Chapter 43
**Chapter 43: Preparing for Pregnancy**
The expression on Prince Yan's face suddenly turned cold.
Prince Yan and Prince Heng had never gotten along, always at odds with each other. When a woman who had served Prince Heng came to serve Prince Yan, it was a deliberate slap in the face for him.
Just as Prince Yan was about to explode with anger, Shen Wei gently took his hand and softly said, "Your Highness, Prince Heng is generous, and you should show your appreciation. How about this: let Qiong Zhi take this roasted meat to Prince Heng? What do you think?"
It was like being on a business trip, where one's boss clashed with another company's leader. As an excellent employee, Shen Wei naturally had to stand up for her boss.
The chefs in the royal kitchen had meticulously prepared the dish, slicing the roasted rabbit meat into thin pieces and sprinkling it with spices, creating a rich and savory flavor.
Prince Yan had already eaten most of it, leaving only a few unappealing scraps. Sending the leftover roasted meat to Prince Heng would not only return Qiong Zhi but also serve as a counter to Prince Heng's provocation.
Prince Yan raised an eyebrow, feeling a surge of admiration for his clever Shen Wei. He coldly instructed Qiong Zhi, who had approached, "Do as I say."
Qiong Zhi paused, her charming smile freezing on her face. She hesitated, glancing at the plate of leftover meat before looking back at Prince Heng, who was not far away.
A cool breeze blew in the dusk, and the distant calls of mountain birds echoed.
Prince Heng raised his long-fingered hand, brushing aside his tousled black hair, and said slowly, "Forget it, Qiong Zhi, come back."
With her head bowed, Qiong Zhi trembled as she knelt beside Prince Heng.
Shen Wei, seemingly unfazed, continued to dine with Prince Yan. She wasn't afraid of offending Prince Heng; after all, Prince Yan was there to shield her. Surely, Prince Heng wouldn't be petty enough to target a mere maid.
Shen Wei and Prince Yan discussed hunting plans, and he was in a good mood, patiently answering her questions.
The scene was harmonious and cheerful.
Across from them, Prince Heng watched, suddenly feeling a wave of discomfort wash over him.
Beside Prince Yan was only Shen Wei, yet it felt as if he possessed the whole world. Surrounded by beautiful women, Prince Heng still felt something was missing.
What was it that he lacked?
He pondered, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't figure it out.
After dinner, the sky had not yet fully darkened, and the golden sunset bathed the eastern mountains in a warm glow. Prince Yan ordered a horse to be brought, intending to teach Shen Wei how to ride.
Having spent many days with Shen Wei, Prince Yan enjoyed teaching her new things. Watching her improve little by little filled him with a strong sense of pride and accomplishment.
As Prince Yan took on the role of teacher, Shen Wei was more than willing to indulge him. She tied her long hair up and changed into the red riding outfit she had prepared, slipping on black riding boots. The fitted sleeves and the flowing red ribbon at her waist made her look lively and graceful.
Prince Yan's eyes lit up at the sight.
Sometimes, Shen Wei resembled a blooming peony, stunningly beautiful; other times, she was like a delicate wildflower, wild and passionate.
His Wei Wei always brought him endless freshness, a treasure that was forever worth exploring.
It was intoxicating, and he was blissfully unaware.
Prince Yan led Shen Wei to the stream, personally instructing her, "To mount, step on the stirrup from the left, grab the saddle, and use your back to leap onto the horse—let me demonstrate."
Shen Wei watched eagerly as Prince Yan executed a smooth and graceful mounting motion.
Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she cheered, "Your Highness, you're amazing!"
Prince Yan cleared his throat, a smile playing on his lips.
No one likes to be overlooked, and Prince Yan was no exception. While the officials praised him for his virtue and talents, their compliments felt too vague. Only Shen Wei would praise him for the little things in life, truly admiring him.
His male pride was greatly satisfied.
"Now, you give it a try," he said, dismounting.
In truth, Shen Wei was quite skilled at riding.
In her past life, to secure a major client, she had studied that client's riding preferences and trained in equestrian skills for months, even winning a provincial equestrian championship.
But in front of Prince Yan, she had to put on a show.
