A Concubine's Competitive Life in the Prince's Household-Chapter 79

Liu Ruyan thought of her parents—back when her mother was pregnant, her father had set aside his official duties to stay by her side every day. Even when criticized by his colleagues, he never wavered.

Growing up with such devoted parents as her example, Liu Ruyan had always hoped to marry a man who would love her wholeheartedly. Alas, not every man was as steadfast as her father...

With a deep sigh, Liu Ruyan closed her eyes bitterly. "The old can never compare to the new."

Xue Mei watched silently for a while, swatting a mosquito that had landed on her arm, then asked again, "Mistress, shall we rest now?"

A tear rolled down Liu Ruyan’s cheek. "The night is deep, and the dew heavy—sleep eludes me. Xue Mei, light another lamp. I wish to read awhile longer."

Xue Mei replied numbly, "...As you wish."

When would these torturous nights of forced overtime ever end?

...

While Liu Ruyan remained awake, the neighboring Bright Moon Courtyard was also alight with candles. Liu Qiao'er, the concubine residing there, sat by the bed, gently fanning her two children.

The night was stifling, buzzing with mosquitoes.

Liu Qiao'er swayed the fan tenderly, her gaze affectionate as she watched her sleeping children. Their plump little faces were serene and adorable, and the more she looked, the fonder she grew.

In her past life, she had been blinded by power, even using her children to vie for favor. In the end, her family had crumbled, and her children perished.

She would not repeat those mistakes. She would not stand by and watch her children meet tragedy again.

"Mistress, word has come from outside—the lady in Glazed Pavilion is with child. Even the Empress has sent gifts," a maid whispered.

Liu Qiao'er paused mid-fan.

"Pregnant?" she murmured, puzzled.

She vaguely recalled that in her past life, this Shen Wei had only enjoyed favor for a month before falling entirely out of grace. Yet now, Shen Wei’s star seemed to rise higher with each passing day.

Liu Qiao'er couldn’t help but wonder—had her own refusal to compete for favor inadvertently altered Shen Wei’s fate?

As for the Empress bestowing gifts upon Shen Wei, Liu Qiao'er wasn’t surprised. The Princess Consort and the Empress were locked in a silent battle, each despising the other. Shen Wei was merely reaping the benefits of their rivalry.

"Shen Wei doesn’t know the Princess Consort’s methods," Liu Qiao'er said pityingly.

Though the Princess Consort spent her days in prayer, seemingly detached from the harem’s scheming, Liu Qiao'er knew better. Deep down, the Princess Consort seethed with jealousy over every new favorite of Prince Yan.

When Liu Qiao'er had been pregnant, the Princess Consort had deliberately introduced several beautiful concubines to divert Prince Yan’s attention, leaving Liu Qiao'er unsettled throughout her pregnancy and causing a difficult birth.

Liu Qiao'er scoffed. "Shen Wei may appear triumphant, but every step she takes is on the edge of a cliff."

The maid glanced at the two sleeping children and cautiously suggested, "Mistress, since Shen Wei is with child and thus unable to serve the Prince, perhaps you could visit him more often. If he recalls your past affection, he might restore our courtyard’s allowances."

Though Liu Qiao'er still held the title of concubine, Prince Yan had long since stopped visiting Bright Moon Courtyard.

Her stipend had been reduced as well.

Liu Qiao'er replied calmly, "I have no desire to return to the cage of fighting for favor. Having my children safe by my side and my family unharmed—that is blessing enough. Shen Wei may seem glorious now, but in the end, she will lose everything."

In her past life, there had been a woman who entered the palace—no one could stand against her. Even the venomous Princess Consort had nearly been dragged from her position by that woman.

Shen Wei’s current success in the Prince’s manor was only because she hadn’t yet faced a truly formidable opponent. Once she entered the palace, a peasant girl like her, with no backing or connections, would be crushed to dust beneath that woman’s heel.

...

