The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 391 - Yan Pin Gets Hurt

"Zhao Fei."

Lin Chan smiled and bowed.

Fang Yun, sitting in her sedan chair, looked down at her with slightly narrowed eyes and a calm voice.

"What is it, Yan Pin?"

"Does Zhao Fei dislike me?"

Meeting Fang Yun's gaze, Lin Chan's eyes showed a hurt expression, like an innocent deer.

But Fang Yun wouldn't be deceived by her act and simply chuckled.

"You dislike me just as much. Your words to the Empress today were indeed eloquent."

With this subtle jab, Lin Chan smiled, her red lips curling.

"I was just curious about how Great Qi's Empress and favored consort get along. But seeing Zhao Fei and the Empress so harmonious disappoints me."

"The Empress, as the central figure of the harem and mother of the nation, is always respected by me. Naturally, we are harmonious."

"Since Your Highness upholds the principles of a good wife, you must know that jealousy is a great flaw in a woman. Your dislike for me, after my entry into the palace, would surely be a grave mistake."

Seizing upon Fang Yun's words, Lin Chan quickly labeled her as jealous.

Her eyes, filled with laughter, resembled intoxicating poisoned wine.

Fang Yun met her gaze steadily, her posture relaxed and confident, arm draped over the chair's armrest, her body leaning slightly, exuding an air of ease and nobility.

Her demeanor suggested a casual tea-time chat with a friend rather than a verbal spar.

"Jealous? Yan Pin, do you think I am jealous of you? For your looks or your status?"

Without waiting for a reply, Fang Yun scoffed.

"Shangyang was defeated. You are merely a gift from its king to appease us. In Shangyang, you are a princess. Here in Great Qi, your highest rank is a consort. Why should I be jealous of someone with a lower status?"

"Moreover, in the harem, beauty is the least notable advantage. Look around; every woman here is beautiful. If you have no further business, return and learn the rules. I have accounts to review and no time for idle chatter."

With that, Fang Yun instructed her bearers to move on.

But suddenly, Lin Chan rushed toward Fang Yun's sedan chair, seemingly intent on toppling the eunuchs carrying it, causing Fang Yun to fall.

Yanwei, seeing this, cried out in alarm and moved to stop her.

Unexpectedly, as soon as Lin Chan touched her, she dramatically fell backward as if heavily pushed.

"Your Highness, be careful!" Liuli screamed, rushing to help.

But Lin Chan fell too quickly, landing on the ground with a painful gasp.

Yanwei, watching Lin Chan fall, was stunned.

Looking at her hand, then at Fang Yun, her eyes were filled with shock.

Seeing Yanwei's expression, Fang Yun's heart sank.

"Lower the sedan!"

"Be careful, Your Highness," Qingrong hurriedly supported Fang Yun's hand.

They shielded the bewildered Yanwei behind them.

Liuli began to wail, "Your Highness, what's wrong? Don't scare me! Where are you hurt?"

Lin Chan, supported by Liuli, sat on the ground, unable to stand, her face contorted with pain.

Fang Yun frowned, "Someone, help Yan Pin back to Furong Hall and summon Physician Zeng."

Two eunuchs came forward to assist, but Liuli, like a protective mother hen, spread her arms to guard Lin Chan, glaring at Fang Yun.

"Does Zhao Fei intend to harm my mistress again? Yan Pin merely wanted to speak more, but your maid pushed her, causing her to fall!"

"I didn't push her!" Yanwei, impatient, moved to argue.

Qingrong stopped her and addressed Liuli sternly, "Yan Pin suddenly approached the sedan. If she tripped the bearers, injuring Zhao Fei, could Yan Pin bear the responsibility? Yanwei acted out of duty to protect Zhao Fei. As for whether there was pushing, Yan Pin knows. Arguing now is pointless. If you care for Yan Pin, take her back and call the physician. Zhao Fei will report to His and Her Majesty."

Fang Yun and Qingrong, knowing Yanwei was innocent, refused to fall into the trap.

Calmly, they avoided a heated dispute.

Liuli, taken aback by their calmness, glanced at Lin Chan.

Lin Chan, still in apparent pain, told Liuli, "My foot hurts terribly. Let's return. Zhao Fei's maid probably didn't push on purpose."

Fang Yun gave Lin Chan a knowing look and left.

Once out of earshot, Yanwei fumed, "She's a cunning fox! I barely touched her. She fell on her own!"

"Enough. Doesn't Zhao Fei know?" Qingrong soothed. "She likely wants the Emperor to sympathize and punish Zhao Fei for suppressing her."

Shaking her head, Fang Yun added, "There might be more to it."

"What else?" The maids asked eagerly.

"You'll know soon enough," Fang Yun smiled.

Sure enough, the incident quickly spread in the palace.

Rumors painted Fang Yun as arrogant, disliking Yan Pin, and her maid as reckless, causing Yan Pin's injury.

"She really got hurt?" Yanwei asked in disbelief, hearing Physician Zeng.

"Indeed. Not a light injury either. It'll take ten to fifteen days to heal. It seems Yan Pin had an old injury, which made it easier to sprain," Physician Zeng confirmed.

Fang Yun's eyes grew cold. "She truly doesn't hold back on herself."

If Yanwei didn't push her, Lin Chan must have sprained herself.

"What did the Empress say?" Fang Yun asked.

Physician Zeng bowed and replied, "The Empress instructed Yan Pin to rest and recover from her injury first. The rule-learning can be postponed until she is well."

Hearing this, Fang Yun's expression showed understanding.

"As expected, she wanted to use me to avoid this situation."