A Concubine's Competitive Life in the Prince's Household-Chapter 144

After completing her prayers and incense offerings, she rose with Granny Liu’s support and gazed at the clear sky outside.

The Princess Consort spoke slowly, "Since Shen Wei is now a secondary consort, she must observe the daily rituals of morning and evening greetings."

These rituals required concubines to pay respects to the primary wife each morning and attend to her at night before bed.

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In recent years, the Princess Consort had been preoccupied with her sons’ studies and found the concubines’ daily greetings tedious, so she had abolished the custom.

But now that Shen Wei had been promoted, the Princess Consort intended to reinstate the neglected rule.

"Shall I inform Shen Wei immediately?" Granny Liu asked eagerly.

The Princess Consort smiled and shook her head. "Let her revel in her triumph for a few days first. Then, we’ll notify her."

She wanted Shen Wei to understand that in Prince Yan’s Mansion, Tantai Shuya was the true mistress. No matter how favored Shen Wei was, she would always remain beneath the Princess Consort’s feet.

After the prayers, the Princess Consort and Granny Liu went to the study to check on their sons’ progress. Meanwhile, the maids of Kunyu Courtyard quietly entered the prayer hall, meticulously cleaning the dust and replacing the incense ashes in the altar.

A plain-faced maid carried the incense burner away from Kunyu Courtyard. Midway, she changed direction and met Cai Ping in a secluded corner of the garden.

The maid whispered, "Sister Cai Ping, the Princess Consort said she’ll soon require Mistress Shen to perform morning and evening greetings."

Cai Ping nodded. "I’ll inform my lady."

She slipped a hefty purse into the maid’s hands, who accepted it tearfully before hurrying off with the incense burner.

...

At Glazed Pavilion, Shen Wei handed the edict of her promotion to Nanny Rong for safekeeping.

Prince Yan played with the child by the cradle.

Little Leyou adored him, her chubby limbs waving excitedly as she babbled at him.

The Prince’s heart melted.

Though he had many children, only this little one in the cradle showed him such pure affection. Being adored by his daughter filled him with indescribable satisfaction.

"Now that you’re a secondary consort, are you happy?" Prince Yan asked, his handsome eyes gleaming.

Shen Wei gazed at him tenderly, her eyes curved like crescent moons. "Of course I am. My brother has studied diligently since childhood, and now he’s entered the court as an imperial scholar. If he can serve under Your Highness and share your burdens, you’ll have one less worry."

Prince Yan felt as if a soft feather had brushed his heart.

Other women would have been overjoyed by the sudden promotion. Yet Shen Wei’s first thought was of how her brother could assist him.

This proved that in her heart, Prince Yan mattered most. She cared not for status, only for his well-being.

He took her hand gently. "I’ll meet with Shen Xiuming first, then arrange for you two to reunite."

Shen Wei nodded obediently.

After doting on his daughter a little longer, Prince Yan left Glazed Pavilion. Once he was gone, Shen Wei’s expression darkened. "Prepare my attire and makeup," she instructed Cai Lian.

She ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‍couldn’t appear too ostentatious when meeting her brother.

...

In Prince Yan’s study, Shen Xiuming stood waiting in simple blue robes.

Soon, footsteps echoed from the moon gate—Prince Yan had arrived.

Shen Xiuming clenched his fists nervously.

Today, the Prince wore court attire: a solemn purple robe embroidered with golden and silver cloud-dragon patterns. Tall and imposing, his military-trained stride exuded authority.

Two elite guards followed him, their sharp eyes betraying their formidable skills.

"This humble subject—no, this official greets Your Highness," Shen Xiuming stammered, his bow awkward.

Prince Yan nodded, studying the young man’s face. The resemblance to Shen Wei was unmistakable.

"Enter the study," the Prince said curtly.

Shen Xiuming’s hands trembled in his sleeves. Prince Yan’s noble bearing and domineering aura made him pity his sister—serving such a man was like tending to a fierce tiger.

Poor Shen Wei.

Inside, Prince Yan took his seat with effortless command. "Sit."

Shen Xiuming stiffly obeyed.

A maid served fragrant spring tea.

Without preamble, Prince Yan stated, "Your policy essay during the palace examination, On Pacifying the People, was profound and exceptional. As Shen Wei’s brother and a learned scholar, I’ve decided to employ you."

Shen Xiuming bowed stiffly. "This official is deeply honored."

Prince Yan continued, "The magistrate of Yun County in the south has been promoted, leaving the position vacant. I intend to appoint you there. After gaining experience, you’ll return to the capital for a higher post."

Shen Xiuming’s eyes widened.

Top-ranking scholars typically began with idle positions like Hanlin Academy compilers before being assigned real authority years later.

Yet Prince Yan was granting him a county magistracy outright!

Yun County, in the fertile Jiangnan region of Qing State, was a crucial granary for the empire. Though a seventh-rank post, it held real power and immense potential for advancement.

Clearly, Prince Yan held Shen Xiuming in exceptionally high regard.

"Your Highness, this humble official... this humble official..." Shen Xiuming stammered, unable to voice his refusal.

Could it be that Prince Yan valued him so highly because of his sister?