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

The next afternoon, Shen Wei was practicing calligraphy in her room when Cai Ping brought news that Zhao Yang Princess had arrived at the Prince of Yan's residence and was being personally received by the Princess of Yan. At that moment, Zhao Yang was in the Kunyu Courtyard of the Princess of Yan.

Although Shen Wei was favored, she was still a lowly concubine with no children or backing. Zhao Yang Princess, on the other hand, was a royal daughter of the imperial family, and Shen Wei didn’t even have the right to greet her at the door.

"Master, Zhao Yang Princess is clearly here to visit you. Why is she staying so long in the Princess of Yan's courtyard?" Cai Ping was a bit puzzled.

Shen Wei continued practicing her calligraphy calmly, the ink leaving neat rows of strokes on the rice paper.

"Zhao Yang Princess knows her place," Shen Wei explained. "If she were to bypass the Princess of Yan and come directly to visit me, it would be seen as a slight to the Princess."

With the mistress of the house still present, it would be improper for Zhao Yang to seek out a concubine for idle chatter. Such behavior would surely displease the Princess of Yan, and if word got out, it would tarnish her reputation.

Zhao Yang Princess was tactful and knew how to preserve the Princess of Yan's dignity.

Shen Wei, however, was not disheartened. She was determined to climb the ranks step by step and elevate her status.

---

In the Kunyu Courtyard, Zhao Yang Princess was restless. The Princess of Yan was fond of Buddhist practices, and the incense in the prayer hall burned day and night, filling the air with a thick, smoky scent that made one want to sneeze.

The Kunyu Courtyard felt lifeless, and even the breeze was stiflingly warm. The Princess of Yan, dressed in a dark golden gown, looked weary beyond her years, her eyes devoid of spirit.

But with her impeccable upbringing, Zhao Yang held back her complaints.

She forced a smile and said, "Sister-in-law, it's been a long time since I last saw my nieces and nephews. I’ve missed them dearly. Today, I’ve brought some gifts for Cheng Ke, Cheng Zhen, and Li Yao."

Her personal maid, Yun'er, stepped forward and presented the gifts Zhao Yang had prepared.

For ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‍her two young nephews, there were puzzle locks, porcelain whistles, and wooden carvings.

For her niece Li Yao, there were colorful clay figurines, two sets of decorative hairpins, and a vibrant five-colored silk knot.

All were gifts that children would love, and Zhao Yang had spent a long time collecting them.

The Princess of Yan's gaze fell on the toys, her delicate brows slightly furrowing, though her expression remained calm. "Thank you for your kindness, Princess. Granny Liu, please put the gifts away."

Zhao Yang and the Princess of Yan exchanged some small talk, but the conversation was awkward and dull, as they had little in common.

After enduring it for a quarter of an hour, Zhao Yang finally spoke up. "Sister-in-law, the garden looks so beautiful. I’d like to take a stroll."

The Princess of Yan replied, "I’ll accompany you."

Zhao Yang quickly declined, "No, no, Sister-in-law, you’re so busy with your duties. I wouldn’t dare trouble you. Yun'er and I will take a quick walk and be on our way."

Zhao Yang insisted, and the Princess of Yan didn’t press further.

Zhao Yang slipped out of the Kunyu Courtyard as quickly as she could. Once she left the stifling atmosphere, she patted her chest, feeling as though she could finally breathe freely again.

"Let’s go find Shen Wei!" Zhao Yang lifted the hem of her skirt and hurried excitedly toward the direction of the Glazed Pavilion.

Back in the Kunyu Courtyard, the Princess of Yan rubbed her temples wearily, and Granny Liu thoughtfully handed her a cup of tea.

"Put those toys in the storage room," the Princess instructed.

Granny Liu was surprised. "Madam, those are gifts from Zhao Yang Princess. Shouldn’t we at least let the children see them?"

The Princess of Yan’s eyes flashed with impatience. "Cheng Ke and Cheng Zhen are at an age where they should be focusing on their studies. These toys will only distract them. As for Li Yao, even though she’s a girl, she’s still a member of the royal household. She should be practicing her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, not playing with clay figurines."

The Princess of Yan was displeased with Zhao Yang’s gifts.

Such frivolous toys would only lead the children astray.

Granny Liu then remembered the direction Zhao Yang had headed and reminded the Princess, "Madam, it seems Zhao Yang Princess is acquainted with Lady Shen of the Glazed Pavilion."

The Princess chuckled dismissively. "What kind of friendship could there be? At best, it’s a superficial connection."

One was the beloved daughter of the Emperor, a true royal; the other was a lowly concubine from a humble background.

How could the two possibly become close friends?

---

Meanwhile, Zhao Yang arrived at the Glazed Pavilion in high spirits. The first thing that caught her eye were the two guards in gray uniforms standing at the entrance.

Zhao Yang couldn’t help but take a closer look.

These guards had an air of discipline and sharpness about them, their demeanor reminiscent of the imperial palace guards.

Could they really be ordinary guards of the Prince’s residence?

Before she could ponder further, Shen Wei appeared at the entrance with her maids and eunuchs to greet her. The summer heat was intense, and Shen Wei was dressed in a refreshing green silk gown, her hair adorned with two delicate jade hairpins. She looked radiant and poised.

Shen Wei bowed respectfully to Zhao Yang.

"I’ve prepared some chilled tea in the pavilion. Would Your Highness care for a cup?" Shen Wei asked graciously.

Zhao Yang nodded. "I’m quite thirsty. I’ll take a big cup!"

Holding the hem of her pale yellow skirt, Zhao Yang stepped into Shen Wei’s Glazed Pavilion. As she passed through the moon gate, a cool breeze greeted her, carrying the faint fragrance of blooming lotuses.

Zhao Yang looked around in amazement. She saw lush, verdant trees, blooming pink roses, an elegantly crafted swing beneath the trees, and a vibrant vegetable garden. A winding stone path paved with marble led through the courtyard, the grass beneath it like a soft green carpet.

In the distance, a pond was filled with blooming lotuses, their broad green leaves spread out, and beside it stood a beautiful pavilion with a cool terrace.

"Wow, what a beautiful garden," Zhao Yang exclaimed, her eyes filled with admiration. The courtyard was brimming with life, every detail perfectly arranged.

Compared to the lifeless Kunyu Courtyard, this place was like a paradise.

No wonder the Prince of Yan favored Shen Wei. With a garden like this, he’d surely want to visit often.

Zhao Yang walked over to the vegetable garden and spotted plump purple eggplants and bright red tomatoes. One of the tomatoes was particularly large and ripe, exuding a rich, sweet aroma.

Having grown up in luxury, Zhao Yang had never seen tomatoes growing on a vine before. She was fascinated. "Shen Wei, did you grow these vegetables? This tomato looks delicious. I want to try it!"

Shen Wei hesitated, then gently reminded her, "Your Highness, the Prince planted these tomatoes himself. This morning, he specifically instructed that no one is to touch this tomato."