The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 392 - Truly Ruthless

The Great Qi royal family has numerous rules and rituals. New concubines often spent one to two months learning these customs before entering the palace.

The etiquette and deportment seem simple but are time-consuming and complex to master.

The Empress sent someone to teach Lin Chan these rules properly. How well she learned was determined by the Empress.

The learning period would certainly outlast her recovery time.

So, Lin Chan's injury made her appear as a pitiful victim, easy to sympathize with, while also allowing her to avoid learning the rules.

By delaying, the Empress would have little interest in revisiting this matter later.

Everyone present understood now, clicking their tongues.

Qingrong pursed her lips. "Your Highness, Yan Pin is ruthless with herself. She likely isn't a benign figure."

Anyone who harms themselves so readily will be even harsher with others.

Fang Yun lowered her gaze. "A princess raised in the royal family, with such a heritage, must be ruthless to survive."

"Any word from His Majesty?" Fang Yun asked.

Yuanhe, standing by the door, responded, "His Majesty is currently discussing matters with the Shangyang envoys and ministers. Yan Pin's situation hasn't reached him yet."

Hearing this, Fang Yun adjusted her hair with a smirk.

"In that case, this matter won't reach its climax anytime soon. Bring the account books. I'll finish reviewing them before having lunch at Jin Fei's."

Seeing Fang Yun's composed demeanor, everyone felt at ease and got to work.

Fang Yun had other plans today, unexpectedly disrupted by Lin Chan's stunt.

But it's good to deal with this nuisance first and leave other matters for later.

In Furong Hall, after Physician Zeng left, Liuli tenderly uncovered the blanket to examine Lin Chan's foot.

"Why do this to yourself, Princess? The more you sprain it, the more likely it will recur. What if you can't dance anymore?"

"If I can't dance, so be it," Lin Chan replied coldly. "My mother won favor with a dance, but after my birth, no matter how well she danced, my father never looked at her again. Now he's gone, and the new ruler arranged her burial with him. I wish she hadn't danced before him, so I wouldn't have suffered with her."

Liuli bit her lip, unsure how to comfort her. "Princess..."

She knew Lin Chan's words didn't reflect her true feelings about her mother in Shangyang.

After all, Lin Chen threatened Lin Chan that if she didn't come to the capital and enter Pei Yao's harem, her mother would be buried with the late emperor.

"Remember to address me as Yan Pin," Lin Chan interrupted, then scoffed. "Yan Pin—fake consort. Even my title is laughable. Great Qi's Emperor doesn't see me as a legitimate princess, given my mixed heritage."

-----

As expected, Pei Yao, after discussing matters with his ministers until noon, was informed of Lin Chan's injury by Fuxi during the lunch break.

"Injured?" Pei Yao frowned.

Fuxi nodded, "Zhao Fei sent her back and summoned Physician Zeng, who confirmed a severe sprain requiring ten to fifteen days' recovery."

This reassured Pei Yao of the injury's authenticity.

"Should I visit her?" Fuxi asked.

Pei Yao pondered, "After finishing here."

Fuxi nodded and left.

Shortly after, Lin Rongheng inquired.

"Does Your Majesty have urgent matters to attend to? If so, we can wait."

"It's a matter of the harem," Pei Yao explained, "Yan Pin sprained her ankle. After this, I'll visit her."

Lin Rongheng, feigning concern for his niece, asked many questions and offered to send medicine from the envoy's residence.

Pei Yao, patient due to the smooth negotiations, played along.

As evening approached, Pei Yao changed and headed to Furong Hall.

Meanwhile, in Yuzhang Palace, Fang Yun played with her two children.

Yuanhe entered, announcing, "Your Highness, the Emperor went to Furong Hall. Will you go?"

"No," Fang Yun replied without looking up. "Going now seems like rushing to explain. It's unnecessary; the Emperor understands."

"But, Your Highness, what if he believes Yan Pin's story?" Yanwei worried. "She seems good at playing the victim."

"Her injury will take time to heal. The Emperor is bound to visit her more than once. I can't stop him every time, so it's better to adapt and respond to each situation as it comes."

Fang Yun handed a wooden rabbit to the Fourth Prince, smiling as she spoke to the children.

"How about having shrimp balls for dinner?"

"Yes!" The Fourth Prince cheerfully took the toy.

The Second Princess, playing with a fox figurine, turned and said, "Mother, I want Aunt Yan to make sesame cakes!"

"You'll have it all," Fang Yun said warmly, her eyes focused on her children.

Yanwei, also smiling, added, "I'll make them for you, Princess."

After Yanwei left, Qingrong leaned in close to Fang Yun and whispered.

"Your Highness, will the Emperor really not believe Yan Pin's side of the story?"

Yan Pin is beautiful and willing to use her charms, which worries Qingrong.

"Men do love novelty," she murmured.

Fang Yun lowered her gaze, "I want to know too."

This remark seemed directed at both Qingrong and herself.

Would Pei Yao be swayed by beauty? Fang Yun wondered.

After all, Lin Chan's exotic beauty was a novelty compared to Great Qi women.

Even though Pei Yao showed no interest at the banquet, things could be different in private.

However, Fang Yun quickly put these thoughts aside and resumed playing with the children.

As always, she would respond to each challenge as it came.

Meanwhile, Pei Yao's sedan chair had arrived outside Furong Hall.