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

Zhang Yue was struck dumb.

It was only now that she realized Shen Wei was no longer her equal as a servant girl.

Zhang Yue felt displeasure welling up inside her and suddenly harbored a sense of resentment and jealousy. While she herself still resided in the servant's large communal dormitory, sharing a room with over a dozen other maids who had to wake up before dawn to tend to chores like moving flowers and boiling water, Shen Wei, who had entered the household at the same time as her, had already been elevated to a concubine of the Prince, enjoying a spacious dwelling and the service of personal maids.

That tinge of jealousy flickered and vanished quickly. Zhang Yue consoled herself internally—an unloved concubine, trapped for life within the confines of the Four-Square Back Courtyard, was even less free than a maid.

Thinking this way, she felt much better.

Zhang Yue gave a slight curtsy, awkwardly offering her greetings: "Servant girl Zhang greets Mistress Shen. I still have duties in the greenhouse and must take my leave now."

Shen Wei smiled faintly: "Go ahead."

Holding a flowerpot, Zhang Yue walked away, her thoughts heavy.

At a corner of the courtyard, Zhang Yue suddenly stopped, turning her head for a backward glance. By the corner of the yard, Shen Wei in her emerald green long gown, slim and curvaceous, her skin as white as snow, bore no trace of her former servant identity.

Zhang Yue's heart felt hollow. All she could do was silently pray that Shen Wei would lose the Prince's favor soon so she could watch Shen Wei's downfall.

A fallen concubine's life was even worse than that of a servant girl.

"The Prince is here!" Cai Ping's eyes lit up as she whispered to Shen Wei.

Hiding in a corner, Shen Wei furtively observed the lord she would soon serve.

At the main entrance of the Prince's Residence, the Princess Consort was accompanied by two consorts, five secondary consorts, and numerous servants, all respectfully welcoming Prince Yan.

The black, gold-embroidered Prince Yan banner fluttered, caught by the light spring breeze. Armored guards stood in two rows on either side.

Prince Yan strode into the residence. He was tall, with an extraordinarily handsome appearance and a high, straight nose. After a month-long southern inspection tour, his skin had been tanned to a healthy wheat color. His every movement exuded nobility and authority.

Shen Wei approved.

This appearance, placed in the modern entertainment industry, would undoubtedly make him a top-tier star.

Shen Wei's gaze lingered on Prince Yan's face, taking in his high nose and robust figure. She clicked her tongue: "No wonder they say Prince Yan is fierce in bed. That high nose... tsk."

She had learned a bit about physiognomy.

A man with a high nose and a strong physique invariably had strong needs in that area, exceptionally so.

Glancing at the delicate women at the entrance—some too plump, others too thin—their physical conditions likely left much to be desired.

Shen Wei didn't linger long and turned back toward her own Fangfei Courtyard.

On her way back, Shen Wei started to mentally summarize Prince Yan: "Born into wealth, sibling harmony, a peaceful harem, good health, a life of smooth sailing."

A man raised within the royal complex, accustomed from a young age to the swarm of beautiful women vying for his attention, with every woman eager to please him.

To capture his heart, one must take an unconventional path—physical compatibility, intellectual harmony.@@novelbin@@

"Master, shall we not go to greet the Prince?" Cai Ping followed Shen Wei, a bit surprised.

Cai Ping had expected Shen Wei to seize the opportunity to catch the Prince's eye, tempting him to spend the night in Fangfei Courtyard.

Unexpectedly, Shen Wei merely took a glance and left.

Shen Wei tapped Cai Ping's forehead, smiling lightly: "The Prince is the head of the household. This evening, it's natural that the Princess Consort should attend to him. If I were to steal him now, it would only upset the Princess Consort."

She certainly intended to vie for the Prince's favor, but not in a rush.

Opportunities are given to those who are prepared. She needed to make comprehensive preparations.

...

At the entrance of the Prince's Residence.

Prince Yan surveyed the gathered crowd. Before him stood the gentle and virtuous Princess Consort, the rotund Concubine Zhang, the childhood sweetheart Concubine Liu, and several secondary consorts.

He didn't see Concubine Liu Ruyan.

Prince Yan asked the Princess Consort: "Where is Ruyan?"

The Princess Consort sighed softly and replied: "Yesterday was windy, and Sister Ruyan suffered from relentless headaches. She consulted a physician, and now she's still resting in her room."

Concubine Liu Ruyan, born into a scholarly family, was exquisitely beautiful and well-read, brimming with talent.

When she entered the Prince's Residence, she alone enjoyed the Prince's favor. The two were deeply in love, their relationship harmonious and affectionate.

Back then, the Princess Consort and Liu Ruyan had secretly fought bitterly, each vying for supremacy.

Later, the Prince married the amiable Concubine Zhang and took in the childhood sweetheart Concubine Liu. He also took on multiple secondary consorts and concubines. With the loss of his exclusive favor, Liu Ruyan gradually grew disheartened, her spirit broken.

