Chapter 77
**Chapter 77: A Child Must Be Nurtured Well!**
Shen Wei knew that sooner or later, she and the princess would find themselves on opposing sides. She had to seize the time to grow stronger.
Madam Rong had spent a long time in the Wang residence and had never seen a master like Shen Wei—young yet wise and perceptive. With a sense of admiration, Madam Rong realized she had chosen the right person to support, and she silently resolved to firmly attach herself to this budding tree, Shen Wei.
Out of concern, Madam Rong reminded Shen Wei, “My lady, the princess has a heart like a snake hidden under a flower. During your pregnancy, she will surely seek out new concubines for the prince.”
With Shen Wei pregnant, it would be inconvenient for her to serve the prince. The princess would use this as an excuse to bring in fresh faces, diverting the prince's affections away from Shen Wei.
“Don’t worry,” Shen Wei sipped her tangy citrus water. “The newcomers the princess finds are nothing to fear.”
Shen Wei understood the princess's character well. The princess only dared to select women of low status to compete for affection. Any woman with a bit of family background would be seen as a threat to her position, and the princess would never allow them to cross the threshold of the Wang residence.
Shen Wei set down her porcelain cup and sighed silently. It was a pity for those girls, reduced to disposable tools in the princess's hands. Images of the dilapidated courtyards in the southwest corner of the Yan Wang residence flashed before her eyes, each one as grim as a grave, housing countless wilted girls.
“Please organize the empress's gifts carefully,” Shen Wei instructed Madam Rong. “Make sure to record the valuable items and keep them safe.”
Madam Rong nodded eagerly. “Rest assured, my lady. I will handle it with care.”
As Madam Rong went to sort through the empress's gifts, Shen Wei returned to her main chamber and picked up a brush to practice her calligraphy. Even though she was pregnant, she still needed to practice her writing, tend to her garden, and compete for affection—she couldn’t afford to let up for even a moment.
While writing, Shen Wei mentally summarized her “work report” for the day. Attending Princess Zhaoyang’s birthday banquet had yielded many rewards—she had cleverly announced her pregnancy, securing the empress's support for her unborn child; received a generous bounty from the empress, replenishing her nearly depleted treasury; and the desserts from her shop had been tasted by the emperor and empress, boosting their fame.
After tallying her gains for the day, Shen Wei carefully plotted her next steps. Tomorrow, she would make time to meet Ye Qiushuang and, while the iron was hot, expand the scale of her dessert shop.
As a first-time mother-to-be, she needed to prepare extensively to ensure the safety of her child. This included exercising, replenishing her nutrition, finding a suitable midwife in advance, and considering postpartum body care...
Of course, she also had to take care of the Yan Wang's emotions during her pregnancy. She couldn’t let him think that now that she was having a child, she would neglect him.
Additionally, she needed Madam Rong to continue urging her brother, Shen Xiuming, who was preparing for exams, to study diligently.
As Shen Wei contemplated her future plans, Cai Ping entered the room and quietly asked, “My lady, now that you are pregnant, your daily diet must be meticulous. Should we change tonight’s dishes to those beneficial for the fetus?”
Shen Wei tightened her grip on the brush, pondering for a moment before asking Cai Ping, “Cai Ping, you’ve been in the Wang residence for a long time. In previous years, when those wives and concubines were pregnant, did they make a big fuss?”
Cai Ping recalled the past and nodded. “Of course! They were all eager to fly to the heavens. They wanted only the best in food and clothing, fearing anything might harm their unborn child.”
Shen Wei thought for a moment and instructed Cai Ping, “There’s no need to change tonight’s dinner. Let’s keep it as usual. Make extra of those fried meatballs I love.”
Cai Ping was taken aback. “My lady, the first three months of pregnancy are the most unstable. It’s not advisable to eat too many spicy or greasy foods. This could be harmful to the child!”
Shen Wei smiled and glanced at Cai Ping. “Not seeking is seeking; not doing is doing. If I actively pursue, it will only invite disdain. It’s better to let others offer it willingly.”