The next morning, Shen Wei and Prince Yan shared breakfast. The summer heat was relentless, and Shen Wei always drank half a cup of chilled milk in the mornings. As she lifted the porcelain bowl to her lips, Prince Yan fixed her with a stern gaze.

"Weiwei, don’t indulge in cold things," Prince Yan chided, his handsome brow furrowed.

Silently, Shen Wei set down the chilled milk.

Was Prince Yan trying to be her mother now?

Pleased by her obedience, Prince Yan nodded in satisfaction.

He detested being lectured himself—when the Princess Consort nagged him, it only fueled his irritation. Yet, ironically, Prince Yan was quite fond of lecturing others.

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People always overlook their own flaws.

After breakfast, Prince Yan left for court. Before departing, remembering Shen Wei’s fondness for cold treats, he specifically instructed Nanny Rong and the others in Glazed Pavilion to ensure Shen Wei didn’t overindulge.

The ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‍moment Prince Yan was gone, Shen Wei leisurely strolled through the courtyard, practicing tai chi and jogging briefly.

Pregnant women needed exercise—it strengthened abdominal and pelvic muscles, reduced swelling, and aided in smoother labor. Moderate activity also helped postpartum recovery.

Babies born to active mothers tended to be livelier and healthier.

Finishing her workout, Shen Wei accepted a towel from Cai Ping to wipe her brow. Cai Ping lowered her voice. "Mistress, Nanny Rong asked me to inform you—the carriage is ready."

Shen Wei dabbed her forehead. "Keep it discreet. Tell anyone who asks that I’m visiting family."

Today, Shen Wei was meeting Ye Qiushuang to discuss expanding their dessert shop business. Shielded by a long white veil to conceal her face, she boarded the carriage and headed discreetly to an inn in the capital.

Inside the private room, Ye Qiushuang and Zhang Boss were already waiting.

Zhang Boss owned "Zhang’s Blessings," which had collaborated with Ye Qiushuang to prepare desserts for Zhao Yang Princess’s birthday banquet.

His staff were seasoned professionals, remaining flawless even under the pressure of such a grand event. From preparation to presentation, not a single mistake had been made.

Zhang Boss had never expected the Emperor and Empress of the Great Qing Kingdom to attend—and even sample "WeiXue Ice City’s" desserts! The shrewd businessman instantly recognized a golden opportunity and eagerly agreed to partner with Ye Qiushuang.

Ye Qiushuang stood and introduced Shen Wei to Zhang Boss. "This is the true owner behind our shop."

Zhang Boss immediately bowed. "Greetings, Madam."

Though the white veil obscured Shen Wei’s face, her luxurious attire and priceless jewelry hinted at noble origins. Zhang Boss privately surmised she must be a high-ranking lady from a powerful family.

He dared not slacken his efforts. A wealthy, well-connected owner was a shop’s greatest asset.

Once seated, Zhang Boss wasted no time. "Madam, your shop’s reputation is soaring—now is the perfect time to expand. I’m willing to renovate my 'Zhang’s Blessings' storefront and merge it with yours."

Shen Wei had the same thought.

Zhang’s Blessings had years of experience, an established clientele, and seasoned employees. A merger would elevate both brands.

Shen Wei nodded. "Agreed."

Ye Qiushuang produced the drafted contract and handed it to Shen Wei. "Madam, please review the terms and suggest any revisions."

Shen Wei scanned the document, swiftly analyzing profit distribution, staff management, and branch operations.

The contract terms were thorough, with almost no omissions, but Shen Wei pointed out a few details: "The expansion of the shops should be planned together. There’s just one thing—all future branches must have uniform decor, and the staff’s attire must also be standardized."

For a chain of dessert shops, maintaining a consistent style was essential to strengthen public recognition.

Ye Qiushuang and Zhang Boss nodded in agreement.

Then, Zhang Boss made another suggestion: "Boss, the name 【Wei Xue Ice City】 is quite hard to remember and doesn’t spread easily. Why not change it to something simpler?"