Shen Wei nervously grasped the reins, staring up at the tall steed. She tried to recall Prince Yan's instructions, hesitating as she extended her foot to step on the stirrup.
Once her foot was on the stirrup, she attempted to climb onto the horse. However, the horse was simply too high, and after much effort, she couldn't manage to get up.
She looked like a little hamster trying to climb a mountain.
Prince Yan couldn't help but chuckle.
With her cheeks puffed out in frustration, Shen Wei tossed the reins aside and began to pout, "This horse is too tall! Your Highness, please get me a shorter one."
Prince Yan laughed, "In our kingdom, we don't have short horses. Come, let me take you for a ride first, and then you can learn at your own pace."
He mounted the horse again, wrapping his arms around Shen Wei's slender waist and lifting her onto the horse. The steed ambled along the stream, and Shen Wei held the reins, her eyes sparkling with the novelty of riding for the first time.
The golden sunset spilled over them, turning the stream into glimmering shards of gold, casting a dreamlike beauty over Prince Yan and Shen Wei.
Prince Heng crossed his arms, watching the pair ride by the riverbank. He beckoned to his maid Qiong Zhi, "Qiong Zhi, let me teach you how to ride."
Qiong Zhi obediently knelt, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."
Seeing Qiong Zhi's compliant demeanor made Prince Heng feel uneasy.
Why couldn't Qiong Zhi be a bit more carefree like Shen Wei? Why not let loose a little?
His second brother had managed to find such an interesting maid! What luck!
Prince Heng ground his teeth; he had always enjoyed competing with Prince Yan, but it seemed he could never come out on top.
His mood soured even further.
...
By the stream, the horse ambled along, swaying gently.
Prince Yan caught a whiff of a delicate fragrance, fresh and inviting. Shen Wei leaned against him, and when he looked down, he could see her smooth, fair neck and the lovely curve of her cheek.
And that exquisite riding outfit.
The mountain breeze was cool, and the beauty in his arms was fragrant and soft.
Prince Yan's throat tightened, and his interest was easily piqued. His warm breath brushed against Shen Wei's ear as he tightened his grip around her slender waist, his voice low and husky, "Wei Wei, don’t move around."
Shen Wei froze for a moment, turning to find the unmasked fire in Prince Yan's eyes.
Shen Wei: ...
Having spent so many days with Prince Yan, she could easily read his intentions. He was physically strong and had a high demand; most women simply couldn't keep up with him.
But Shen Wei, with her good health, was like kindling to his fire.
Well, it was fine; after all, she enjoyed it too, so it was a win-win.
Shen Wei smiled coyly, gently grasping Prince Yan's broad hand, her eyes sparkling like peach blossoms dipped in water, filled with a hint of flirtation: "Your Highness, be gentle."
The air around them was thick with heat.
The horse carried Shen Wei and Prince Yan deeper into the secluded mountains.
A gentle breeze blew, gradually picking up strength, rustling the trees in the mountains, and occasionally, muffled moans drifted through the air...
By the time they returned to the tent, the sky was completely dark. Prince Yan, having eaten his fill, bathed and went straight to the Crown Prince's tent for a meeting.
Shen Wei lay languidly in the wooden tub, her arms and neck marked with red marks. Her gaze fell on the tattered red riding outfit hanging on the rack.
She had only brought one riding outfit, and now it was ruined; she wouldn't be able to ride for the next few days.
That man, always tearing clothes.
With a soft sigh, Shen Wei instructed her maid, "Cai Lian, bring in the swelling medicine I prepared."
After applying the medicine, Shen Wei returned to her bed, ready to sleep.
Cai Lian quietly asked, "My lady, should I still bring the contraceptive soup?"
Shen Wei pondered for a moment. It was already June, and the spring examination would begin next March, with results announced in April. Calculating the days, it was about time to prepare for pregnancy.
Next year, she would give birth to a child, and her brother would succeed in the examination—good things would come in pairs.
"Prepare me some fertility medicine for the future," Shen Wei said, gently touching her flat abdomen.
Her body had already recovered.
It was time to get ready for pregnancy and embark on a new round of promotions and raises. She wanted to transition from being a mere maid in the prince's residence to a member of the management team.
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