Chapter 69
**Chapter 69: The New Concubine of Prince Heng**
Shen Wei's petite frame trembled slightly, her voice barely above a whisper, “Yes…”
Seeing Shen Wei's timid and fragile demeanor eased the tension in the princess's heart. A girl from a humble farming family, lacking in manners, who had fortuitously gained the prince's favor, was hardly a worthy adversary.
The carriage of the Yan Wang Fu (Prince Yan's residence) rolled steadily along, finally coming to a stop at the entrance of the princess's residence.
Shen Wei and the princess disembarked.
In the Da Qing Kingdom, there was only one princess, and she was showered with affection. After reaching maturity, Princess Zhao Yang was gifted a magnificent princess's residence by the emperor, located on the outskirts of the imperial city.
Having settled into her new home, Zhao Yang still retained her quarters in the palace, allowing her to return at any time.
Today was Princess Zhao Yang's birthday, and the atmosphere was lively, with noble ladies and daughters arriving in droves to offer their congratulations. Shen Wei humbly followed the princess, taking small steps into the princess's residence.
As soon as they entered, a little girl of about five or six suddenly dashed toward them. The girl was exquisitely beautiful, dressed in a pink and white frock, her appearance utterly charming.
The little girl respectfully curtsied to the princess and looked up with wide eyes, asking eagerly, “Nanzhi greets the princess. Princess, is my mother not coming today?”
Shen Wei observed quietly from the side.
Could this little girl be Li Nanzhi, the daughter of the concubine Liu Ruyan? It was said she had been sent to be raised by the crown princess two years ago.
The princess replied coolly, “Your mother has never been fond of crowds, so she naturally won’t attend the banquet.”
Not her concern, so she wouldn’t speak kindly of Liu Ruyan.
Li Nanzhi's small head drooped in disappointment.
She seemed reluctant to give up, glancing back as if searching for her mother. When she failed to spot the figure she longed for, tears welled up in her big, round eyes, shimmering with a sense of injustice.
Her mother truly didn’t want her anymore.
With her head bowed, Li Nanzhi turned away in disappointment. The elderly maid who cared for her followed closely behind, gently looking after the young girl.
Shen Wei continued to follow the princess toward the main hall of the princess's residence. As they walked, an unexpected figure appeared.
Prince Heng, with a beautiful yet robust concubine by his side, waved a jade fan and smiled broadly at the princess, “Ah, it’s my dear second sister-in-law. Your outfit today is exquisitely embroidered, not at all inferior to the old dowager in the cold palace.”
It was well-known in court that Prince Yan and Prince Heng were bitter rivals.
Unable to outmaneuver Prince Yan in court, Prince Heng took a different approach, always mocking Yan Wang’s wives and concubines whenever he encountered them. Today, the princess wore a dark, intricately patterned brocade robe, which was quite dignified.
Yet Prince Heng insisted on ridiculing it as outdated.
The princess replied calmly, “Prince Heng, please do not jest about the dowager in the cold palace; she is also your elder.”
Prince Heng clicked his tongue.
His finely shaped peach blossom eyes slid over to Shen Wei, who was following the princess. Today, Shen Wei was dressed simply, her head bowed shyly, looking particularly timid, as if she had never seen a grand occasion.
However, Prince Heng had witnessed Shen Wei's brutal side when she had “slaughtered a wild boar,” and he did not believe for a moment that she was as meek as she appeared.
It was all an act!
This woman was far too good at pretending! Looking at the princess’s self-important expression, she probably hadn’t even realized Shen Wei’s cunning nature.
Shen Wei kept her head down the entire time, awkwardly trailing behind the princess as they made their way to the banquet hall. She could sense Prince Heng’s gaze lingering on her back.
Stealing a glance at Prince Heng, she noticed the concubine beside him was quite attractive... though she seemed a bit too muscular? Especially those well-defined biceps, which the thin sleeves could hardly conceal.
Tsk, Prince Heng’s taste was getting stranger by the day...
It wasn’t until Shen Wei’s figure disappeared from view that Prince Heng slowly wrapped his arm around the waist of his lovely concubine. This new concubine was a woman the steward of the prince’s residence had gone to great lengths to find.
She could ride, butcher pigs, and roast meat, and she was reasonably pretty—she was the daughter of a butcher.
Initially, Prince Heng was quite pleased and favored this concubine. But now, seeing Shen Wei, the balance in his heart had shifted.
He realized he could find no suitable substitute. Shen Wei’s clever and sly nature was something no replacement could replicate.
And Shen Wei certainly didn’t have those strong biceps...
“Forget it, I’ll have the steward find someone new later.” Prince Heng shook his jade fan, wrapping his arm around the concubine’s waist as they leisurely entered the birthday banquet.
Life was dull; having an interesting little concubine could add a touch of joy to the monotonous days.
...
Given her low status, Shen Wei naturally couldn’t sit in the front row; the maidservants arranged for her to sit at the very end.
Throughout the event, Shen Wei played the role of a compliant little concubine, sitting quietly, not drawing attention to herself or looking around.
A young eunuch at the entrance called out, “The Deputy Minister of Rites, Yan Yunting, has arrived.”
Shen Wei inhaled sharply, discreetly lifting her eyelids. Today was Princess Zhao Yang’s birthday; if Yan Yunting had any sense, he wouldn’t bring Dan Tai Rou along.
Led by the palace eunuchs, the young Deputy Minister of Rites, Yan Yunting, walked in slowly. He wore a dark brocade robe, his steps steady, exuding an air of scholarly elegance.
He was followed by only a young servant in green.
Shen Wei scrutinized the servant, confirming he wasn’t Dan Tai Rou in disguise before letting out a sigh of relief. Yan Yunting was sensible enough not to bring Dan Tai Rou.
“Yan Yunting!” Princess Zhao Yang came rushing over, her eyes sparkling with unmasked affection, her steps light as a bird.
Yan Yunting politely cupped his hands in greeting, saying gently, “Your Highness, I hope you are well.”
Not seeing the annoying Dan Tai Rou, Zhao Yang’s eyes curved into beautiful crescents, her cheeks flushed, and she eagerly asked, “What gift did you bring me today? I want to see!”
Yan Yunting raised his gaze, taking in the sight of the young woman before him.
On her birthday, Zhao Yang was naturally dressed to the nines. She wore a gown of rainbow feathers and azure silk bestowed by the emperor, adorned with a golden hairpin and floral paste on her forehead. She was already beautiful, and in her finery, she outshone everyone present.
Yan Yunting was momentarily entranced. Just a few years ago, Zhao Yang had been a short little girl who liked to follow him around; now, she had blossomed into a radiant young woman, renowned throughout Yan Jing.
If it weren’t for his feelings for Rou, perhaps Yan Yunting would have considered marrying Zhao Yang.
“Why are you dawdling? Where’s my gift?” Zhao Yang urged.
Yan Yunting lowered his eyes, retrieving a delicately crafted small brocade box from his sleeve. “I was in a hurry to leave, so I prepared a humble gift. I hope Your Highness won’t find it lacking.”
Table of Contents
