Chapter 63
**Chapter 63: The Princess Comes to Visit**
The next afternoon, Shen Wei was practicing her calligraphy indoors when Cai Ping brought news that Princess Zhao Yang had arrived at the Yan Wang Fu, and the Yan Wang Fei was personally receiving her.
At present, Zhao Yang was in the Kun Yu Courtyard of the Yan Wang Fei.
Although Shen Wei was favored, she was still just a lowly concubine, without children, connections, or a powerful backing. Princess Zhao Yang was of noble birth, and Shen Wei didn’t even have the right to greet her at the door.
“Master, since Princess Zhao Yang is here to see you, why is she staying in the Wang Fei’s courtyard for so long?” Cai Ping asked, puzzled.
Shen Wei calmly continued her practice, the ink leaving neat rows of horizontal and vertical strokes on the rice paper.
“Princess Zhao Yang knows her place. If she were to bypass the Wang Fei and come directly to see me, it would be akin to slapping the Wang Fei in the face,” Shen Wei explained.
With the main wife still present, it would be inappropriate for her to seek out a concubine for a chat; the Wang Fei would surely feel uncomfortable. If word got out, the Wang Fei would lose face.
Princess Zhao Yang was quite emotionally intelligent, giving the Wang Fei the respect she deserved.
Shen Wei, however, was not discouraged. She would strive to climb higher step by step, working to elevate her own status.
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In the Kun Yu Courtyard, Princess Zhao Yang fidgeted restlessly. The Wang Fei had a fondness for Buddhism, and the incense in the hall burned day and night, filling the air with a heavy, smoky scent that made one want to sneeze.
The Kun Yu Courtyard felt stifling, the air thick and warm. The Yan Wang Fei, dressed in a dark gold gown, wore a vacant expression, her eyes betraying a weariness that seemed to transcend her years.
Yet, her good upbringing kept Zhao Yang from voicing her frustrations.
With a forced smile, she said, “Wang Fei, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen my nephews and niece. I’ve missed them dearly. Today, I’ve brought some gifts for Cheng Ke, Cheng Zhen, and Yao Yao.”
Her personal maid, Yun Er, stepped forward to present the gifts Zhao Yang had prepared.
For her two nephews, there were Kong Ming locks, porcelain whistles, and wooden toys.
For her niece, Li Yao, there were beautiful colorful clay figurines, two embroidered handkerchiefs, and a vibrant five-colored button.
These were all gifts that children would love, collected and prepared with care by Zhao Yang over a long time.
The Wang Fei’s gaze fell on the toys, her delicate brows furrowing slightly, though her face remained calm. “Thank you for your kind intentions, Princess. Liu Mama, please take these gifts and put them away.”
After a brief, awkward conversation between Zhao Yang and the Wang Fei, it became clear they had little in common, and the chat felt tedious.
Zhao Yang patiently waited for a moment before speaking up, “Wang Fei, I see the garden is beautiful. I’d like to take a stroll.”
The Wang Fei replied, “I’ll accompany you, Princess.”
Zhao Yang quickly declined, “No, no, no! Wang Fei, you’re so busy with your duties. I wouldn’t dare impose on you. I’ll just take a walk with Yun Er and be back soon.”
With Zhao Yang insisting, the Wang Fei did not press further.
Zhao Yang slipped away, quickly exiting the Kun Yu Courtyard. As she left the stifling space, she patted her chest, feeling her breath ease considerably.
“Let’s go find Shen Wei!” Zhao Yang exclaimed, lifting her skirt and eagerly heading toward the Liuli Pavilion.
Inside the Kun Yu Courtyard, the Wang Fei wearily rubbed her temples, while Liu Mama thoughtfully offered her a cup of tea.
“Put the toys in the storeroom,” the Wang Fei instructed.
Liu Mama hesitated, “But, Master, those are Princess Zhao Yang’s heartfelt gifts. How can we just put them away?”
A flicker of impatience crossed the Wang Fei’s eyes. “Cheng Ke and Cheng Zhen are at the age for studying. These toys will only distract them. And while Yao Yao is a girl, she was born into the Wang family and should be diligently practicing her skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, not playing with silly clay figurines.”
The Wang Fei was clearly dissatisfied with the gifts Zhao Yang had brought.
Sending such trivial toys would only lead the children astray.
Liu Mama then recalled the direction in which Princess Zhao Yang had left and reminded the Wang Fei, “Master, it seems the princess has a connection with Shen at the Liuli Pavilion.”
The Wang Fei chuckled lightly, dismissing the thought. “What kind of connection could there be? Just a casual acquaintance.”
One was the beloved daughter of the emperor, born of noble lineage; the other was a concubine from a humble background. Could they truly become close friends?
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Meanwhile, Zhao Yang arrived at the Liuli Pavilion, her spirits high. The first thing she noticed were two guards in gray uniforms standing at the entrance.
She couldn’t help but take a second glance.
These guards were full of energy, their sharp features reminiscent of the palace guards.
Were they really just ordinary guards of the Wang Fu?
Before she could ponder further, Shen Wei appeared at the door, accompanied by her maids and eunuchs. In the summer heat, Shen Wei wore a refreshing green silk dress, her hair adorned with two bright jade hairpins, making her look vibrant and graceful.
Shen Wei respectfully greeted Zhao Yang.
“The water pavilion is ready with summer tea. Would the princess like a cup?” Shen Wei asked generously.
Zhao Yang nodded eagerly, “Just what I need! I’d like a big cup!”
She lifted her light yellow skirt and stepped into Shen Wei’s Liuli Pavilion. As she crossed the moon gate, a cool breeze greeted her, and the elegant fragrance of lotus flowers lingered in the air.
Zhao Yang looked around in surprise. She saw lush, verdant trees, blooming pink roses, and a beautifully crafted swing set beneath the trees, along with a vibrant vegetable garden. A winding stone path paved with marble led through the courtyard, and the green grass resembled a thin layer of green velvet.
In the distance, a pond was filled with blooming lotus flowers, their broad leaves unfurling, and a lovely pavilion stood by the water’s edge.
“Wow, what a beautiful garden!” Zhao Yang exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with appreciation. The entire courtyard was alive with vitality, every detail perfectly arranged.
Compared to the lifeless Kun Yu Courtyard of the Wang Fei, it felt like a paradise.
No wonder the Yan Wang favored Shen Wei; just for this courtyard, he would be willing to visit more often.
Zhao Yang approached the vegetable garden and spotted purple eggplants and bright red tomatoes. One tomato was particularly large and ripe, exuding a rich tomato fragrance.
Having grown up in luxury, Zhao Yang had never seen tomatoes growing on the vine, and her curiosity was piqued. “Shen Wei, did you grow these vegetables? This tomato looks delicious! I want to try it!”
Shen Wei’s expression turned hesitant as she kindly reminded her, “Your Highness, that tomato was personally planted by the Wang Ye. He specifically instructed this morning that it must not be touched.”
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