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

Shen Wei's petite frame trembled slightly as she murmured in a voice as faint as a mosquito's, "Yes..."

Seeing Shen Wei’s timid and meek demeanor, the Princess Consort’s suppressed mood eased slightly. Shen Wei, a lowborn farmer’s daughter with no understanding of etiquette, had somehow managed to win Prince Yan’s favor. She was hardly a worthy adversary.

The carriage from Prince Yan's Mansion moved steadily before finally coming to a stop at the gates of the Princess’s residence.

Shen Wei and the Princess Consort alighted.

The Great Qing Kingdom had only one princess, and naturally, she was doted upon by all. After Zhao Yang Princess came of age, the Emperor of Qing Kingdom had a magnificent residence built for her on the outskirts of the imperial city.

Though Zhao Yang now resided in her own palace, her chambers within the imperial palace were still kept for her, allowing her to return and stay there whenever she pleased.

Today was Zhao Yang Princess’s birthday, and the entrance bustled with activity as noblewomen and young ladies streamed in to offer their congratulations. Shen Wei followed humbly behind the Princess Consort, taking small, demure steps into the residence.

No sooner had they stepped inside than a little girl of about five or six came running toward them. The child was as delicate as carved jade, dressed in a pink-and-white dress, utterly adorable.

The little girl curtsied respectfully to the Princess Consort and lifted her head eagerly. "Nanzhi greets the Princess Consort. Princess Consort, has my mother not come today?"

Shen Wei observed discreetly from the side.

This child—could she be Li Nanzhi, the daughter of Consort Liu Ruyan? Rumor had it she had been sent to the Crown Princess two years prior to be raised.

The Princess Consort replied coolly, "Your mother has never been fond of crowds. Naturally, she would not attend."

Unconcerned, she offered no kind words on Liu Ruyan’s behalf.

Li Nanzhi’s small head drooped in disappointment.

Still unwilling to give up, she stole a glance behind them, searching for any trace of her mother. When she failed to spot the figure she longed for day and night, her large, dark eyes instantly welled with tears of sorrow.

Her mother truly had abandoned her.

Li Nanzhi lowered her head and turned away dejectedly. An elderly nursemaid, tasked with her care, followed closely behind, shielding the young girl with tender concern.

Shen Wei continued trailing the Princess Consort as they made their way toward the main hall. But halfway there, another interruption arose.

Prince Heng, his arm slung around a beautiful yet sturdy concubine, swayed a white jade fan as he greeted the Princess Consort with a mocking smile. "Ah, if it isn’t my second sister-in-law. That embroidery on your gown is exquisite—almost as fine as the dowager consorts in the cold palace."

It was common knowledge that Prince Yan and Prince Heng were sworn rivals.

Unable to best Prince Yan in court, Prince Heng took a different approach—whenever he encountered the prince’s wives or concubines, he never missed an opportunity to sneer at them. Today, the Princess Consort wore a dark-patterned brocade gown, dignified and elegant.

Yet Prince Heng insisted on mocking it as old-fashioned.

The Princess Consort responded calmly, "Prince Heng, do not jest about the dowager consorts. They are still your elders."

Prince Heng clicked his tongue.

His fox-like eyes, sharp and alluring, slid toward Shen Wei behind the Princess Consort. Today, Shen Wei was dressed simply, her head bowed meekly, appearing utterly timid—as if she had never seen such grandeur before.

But Prince Heng had witnessed Shen Wei’s brutality when she [slaughtered a wild boar]. He refused to believe she was truly this timid.

It was all an act!

This woman was a master of deception! And judging by the Princess Consort’s haughty, oblivious demeanor, she hadn’t the faintest clue about Shen Wei’s cunning.

Shen Wei kept her gaze lowered the entire time, trailing the Princess Consort nervously toward the banquet hall. Yet she could feel Prince Heng’s eyes boring into her back.

Out of the corner of her eye, she stole a glance at him—and the concubine at his side. The woman was attractive, yes, but there was something… robust about her? Especially those well-defined biceps, barely concealed beneath her thin sleeves.

Tsk. Prince Heng’s tastes were growing stranger by the day…

Only when Shen Wei’s figure had vanished from sight did Prince Heng lazily pull his delicate concubine closer. This new favorite had been procured for him after great effort by his steward.

She could ride horses, butcher pigs, roast meat—and was moderately pretty. She was, in fact, the daughter of a butcher.

At first, Prince Heng had been quite pleased, showering her with affection. But now, after seeing Shen Wei, the scales in his heart tipped out of balance.

He realized he could never find a true replacement. That clever, sly spark in Shen Wei—no substitute could ever mimic it.

And Shen Wei certainly didn’t have bulging biceps…

"Ah well. I’ll have the steward find another one later," Prince Heng sighed, fanning himself with the white jade fan as he strolled into the banquet hall with his concubine in tow.

Life was dull. Keeping an amusing little concubine around could at least add some spice to the monotony.

…

Given her lowly status, Shen Wei was naturally seated at the very back of the hall. She played her role to perfection—the obedient, insignificant concubine, sitting quietly without drawing attention or letting her gaze wander.

Then, a eunuch’s voice rang out from the entrance: "Vice Minister of Rites, Yan Yunting, has arrived!"

Shen Wei sucked in a sharp breath and peeked surreptitiously. Today was Zhao Yang Princess’s birthday—if Yan Yunting had any sense at all, he wouldn’t bring Tantai Rou along.

Under the guidance of the palace eunuchs, the young Vice Minister of Rites entered gracefully. Clad in dark brocade robes, his steps were measured, exuding an air of scholarly refinement.

Behind him trailed only a single attendant in blue.

Shen Wei scrutinized the servant, confirming it wasn’t Tantai Rou in disguise, before exhaling in relief. Yan Yunting still had his wits about him—he hadn’t brought her.

"Yan Yunting!" Zhao Yang Princess hurried over, her eyes alight with undisguised affection, her steps light as a sparrow’s.

Yan Yunting bowed courteously. "Your Highness, I wish you good health."

Not spotting the despised Tantai Rou, Zhao Yang’s eyes curved into crescent moons, her cheeks flushed with delight. "I’m very well indeed! What gift have you brought me today? Let me see it!"

Yan Yunting lifted his gaze, taking in the young woman before him.

For her birthday, Zhao Yang was resplendent. She wore the feathered robes bestowed by the emperor, adorned with golden hairpins and a delicate floral decal on her forehead. Already beautiful, her lavish attire made her the undisputed jewel of the gathering.

Yan Yunting stared, momentarily lost in thought. Years ago, Zhao Yang had been a short, scrawny child trailing after him. Now, she had blossomed into a radiant young woman, renowned throughout the capital for her beauty.

Had his heart not already belonged to Rou’er, perhaps he would have married Zhao Yang.

"What are you staring at? My gift—where is it?" Zhao Yang demanded impatiently.

Yan Yunting lowered his lashes and retrieved an exquisitely carved box from his sleeve. "I left in haste and could only prepare a humble offering. I pray Your Highness will not disdain it."