Chapter 18
**Chapter 18: Everyone Awaits Shen Wei's Fall from Favor**
Shen Wei was already feeling utterly exhausted, so she decided to take the opportunity to catch some sleep. Before long, she actually drifted off.
In her dreams, she envisioned her company successfully going public, her little treasury filling with gold every day. She lay blissfully among piles of money, ready to head to the nightclub to hire a few handsome male models for a game of "The King is Coming to Catch Me."
But just as she stepped outside, she was hit by a car.
Shen Wei jolted awake.
Opening her eyes, she was greeted by the sight of apricot-colored bed curtains, and a faint medicinal scent lingered in the air. Outside, the sky had darkened, and Yan Wang sat by her bedside.
As her consciousness returned, Shen Wei immediately began her performance. She sat up nervously, grasping Yan Wang's hand in fear. "Your Highness, the assassin... you weren't hurt, were you?"
Yan Wang held her hand reassuringly. "I am unharmed."
Shen Wei felt a sharp pain in her arm and noticed the white bandage wrapped around her left arm.
Yan Wang urged her to lie back down, tucking her in gently. "All the assassins have been dealt with. Wei Wei, rest well and don’t overthink it."
Shen Wei nodded obediently. "As long as Your Highness is safe, I can rest easy."
Yan Wang was deeply moved.
He intended to stay with Shen Wei all night, but just then, a eunuch named Fu Gui rushed in to report that the Crown Prince needed to discuss urgent matters.
Duty could not be delayed, and with a heavy heart, Yan Wang left Shen Wei's fragrant courtyard. Before departing, he repeatedly instructed the staff to take good care of her.
As soon as Yan Wang left, Cai Lian and Cai Ping entered with medicine. Cai Lian's eyes filled with tears as she exclaimed, "My lady, you scared me to death!"
At the Spring Banquet, seeing Shen Wei rush to save Yan Wang had left Cai Lian in a state of shock.
Fortunately, the heavens had protected Shen Wei, and she was safe and sound.
Cai Ping helped Shen Wei sit up, and Shen Wei took the medicine bowl, gulping down the bitter herbal concoction.
Once she finished, Shen Wei immediately began to organize her tasks. "The mugwort outside must be planted within three days. The lotus leaves in the pond are prone to rot, so make sure Jixiang De Shun checks them five times a day. Also, change the curtains to light green."
Cai Lian and Cai Ping exchanged glances, speechless.
As expected of their lady, she never forgot her work even in such a moment!
Shen Wei set down the medicine bowl, a smile gracing her lips. She knew that after this incident, her standing in Yan Wang's heart would rise once more.
She was no longer just a dispensable concubine; she had saved Yan Wang and had become his benefactor.
Today, by a twist of fate, she had also helped Princess Zhaoyang, who now owed her a favor.
After some contemplation, Shen Wei felt that this little injury was worth it! She had gained Yan Wang's deeper affection and established a connection with Princess Zhaoyang.
Shen Wei threw on a robe and got out of bed, startling Cai Lian. "My lady, you should lie down and not move your injured arm!"
Shen Wei waved her hand dismissively. "I can't forget to exercise just because I'm injured."
Her left arm was hurt, but her right arm and both legs were fine. She could still work out.
Shen Wei was determined to recover her frail body quickly and strengthen her constitution. She wanted to live a long, healthy life, enjoying all the riches the world had to offer.
...
While Shen Wei diligently exercised, Yan Wang and the Crown Prince were in the study discussing matters.
The candlelight illuminated the room brightly. The Crown Prince cleared his throat and took a sip of tea to soothe his throat before saying to Yan Wang, "Those assassins were from the State of Yue."
Recently, the State of Yue had been causing trouble at the borders, seemingly intent on reigniting conflict.
They even sent people to assassinate the princes in Yan Jing, which was utterly intolerable!
Yan Wang took a seat and sipped some cool tea, his expression darkening. "If that's the case, then we must go to war. However, the Duke of Zhen Nan is too old to fight, and we only have General Shen Xiu Xing available at the border, which is not enough."
After a pause, Yan Wang thought of the Duke of Zhen Nan's household.
The Duke of Zhen Nan had protected the country for three generations, renowned for his bravery in battle. His son, Shangguan Xuan, was also a capable general, and it was time for him to take on more responsibility.
