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

The next morning, the sound of hunting horns echoed through the air. Prince Yan, Prince Heng, and the noblemen of Qing State gathered their hunting tools and prepared to set off for a day of hunting in the fields.

Shen Wei was deeply uneasy, fearing that something might happen to Prince Yan.

If Prince Yan were to meet with an accident and lose his life in the wilderness, her greatest source of security for the rest of her life would vanish.

Shen Wei handed Prince Yan a carefully prepared sachet, her voice filled with genuine concern. "My lord, I've placed sulfur to ward off venomous snakes, mugwort to repel insects, and a few hemostatic pills inside this sachet. Please keep it close to you. Hunting is dangerous, so please be careful in all matters."

The sincerity in her eyes was unmistakable, her care for him unfeigned.

Prince Yan sighed inwardly. His little concubine was always so thoughtful and attentive.

Her love for him was boundless, her care meticulous.

He ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‍tucked the sachet away gently and replied in a soft tone, "Wait for me at the camp. I'll hunt a few deer and bring them back. We'll have roasted venison tonight."

Shen Wei nodded obediently.

She watched with longing as Prince Yan rode away on his horse. Dressed in a black-and-red riding outfit, his strong and tall figure shone brilliantly in the morning light, resembling a general heading to battle.

Not far away, Prince Heng mounted his horse, surrounded by his concubines, his demeanor full of pride and satisfaction.

The scene of Shen Wei seeing Prince Yan off naturally caught Prince Heng's eye. He glanced at the women flattering him by his side, then raised his gaze to Shen Wei, who stood in the morning breeze, her worry for Prince Yan palpable.

Feelings are often born from comparison.

Shen Wei's genuine affection and concern for Prince Yan were evident.

In contrast, Prince Heng's concubines were insincere, their flattery hollow.

Prince Heng felt a pang of envy. He, too, wanted a devoted and caring little plaything.

He rode over to Shen Wei and deliberately provoked her, "My second brother is cold by nature and might not appreciate your love. Why not come to Prince Heng's residence? I can guarantee you a life of luxury."

Shen Wei glanced at Prince Yan, her expression instantly cooling. "Your Highness jokes. I have matters to attend to and must take my leave."

She curtsied to Prince Heng and turned to leave.

As an exemplary employee, Shen Wei would never easily switch companies! Moreover, Prince Yan's elder brother was the crown prince, and his mother was the empress dowager. His family background far surpassed that of Prince Heng.

Shen Wei wasn't foolish enough to leave Prince Yan's side for Prince Heng's.

Prince Heng pursed his lips, his eyes lingering on Shen Wei's slender retreating figure. "An intriguing little thing," he murmured.

After the Dongshan hunting expedition concluded, Prince Heng decided he would find a concubine similar to Shen Wei to serve him.

Shen Wei returned to her tent and was about to lift the curtain when she suddenly heard the sound of an argument nearby.

She turned and saw Zhao Yang Princess's tent in the distance. Zhao Yang Princess and Vice Minister of Rites Yan Yunting seemed to be quarreling.

Zhao Yang, dressed in a flamboyant red phoenix-and-peony gown, puffed her cheeks in anger as she scolded, "Yan Yunting, what do you mean by this? Are you afraid I'll bully your precious Rou'er?"

A trace of helplessness crossed Yan Yunting's handsome face. "Rou'er has been unwell these past few days due to her monthly cycle. As a princess, you should not lead others in mocking or bullying her."

Zhao Yang's face flushed red, her voice tinged with grievance. "Yan Yunting, you even remember when Tantai Rou has her monthly cycle?"

Yan Yunting offered no explanation, his eyes filled with exhaustion.

Shen Wei eavesdropped for a while and quickly understood the cause of their argument.

The Dongshan hunting expedition was a grand event for men, and Yan Yunting naturally had to participate. The women, meanwhile, stayed at the camp to enjoy the scenery.

Yan Yunting was worried that Zhao Yang Princess would bully Tantai Rou, so he had come to remind her. However, his words only angered Zhao Yang, leading to their dispute.

