A Concubine’s Competitive Life in the Prince’s Household

Shen Wei was already sleepy, and now she took the opportunity to nap. Before long, she actually fell asleep.

Shen Wei had a pleasant dream.

She dreamt that her company successfully went public, and her personal fortune was growing by the day. She happily lounged amidst her wealth, planning to book a few handsome male models at the nightclub for a game of "The King Catches Me."

But just as she stepped out, she was hit by a car.

Shen Wei was startled awake.

Opening her eyes, she saw apricot-colored bed curtains, and the air carried a faint medicinal smell. The sky outside was dark, and Prince Yan was sitting by her bedside.

Shen Wei's consciousness returned, and she immediately began her performance. She nervously sat up, fearfully grabbing Prince Yan's hand: "My lord, the assassins... Are you unharmed?"

Prince Yan held her hand and comforted her: "I am fine."

Shen Wei felt a sharp pain in her arm as she noticed the white bandage on her left arm.

Prince Yan urged Shen Wei to lie back down and covered her with the blanket: "All the assassins have been executed. Rest well, Wei Wei, and do not overthink."

Shen Wei obediently nodded: "As long as my lord is safe, I am at ease."

Prince Yan was deeply moved.

He intended to stay overnight to accompany Shen Wei, but the eunuch Fu Gui hurried in to report that the Crown Prince needed to consult with him.

Business couldn't be delayed, so Prince Yan, with a heavy heart, left Fangfei Courtyard. Before departing, he repeatedly instructed the staff to take good care of Shen Wei.

No sooner had Prince Yan left than Cai Lian and Cai Ping entered the room with medicine. Cai Lian's tears instantly welled up as she spoke with lingering fear: "My lady, you scared the life out of us."

At the Spring Banquet, witnessing Shen Wei rush to save Prince Yan, Cai Lian had been terrified out of her wits.

Fortunately, Heaven was kind, and Shen Wei was safe and sound.

Cai Ping helped Shen Wei sit up, and she took the medicine bowl, gulping down the bitter herbal concoction.

After finishing her medicine, Shen Wei quickly started organizing her tasks: "The mugwort outside must be planted within three days. The lotus leaves in the pond are prone to rot, so have Jixiang and Deshun check them five times daily. Also, change the curtains to a light green."

Cai Lian and Cai Ping: ...

As expected of their mistress, even in such a situation, she doesn't forget her work!

Shen Wei set down the medicine bowl, her lips curling into a smile. She knew that after this incident, her standing in Prince Yan's heart would rise once more.

She, Shen Wei, was no longer an insignificant concubine. By saving Prince Yan, she had also become his benefactor.

Today, she had inadvertently pulled the Zhao Yang Princess to safety, earning her a debt of gratitude.

After calculating it all, Shen Wei felt that her minor injury was well worth it! She had gained more favor from Prince Yan and established a connection with the Zhao Yang Princess.

Shen Wei put on her robe and got out of bed. Cai Lian was startled: "My lady, please lie back down; don't move the wound."

Shen Wei dismissed her concern: "Even with an injury, one mustn't neglect physical exercise."

With her left arm injured, her right arm and legs were still functional. She could still exercise.

Shen Wei was determined to strengthen her weak body. She wanted to live a long and healthy life, enjoying all the luxuries of the world.

...

While Shen Wei diligently exercised, Prince Yan and the Crown Prince were discussing affairs in the study.

The flickering candlelight illuminated the room brightly. The Crown Prince coughed a couple of times, sipping tea to soothe his throat before speaking: "Those assassins were from the State of Yue."

Recently, Yue had been causing trouble at the border, showing signs of reigniting the war.

Even sending assassins to Yanjing to target the imperial princes was intolerable!

Prince Yan sat down and took a sip of cold tea, his eyes darkening: "If so, then we shall go to war. However, the Marquis of Southern Garrison is old and cannot return to the battlefield. The only general we have at the border is Shen Xingxiu, and that's not enough."

Pausing, Prince Yan thought of the Marquis of Southern Garrison's estate.

The Marquis of Southern Garrison's family had defended the state for three generations, renowned for their bravery in battle. The old marquis's son, Shangguan Xuan, was also a talented military leader, and it was time for him to assume the mantle.

