Chapter 147
**Chapter 147: A Mind Full of Schemes**
A flicker of disdain crossed Shen Mu's eyes as she coldly said, "My daughter has already divorced you. Do not appear before me again."
Liu Boyuan smiled broadly, "Mother-in-law, you exaggerate. I have dismissed the concubines at home; from now on, I will love only Qiang'er. I hope you will allow me to see her."
Shen Mu spat at him in disgust.
Liu Boyuan, however, was not angered; he maintained his obsequious demeanor.
An official responsible for managing the roads approached, politely cupping his hands in greeting to Shen Xiuming. "Lord Shen, it’s getting late. Please set off as soon as possible."
Shen Xiuming returned the gesture. "Understood."
No one paid Liu Boyuan any further attention as Shen Mu and Shen Xiuming returned to their carriage. Shen Wei handed over the prepared provisions and silver. "Mother, Brother, the journey to Jiangnan is long. Please be careful along the way."
Shen Mu hurriedly pushed the silver back. "Child, I still have money. Keep it for yourself. The Wang family is treacherous; take care of yourself."
After some pushing and shoving, Shen Wei ultimately failed to give the silver away. The coachman cracked his whip, and Shen Mu and Shen Xiuming's carriage rolled away.
Shen Wei stood by the roadside for a while before turning back to the carriage. Liu Boyuan, still not giving up, rubbed his chubby hands together. "Auntie, I've run out of money in Yanjing. You're a noble side consort of the Wang family; could you spare me some—"
Shen Wei lifted the curtain of the carriage, her cold gaze sweeping over the merchant. "Leave Yanjing within ten days. If you set foot in this city again, you will die."
The afternoon sun blazed down, and as Liu Boyuan looked at the woman sitting in the carriage, he suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
It wasn't until the carriage disappeared from view that Liu Boyuan snapped back to reality. He spat on the ground, cursing, "A mere woman dares to threaten me!"
The Shen family had risen to prominence, and he was determined to find Shen Qiang and do whatever it took to win her back.
...
The carriage moved discreetly through the bustling streets of Yanjing.
Cai Ping had bought two bags of freshly made sesame candy. Inside the carriage, Shen Wei wiped off her makeup, leisurely enjoying the candy while instructing Cai Ping, "Keep an eye on Liu Boyuan. If he hasn't left Yanjing in ten days, find someone to break his legs and throw him out of the city to fend for himself."
Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.
Liu Boyuan was the kind of troublesome pest that, once entangled, would surely cause chaos.
Shen Wei had to nip this potential crisis in the bud.
The carriage passed through the bustling main road and arrived at the quiet, secluded area of the official residences. This area was mostly home to Yanjing officials, with the Wang family estate located near the imperial city.
Shen Wei was still munching on her sesame candy. She had never liked sweets before, but after giving birth, she inexplicably developed a fondness for desserts, especially the various candies of Yanjing. The Wang family doted on her and even hired a chef skilled in making sweets to prepare delicious treats for her.
Clang—
The carriage jolted slightly, as if it had hit something. Cai Ping hurriedly lifted the curtain and asked the coachman, "What happened?"
The coachman replied, "Miss Cai Ping, it's the carriage of the Lord of Heng. I need to make way."
The carriage moved to the side of the road to clear the main path. With a piece of sesame candy still in her mouth, Shen Wei peered through the lifted curtain and caught sight of a grand, resplendent four-horse carriage.
Only someone of great stature, like the Lord of Heng, could ride in such a luxurious carriage.
The Lord of Heng's carriage slowly approached, then suddenly stopped beside Shen Wei's carriage. The precious golden silk curtain was lifted, revealing his handsome, picturesque face as his gaze fell upon Shen Wei.
With a piece of thin sesame candy still in her mouth, Shen Wei's round face shone like a polished black stone.
Beautiful and vibrant, full of life.
As Shen Wei's eyes met those of the Lord of Heng, she quickly swallowed the candy and politely greeted him, "Your Highness, I hope you are well."
