Chapter 116
**Chapter 116: The Queen's Appreciation**
The room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
The Queen maintained a gentle smile, though the warmth did not reach her eyes.
But Shen Wei knew this was a matter of life and death! It was like being a new employee at a company, and the chairman (the Queen) solemnly asking you if you wanted to kick out another female board member (the Princess) and take her place.
Could she answer "yes"? Of course not!
The Princess came from the Dan Tai family, a prestigious lineage with a history spanning centuries. Shen Wei, a poor girl from a humble farming background, could never replace the Princess.
Yet, if she replied with "I wouldn't dare to think such a thing," it would belittle herself too much.
Shen Wei's heart raced, her mind whirled, and she mustered her courage, responding with a composed demeanor, "My family is poor, and I am fortunate to have the Prince's favor, allowing me to live a life free from worry. I admire the Prince and only wish to accompany him for life, to bear him children, and to care for him, so he has no worries. As for anything else, I truly do not wish to think further."
She did not directly answer the Queen's question but subtly expressed her love for Prince Yan.
She hinted to the Queen that as long as she could stay by Prince Yan's side, even as a concubine, she would be more than willing. Her heart belonged solely to Prince Yan; she did not care for status. What the Prince's residence lacked most was a woman who would wholeheartedly care for him and manage the household.
The room remained silent.
The Queen studied Shen Wei for a moment before gently placing down her celadon tea cup, smiling lightly, "You are quite clever."
Shen Wei lowered her head, "Your Majesty flatters me."
The Queen asked, "Can you write?"
Shen Wei replied, "I know a little; the Prince has taught me."
The Queen continued, "Can you read accounts?"
Shen Wei answered, "I have some understanding."
The Queen inquired, "Are the maids and eunuchs in your courtyard loyal? Aren't you afraid they might harbor ulterior motives?"
Shen Wei responded, "If you suspect someone, don’t use them; if you use someone, don’t suspect them."
A look of appreciation flickered in the Queen's eyes.
The Queen slowly raised her hand, and the attendant, Mama Qian, quickly helped her up.
The Queen was about to leave.
Shen Wei, along with the others from Liuli Pavilion, escorted the Queen to the gate of the courtyard. The Queen spoke with a hint of meaning, telling Shen Wei, "Take good care of your pregnancy and bear a healthy child for the Prince. Once you give birth smoothly, I will reward you."
Shen Wei respectfully knelt, a smile gracing her lips, "I thank Your Majesty for your guidance. I will certainly work hard and not disappoint your grace."
Clever people communicate without needing many words; a few phrases sufficed to seal the deal.
The Queen had more to attend to with Prince Yan, rising leisurely to depart, her entourage fading from Shen Wei's view.
Before getting into her palanquin, the Queen took a slow stroll through the palace garden. At the end of summer, the lotus flowers in the pond bloomed vibrantly.
Mama Qian supported the Queen's arm and softly said, "Your Majesty, while Shen has management skills, one can never know what lies in a person's heart. How can we be sure she truly loves the Prince?"
The Queen glanced at the lush lotus pond and smiled lightly, "I do not need to ponder Shen's sincerity. She is willing to work and does it well; that is already quite rare."
The other wives and concubines in the palace professed their love for Prince Yan, but their affections were all in their hearts and on their lips. Once their love went unreciprocated, they began to wallow in self-pity.
Shen Wei, however, was entirely different. She could consider everything thoroughly and put it into action.
In terms of actions, not hearts; in terms of hearts, no one is perfect. Being capable is already a rarity.
Not only did Shen Wei work diligently, but she also understood how to win people's hearts. Li Yao, several older maids, and the steward all leaned toward her.
Shen Wei was clever, ambitious, and shrewd, knowing how to conceal her strengths. In the stagnant atmosphere of Prince Yan's residence, Shen Wei was the most vibrant flower, full of life.
Seeing how much the Queen valued Shen Wei, Mama Qian secretly marveled. Shen Wei's good days were still ahead.
Mama Qian suggested, "Your Majesty, should we directly elevate Shen's status and appoint her as a concubine?"
The Queen shook her head, "Not yet; let her give birth first."
"Wood that stands out will be blown down by the wind." Elevating Shen Wei's status now would only make her a target.
Once Shen Wei had given birth and gained her wings, the Queen would then support her as the manager of the household, replacing the Princess in managing the inner quarters.
Being a concubine would not suffice; at the very least, Shen Wei would need to be elevated to a secondary wife to silence the gossip. With her humble origins and no powerful family backing her, she would have to cling tightly to Prince Yan, not daring to entertain any other thoughts.
As for the empty-headed Princess Dan Tai Shuya, the Queen would keep her as the legitimate wife for the sake of the Dan Tai family, allowing her to remain a mere figurehead.
"For the sake of Yuan Jing and the stability of the former palace of the Qing nation, I must prepare for the future."
The Queen sighed deeply as she left the lush garden of the palace.
...
In Liuli Pavilion.
After the Queen's departure, Shen Wei returned to the courtyard with her maids and eunuchs.
Cai Ping's heart raced with anxiety, "My lady, you nearly scared me to death! The Queen is so imposing; I didn't dare breathe too loudly, fearing I might make a mistake."
It was also Cai Ping's first time serving the Queen up close, her heart pounding as she tried to maintain her composure.
Shen Wei took a seat and sipped some tea to soothe her throat.
Cai Ping continued, "I never expected the Queen would come to our place."
Shen Wei smiled brightly, feeling quite pleased, "Consider it a test from the Queen."
Everyone was clever; Shen Wei guessed the Queen's purpose for the visit—an interview.
The Princess had mismanaged the household, leading to numerous mistakes, and the Queen was already dissatisfied, wanting to support a new candidate. The Queen personally assessed Shen Wei's abilities, and Shen Wei had perfectly showcased her competence.
Opportunities always favor the prepared.
Shen Wei caressed her still-flat belly, knowing that once the child was born, she would surely receive a promotion and a raise, her little treasury filled with gold and silver.
With the Queen intending for her to manage the household, Shen Wei would certainly not disappoint, keeping the Prince well cared for and the palace in order, becoming the perfect "virtuous wife."
However, at that point, she and the Princess would officially become adversaries, tearing off the masks they wore.
But what of it?
Shen Wei was never afraid of challenges; she thrived on adversity.
She did not wish to be the Princess and knew that, given her background, it would be difficult to replace her. She only wanted to gradually undermine the Princess, becoming the true power behind the household, firmly grasping wealth and freedom in her hands.
...
After visiting Prince Yan, the Queen departed in her palanquin. The Princess led the concubines to see her off, only relaxing her forced smile once the phoenix palanquin disappeared from view.
On the way back to Kunyuyuan, Mama Liu informed the Princess about the Queen's visit to Liuli Pavilion.
Mama Liu expressed her concerns, "Your Highness, the Queen seems to hold Shen in high regard; we must be cautious."
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