The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 398 - Stay Away

In Furong Hall.

Lin Chan sat with her feet up, sipping tea.

She disliked lying in bed.

"Your Highness, why don't you wear these soft-soled shoes? Women should avoid catching a chill. The cold starts from the feet. Though it's spring, it's not warm enough yet," Liuli nagged as she brought in breakfast.

Lin Chan wiggled her still-swollen foot indifferently.

"I'm not afraid of the cold."

She glanced behind Liuli. "Where's Ajin?"

Ajin was the cook-turned-maid Lin Chan had brought into the palace, under the pretext of needing care during her injury.

"She just served your breakfast and needed to change out of her smoky clothes," Liuli explained, setting out the meal.

It was a simple spread: steamed dumplings, pickled radish, and a bowl of bright millet porridge.

Lin Chan began eating, commenting, "She never used to care about such things. Why the change now?"

"We're in Great Qi's palace now. We can't lose our manners and give others a reason to look down on us," Liuli explained softly.

Lin Chan retorted, "What good are those manners without the Emperor's favor?"

Liuli fell silent.

At that moment, Ajin entered and joined the conversation.

"Your Highness, you're wise and beautiful. Once this turmoil passes, you'll shine."

"Let's hope so," Lin Chan replied coolly.

After a sip of porridge, she added, "But I still need to prepare for the worst. As they say, 'Man proposes, God disposes.' Since I'm here, I must live well."

"Don't worry, Your Highness. Everything is ready. Just give the word," Ajin assured, bowing slightly.

Lin Chan finally smiled.

Continuing her meal, she remarked, "It's fortunate I got injured when I did. I heard there was chaos at Zhongcui Palace last night. Yang Fei's pregnancy seems troubled."

"But the physician said the baby is safe with bed rest," Liuli pointed out. "I heard that when Zhao Fei was pregnant with the Fourth Prince, she had a more severe scare but carried to term, and the Fourth Prince is healthy now."

Lin Chan laughed softly, "Between Zhao Fei and Yang Fei, who do you think is stronger?"

"Zhao Fei's background is no secret. Despite her modest origins, she reached her current favored status. Compared to the well-born Yang Fei, Zhao Fei is indeed more capable," Liuli admitted.

"Exactly," Lin Chan said, blowing on her porridge. "I doubt the Empress and Zhao Fei want Yang Fei to have this child."

Ajin asked, "Your Highness, do you think the Empress and Zhao Fei will target Yang Fei's pregnancy? Should we investigate?"

"There's no need," Lin Chan replied firmly, stirring her porridge leisurely, enjoying the show. "Why get involved? Whichever one falls, I'll be pleased."

There was no need to dirty her hands before securing her position, only to lose favor with the Emperor.

The two maids exchanged glances and remained silent.

Morning greetings at Fengxuan Palace felt somber due to yesterday's events with Yang Fei.

The Empress, nearing childbirth, focused on her well-being and avoided unnecessary involvement.

Fang Yun, usually reserved, said little.

Only Jin Fei spoke a few words; the rest, of lower rank, stayed silent.

Everyone dispersed early.

Following Fang Yun, Jin Fei remarked, "The Yang family seems unlucky. When the Third Prince was born, she fell due to a leg cramp, leading to a premature birth. Now, this pregnancy was fine until she hurt her back and endangered the baby."

"Careful with your words," Song Lingyi cautioned. "It's best not to let others hear."

Jin Fei, looking around, dismissed the concern. "Who cares? Only her former maid follows her now. Who's on her side? Besides, I'm just speaking to you."

Feeling confident with her growing son's and her new status, Jin Fei was becoming boastful.

Fang Yun softly advised, "Walls have ears. We should avoid trouble. With her pregnancy in danger, any mishap could lead to severe consequences for us. We might be punished, but what if the Emperor takes it out on the children?"

Jin Fei, struck where it hurt most—her son—immediately quieted down, looking wary.

Back at Yuzhang Palace, Physician Zeng arrived for a check-up.

After examining the Fourth Prince, he waited in the side hall.

Fang Yun summoned him.

After her examination, Physician Zeng said, "Your Highness's health has been improving, though the damage from the Fourth Prince's birth was severe. The medicine helps, but a full recovery is impossible. My goal is to make you comfortable."

"I understand. Your care over the years has been invaluable. Any improvement is welcome. This year, my menstrual pain has lessened," Fang Yun acknowledged.

Physician Zeng nodded, adding softly, "You're still young. With ten years of care, you might be around thirty and could have another child."

Fang Yun gave him a thoughtful look, then smiled gently. "I don't aspire to that. As long as the Fourth Prince is healthy, I'm content."

She sensed a hint of probing in his words, likely to reassure her and prevent her from harboring any dangerous thoughts due to Yang Fei's situation.

Hearing her response, Physician Zeng visibly relaxed and offered, "In three to seven days, we should have clear results."

"There won't be any issues?" Fang Yun asked seriously.

"Rest assured, Your Highness."

Fang Yun smiled, "For now, I'll avoid her altogether."

Clean break, no involvement—everyone had the same mindset.

But even if Fang Yun wanted to get involved, Zhongcui Palace wouldn't allow it.

With Yang Fei's pregnancy endangered, the palace was on high alert, fearing another mishap.

Zhongcui Palace was tightly guarded. Not a single item, food, or person entered without scrutiny. Even a stray fly couldn't get in.

Despite the strict vigilance, Yang Fei was still restless and irritable.

When Siqi stepped out to arrange a meal, a maid changing the flowers made a noise, leading to a severe reprimand and kneeling punishment at the door.

Seeing this upon her return, Siqi sighed deeply.