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

After Shen Wei finished selecting her fabrics, the other concubines followed suit, one by one. Finally, each with their own calculations, they all expressed their gratitude to the Princess Consort and left the Kunyu Courtyard.

That evening, Prince Yan came to the Princess Consort's quarters for dinner.

During the meal, the Princess Consort, as if casually mentioning it, said with a smile, "Your Highness, don't be too harsh on Shen Wei. She came from a humble background, and it's understandable that she would want to seize something valuable when she sees it."

Granny Liu, sitting nearby, looked indignant. "Princess Consort, you may be able to tolerate it, but this old slave cannot. That Shen Wei, taking advantage of Your Highness's favor, was the first to grab the brocade. She doesn't even put you in her eyes!"

Prince Yan's face instantly turned cold.

He began to reflect on whether he had indulged Shen Wei too much lately.

Although he liked Shen Wei, as this woman always brought him endless fresh excitement—he hadn’t expected her to become so spoiled and greedy, even coveting the finest fabrics.

Prince Yan couldn’t help but recall a previous concubine he had favored. That concubine had gradually become unruly, to the point that at a banquet, she had shown off her favor, annoying his mother and drawing reprimands for himself.

The dinner was filled with tension and anger.

Prince Yan did not stay with the Princess Consort that night. Instead, he retired to his main courtyard alone. He summoned Fu Gui and said, "Go and find out if Shen Wei was indeed the first to choose the fabrics today and took the floating light brocade."

Fu Gui, always efficient, quickly inquired and returned to report, "Your Highness, it's true. The floating light brocade is quite valuable, and it's only natural that Lady Shen would like it."

Prince Yan lowered his eyes, feeling a slight tinge of disgust.

Greed and arrogance were traits that never failed to repel.

In the Kunyu Courtyard, after bidding farewell to the angry Prince Yan, the Princess Consort leisurely returned to her room and began embroidery.

Granny Liu helped the Princess Consort select the threads, her face full of disdain. "That Shen Wei, what a pity."

The Princess Consort, holding the embroidery needle, said lightly, "Shen Wei is indeed foolish. Granny Liu, it's time to start seeking out some beautiful ladies. With Shen Wei losing favor, we'll need new faces to take her place."

Granny Liu respectfully replied, "Rest assured, Princess Consort. I shall handle it immediately."

Angered, Prince Yan did not return to Shen Wei's Fangfei Courtyard for five consecutive days.

Shen Wei seemed to have fallen out of favor.

In the Qixue Pavilion, Liu Ruyan stood alone under a plum tree, her fingers brushing against the dry branches.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she felt a deep sadness. "Men are often fickle, betraying the love of a beauty. Like Shen Wei, I too share the same fate."

Tears streamed down her face.

Xue Mei stood behind Liu ruyan, seeing her mistress wallow in sorrow again. Xue Mei’s heart had grown numb.

What could she do when her mistress was like this?

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“Hahaha, that Shen Wei is just too greedy. I even warned her, but she still fought for the fabrics!” In the Huaxiang Courtyard, the plump Concubine Zhang was enjoying a braised pork knuckle.

She had seen Shen Wei for the first time that day and found the girl quite beautiful. She had even kindly warned her.

Too bad the girl lacked common sense.

Concubine Zhang wiped the grease from the corner of her mouth. "In a few days, let's go visit Shen Wei. I'll bring her some braised pork hock. When she's full, she won’t feel the pain of loss."

...

In the Mingyue Courtyard, Concubine Liu was having a simple meal of plain tea and simple dishes. Ever since she had driven Prince Yan away that day, her meals had been reduced to the level of a mere concubine.

But Concubine Liu enjoyed her meal.

Having buns and greens was already much better than the food she had eaten in the Cold Palace.

"My lady, now that Shen Wei is out of favor, shall we take the opportunity to eliminate her?" Her maidservant suggested with a sinister look.

Concubine Liu glared at the maid, annoyed. "There's no need to act."

She no longer wanted to be involved in the intrigues of the inner court. Completely disillusioned with Prince Yan, she planned to live a low-profile life for the rest of her days.

When Prince Yan ascended the throne in the future, she would not compete for his favor with that formidable woman. Concubine Liu only wanted to ensure the safety of herself and her children.

Shen Wei was truly foolish, digging her own grave.

Concubine Liu had realized, fighting for favor was meaningless. New beauties constantly emerged, and even if Shen Wei were gone, others would take her place.

No one could stay in favor forever. It was better to watch from the sidelines and at least ensure one's survival.

...

Prince Yan was in a foul mood these past few days.

He felt a bit disdainful towards Shen Wei, but after spending so much time with her, he had developed some affection for her.

