Chapter 90
**Chapter 90: The Abandoned Daughter**
As long as the Prince of Yan stood by her side, the Empress could never forcibly take away her three children.
The Princess closed her eyes, her voice hoarse: “The National Academy is filled with talent. If Chengke and Chengzhen don’t strive to improve, they will eventually be overshadowed by others. If they grow up to be known as useless, where will that leave the reputation of the Prince of Yan’s residence? As for Yao’er, those four old maids can teach her however they like; it’s none of my business.”
Since Li Yao had exposed the Princess’s withholding of her food in front of the Prince of Yan, the Princess had grown increasingly disappointed in her daughter.
Raising a daughter who doesn’t favor her own mother is no different from raising a white-eyed wolf.
The incense and candles on the altar burned steadily as the Princess slowly lifted her gaze to the compassionate Buddha statue.
Clutching a string of prayer beads, her resolve hardened: “This is the Prince of Yan’s residence; this is my territory. Mother has sent four old women here—aren’t they just slapping me in the face? Those four old maids won’t ruin my two children.”
For the sake of her children, she had to fight against these old maids.
...
Life in the Liuli Pavilion was calm and peaceful.
In recent days, Shen Wei had been eating well, sleeping well, and maintaining a proper exercise routine.
Her dessert shop was thriving, expanding rapidly, and was gradually gaining a reputation in Yanjing, expected to become the top dessert shop in the city soon.
While Shen Wei’s life was going smoothly, the Princess’s situation was fraught with turmoil. According to gossip from the ever-informative Cai Ping, the Princess was in constant conflict with those four old maids.
On the surface, they appeared cordial, but behind closed doors, the strife was fierce, with open and covert battles ongoing.
The Princess was exhausted from her daily struggles, too busy to deal with the pregnant Shen Wei. She had summoned a new favorite, Xiang’er, who had been completely forgotten in the back courtyard.
In the courtyard, Shen Wei leisurely leaned back in her chair, flipping through the account books sent by “Wei Yan Ji.” She instructed Rong Mama, “Talk to Manager Ye again. After we launch the new products, let’s add a delivery service. If any noble families in Yanjing need it, have the staff pack the desserts and deliver them directly.”
As the shop’s reputation grew, customers came in droves.
Adding a delivery service would help diversify the customer base and boost sales.
“I’ve noted it down,” Rong Mama replied calmly, her admiration for Shen Wei growing.
The idea of home delivery was truly innovative.
Just as Shen Wei was enjoying her leisurely review of the account books, Cai Ping’s voice came from outside, announcing that Young Mistress Li Yao had arrived. Shen Wei set down the account book and saw Li Yao’s delicate, pale face.
She had someone invite her in.
After a few days apart, Li Yao looked to be recovering well. She held a beautifully crafted small box in her hands, her big, dark eyes scanning Shen Wei before she softly spoke, “Shen, Shen Aijia, that day I was poisoned, and my mother almost misunderstood you... Yao’er apologizes to you.”
Li Yao handed over the pink and white box.
It was a takeout box from “Wei Yan Ji,” containing a bowl of a newly released dessert.
At heart, Li Yao was a kind girl. After regaining her senses, she felt guilty for the misunderstanding that almost befell Shen Wei, so she took the initiative to come and apologize.
In recent days, the Princess had not paid any attention to Li Yao, nor had she had time to supervise her studies in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Li Yao felt like a bird released from its cage, particularly free, even having time to visit Shen Wei.
“Thank you, Yao Jie,” Shen Wei said with a warm smile.
Li Yao let out a sigh of relief.
But she didn’t leave immediately; instead, she timidly asked, “Shen, Shen Aijia, can I play on the swing?”
After all, Li Yao was just an eight-year-old girl, at an age where playfulness was natural. She loved Shen Wei’s Liuli Pavilion, with its beautiful flowers, lush trees, and peach trees, and the vegetable garden filled with ripe tomatoes.
What attracted Li Yao the most was the swing set under the big tree.
Shen Wei nodded, smiling, “Cai Ping, take her to the swing.”
Cai Ping happily complied, leading Li Yao to the swing. Li Yao had only seen swings in books; the Princess usually forbade her from playing on them, insisting that girls should be dignified.
Today was Li Yao’s first time on a swing. She held onto Cai Ping’s hand, carefully gripping the sturdy swing ropes.
The swing was made of wooden planks, safe to sit on. Cai Ping gently pushed from behind, and Li Yao’s slender body swayed, joy sparkling in her eyes.
Swinging was so much fun!
As the swing moved back and forth, a gentle breeze brushed her cheeks, and Li Yao felt as if she were soaring through the air, free from all constraints, like a little bird flying high, merging with the beautiful scenery around her.
After playing for nearly half an hour, Li Yao joyfully left the swing. Having had her fun, she remembered the unfinished schoolwork.
The old maid who taught her had come from the palace, telling Li Yao that as the eldest daughter of the Wang family, she bore responsibilities and would eventually manage the household. The old maid taught her to read account books, analyze family assets, and learn to manage land and shops, and Li Yao took it all very seriously.
Li Yao enjoyed reading the account books far more than playing the piano or painting; it was much more interesting and easier.
She politely expressed her gratitude to Shen Wei: “Thank you, Shen Aijia. Yao’er will come to visit again another day. You must take care of your health too.”
Li Yao skipped away.
Cai Ping poured a cup of tea for Shen Wei and quietly asked, “Mistress, Young Mistress Yao keeps coming to our Liuli Pavilion. What if she gets poisoned again one day? That would be troublesome.”
Shen Wei held the celadon teacup, a hint of sympathy in her eyes: “Playing is a child’s nature. It’s normal to play at a young age and to work hard when it’s time to be busy.”
The Princess had devoted herself entirely to her two sons, completely giving up on Li Yao.
One person’s poison is another’s nectar. In Shen Wei’s eyes, Li Yao was a wonderful daughter, pure of heart, a good child.
It was a pity the Princess was blind to Li Yao’s merits.
Shen Wei gently caressed her flat belly, thinking that if her unborn child could receive the love of Li Yao, the legitimate daughter of the Wang family, it would surely be a layer of protection.
...
...
Li Yao returned to her courtyard, continuing her studies of the account books under the old maid’s guidance.
She studied until dark, and the old maid brought in a delicate dinner. Seeing Li Yao so focused, the old maid’s eyes were filled with approval: “Young Mistress Yao is very diligent.”
The old maid had been sent by the Empress.
Initially, she thought Li Yao would be a difficult child to manage. But after a few days of interaction, she was utterly amazed—Li Yao was smart, kind, and hardworking.
She loved to play, but knew how to keep it in moderation.
She enjoyed food but didn’t overindulge.
She was a very clever little girl.
“Thank you, Mama,” Li Yao said after finishing her dinner, her little belly round and full. Ever since the old maid came to take care of her, Li Yao had been able to eat her fill every day.
Li Yao hadn’t forgotten about the Princess. The Princess hadn’t come to see her in days, and Li Yao missed her dearly. She specially brought two pieces of peach blossom pastry and hurried over to Kunyuyuan.
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