"Send Shangguan Xuan to the border," Prince Yan decided.

The Crown Prince frowned, seemingly recalling the affairs of the Marquis of Southern Garrison's household. He said: "Shangguan Xuan is getting married tomorrow, marrying Sun Qingmei, the daughter of General Sun. Sending him to the border on his wedding day seems inappropriate."

The border situation was unstable, and it could last anywhere from half a year to several years.

Having Sun Qingmei, just married, left alone in an empty home was unjustifiable.@@novelbin@@

Prince Yan's attitude was resolute: "First the state, then the family. Maintaining peace in the Qing State is of utmost importance."

The Crown Prince sighed: "Then let’s follow your suggestion. I will petition the emperor tomorrow to have Shangguan Xuan depart for the border."

After settling on the choice for the border, the Crown Prince couldn't help but cough again. Prince Yan moved closer to help him catch his breath.

Prince Yan's brows furrowed as he wondered aloud: "Brother, is your illness not yet healed? The imperial physicians are useless. Tomorrow, I will send the Tiger Guard to seek out Mo the Divine Physician and bring him to treat you."

In the winter, the Crown Prince had been gravely ill, leaving him with a persistent cough that hadn't improved.

Prince Yan was deeply worried.

Perhaps only Mo the Divine Physician, from the Jianghu, could cure the Crown Prince's illness.

The Crown Prince, however, just laughed it off, brushing it aside: "I probably just startled myself today—oh, and how is that concubine who risked her life to save you?"

Mentioning Shen Wei, a softness flickered in Prince Yan's cold eyes.

He said: "Wei Wei suffered a minor injury, but she is fine."

The Crown Prince smiled: "A woman who would sacrifice herself for you is rare indeed. Treat her well in the future."

Prince Yan nodded: "Of course."

When ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‍the assassins attacked, the royal consorts either fainted or hid. Only Shen Wei, despite being unable to fight, courageously stood up to deflect the blade for him.

She was adorable and naive, yet it made her all the more endearing.

Henceforth, he would protect Shen Wei well, striving to be her refuge.

...

In the night, the Prince Heng's estate was brightly lit.

The steward in charge of purchasing the shimmering brocade had been summoned and severely reprimanded by Prince Heng, receiving thirty lashes as punishment.

Prince Heng ordered an investigation into the merchandise at the Wangfeng Cloth Shop, wanting to trace the origin of the half piece of shimmering brocade. However, the woman who sold it was very cautious, wearing a veil that concealed her features. She disappeared into the crowd after leaving, leaving no trace.

Prince Heng was furious, swallowing his anger.

"Your Highness, your robe is dirty; let the laundry maids wash it," reminded the guard by Prince Heng's side.

Prince Heng looked down, noticing the small black footprint on the hem.

His mind recalled the radiant face of Shen Wei.

Though she was a lowly concubine, seemingly obedient, she was unexpectedly crafty, ingeniously adept at exploiting situations for personal gain.

Within the Prince Yan's estate, such an intriguing woman had emerged.

"Don't wash it. Hang this robe in the storeroom," Prince Heng said through gritted teeth.

Prince Heng removed his outer robe, intending to keep the piece of shimmering brocade as a constant reminder of today's humiliation.

...

In the Qixue Pavilion of the Prince Yan's estate.

The moonlight flowed like water over the courtyard, and Liu Ruyan remained awake, leaning against the window with her hand extended outside, her fingers cold as the moonlight fell on her palm.

"My lady, the one from the Fangfei Courtyard saved the prince, so he will surely treat her very well from now on," Snow Plum was concerned.

At this rate, once Shen Feiwei gives birth to children, her position will surely become more secure. Perhaps someday, even breaching custom, she might be elevated to a royal consort...

By then, life in Qixue Pavilion would be challenging.

But Liu Ruyan just shook her head sadly: "What goes up must come down. Alas, Shen Wei's deep affection will eventually wilt like fallen petals."

Snow Plum: ...

Everyone was waiting for Shen Wei to fall out of favor, but Snow Plum felt a premonition—Shen Wei might not lose favor.