Cai Ping was left puzzled, her head filled with questions. She didn’t quite understand, but it sounded impressive.
...
Meanwhile, Yan Wang returned to the Yan Wang residence under the cover of night, accompanied by his guards. Naturally, he wanted to visit Shen Wei, who was pregnant. He had a fondness for the Liuli Pavilion; it gave him a special feeling—unlike the confinement of the palace, the rigidity of the front courtyard, or the sternness of the East Palace.
The Liuli Pavilion was vibrant and full of life. Every time he stepped inside, the weariness of the day seemed to dissipate. Shen Wei’s bright and lively smile had a contagious quality, lifting his spirits.
On the way to the Liuli Pavilion, Fu Gui walked beside Yan Wang, grinning. “Congratulations, Your Highness! With Shen Wei expecting, our residence will be even livelier.”
A smile crept onto Yan Wang’s face.
But as he smiled, a sudden wave of melancholy washed over him... He should be happy that his beloved concubine was pregnant.
Yet memories flooded back—pregnant women were unpredictable! It was hard to grasp their moods!
When the princess was pregnant, she devoted herself entirely to the child in her womb, even going so far as to ensure that the food on the table was beneficial for the baby. The incense Yan Wang liked was replaced because the princess found it unpleasant during her pregnancy.
When Yan Wang went to accompany the princess, she would say she couldn’t serve him due to her condition and would send him to find other concubines; when he turned to seek out the others, she would throw a fit in her chamber.
As for the other concubines, their personalities would change drastically once they were pregnant. While Yan Wang was busy handling state affairs, he would frequently receive reports from maidservants saying that the pregnant ladies were feeling unwell and needed him to come check on them.
He wasn’t a physician! What good would it do to call him?
Whether it was a stomachache or nausea from eating, or disputes with other concubines, they all came to him... At first, he would go to check on them. But as it happened more often, he found it increasingly annoying.
This chapter isn’t over yet! Please click to the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Children are important, but so are matters of state. Delaying his duties repeatedly for an unborn child had led to serious consequences.
Now that Shen Wei was pregnant, would she also become like those previous wives and concubines, relying on her favored status and changing her temperament?
With these complex thoughts swirling in his mind, Yan Wang arrived at the Liuli Pavilion. It was still vibrant, the lanterns illuminating the courtyard.
Shen Wei had changed into a light yellow silk dress tonight, her black hair casually pinned up with a hairpin. She skipped towards him, her hair swaying slightly. “Your Highness, you’re back!”
Yan Wang embraced Shen Wei, saying helplessly, “Now that you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t run around so recklessly.”
Shen Wei smiled brightly. “I wanted to see you quickly; how could I walk slowly?”
Yan Wang found her words quite endearing.
They shared dinner together under the bright candlelight. The meal was just as exquisite as ever, featuring Yan Wang’s favorites like shrimp with water lily, sweet and sour ribs, and fried fish, alongside Shen Wei’s beloved spicy chicken, sweet and sour pork ribs, candied cherries, and fried meatballs.
Shen Wei had always loved fried meatballs. They were made by finely chopping fish, chicken, and pork, mixing them with dried bamboo shoots, shredded radish, and wood ear mushrooms, then shaping them into small balls, steaming them, and finally frying them until golden and coating them in bright red chili powder—spicy and delicious.
Yan Wang had thought that Shen Wei would become more particular about her diet now that she was pregnant, just like the other wives and concubines in the residence, being extra cautious about food and clothing, even using her pregnancy as an excuse to be spoiled.
But...
Seeing Shen Wei happily devour her fifth fried meatball, Yan Wang could no longer hold back. He set down his chopsticks. “Wei Wei, you’re pregnant. It’s not good to eat too many fried and spicy meatballs.”
Shen Wei blinked innocently. “But I used to eat like this!”
Yan Wang’s eyelids twitched, his handsome face showing a hint of helplessness. “But you’re pregnant now!”
She really wasn’t taking care of herself!
Table of Contents
