The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 394 - Reluctant to Sleep

"Congratulations, Your Highness. The Emperor truly cares for you," Liuli said with a smile.

Lin Chan, however, remained indifferent. "What care? It's all an act. He genuinely cares for Zhao Fei, though part of it is also an act to protect her."

"Zhao Fei has been favored for many years, said to be highly cherished even before the Emperor ascended the throne. It's not easy to displace her. For now, it's good that the Emperor is kind to you," Liuli said, lifting the blanket and applying the ointment Pei Yao had given to Lin Chan's swollen ankle.

Looking at her severely swollen ankle, Lin Chan said coldly, "Those fools forced me into the palace, expecting me to gain favor and speak for Shangyang in the negotiations. They don't realize that Great Qi's Emperor is much smarter than my brother."

Liuli didn't dare respond, silently applying the ointment.

Lin Chan sighed. "That's enough. You may leave. When they bring Ah Jin, make the arrangements."

"Yes." Liuli nodded but hesitated. "So you really don't plan to sleep with the Emperor soon?"

Lin Chan, already turned away, responded coldly, "I'll consider it after the envoys leave. I don't want to get involved in their matters. If I sleep with him, they'll demand I whisper in his ear."

Liuli nodded and quietly withdrew.

Had Fang Yun heard this, she would have been surprised.

Fang Yun had assumed that Lin Chan sprained her ankle to gain Pei Yao's sympathy, avoid learning the rules and having the Empress's people monitor her, and to sleep with the Emperor sooner.

While the first two guesses were correct, the last one was not.

Currently, Lin Chan had no intention of sleeping with the Emperor.

If she didn't act, she would be troubled by Shangyang's people. Therefore, she feigned injury to avoid sleeping with him.

Being ill, Pei Yao would visit her, making it seem like she had a slight favor, silencing those people.

Contemplating these matters, Lin Chan felt exhausted.

She rubbed her forehead and closed her eyes.

Too tired to eat dinner, she decided to rest.

Listening to the faint sounds from inside, Liuli knew what to do.

She instructed the servants not to prepare dinner.

Meanwhile, in Yuzhang Palace, the atmosphere was different.

Fang Yun was unaffected by the day's events, happily dining with her two children.

The three of them enjoyed their meal.

The Fourth Prince loved fish and shrimp. The kitchen had minced river shrimp into balls and cooked them in clear soup, making a dish he particularly enjoyed.

It was essentially what would later be known as shrimp paste balls in modern times. However, since this term didn't exist yet, Fang Yun referred to them as shrimp balls, following the name used by the small kitchen's chef.

The Fourth Prince, having eaten quite a few, wanted more but was stopped by Fang Yun.

"You've had enough for today, Ji'er. Try some other dishes. This egg custard is very tasty too."

The Fourth Prince looked at the shrimp balls, pouting slightly, seemingly in silent protest.

Seeing this, Fang Yun prepared to persuade him further, but to her surprise, the Fourth Prince obediently turned his gaze away and nodded.

"Okay!"

Fang Yun was a bit surprised at his obedience at such a young age but also very pleased.

Smiling, she served him some egg custard.

"Ji'er is so good. If you like shrimp balls, we can have the kitchen make them again tomorrow. Just don't eat too many at once, okay?"

Praising the child and assuring him there would be more later prevented him from feeling deprived or constantly craving the food.

The Second Princess, seeing this, also handed over her small bowl for some egg custard.

At that moment, Yuanhe entered, whispered to Fang Yun.

"Your Highness, the Emperor has returned to Jingqian Palace."

"Understood." Fang Yun nodded. "And Furong Hall?"

"Nothing unusual, well, except that Yan Pin is bringing a chef from the envoy's residence. She isn't used to palace food and wants the chef to serve her as a maid and occasionally cook her native dishes."

Recalling the information, Yuanhe reported in detail.

Fang Yun showed some interest. "A chef?"

"Yes, Furong Hall has already sent someone to fetch her," Yuanhe confirmed.

"Yan Pin threw a fit over breakfast, so it's not too suspicious. But what kind of chef is worth bringing all the way from Shangyang to Great Qi and now into the palace?"

As she pondered, Fang Yun gently stirred her bowl with a spoon.

Qingrong promptly added, "There must be more to this chef than just cooking. We should keep an eye on her."

"Yes, investigate her when she enters the palace and monitor her closely," Fang Yun instructed quietly.

Then she asked, "How are things at Yanqing Institute today?"

"Jin Fei went to fetch the First Prince for dinner, but nothing from the Third Prince," Yuanhe replied.

Fang Yun, as if expecting this, nodded calmly.

"As expected, with the Emperor's attention on Furong Hall, she wouldn't display her maternal affection now."

No one else spoke, and Fang Yun didn't continue.

After finishing dinner with the children and sending them to bed, she finally sat down.

"Should we keep an eye on Furong Hall?" Yanwei asked, bringing digestion tea.

Fang Yun shook her head. "Just monitor it. She seems to be lying low for now. Stick to our original plan."

This matter couldn't be delayed.

Yanwei reassured her. "Don't worry, everything at Yanqing Institute is ready. We're just waiting for Zhongcui Palace to act."

"What does Physician Zeng say?" Fang Yun asked, looking at Qingrong.

Understanding, Qingrong responded, "Master Zeng said Yang Fei's pregnancy is like a taut string, needing only a trigger to snap and cause rapid complications."

Hearing this, the coldness in Fang Yun's eyes deepened.

The suffering she endured should be repaid doubly to Yang Fei.

The fear, helplessness, and despair of a seemingly healthy child suddenly encountering trouble were feelings Fang Yun still remembered vividly.

The next day.

Morning greetings were without Yang Fei and Yan Pin, making the atmosphere more harmonious.

Only He Lingyi and Wan Lingyi exchanged a few barbs, a common occurrence now.

The Empress, eight months pregnant and increasingly tired, dismissed everyone after a bit of chit-chat.

Leaving Jiaofang Hall, Fang Yun noted the good weather and instructed Qingrong.

"Go to Jingqian Palace and ask His Majesty. If he is free this evening, please invite him to Yuzhang Palace for dinner. The two children miss their father very much."

Qingrong understood her intention, nodded, and quickly went on her way.