Chapter 9
**Chapter 9: Shen Wei's Fall from Favor**
After Shen Wei finished her selection, the other concubines gradually took their turns. Each of them, harboring their own thoughts, thanked the princess in unison before leaving the Kunyu Courtyard.
That evening, the Yan Wang came to the princess for dinner.
At the table, the princess casually mentioned, “Shen Wei took the Fuguang brocade,” laughing as she added, “Your Highness, don’t blame Shen. She comes from a poor background, so it’s understandable that she would want to claim something good for herself.”
Beside her, Liu Mama wore a look of indignation. “Princess, you may tolerate it, but I cannot. That Shen Wei, relying on your favor, was the first to snatch the fabric. She clearly doesn’t regard you at all.”
The Yan Wang’s expression instantly turned cold.
He couldn’t help but reflect on whether he had been too indulgent with Shen Wei lately. Although he liked her—she always brought him a sense of freshness—he hadn’t expected her to become arrogant and greedy, taking the best fabric for herself.
The Yan Wang recalled a time when he had favored another concubine, who had gradually become uncontrollable. Eventually, at a banquet, her arrogance displeased the Empress Dowager, and he himself had been reprimanded.
Dinner left him seething with anger.
The Yan Wang did not stay the night with the princess, opting instead to sleep alone in the main courtyard. He summoned Fu Gui. “Find out if Shen Wei was indeed the first to choose the fabric and took the Fuguang brocade.”
Fu Gui was efficient, inquiring around before returning to report, “Your Highness, it’s true. The Fuguang brocade is quite valuable, and it’s only natural for Lady Shen to desire it.”
The Yan Wang lowered his gaze, a faint sense of disgust rising within him.
Greed and arrogance were unappealing.
In the Kunyu Courtyard, after sending away the furious Yan Wang, the princess leisurely returned to her room to embroider.
Liu Mama helped her select threads, disdain evident on her face. “That Shen Wei, what a pity.”
The princess, holding the embroidery needle, replied coolly, “Shen Wei is truly foolish. Liu Mama, we can start looking for some beautiful young ladies. With Shen Wei falling out of favor, we’ll need new faces to fill the void.”
Liu Mama bowed respectfully. “Rest assured, Princess, I will take care of it.”
The Yan Wang was angry, and for the next five days, he did not visit Shen Wei’s Fangfei Courtyard.
It seemed Shen Wei had indeed fallen from grace.
In the Qixue Pavilion, Liu Ru Yan stood alone beneath a plum tree, her fingers brushing against the withered branches.
Her eyes were red, sorrow welling up within her. “Men are often ungrateful, leaving beautiful women heartbroken. Shen Wei and I share the same plight.”
A single tear fell.
Her maid, Xue Mei, stood behind Liu Ru Yan, her heart numb as she watched her mistress wallow in sorrow.
What could one do with such a master?
...
“Hahaha, that Shen Wei is so greedy! I warned her, but she still snatched the fabric!” In the Huaxiang Courtyard, the plump Zhang Ce Fei was enjoying a pork knuckle.
When she first met Shen Wei, she thought the girl was quite pretty and had kindly offered a warning.
But alas, she lacked sense.
Wiping the grease from her mouth, Zhang Ce Fei said, “In a few days, let’s go visit Shen Wei. I’ll bring her some pork knuckle. Once she’s full, her heart won’t ache as much.”
...
In the Mingyue Courtyard, Liu Ce Fei was eating simple fare. Ever since she had driven the Yan Wang away that day, her meals had dropped to the level of a concubine.
Yet Liu Ce Fei found her food quite satisfying.
With steamed buns and vegetables, it was already much better than what she had eaten in the cold palace.
“Mistress, now that Shen Wei has fallen from favor, should we take the opportunity to get rid of her?” A nearby maid had a sinister look in her eyes.
Liu Ce Fei shot her a glare, irritated. “No need for that.”
She had no desire to get involved in the intrigues of the inner court. Disappointed in the Yan Wang, she planned to live a low-key life for the rest of her days.
When the Yan Wang ascended the throne, she wouldn’t compete with that terrifying woman for favor. Liu Ce Fei only wanted to protect herself and her child.
That Shen Wei was truly foolish, digging her own grave.
Liu Ce Fei had come to terms with it; fighting was pointless. New faces would continuously emerge. Without Shen Wei, there would be others.
No one could remain favored forever; it was better to watch the drama unfold from the sidelines, at least ensuring one’s survival.
...