The Lord of Heng sneered, "I am not well."
Shen Wei replied, "Oh."
Whether he was well or not was none of my business.
The Lord of Heng was strikingly handsome, with delicate features and fair skin. But at that moment, his eyes were filled with malice as he smirked, "You, a farmer's daughter, are full of schemes. You truly have a talent for it."
Outsiders believed Shen Wei was merely lucky.
She had a daughter, and her brother had achieved success in the imperial examinations, making her fortunate enough to become the side consort of the Wang family. But only the Lord of Heng knew that Shen Wei was not just lucky; she was calculating!
Shen Wei never undertook anything without assurance; her mind was filled with plots and schemes. From the very beginning, she had her sights set on the position of side consort, advancing step by step to achieve her goal.
Even if Shen Xiuming had not succeeded in the examinations, Shen Wei would have found a way to become the side consort. A clever woman never pinned her hopes on a single person; she surely had several strategies prepared.
"Your Highness, please be mindful. I do not understand what you are saying," Shen Wei said, her pretty face feigning confusion.
The Lord of Heng bared his teeth, pretending. You're still pretending!
Was she a sack of potatoes in her past life? How good she was at acting!
With a snap, the Lord of Heng dropped the curtain, and the grand carriage rolled away.
Inside the spacious, luxurious carriage, the Lord of Heng's gaze darkened, a twinge of sour jealousy creeping into his heart. Why did his second brother have such good luck? To encounter such an intriguing woman.
The Lord of Heng had many beauties in his estate, but collectively, they didn't match the wit of a humble-born Shen Wei.
He recalled Shen Wei from just moments ago: her glossy black hair, her simple yet elegant dress, her striking features, and her fair skin. The rosy corners of her mouth held a small piece of sesame candy, with a few tiny sesame seeds stuck to her lips...
To be fair, Shen Wei was not the most beautiful woman the Lord of Heng had ever seen. Yet, for some reason, she possessed an inexplicable allure.
"Steward," the Lord of Heng said, his voice low.
The steward hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, what is your command?"
The Lord of Heng ordered, "Buy a bag of sesame candy."
The steward was taken aback. "Oh... huh?"
The prince despised overly sweet candies. Why the sudden craving for sesame candy today?
After a moment, the carriage of the Lord of Heng moved on, when suddenly a guard outside exclaimed, "Your Highness, we just spotted a man following Shen's carriage."
The Lord of Heng raised an eyebrow, a spark of interest igniting in his eyes. "Bring him back. I’ll have a word with him when I have the time."
"Yes, Your Highness."
At the street corner, Liu Boyuan, who was stealthily tailing Shen Wei's carriage, suddenly felt a heavy blow to his back. Before he could scream, darkness enveloped him, and he collapsed to the ground.
...
Shen Wei returned to Liuli Pavilion, tending to her little daughter by the cradle. Little Le You was growing plumper by the day, drinking plenty of milk and even attempting to crawl.
Shen Wei planned to set up a large bed soon, allowing the child to crawl freely every day and strengthen her muscles.
Outside, there was a commotion as Liu Mama, the princess's attendant, strutted into Liuli Pavilion.
Shen Wei did not let her enter the room, meeting her at the moon gate.
"The old servant pays her respects to the side consort," Liu Mama said, her tone reluctant, and her bow half-hearted.
Not long ago, Shen Wei had been a lowly maid. But now, she had become the side consort of the Wang family, her name recorded in the royal annals, a true lady of status.
Having served the princess for many years, Liu Mama considered herself superior. Yet now, she had to bow to Shen Wei, which naturally left her feeling disgruntled.
Shen Wei replied coolly, "What is it?"
Liu Mama, with an air of authority, said, "From now on, every day at the hour of the rooster, please come to Kunyuyuan to pay your respects to the princess. Morning and evening greetings are a tradition passed down from our ancestors; do not forget, Side Consort Shen."
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