It wasn't just Liu Ruyan; other women in the harem gradually ceased their struggles for favor.

Prince Yan suppressed his inner discontent and asked the Princess Consort again: "Are Chengke and Chengzhen still in the study?"

Mentioning their two sons, the Princess Consort's face glowed with pride: "Your Highness, recently Chengke and Chengzhen have been diligent in their studies, and even their tutor has praised them profusely."

Prince Yan felt disappointment.

On his Southern inspection tour, he had experienced arduous travel and immense exertion. Returning to the Prince's Residence, he naturally hoped to see his children, embrace his wife and concubines to relieve exhaustion, and hear praise from his consorts.

But his children hadn't come to welcome their father, his favored concubine was bedridden and did not appear, and the rest of the consorts had not even offered a word of comforting concern. Prince Yan was rather displeased.

Yet, he couldn't express this openly.

A grown man of twenty-seven still yearning for the affection and praise of his wife and children would only elicit ridicule.

The Princess Consort didn't forget to mention Shen Wei: "Your Highness, recently I elevated a maid to the position of concubine. That maid is quite beautiful. If you have the time, you might visit Fangfei Courtyard to see her."

Prince Yan showed little interest.

No matter how beautiful a concubine was, in front of him they either trembled with fear or fawned obsequiously. After a few liaisons, the novelty wore off, leaving him entirely uninterested.

Returning to the Prince's Residence, having dealt with his official duties, night fell, and Prince Yan stayed the night at the Princess Consort's residence.

After the arduous southern tour and busy official duties, Prince Yan had gone for an entire month without sleeping with a woman.

That night, Prince Yan wished to share a tender moment with the Princess Consort. The attending matron tactfully withdrew.

Prince Yan wrapped his arms around the Princess Consort's slightly plump waist. By the dim candlelight, he saw the Princess Consort's still-radiant face. In recent years, the Princess Consort had neglected her upkeep, and the fine wrinkles at the corners of her eyes were clearly visible.

There was a hint of aging.

Once, when she saw him, the Princess Consort would still wear makeup and arrange her hair. Now, she couldn't even be bothered to maintain herself.

Prince Yan felt rather stifled.

"Your Highness," the Princess Consort hadn't shared a tender moment with Prince Yan for a long time, but she didn't forget about tomorrow's important matter, "Tomorrow I must visit the Palace to pay respects to Her Majesty the Empress, and I dare not delay..."

Prince Yan was in good physical condition, often practicing horse riding and archery, and at his prime of youth and vitality, with strong needs.

The Princess Consort knew she couldn't endure it and would delay tomorrow's visit to the Palace.

Prince Yan, already with little interest, felt his enthusiasm wane even further as the Princess Consort gently refused.

"Very well, let's rest," Prince Yan slept clothed.

Among the women of his harem, from the Princess Consort to the concubines, none could satisfy him.

Meanwhile, in the southwestern corner of the Prince's Residence, inside Fangfei Courtyard. The bright moon hung high in the sky, and both maidservants had gone to sleep, but Shen Wei was still exercising in her bedroom.

She had her own fitness plan: [Morning: ten laps of jogging, squats. Afternoon: practicing Baduanjin. Before sleep: dancing the "Pamela Fitness Routine."]

Having secretly seen the robust Prince Yan today, Shen Wei became even more determined to stick to her workout regimen. With the Prince Yan's physique, his sturdy build, most women couldn't handle him!

She had to work hard to improve her physical fitness!

Squatting, spinning, jumping, sweat beaded on Shen Wei's forehead. After half an hour of exercise, Shen Wei finally showered and rested.

Her sleeping posture was also intentional. Shen Wei didn't lie on her side; lying on the side would thicken the shoulders and distort the face. The best sleeping position was flat on the back.

But lying flat would make the buttocks flat, so Shen Wei used a small soft pillow under her waist to maintain her figure.

A true fitness enthusiast, even while sleeping, worked on her figure!

...

A few nights later, in the Prince's study.

Having finished his official duties, Prince Yan was considering his plans for the evening.

Fu Gui, the Prince's personal eunuch, politely inquired: "Your Highness, where shall you reside tonight? I can make arrangements accordingly."

Prince Yan pondered for a moment: "Go to Qixue Pavilion."

Concubine Liu Ruyan's headache had improved, and Prince Yan intended to visit her that night.

Prince Yan walked into Liu Ruyan's courtyard, bathed in moonlight.

Liu Ruyan, with an aloof and noble temperament and a wealth of scholarly knowledge, preferred white the most, so the entire courtyard was arranged like a snow cave.

"Greetings to Your Highness," bathed in moonlight, Liu Ruyan in her silver long gown, stood gracefully at the entrance to welcome him.

Prince Yan observed Liu Ruyan.

He used to like Liu Ruyan very much, finding her disposition cold and noble, her talents outstanding. However, after spending more time together, their conversations increasingly failed to resonate.

For example, when Prince Yan saw the moon in the sky, he pointed to it and casually remarked: "What a full moon."

