A princess entering the palace with only the rank of Lingyi?
The guests were surprised by Fang Yun's statement.
Although everyone looked down on Lin Chan's status, she was still a princess of Shangyang, here for a marriage alliance between the two countries.
Even though Shangyang was a defeated nation, with the war ending and peace ahead, maintaining appearances was important.
Typically, a princess would be granted the rank of consort.
The position of Lingyi seemed too low.
Many guests began speculating that Fang Yun, as a favored consort, was intentionally suppressing Lin Chan's status due to jealousy.
Even the Empress glanced at Fang Yun, puzzled.
After all, the Empress had just said the rank shouldn't be too low to avoid slighting the princess.
Despite her doubts, the Empress remained silent.
She believed Fang Yun wasn't someone who would act selfishly and disregard propriety for personal gain, indicating there must be another reason.
While some, like the Empress, trusted Fang Yun's character, others lacked that trust and were eager to see her make a mistake, leading to quick reactions to her statement.
Hearing this, Yang Fei immediately spoke up.
"Zhao Fei, your words are inappropriate. The Fifteenth Princess has traveled a long way and holds a special status. The rank of Lingyi is too low. You shouldn't let personal feelings affect your judgment."
Her words seemed like a reminder from a superior but were actually an attempt to label Fang Yun as a spoiled favorite.
However, Fang Yun's role was that of a willful and favored consort, so she wouldn't tolerate such remarks.
She scoffed, her beautiful eyes glancing at Yang Fei disdainfully.
"If Yang Fei is so concerned for the princess, why not have her move into the side hall of Zhongcui Palace? With her special status, only Yang Fei's personal care would suffice."
"You!"
Yang Fei, not expecting such a sharp retort, glared angrily.
But Fang Yun didn't give her a chance to speak further, cutting her off smoothly.
"What do you mean, 'you'? If Yang Fei wants to be on equal footing with the Fifteenth Princess to show respect, I won't stop you. But remember, the mourning banners for the Duke of Qin's household haven't been taken down yet!"
This silenced Yang Fei.
Indeed, even though Shangyang had sent envoys to surrender, they had initiated the war, and the conflict had only recently ended. Thousands of souls had yet to rest in peace.
The Empress's earlier words were distant and formal, clearly just for show.
But Yang Fei, in her attempt to discredit Fang Yun, had spoken in favor of the Shangyang princess, making herself look foolish and sycophantic.
Regaining her composure, Yang Fei adjusted her tone.
"Zhao Fei, you misunderstand. I was merely considering our great nation's reputation as a land of propriety. Since the two countries have ceased hostilities and seek peace, we should let bygones be bygones."
This helped her save some face.
While those with loyalty preferred Fang Yun's stance, Yang Fei's diplomatic approach couldn't be entirely dismissed.
Though the guests' expressions returned to normal, they understood Yang Fei was trying to recover.
Fang Yun glanced at her, scoffing, and said no more.
Lin Chan, observing all this, bowed again.
"Your Majesty, esteemed consorts, I admire Your Majesty and do not care about titles."
"That won't do," the Empress said, maintaining her dignified demeanor. "In Great Qi, there are rules for taking wives and concubines. Without a proper title, it wouldn't be appropriate."
She then looked at Pei Yao, "Your Majesty, please decide."
The Empress's intervention redirected the conversation, preventing further conflict between Yang Fei and Fang Yun.
Pei Yao nodded and glanced at Fang Yun, who played along, looking displeased and lowering her gaze.
Then, Pei Yao announced.
"Let her be a Consort. She will be conferred the title of Yan Pin and granted residence in the Furong Hall."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Lin Chan immediately adapted, following Great Qi's court etiquette, and bowed to express her gratitude.
The guests offered polite congratulations to the Emperor and Yan Pin.
Once this matter was settled, Fang Yun spoke again.
"Your Majesty, Empress, currently, besides Yan Pin, there is only Jin Pin among the consorts. Jin Pin has served Your Majesty longer than I have and has given birth to the First Prince. With her seniority and contributions, isn't it unfair for her to hold the same rank as Yan Pin?"
Jin Pin's heart leaped with excitement, her eyes shining.
But she wisely stood and said, "Thank you, Zhao Fei, for your consideration. Serving His Majesty and bearing children is already a great honor. I dare not ask for more."
As she spoke, Fang Yun exchanged a glance with the Empress.
The Empress then said softly, "Your Majesty, I agree with Zhao Fei. Jin Pin's rank should indeed be elevated."
Pei Yao nodded in agreement.
"Very well, as the Empress and Zhao Fei suggest, Jin Pin will be promoted to Jin Fei."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, Empress, and Zhao Fei!"
Jin Fei, overwhelmed with joy, bowed deeply.
This promotion overshadowed Yan Pin's new title.
After the banquet, Yan Pin stayed in the palace.
Though she expected Pei Yao to visit her, he escorted the pregnant Empress back to Fengxuan Palace and then went to Yuzhang Palace.
In Furong Hall, Lin Chan's maid Liuli brought the news.
"Princess, the Emperor didn't come. Could it be..."
"There's plenty of time ahead. Why rush?" Lin Chan interrupted, casually examining her freshly painted nails. "Mother said a woman has countless ways to bring a man to her bed. Let Zhao Fei enjoy her favor for now."
"Yes," Liuli replied, lowering her gaze.
Meanwhile, in Yuzhang Palace, Pei Yao arrived as Fang Yun finished her bath.
Wearing a loose, plain nightgown, she reclined on a chaise lounge, eyes half-closed, as Qingrong and Yanwei dried her hair.
Hearing the door, she lazily opened her eyes, saw Pei Yao, and huffed, turning her back to him like a lazy, spoiled cat.
Pei Yao smiled, signaling Qingrong and Yanwei to leave.
The two maids quietly exited, closing the door behind them, leaving the room to the couple.
At this moment, Pei Yao leisurely walked to the chaise lounge and sat down, gently grasping Fang Yun's delicate ankle, holding her slender, fair foot in his hand.
Fang Yun still didn't turn around and even struggled a bit.
Seeing that he wouldn't let go, she finally looked at him with a hint of annoyance in her beautiful eyes.
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
Roman d'amourAuthor: 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...