The Yan Wang had been in a bad mood these past few days.
He felt a bit of disdain for Shen Wei, but after spending time together, he had developed some feelings for her.
He had thought that after Shen Wei “fell from favor,” she would come to him to apologize, allowing him to smoothly reconcile with her.
He could shower her with affection for a while longer, until he completely lost interest in her.
But Shen Wei didn’t come to apologize; she stayed holed up in her Fangfei Courtyard! Not stepping outside at all!
In his study, after finishing his official duties, the Yan Wang put down the documents and called for Fu Gui. “Has she not come to apologize yet?”
Fu Gui scratched his head, cautious. “No... Should I remind Lady Shen?”
The Yan Wang remained silent, which was taken as consent.
Fu Gui immediately got up, preparing to check on the situation in Fangfei Courtyard. The Yan Wang suddenly called out to him, “Take a look at how my vegetables are growing.”
Having not visited Fangfei Courtyard for five days, the Yan Wang missed Shen Wei’s body and smile, but he also worried about his vegetables!
If Shen Wei had pulled them up, what would he do?
“Yes, I’ll go check right away!” Fu Gui quickened his pace, hurrying to Fangfei Courtyard.
Fu Gui was also concerned about his own vegetables!
He rushed to Fangfei Courtyard without announcing himself, discreetly showing up. He waved to Mama Rong, who had been carefully selected to serve in Fangfei Courtyard.
“Fu Gui, what brings you here?” Mama Rong quickly approached, smiling as she greeted him.
Fu Gui and Mama Rong were old acquaintances, hailing from the same hometown.
Fu Gui, frustrated, said, “Lady Shen is young but not very bright. You’ve been around the Wangfu for a long time; how could your mind be rusty too? Hurry and get Lady Shen to dress up and go to the study to apologize to the Wang!”
“That Fuguang brocade is worth a fortune, and only the Wang and the princess can use it! Lady Shen is so audacious, and you servants didn’t even think to advise her!”
If Shen Wei had taken the initiative to apologize, she might have enjoyed his favor for a few more months.
But if she didn’t go to apologize, her life would be over.
Mama Rong, in her fifties with graying hair and sharp eyes, looked regretful. “Lady Shen is ill and can’t meet the Wang for now.”
Fu Gui was taken aback. “Ill?”
Mama Rong nodded helplessly. “Yes. She got that precious Fuguang brocade and stayed up several nights making clothes for the Wang. Just as she finished, she fell ill and is still lying down.”
Fu Gui was still a bit dazed.
“Then you should inform the Wang.” Mama Rong gave Fu Gui a knowing look.
Suddenly enlightened, Fu Gui gave her a thumbs up. “Lady Shen... is quite clever!”
Shen Wei had taken the Fuguang brocade for herself, and the Wang would think she was being arrogant.
But she had taken it to make clothes for the Wang! The Wang would only feel he had misunderstood Shen Wei, and his guilt would deepen.
What a brilliant way to turn the tables!
Fu Gui was filled with admiration as he said to Mama Rong, “You’re in for a bright future with Lady Shen.”
Mama Rong smiled brightly. “I should thank you, Fu Gui, for arranging such a good position for me.”
As Mama Rong watched Fu Gui leave, her smile grew wider.
As an experienced old servant in the Wangfu, Mama Rong had a keen eye for talent. The first time she met Shen Wei, she knew the girl was exceptionally intelligent.
Unlike the other women in the Wangfu, Mama Rong saw a vibrant life force in Shen Wei.
In the lifeless Wangfu, such vitality was sorely needed, captivating and enchanting.
If Shen Wei could continue to display such vigor, she would surely remain in the Yan Wang’s favor.
No one could resist a flower blooming with passion.
Before long, the Yan Wang hurried into Fangfei Courtyard under the cover of night, accompanied by a physician.
After five days, the Yan Wang stepped into Fangfei Courtyard once more. He strode quickly into the room.
Shen Wei lay in bed, her small face unusually pale, looking quite haggard, with faint dark circles under her eyes.
The Yan Wang took her hand, noticing several distinct needle marks on her delicate fingers.
Clearly, these puncture wounds were from when Shen Wei had been sewing clothes for him.
“Wei Wei...” The Yan Wang gazed at Shen Wei’s face, his emotions a tangled mess.
Cai Lian knelt down with a thud, choking back tears. “Your Highness, my mistress has been working day and night to make clothes for you, wanting to give you a surprise... She’s worn herself out.”
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