A Concubine's Competitive Life in the Prince's Household-Chapter 145

With countless beauties in Prince Yan’s harem, how could he truly devote himself to Shen Wei? The moment a lovelier newcomer arrived, Shen Wei would likely be forgotten.

Shen Xiuming understood—he alone was his sister’s true support! Only if his official career flourished would Shen Wei have security in the inner court.

With his elder brother fallen in battle, he was the sole pillar of the Shen family. For his sister, his aging mother, and the Shen household, he had to shoulder the responsibility as the head of the family.

"Your Highness, there’s news from the Eastern Palace," a guard whispered into Prince Yan’s ear.

Prince Yan rose, brushing his sleeves. "Go see Lady Shen. She misses you dearly."

After Prince Yan left for the Eastern Palace to discuss court affairs with the Crown Prince, a disheveled figure stumbled into the front courtyard, crying out: "Your Highness! Please help this concubine!"

It was Concubine Zhou.

Her son lay gravely ill, yet she was barred from seeing him. Desperate, she sought Prince Yan’s aid.

But the prince was occupied, and an unfavored concubine had no right to approach him. Concubine Zhou collapsed to the ground, tears streaming.

Just then, Granny Liu from the main consort’s retinue passed by. Frowning, she snapped at the maids: "Take this madwoman back at once. Lock her up—she’s not to leave!"

The prince’s physicians would tend to Concubine Zhou’s son. But this reckless woman dared to disturb His Highness?

Prince Yan already harbored grievances against the main consort. If he blamed her for failing to manage the household, chaos would surely follow.

Maids and guards gagged Concubine Zhou with cloth and dragged her back to her secluded courtyard.

The gate slammed shut, chains clanking, as muffled sobs of despair echoed within.

Meanwhile, Shen Xiuming was led by a maid to the palace gardens.

In late spring, the roses bloomed extravagantly, their weight bending the branches low. The pond’s lotus leaves unfurled under the cool breeze. Shen Wei sat quietly in the pavilion, attended only by her maid Cai Lian.

It had been over half a year since Shen Xiuming last saw his sister.

He staggered into the pavilion. Though it was her daughter’s full-moon celebration, Shen Wei dressed modestly—a plain yellow gown, her hair adorned with a single jade hairpin.

Her face was pale, shadows beneath her eyes, her whole demeanor weary.

At the sight of Shen Xiuming, tears welled in her eyes. "Little brother..."

Shen Xiuming choked up. "Elder sister..."

Shen Wei clutched her handkerchief, yearning to grasp his hands. But Cai Lian hastily intervened, coughing a warning: "My lady, you are the prince’s consort. You mustn’t touch another man."

Shen Wei protested tearfully, "This is my brother!"

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Cai Lian wiped her nose, playing the fearful maid. "My lady, the main consort watches you like a hawk. If you stand too close to an outsider, she’ll report it to His Highness again."

Reluctantly, Shen Wei stepped back, widening the distance.

Shen Xiuming’s heart ached. He recalled their last meeting, when the jealous main consort had them beaten.

Even as a consort, his sister still suffered under that cruel woman’s tyranny!

How hateful! How pitiful!

Dabbing her tears, Shen Wei said tenderly, "Little brother, you’ve grown thin. I’ve prepared two boxes of pastries—take them home for Mother to enjoy."

On the stone table lay the treats.

For this reunion, Shen Wei had deliberately dressed plainly and applied a "weary" makeup. She dared not invite Shen Xiuming to her lavish Glazed Pavilion, lest the opulence betray her act. Hence, the garden meeting.

Shen ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‍Xiuming’s heart twisted. "Sister, I’ve placed second in the imperial exams. From now on, you’ll have standing in the palace too."

Once worthless, he could finally be of help.

Shen Wei wept—her onion-laced handkerchief ensured fresh tears. "Since the birth, I’ve feared my child would be taken by the main consort. Little brother, you saved me. You protected my daughter, your niece. Without you, I’d never have been promoted to consort."

Brother and sister poured out their hearts.

Learning of Shen Xiuming’s posting to Jiangnan, Shen Wei urged gently, "The south is far. Take care of Mother and yourself. They say corruption runs rampant there—don’t be swayed by those officials."

Shen Xiuming nodded firmly. "Don’t worry, sister. I’ll be an upright official."

Prince Yan and the Crown Prince had recently purged corrupt Jiangnan officials. Shen Xiuming vowed inwardly never to stray.

One couldn’t gamble with fate. If he faltered, the entire Shen family would fall.

His sister had endured too much—he wouldn’t drag her down again.

After a long talk, Shen Wei reluctantly bid him farewell.

Returning to the Glazed Pavilion, Shen Wei found it jubilant after her promotion. Rewarding her servants, she let Nanny Rong assert authority, ensuring discipline among the staff.

By afternoon, her child rested peacefully in the care of wet nurses and maids.

The waterside pavilion was pleasantly cool, the fragrance of freshly brewed spring tea wafting through the air. Shen Wei sipped her tea while reviewing the account books laid before her. Both the dessert shop and the rouge boutique were yielding substantial profits, and she contemplated expanding her ventures by opening a new store.

As for what kind of shop to open, Shen Wei hadn’t yet made up her mind.

Cai Ping hurried into the pavilion, her footsteps light and quick, and delivered the news she had gathered: "My lady, the Princess Consort intends to reinstate the morning and evening courtesies. She expects you to pay your respects to her daily."