"I must take my leave now. Once again, I ask that you refrain from bullying Rou'er. She is unwell and must avoid cold things. If she were to be pushed into the water by accident, the consequences would be dire." Yan Yunting bowed to Zhao Yang Princess and strode away.

Zhao Yang stamped her foot in frustration, her almond-shaped eyes momentarily reddening.

She quickly wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes, took a deep breath, and regained her composure, once again the dignified and proud princess.

Shen Wei quietly returned to her tent and rested until noon.

Cai Lian entered the tent and reminded her, "Mistress, a maid from Zhao Yang Princess has come with a message. The weather is fine today, and the princess invites you to a banquet by the river to enjoy the mountain scenery."

Shen Wei sat up groggily from the bed, rubbing her eyes. "Cai Lian, prepare the ingredients for the chilled desserts."

Cai Lian smiled. "Don't worry, Mistress. Everything is ready."

Shen Wei changed into a light green cloud-patterned dress, dressing simply yet elegantly, and headed to the Dongshan stream with Cai Lian.

The summer sun was warm, and the babbling stream brought a refreshing coolness. By the stream, a row of delicate tables had been set up, and a dozen noblewomen from Yanjing had already taken their seats.

Zhao Yang Princess, resplendent in her red phoenix-and-peony gown and adorned with gold and jade hairpins, looked radiant.

At the far end of the stream, Zhao Yang Princess's rival, Tantai Rou, sat with her head bowed. Tantai Rou came from a humble background and, by rights, should not have been at the Dongshan hunting grounds. However, Yan Yunting had brought her along.

Compared to the lavishly dressed noblewomen, Tantai Rou's attire was noticeably plain.

Shen Wei scanned the banquet and walked to the last seat. As Prince Yan's concubine, not his consort, she was not entitled to sit at the front.

Coincidentally, there was an empty seat next to Tantai Rou. Shen Wei, accompanied by Cai Lian, walked toward it.

"Are you going to sit here?" Tantai Rou asked softly, her eyes filled with confusion and a hint of disdain.

Shen Wei smiled gently. "This seat is empty."

Tantai Rou pursed her lips, her delicate face showing a flicker of resentment. She whispered, "But..."

But how could a lowly concubine have the right to sit among noblewomen? Tantai Rou looked down on Shen Wei, feeling somewhat embarrassed to have her sit beside her.

Though Tantai Rou came from a modest family, she was still a proper lady. In her eyes, a concubine who relied on her looks to win favor was no different from a courtesan.

"Shen Wei, sit next to Lady Sun," Zhao Yang Princess called from the head of the table.

Shen Wei accepted the order graciously and, with Cai Lian, moved to the front of the banquet.

Zhao Yang Princess, being of the highest status, occupied the main seat. To her left sat Lady Sun, the wife of the Little Southern Marquis.

By seating Shen Wei next to Lady Sun, Zhao Yang Princess showed her high regard for Shen Wei.

Shen Wei took her seat and said politely, "Thank you, Princess."

Zhao Yang Princess smiled brightly. "At the spring banquet at Prince Yan's residence, if you hadn't pulled me back, I would have lost my life. Shen Wei, you are my savior. Let me toast to you."

A maid brought wine, and Shen Wei and Zhao Yang Princess toasted each other from afar.

The noblewomen at the banquet soon learned of Shen Wei's identity, but none looked down on her for being a concubine.

What did it matter if she was a concubine?

Shen Wei had saved the princess's life and earned her favor. Naturally, her status rose accordingly.

At the far end of the table, Tantai Rou's face turned pale as she watched Shen Wei and Zhao Yang Princess converse happily. She lowered her head deeply, gripping her porcelain cup tightly.

The stream flowed gently, and the imperial kitchen staff brought out the delicious midday meal.

The weather was warm at noon, and the dishes served were rich and greasy, making them hard to stomach.

Shen Wei seized the moment and deliberately raised her voice to instruct Cai Lian, "Cai Lian, prepare a bowl of chilled brown sugar cake and a bowl of mint sago jelly for me."