He had expected that after "losing favor," Shen Wei would come to him to apologize. Prince Yan could then mend fences with her and continue to show her favor—at least until he completely lost interest in her.

But Shen Wei did not come to apologize. She stayed cooped up in her Fangfei Courtyard, rarely leaving her rooms!

In the study, after finishing his official duties, Prince Yan put down the documents and summoned Fu Gui to ask, "Has she not come to apologize yet?"@@novelbin@@

Fu Gui scratched his head, carefully offering, "Not yet... Maybe I could remind Lady Shen?"

Prince Yan remained silent, which Fu Gui took as tacit approval.

Fu Gui immediately got up, ready to head to the Fangfei Courtyard. Before he left, Prince Yan suddenly called out to him, "Also, check on how the vegetables I planted are growing."

Five days had passed since he last visited the Fangfei Courtyard. Besides missing Shen Wei's body and her smile, Prince Yan also worried about his vegetables!

He had personally planted them, and if Shen Wei had uprooted them... how would he ever forgive her?

"Yes, I shall go and check right away!" Fu Gui quickened his pace, hurrying towards the Fangfei Courtyard.

Fu Gui, too, was concerned about the vegetables he had planted!

As he rushed to the Fangfei Courtyard, Fu Gui made a quiet entrance, avoiding publicity. He waved to Nanny Rong, who he had personally chosen to serve in the Fangfei Courtyard.

Nanny Rong quickly came forward, greeting him with a smile. "Fu Gui, what brings you here?"

Fu Gui and Nanny Rong were old acquaintances, even sharing the same hometown.

With a look of frustration, Fu Gui exclaimed, "Lady Shen is young and lacks sense. You, as an old hand in the Prince's residence, how can you be so dim-witted? Why don’t you persuade Lady Shen to dress up and go to the study to apologize to His Highness!"

"That floating light brocade is worth a thousand pieces of gold, meant only for His Highness and the Princess Consort! Lady Shen's audacity to take it—and you, these servants, didn’t even try to stop her!"

If Shen Wei could apologize, she might still have a chance to regain favor for a few more months.

But if she didn’t make amends soon, her fate would be sealed.

Nanny Rong, in her fifties with grey hair and a sharp mind, looked regretful. "Lady Shen is ill and temporarily unable to see His Highness."

Fu Gui was stunned. "Ill?"

Nanny Rong nodded reluctantly. "Yes. After receiving that thousand-gold floating light brocade, she spent several nights in a row making clothes for His Highness. Just as the garment was completed, she fell ill and is still lying in bed."

Fu Gui was momentarily stunned.

"Why don’t you report this to His Highness?" Nanny Rong gave Fu Gui a meaningful look.

Suddenly understanding, Fu Gui raised his thumb in admiration. "Lady Shen... what incredible wisdom!"

Taking the floating light brocade for herself would make His Highness think she was spoiled and audacious.

But taking the floating light brocade to make clothes for His Highness! That would only make His Highness realize he had misunderstood Shen Wei, deepening his guilt.

What a brilliant move, turning the passive into the active!

Fu Gui sighed with admiration, saying to Nanny Rong, "You are following Lady Shen—a promising future awaits you."

Nanny Rong smiled warmly. "I must thank you, Fu Gui, for arranging such a good position for me."

As Nanny Rong watched Fu Gui leave, the smile on her lips grew wider.

As an experienced nanny in the Prince's residence, Nanny Rong had a keen eye for talent. When she first met Shen Wei, she recognized the woman's exceptional intelligence.

Unlike the other women in the Prince's inner court, Nanny Rong saw vitality in Shen Wei—a dynamic energy that was sorely lacking in the stagnant atmosphere of the Prince's residence.

If Shen Wei could continue to display such vitality, she would certainly maintain Prince Yan's favor.

No one could resist the allure of a vibrant, blooming flower.

Soon after, Prince Yan hurried to the Fangfei Courtyard under the night's veil, accompanied by a court physician.

After five days, Prince Yan once again set foot in the Fangfei Courtyard. He moved swiftly, rushing into the house.

Shen Wei lay sleeping in bed, her small face pale and drawn, visibly haggard, with faint dark circles under her eyes.

Prince Yan took her hand in his, noticing several distinct needle marks on her delicate fingers.

Clearly, these needle pricks were from when she had been sewing clothes for him.

"Wei Wei..." Prince Yan gazed at Shen Wei's face, his emotions complex.

Cai Lian, falling to her knees, sobbed, "Your Highness, my mistress has been working tirelessly, day and night, to make clothes for you, hoping to surprise you... she's worn herself out."