Liu Ruyan's face was filled with sorrow, her tone reminiscent of a poetic youth: "There are joys and sorrows in life, just as the moon waxes and wanes. Even when the moon is full, it will eventually wane."

For instance, when Prince Yan saw the blooming peach blossoms, he commented, "The peach blossoms in spring are truly beautiful."

Liu Ruyan lowered her beautifully expressive eyes: "The flowers are stunning when they bloom, but no one pays them any mind when they fall. A rainstorm scatters the petals, which is truly pitiful."

Prince Yan was at a loss for words.

He simply wanted to enjoy the moon and the flowers, not dwell on joys and sorrows. Her remarks were a real buzzkill!

These kinds of gloomy interactions grew more frequent, and he gradually lost interest in Liu Ruyan.

Now, having not seen her for several days, Prince Yan took hold of Liu Ruyan's hand and showed concern: "Is your health well lately, Ruyan?"

Liu Ruyan's hand was ice-cold!

It was as cold as a piece of ice.

Prince Yan frowned inwardly. He liked holding warm hands, and the coldness of Concubine Liu's hand was unbearable.

"Yes, Your Highness, this humble servant is in good health," Liu Ruyan replied calmly, leading Prince Yan into the room.

As Prince Yan stepped into the Qixue Pavilion, he was greeted by a sea of plain white. White curtains draped the windows, and a white carpet covered the floor, giving the room the feel of a cold, lifeless cave. In the courtyard, row upon row of plum trees were planted.

Liu Ruyan admired the noble and pure appearance of plum blossoms, so countless plum trees filled the courtyard.

However, plum blossoms only bloom in winter. In spring, the bare branches of the plum trees were dotted with only a few green leaves, making the courtyard look barren and desolate.

Prince Yan disliked this ugly courtyard, which was also attached to the stark white pavilion. He almost felt like he had entered a funerary hall.

What's more, Liu Ruyan always wore a white dress, no matter the occasion.

Though beautiful as a painting, her appearance was somewhat unsettling.

"Your Highness, let this humble servant assist you in changing clothes," Liu Ruyan said with her usual composed demeanor, her icy fingers brushing against Prince Yan's neck.

Prince Yan shivered from the cold.

He pulled away her hand: "Your hands are cold. Have the maids bring some hot water for you to soak them and warm up."

A shudder ran through Liu Ruyan's delicate frame, and her eyes seemed to glisten with tears of grievance: "Your Highness, do you disdain me?"

Prince Yan: I'm not!

According to the imperial physician, women with a cold physique need to soak their hands in hot water to maintain health. I'm only doing this for your benefit, Liu Ruyan!

But Liu Ruyan seemed certain that Prince Yan despised her, and her eyes gradually turned red.

Prince Yan rubbed his temples, too lazy to explain further: "I have official duties to attend to. I'll visit you another day. Rest early."

Liu Ruyan lowered her gaze, her voice filled with sadness: "Yes, Your Highness."

Liu Ruyan saw Prince Yan out the door. Dressed in a long, silver-white gown, she swayed in the night breeze, as if ready to be carried away by the wind at any moment.

After Prince Yan had walked a distance, he turned back and glanced at the Qixue Pavilion, catching sight of the woman in white standing at the door.

Even with a courage as stout as his, he was still startled.

He reminded himself mentally that she was his concubine, Ruyan, not a ghost.

Amen!

After Prince Yan left, Xue Mei, the maid serving Liu Ruyan, couldn't help but grumble: "My lady, Prince Yan rarely comes to our Qixue Pavilion. Why didn't you persuade him to stay? It seems he's heading to Concubine Zhang's courtyard."

Back when Liu Ruyan was in the prince's favor, he would almost stay here every night.

Not only did Prince Yan not stay a single cup of tea time this visit, but he also left without even having a cup of tea.

Liu Ruyan's lips curved into a resigned bitter smile. Her slender fingers traced her breathtakingly beautiful face as a solitary tear trickled down: "All I wish for is a heart of gold, and to grow old with the one I love. Unfortunately, it's just a dream... He dislikes my cold hands. Yet, he doesn't know that my heart is even colder."

In this world, where is there an eternal, ever-lasting love?

Just fleeting grace from a sovereign, leading to a life of solitude.

The maid Xue Mei scratched her head, diverting the topic: "My lady, spring is here. Why don't we plant some other flowers in the courtyard? Perhaps Prince Yan will be pleased to see them."

Liu Ruyan shook her head calmly: "Everyone wants to be the blooming peony, but I only admire the noble elegance of the plum blossom."

Maid Xue Mei:...

You're happy, that's what matters!

Prince Yan left Concubine Liu's Qixue Pavilion and headed toward Concubine Zhang's Fragrant Blossom Courtyard. Concubine Zhang, whose real name was Zhang Miaoyu, was a simple-minded foodie.

No sooner had he set foot at the entrance of the Fragrant Blossom Courtyard than Prince Yan was greeted by the rich and greasy aroma of pork trotters.