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

The princess's carriage came to a halt, and her maid, Yun'er, lifted the crimson silk curtain. Shen Wei stepped out first.

Shen Wei's eyes quickly scanned the area, landing on Yan Yunting and Tantai Rou, who stood not far away with peculiar expressions.

Her face instantly fell.

What were these two troublemakers doing here?

Shen Wei's mind raced. She couldn't let Zhao Yang see them—it would ruin her plans.

At that moment, Zhao Yang, holding Yun'er's hand, descended from the carriage. Shen Wei swiftly linked arms with Zhao Yang, turning her back to Yan Yunting and Tantai Rou.

"Your Highness, look at the shop assistants—their clothes are so unique," Shen Wei deliberately changed the subject, guiding Zhao Yang into the "Weixue Ice City" shop.

Zhao Yang's attention was indeed captured by the shop's unusual decor. She happily walked inside, completely oblivious to the two standing at the entrance of the opposite shop.

Yan Yunting's tense demeanor suddenly relaxed. He watched Zhao Yang's slender figure disappear into the shop, his brows slightly furrowed.

Zhao Yang... wasn't she here for him?

For some reason, this clear realization felt like tiny needles pricking his heart. Yan Yunting frowned, feeling an inexplicable discomfort.

"Yunting, I'd like some lotus pastry. Shall we go in?" Tantai Rou called softly.

Suppressing his strange emotions, Yan Yunting forced a smile. "Of course."

Without ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‍Zhao Yang causing trouble, he should have been happy.

But why didn't he feel even a hint of joy?

...

The Weixue Ice City shop was predominantly red and white. Its signboard was large and vividly red, with the words "Weixue Ice City" painted in white. Beside it was a small white cat illustration.

Inside, the shop assistants wore red short robes with white belts. The female proprietor also wore a red dress with a white belt and a red coral hairpin, giving her a lively appearance.

"Greetings, Your Highness!"

Ye Qiushuang, startled, quickly knelt in respect.

She knew Shen Wei would bring a distinguished guest today, but she hadn't expected it to be the renowned Princess Zhao Yang!

Who was Princess Zhao Yang? She was the emperor's most beloved daughter, granted a title at birth and held in the highest esteem.

"Rise. Prepare a bowl of brown sugar jelly and a bowl of mint sago pudding. I'm craving something sweet," Zhao Yang said as she took her seat. The summer heat made her eager to indulge in the treats.

Ye Qiushuang's hands trembled with excitement. She could already envision the shop's bright future! She personally supervised the kitchen, and within moments, two bowls of fresh desserts were served.

The small white porcelain bowls bore the "Weixue Ice City" logo.

One of Zhao Yang's maids tasted a spoonful to ensure it was safe. Only then did Zhao Yang eagerly take a bite. The sweet, icy dessert filled her mouth, and her eyes widened in delight.

So delicious!

Even better than the desserts she had during the Eastern Mountain hunt!

Zhao Yang savored the treats with relish, while Shen Wei also ordered a bowl of brown sugar jelly. Shen Wei had improved the recipe by adding lemon and waxberry, enhancing the dessert's flavor.

Zhao Yang particularly loved these two desserts. She summoned Ye Qiushuang: "In ten days, it will be my birthday. Bring your team to the princess's residence and prepare desserts for the banquet. Don't worry, I'll reward you handsomely."

Overjoyed, Ye Qiushuang curtsied. "This humble one obeys Your Highness's command!"

After enjoying two bowls of refreshing desserts, Zhao Yang was in high spirits.

She stretched lazily, ready to take Shen Wei for a stroll. But just then, two unexpected guests arrived at Weixue Ice City.

Yan Yunting and Tantai Rou.

The bright smile on Zhao Yang's face vanished instantly.

Shen Wei silently facepalmed. These two had come looking for trouble...

Seeing Tantai Rou, Zhao Yang felt as if she had encountered a disgusting cockroach. She stood up angrily. "Yan Yunting, what do you mean by this? Did you bring Tantai Rou here just to annoy me?"

She couldn't stand the sight of Tantai Rou.

Tantai Rou stammered nervously, "Your Highness, you misunderstand Yunting. Today is my birthday, and he kindly brought me here to buy desserts. We didn't expect to run into you. Someone as insignificant as me could never compare to Yunting."

Zhao Yang shot her a glare. "Shut up. I don't want to hear a word from you."

Tantai Rou's delicate voice made Zhao Yang's skin crawl. She felt an overwhelming urge to slap her.

Tantai Rou trembled slightly, lowering her head obediently. A strand of hair fell across her temple, and she dared not speak another word.

To Yan Yunting, this scene confirmed that Zhao Yang was deliberately bullying Tantai Rou, using her status as a princess to oppress a poor official's daughter. He stepped in front of Tantai Rou, shielding her, and spoke coldly, "Your Highness, Rou is timid. Please don't frighten her."

Zhao Yang was furious. "She dares to steal my man, and you call her timid? Just because she's weak, she gets to play the victim, while I, the strong one, have to yield? Who does she think she is?"

Yan Yunting's heart was torn between joy and worry.

Joy, because Zhao Yang clearly still cared for him.

Worry, because she continued to target Tantai Rou relentlessly.

Zhao Yang, her good mood ruined, lifted her skirt and prepared to leave. As she reached the carriage outside, Tantai Rou pitifully chased after her, her voice trembling with tears. "Your Highness, it's all my fault. Please don't take it out on Yunting."

Zhao Yang, annoyed, waved her sleeve to brush her off. "Don't touch me."

Zhao Yang's gesture was light, but somehow Tantai Rou lost her balance. With a sharp cry, she fell.

By sheer misfortune, her forehead struck the wooden wheel of the carriage. With a heavy thud, Tantai Rou collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Zhao Yang was stunned.

She had only waved her sleeve lightly. How had Tantai Rou fallen so dramatically?