discomfort.

Now that the Third Prince had moved to the east warm chamber, next to Yang Fei, his crying must have disturbed her rest. Her unsettled mind and physical discomfort were understandable.

After hearing Physician Wu's explanation, Pei Yao remained silent before dismissing him.

He was concerned for both the Third Prince and Yang Fei's unborn child.

Moving the Third Prince out seemed like the best solution, allowing Yang Fei to rest peacefully.

Observing Pei Yao's expression, Fang Yun sensed the timing was right and suggested, "Didn't Your Majesty consider moving the Third Prince to the Yanqing Institute to live with the First Prince? Now seems like a good time. The institute's courtyards are equipped with heated floors, perfect for the Third Prince, who is sensitive to cold. Plus, it's almost March, and the weather is warming up. This move would allow Yang Fei to relax and focus on her pregnancy."

Pei Yao's brows furrowed but then relaxed.

"Very well. Moving the Third Prince now seems best."

Satisfied, Fang Yun gently added, "But still, Your Majesty should visit Yang Fei. The Third Prince has only recently improved."

"I'll finish this soup and then visit them," Pei Yao nodded.

Moments later, they left Jingqian Palace together.

Fang Yun, uninterested in visiting Zhongcui Palace, returned to Yuzhang Palace.

On the way, Qingrong asked, "Your Highness, why did you suggest moving the Third Prince? Isn't this what Yang Fei wants?"

"For now, it suits her. But if she loses this pregnancy, having only the Third Prince will bring her regret," Fang Yun smiled.

Qingrong's eyes brightened with understanding, and she smiled silently.

In Zhongcui Palace, Yang Fei was pleased to hear Pei Yao suggest moving the Third Prince to the Yanqing Institute.

She wanted peace to focus on her pregnancy. Sending the Third Prince away reduced her worries and disturbances.

However, in front of Pei Yao, she feigned concern and reluctance, saying, "The Third Prince is still young. I'm worried he'll cry if he's moved away from me."

"He'll have his wet nurses with him. It should be fine," Pei Yao replied calmly, glancing at Yang Fei.

"Besides, with your pregnancy and unstable condition, I've consulted the physicians. It's best for both of you. Boys should be strong. At three, he should start his studies and become independent. The Yanqing Institute isn't far. You can visit or bring him back anytime."

Yang Fei hesitated but then nodded, "I'll follow Your Majesty's decision."

Pei Yao's eyes briefly showed coldness before he looked away.

"Where's An'er? Bring him to me," he ordered.

Siqi immediately fetched the Third Prince from the east warm chamber.

After his illness, the Third Prince was listless, pale, and his lips colorless. His eyes were red from frequent crying.

He lay still in his wet nurse's arms, looking like a sick kitten.

He appeared much weaker than the Fourth Prince.

Pei Yao couldn't help but feel resentful.

He patted the Third Prince's head and instructed Hong Zheng, "The Third Prince will move to the Yanqing Institute. Since Physician Wu is attending to Yang Fei, assign another physician to the Third Prince."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Hong Zheng bowed.

Yang Fei, focused on her pregnancy, assumed Pei Yao's actions stemmed from concern for her and felt pleased.

Smiling, she thanked Pei Yao, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Pei Yao, without further words, sat for a while before leaving.

After seeing Yang Fei, he headed to see the Empress, who was also pregnant, at Fengxuan Palace.

Compared to Zhongcui Palace, Fengxuan Palace had a much lighter atmosphere.

When Pei Yao arrived, the maids were amusing the Empress with a parrot.

Seeing Pei Yao, they quickly bowed.

"You're heavily pregnant; no need for formalities," Pei Yao said, helping the Empress.

Her healthy appearance eased the frustration he felt from Yang Fei.

Glancing at her belly, he asked, "How's the baby lately?"

"The movements are more noticeable now but not troublesome. The physicians say the baby is healthy," the Empress replied with a gentle smile.

The Empress's face radiated warmth as she spoke of her unborn child.

Seeing her gentle demeanor, Pei Yao recalled the genuine affection Fang Yun showed the Second Princess and the Fourth Prince, contrasting starkly with Yang Fei's forced display of maternal care earlier.

"Why have you come today, Your Majesty? I thought the envoys from Shangyang would be arriving in a few days. Aren't you supposed to be discussing state affairs with the ministers?" the Empress asked.

Pei Yao nodded, "Today, your father and King Dun came to see me."

He then added, "I heard Yang Fei wasn't feeling well and went to see her. I decided to move the Third Prince to the Yanqing Institute to avoid disturbing her."

"But the Third Prince is only three," the Empress said, surprised.

Pei Yao replied, "Yang Fei needs to focus on her pregnancy and can't take care of him. Moving him out benefits both."

Detecting his displeasure, the Empress guessed some of the underlying issues and didn't press further.

She smiled, "Your Majesty has thought this through."

Pei Yao stayed for lunch before leaving.

By afternoon, the news of the Third Prince moving to the Yanqing Institute had spread.

The official reason was to support Yang Fei's health.

Hearing this, the Empress smiled, "When Zhao Fei was pregnant, the Second Princess wasn't sent away. Even after the incident, she stayed with me temporarily. All the same, both were expecting royal offspring. Does the Yang family's child deserve special treatment?"

"Do you think His Majesty doesn't want Yang Fei to raise the Third Prince, so he used this opportunity to move him out of Zhongcui Palace?" Tianmo asked, surprised.

The Empress lowered her gaze, "Watch and see. Once the Third Prince leaves Zhongcui Palace, returning won't be easy."

At Yuzhang Palace, Fang Yun accepted a copper pair of shears from Yanwei, skillfully trimming the overgrown branches of a potted plant with a faint smile.