"Send Shangguan Xuan to the border," Yan Wang declared.
The Crown Prince frowned, seemingly recalling the family matters of the Duke of Zhen Nan. "Shangguan Xuan is getting married tomorrow, to General Sun's daughter, Sun Qing Mei. It wouldn't be appropriate to send him to the border on his wedding day."
With the situation at the border being unstable, it could last for six months to a year, or even three to five years.
It would be unreasonable to leave Sun Qing Mei alone in an empty house right after her marriage.
Yan Wang's attitude was resolute. "The country comes before family. Maintaining the stability of the Qing Kingdom is the top priority."
The Crown Prince sighed. "Then I will follow your wishes. I will ask Father for permission tomorrow to send Shangguan Xuan to the border."
After finalizing the choice for the border, the Crown Prince couldn't help but cough again. Seeing this, Yan Wang quickly moved over to pat his back.
Yan Wang furrowed his brows, puzzled. "Brother, are you still unwell? The palace's physicians are useless. Tomorrow, I will send the Tiger Guards to find the renowned physician Mo from the Jianghu and bring him here to treat you."
The Crown Prince had fallen seriously ill last winter, leaving him with a lingering cough that had yet to heal.
Yan Wang was very worried.
Perhaps only the renowned physician Mo from the Jianghu could cure the Crown Prince's ailment.
The Crown Prince, however, smiled nonchalantly, brushing it off. "I probably just coughed a couple of times from the shock today—by the way, how is that maid who risked her life to save you?"
Mentioning Shen Wei, a hint of tenderness flickered in Yan Wang's usually stern eyes.
He replied, "Wei Wei sustained a minor injury but is otherwise fine."
The Crown Prince chuckled. "That woman risked herself to protect you; a good partner is hard to find. You should treat her well from now on."
Yan Wang nodded. "Of course."
When the assassins attacked, the main wife and the other concubines either fainted from fear or hid away. Only Shen Wei, who seemed delicate and unassuming, bravely stepped forward to shield him from harm.
So foolishly adorable, it tugged at his heartstrings.
From now on, he would make sure to protect Shen Wei and strive to be her safe harbor.
...
Under the night sky, the Heng Wang Mansion was brightly lit.
The steward responsible for purchasing the floating light brocade was summoned by Heng Wang and scolded harshly, receiving thirty lashes as punishment.
Heng Wang sent someone to the Wang Feng Fabric Shop to investigate, wanting to know the source of that half bolt of floating light brocade. But the woman selling it was cautious, wearing a veil that concealed her face completely. She vanished into the crowd as soon as she left the shop, leaving no trace behind.
Heng Wang was furious, feeling as if he had to swallow his anger.
"My lord, your clothes are dirty. You should let the laundry maids clean them," one of Heng Wang's guards suggested.
Heng Wang looked down and noticed a small black footprint on the hem of his garment.
Shen Wei's bright face flashed through his mind.
She was just a lowly concubine, seemingly obedient, yet she had a mind full of schemes and was skilled at playing the game.
Who would have thought such a clever person could emerge from Yan Wang's mansion?
"No need to wash it; I'll hang this garment in the dark room," Heng Wang grumbled, grinding his teeth.
He took off his outer robe, intending to keep the floating light brocade as a constant reminder of today's humiliation.
...
In the Qixue Pavilion of Yan Wang's mansion, the moonlight poured down like water into the courtyard. Liu Ruyan had yet to sleep, leaning against the window and extending her hand. Her fingers were icy, and the moonlight fell into her palm.
"My lady, the one from Fangfei Courtyard who saved the prince will surely be treated well from now on," Xue Mei said anxiously.
At this rate, if Shen Wei bore a son or daughter in the future, her status would undoubtedly become more stable. Who knows, she might even be granted the title of concubine one day...
If that happened, life in Qixue Pavilion would become unbearable.
But Liu Ruyan merely shook her head lightly, sorrowfully saying, "What flourishes must eventually wither. It’s a pity that Shen Wei’s deep feelings will ultimately fade like fallen blossoms."
Xue Mei: ...
Everyone was waiting for Shen Wei to fall from favor, but Xue Mei had a nagging feeling that Shen Wei might not lose her standing after all.
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