Chapter 12
**Chapter 12: Caught Sneaking a Drink of Contraceptive Soup**
Cai Ping and Cai Lian hurried to pick some vegetable leaves. The vegetables planted by Wang Ye (the Prince), such as eggplants and tomatoes, had yet to bear fruit. However, the fast-growing cabbage and radishes were lush and thriving.
Wang Ye savored the vegetables he had grown himself, finding them to be the most delicious he had ever tasted. They were far better than any greens he had eaten before! A sense of harvest joy lingered in his heart. It was particularly fulfilling!
Fu Gui, who was attending to him, noticed the fresh, tender leaves and his gaze drifted to another small vegetable patch. His own vegetables were ready to be picked too; he could take some home to try later.
As Wang Ye enjoyed his hot pot, a curious voice suddenly called out from the entrance of Fangfei Courtyard, “Sister Shen, what are you eating in the yard?”
Shen Wei looked up and saw a master and a maid at the entrance. Zhang Miaoyu, with her plump figure, was accompanied by a flustered maid.
Zhang Miaoyu lived in Huaxiang Residence, not too far from Fangfei Courtyard. That evening, while enjoying some sweets in her room, she caught a whiff of a rich aroma. As a foodie, how could she resist such deliciousness?
Ignoring her maid’s protests, she sniffed around like a little puppy until she finally tracked down the source of the enticing smell—Fangfei Courtyard!
“Wang Ye is here with you, sister! Let me greet him!” Zhang Miaoyu tumbled in, casually greeting Wang Ye while her eyes eagerly fixated on the bubbling dual-flavor pot.
It smelled so good!
Having traveled across the land tasting various cuisines, this was the first time Zhang Miaoyu had encountered such a unique way of eating.
“Sister, I haven’t had dinner yet. Can I share a meal with you?” Zhang Miaoyu looked at Shen Wei with hopeful eyes.
Shen Wei smiled, “Of course! Cai Ping, Cai Lian, prepare a new set of chopsticks and bowls.”
Once the utensils were brought over, Zhang Miaoyu plopped down beside Shen Wei. Without any hesitation, she grasped the concept of hot pot and tossed a plate of fresh meat slices into the spicy broth.
Gurgle, gurgle—
The hot pot bubbled, and the meat was cooked.
Zhang Miaoyu couldn’t wait to grab a piece, ignoring the heat, and popped it straight into her mouth.
“Delicious, delicious! Sister, this broth is amazing!” Zhang Miaoyu’s eyes sparkled, and a look of bliss spread across her chubby face.
Shen Wei chuckled, “If it’s good, eat more! But make sure the meat is cooked thoroughly, or it might upset your stomach.”
Zhang Miaoyu waved her chopsticks, “Let’s eat first, then we can talk! Bring me another plate of meat—fatty pork, please! No lean meat!”
Wang Ye’s expression darkened.
He wasn’t full yet, and all the good meat was disappearing into Zhang Miaoyu’s mouth. Watching her devour the food, he couldn’t help but frown.
However, as the head of the household, it would be beneath his dignity to compete for food with a concubine.
“Eat less, and speak less,” Wang Ye couldn’t help but remind her as he watched her devour five large plates of meat.
Zhang Miaoyu froze, looking at Wang Ye with a pitiful expression, “Wang Ye, do you think I’m too fat?”
Wang Ye: “…”
Look in the mirror! Don’t you think you’re overweight? Every time Wang Ye suggested that Zhang Miaoyu lose weight, she would pout and look like she was about to cry, which gave him a headache.
He was concerned about her health, but she was stubborn and refused to listen.
Shen Wei, sensing the mood, had Cai Ping slice another plate of meat. She personally helped Wang Ye cook the meat.
Wang Ye’s expression improved a little.
After all, his Wei Wei was the most considerate and loved him the most.
The ingredients were quickly consumed, and the cabbage and radish seedlings in the garden were all picked clean.
Zhang Miaoyu rubbed her belly, feeling so full that she could hardly move.
She leaned on her maid’s arm and struggled to stand up, “Wang Ye, Sister Shen, thank you both for your hospitality. I’ll be heading back now—oh, Sister Shen, remember to invite me next time you make hot pot.”
Shen Wei smiled brightly, “Sure! Cai Ping, go to the cupboard and get some hawthorn pills for Sister Zhang to aid digestion.”
Zhang Miaoyu left Fangfei Courtyard, satisfied with the hawthorn pills in hand.
After the hot pot feast, Mama Rong led the maids and eunuchs to clean up. Shen Wei and Wang Ye were both stuffed, and they held hands as they strolled in the courtyard to help with digestion.
Under the night sky, the peach trees were in full bloom, with pink petals scattered all around. A gentle breeze blew, making it particularly refreshing.
Wang Ye felt that all the fatigue of the day had melted away. Walking hand in hand with Shen Wei, he experienced a simple yet profound sense of happiness.
As they reached the vegetable patch, they noticed that quite a bit of cabbage and radish had already been harvested. Wang Ye decided to sow some seeds tomorrow; he wanted to enjoy his homegrown vegetables every month.
After their walk, Shen Wei and Wang Ye returned to their bedroom.
