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

Li Yao shyly touched the bridge of her nose and said obediently, "Father is ill, and Yao'er promised to make him lotus pastries. Grandmother, I've already made three—please try them."

With that, Li Yao took the Empress's hand and led her inside. As soon as the Empress sat down, Li Yao came trotting over with a small blue porcelain plate holding three pink lotus pastries. Their shapes were uneven, looking rather clumsy.

The Empress took a bite. The taste was ordinary, but she still praised, "Delicious. How did you learn to make these at such a young age?"

Li Yao's eyes curved happily. "Aunt Shen taught me! Hers are even better. Aunt Shen is so good to me—she pushes me on the swing, teaches me calligraphy, and even finds mistakes in my account books to correct together."

Mentioning Shen Wei, Li Yao wore a joyful smile, her words brimming with affection and admiration.

The Empress frowned inwardly. Was Shen Wei indulging the child in play, trying to lead her astray?

After chatting for a while, Li Yao placed the remaining pastries into a food box. "Grandmother, I must deliver these to Father before they lose their crispness. I'll return to keep you company afterward."

The Empress smiled warmly. "Very well."

As Li Yao happily carried the box toward Prince Yan's quarters, the Empress's expression darkened. She summoned the elderly nanny attending to Li Yao and demanded, "How does Shen Wei treat Yao'er? I want the truth."

The nanny answered honestly, "Your Majesty, Shen Wei treats Young Mistress Yao exceedingly well. She plays with her but also ensures she studies diligently. When His Highness was poisoned and injured yesterday, Shen Wei and Young Mistress Yao waited in the front courtyard all afternoon, only leaving once they confirmed his safe return... Forgive my bluntness, but Shen Wei cares for Young Mistress Yao more attentively than the Princess Consort."

"And with the Princess Consort recently occupied, Shen Wei has taken charge of all matters concerning His Highness's recovery."

The nanny's partiality toward Shen Wei was understandable. Sent by the Empress to care for the three royal children, the nannies had often faced harsh treatment and disdain from the Princess Consort.

Shen Wei, clever and kind-hearted, always greeted them warmly when they crossed paths. She even had her maids deliver cooling summer treats and fabrics for new clothes. Her genuine care for Li Yao was also evident to all.

Having received such kindness, the nannies naturally spoke well of her.

The Empress was taken aback. So, all those thoughtful arrangements in Prince Yan's quarters—changing his meals, laundering his bedding, silencing the noisy cicadas—were Shen Wei's doing?

Previously, the Empress had only regarded Shen Wei as somewhat clever, composed in crises with managerial skill. But now, witnessing it firsthand, she recognized Shen Wei's excellence: unshaken in major affairs, meticulous in minor details.

"Let us visit Shen Wei's courtyard," the Empress said, her interest piqued.

Accompanied by Nanny Qian and several palace maids, the Empress made her way to Liuli Pavilion.

Along the path, she passed Liu Ruyan's Qixue Pavilion. Through the moon gate, she glimpsed snow-white curtains fluttering in the breeze. Liu Ruyan, clad in white, stood at the entrance and curtsied, her voice dreamlike. "Greetings, Mother Empress."

The Empress: "..."

Thank heavens it was broad daylight! Otherwise, she might have mistaken her for a wandering ghost—Amitabha!

Next, she passed Zhang Miaoyu's Fragrant Blossom Courtyard. From a distance, the rich aroma of braised pork and stir-fried meat wafted through the air. Peering through the moon gate, she saw Zhang Miaoyu and her maids feasting heartily in the pavilion.

The Empress sighed.

Finally, she came upon Liu Qiao'er's courtyard. Its gate was worn and dilapidated. Under the eaves, Liu Qiao'er sat embroidering, her expression serene and detached, as if she had renounced worldly desires.

"The Prince Yan's residence was never like this before," the Empress muttered, pressing a handkerchief to her throbbing temples.

Once, the estate had been vibrant, its consorts full of life and charm. Now, it felt lifeless, devoid of even the energy to scheme. The Empress half-wondered if she had stumbled into the cold palace.

If Prince Yan were to remain a mere prince forever, this superficial harmony and tranquility among his consorts would be ideal.

But he was destined for the throne. The imperial harem was a different battlefield—new faces with hidden agendas would swarm in, clawing for favor.

Women like Liu Ruyan and Zhang Miaoyu would be devoured without a trace.

Yet the Empress couldn't forewarn the Princess Consort of Prince Yan's potential ascension. With the grand scheme still uncertain, premature revelations risked upheaval.

"Your Majesty, Liuli Pavilion lies ahead," Nanny Qian softly reminded.

The Empress's eyes brightened.

Liuli Pavilion was designed like an exquisite painting—a two-story structure with vibrant charm. Two alert guards stood at the gate, their gazes sharp. Colorful fish lanterns hung from the eaves, the pathway free of weeds, and the surrounding flora neatly trimmed. Even the stone tiles lay perfectly even.

Compared to the dreary Kunyu Courtyard, Shen Wei's Liuli Pavilion brimmed with vitality.

Having received word of the Empress's arrival, Shen Wei had already gathered her maids and eunuchs to greet her. Under the late summer sun, she stood gracefully at the entrance in an emerald-green dress, a refreshing sight.

"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress," Shen Wei said, leading her servants in a poised bow.

Pleased, the Empress remarked, "The heat is wearying. I thought to rest in your courtyard."

This visit was an immense honor. Shen Wei ushered the Empress in with utmost reverence.

Passing through the moon gate, the Empress entered Liuli Pavilion's courtyard—spacious, lush with greenery, and meticulously arranged. Two patches of vegetable plots caught her eye, their eggplants heavy beneath broad leaves.

"This is a newly brewed lotus-mint tea. Please partake, Your Majesty," Shen Wei offered, presenting a clear, fragrant cup.

To assure its safety, she took a sip first.

The Empress drank lightly. The iced tea was refreshing, its aroma delicate. After half a cup, she set it down.

Her gaze swept through the main hall.

The ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‍pale-white carpet, the vase of budding lotus flowers on the wooden table, the blooming hibiscus outside the window—the entire space was elegant and inviting.

Shen Wei's maids and eunuchs moved about their duties with calm efficiency. Even in the Empress's presence, they remained composed, their faces plump and spirits high—a testament to Shen Wei's capable leadership.

On the table beside the Empress lay a half-read medical text: The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon.

"Do you study medicine?" the Empress asked.

Shen Wei lowered her eyes modestly. "Your Majesty, I know little of healing arts. But with His Highness poisoned and injured, I wished to consult medical texts for restorative methods."

Her "devotion" to Prince Yan was part of her persona. With him wounded, she had to maintain the image of a doting consort, attentive to his every need.

The Empress smiled, then abruptly shifted the tone of the conversation: "You're clever and ambitious, and Yuan Jing is fond of you. Shen Wei, have you ever considered replacing the Princess Consort and becoming the mistress of this prince's manor?"