As the saying goes, a full stomach leads to thoughts of romance—soft light illuminated the room, and Shen Wei smiled sweetly at Wang Ye, her gaze filled with tenderness.
Wang Ye’s heart raced as he grasped Shen Wei’s delicate wrist and pulled her onto the bed.
In that moment, it was as if:
With gentle strokes and playful teasing, she donned her colorful attire,
In the embrace of the double quilt, they spent a night of spring,
The spring breeze had already crossed the Jade Gate...
They were still lively until midnight before finally settling down.
Wang Ye tenderly kissed Shen Wei’s forehead; only she could bring him such joy and satisfaction.
As they shared a pillow and drifted into dreams, Wang Ye was half-awake when he suddenly felt movement beside him.
Shen Wei had quietly gotten out of bed in the middle of the night.
Just as Wang Ye was about to open his eyes, he heard Shen Wei whisper, “Shh, don’t disturb Wang Ye.”
Curiosity piqued, Wang Ye feigned sleep, straining to listen.
Cai Lian cautiously entered, holding a bowl of medicine. The bitter scent made Shen Wei frown as she downed it in one go.
Cai Lian whispered, “My lady... You are deeply favored by Wang Ye; you should take this opportunity to conceive. How can you keep drinking contraceptive soup?”
My lady, there’s more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading; it gets even more exciting!
Wang Ye, pretending to sleep, felt a storm brewing inside him.
What?
Shen Wei was secretly drinking contraceptive soup!
In an instant, Wang Ye was filled with disappointment and anger. He questioned himself; he treated Shen Wei very well, doting on her and caring for her.
But Shen Wei didn’t want to bear his child! Was her love for him all a facade?
In that moment, Wang Ye felt utterly disillusioned with Shen Wei.
Just as he was about to open his eyes, he heard Shen Wei’s gentle yet helpless voice, “Cai Lian, I love Wang Ye deeply and naturally wish to bear his children. But I come from a poor background and my health is frail... If I were to become pregnant now, it would surely lead to a tragic outcome for both mother and child.”
After a pause, Shen Wei glanced at the bed, where Wang Ye was pretending to be drunk.
Her tone was filled with melancholy, like a helpless girl, as she continued her performance, “I want to recover my health first before bearing children for Wang Ye. I want to live a little longer; I want to spend my life with Wang Ye.”
Shen Wei stopped pretending and chose to be straightforward with Wang Ye about the truth.
She took the contraceptive soup for her health!
She needed to get better so she could be with Wang Ye for the long haul.
Look at her; she was truly a sentimental woman—surprised? Moved?
If you’re moved, then give me a promotion and a raise!
Cai Lian glanced at the window curtain, her expression filled with concern as she acted, “My lady, you’re not like the other mistresses in the Wang residence; you have no backing. You must never let Wang Ye know about the contraceptive soup, or he will misunderstand you.”
Pretending to sleep, Wang Ye: ...
Feeling a bit guilty.
So Shen Wei took the contraceptive soup for his sake.
Beyond guilt, Wang Ye felt even more touched. He understood that childbirth was fraught with danger.
Liu Ce Fei, who lived in luxury, suffered for two years after giving birth before she fully recovered.
Shen Wei, coming from a farming background, was even weaker; childbirth would be even more difficult for her.
She had no connections or support, and she could easily secure her position by getting pregnant, yet she chose to take the risk of drinking contraceptive soup just to be with him for the long term.
Outside the bed curtain, Cai Lian softly said, “My lady, don’t worry. I’ll handle it well; I’ve thrown the dregs of the contraceptive soup in the wasteland, so it definitely won’t be discovered.”
Shen Wei nodded in relief, “You may leave now.”
Cai Lian took the bowl and quietly exited.
Shen Wei returned to bed.
Wang Ye was still pretending to sleep.
The candlelight outside extinguished, leaving only the faint moonlight filtering through the bed curtain. Wang Ye kept his eyes closed, sensing that Shen Wei seemed to be observing him.
Then, he felt a warm, fragrant breath on his forehead.
Shen Wei had secretly kissed him.
Wang Ye: !!!
Shen Wei quietly snuggled into the quilt, lying in Wang Ye’s embrace, seemingly talking to herself, “I want to spend my life with Wang Ye. May heaven bless him with safety and peace.”
Wang Ye was her treasure, her support in this ancient world. No matter what, Shen Wei could never give up this treasure.
If Wang Ye was safe, then she would be safe.
After putting on a good show, sleepiness overtook her, and Shen Wei quickly fell asleep in Wang Ye’s arms.
Time passed, and Wang Ye, still pretending to sleep, slowly opened his eyes. His phoenix-like eyes lingered on Shen Wei’s face, his heart surging with emotion.
After a long while, Wang Ye tightly embraced Shen Wei.
Over the years, he had grown accustomed to the stagnant waters of the Wang residence, to the indifference of the princess and concubines who flattered him.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, Shen Wei appeared. She was beautiful and innocent, clever and passionate, like a vibrant flame that illuminated Li Yuanjing’s world.
Wang Ye felt an overwhelming desire to cherish her for a lifetime.
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