A Concubine’s Competitive Life in the Prince’s Household
Chapter 288

The day after receiving her younger brother's letter, Shen Wei dismissed her attendants and spread out paper and ink in her study to compose a reply to Shen Xiuming.

In the letter, Shen Wei mentioned her recent appointment as "Imperial Concubine," assuring him that she was living well—though she casually added, "Consort Shu is with child." She knew her brother, with his boundless imagination, would interpret this as "Shen Wei, despite her high rank, still faces threats from all sides."

Finally, she gently advised him to give up on Mo Xun.

Once the letter was finished, Shen Wei set down her brush, sealed the missive, and instructed Cai Lian to have it delivered to Shen Xiuming.

The autumn air was crisp and clear. In the courtyard, the begonia leaves had begun to yellow, while rare chrysanthemums bloomed in succession. Shen Wei leaned back in her study chair, gazing at the flowers outside.

Beautiful as they were, these chrysanthemums were confined within the rigid walls of the palace, stripped of their wild charm.

A thought struck her. She retrieved an aged goatskin-bound book, The Chronicles of Taihua, from a hidden compartment in her bookshelf.

The study was silent, attendants waiting beyond the beaded curtain, none daring to disturb her. Shen Wei carefully turned the pages until she found an entry from Princess Taihua’s diary.

[August 11, Clear

I’m practically growing mold in this cave. Zhang He'an, seeing me bang my head against the wall in frustration, finally sighed and agreed to carry me outside to see the flowers.

The mountains are dotted with wild chrysanthemums, and there are rabbits and pine trees everywhere. I spotted a wild melon hanging from a tree and demanded he pick it for me. He refused. Furious, I swore I wouldn’t sleep next to him tonight—hmph!

I remember the park outside the lab building back home, always crowded with families on weekends. Ah, how I miss it.]

Shen Wei reread the passage over a dozen times before reluctantly closing the book.

Princess Taihua’s diaries were few, and Shen Wei rationed them, savoring each entry to brighten the monotony of palace life.

After tucking The Chronicles of Taihua back into its hiding place, she took a deep breath and turned her attention to the palace account books, calculating the expenditures for the tenth month.

Half an hour later, Cai Ping entered to announce, "Your Highness, the Empress Dowager summons you. A letter from Princess Zhao Yang has arrived."

Delighted, Shen Wei hurried to Cining Palace.

The Empress Dowager, overjoyed to finally receive a reply from her daughter, was in high spirits. Shen Wei took her seat and began reading the lengthy ten-page letter, densely packed with words.

Princess Zhao Yang wrote that the Emperor of Yue was a kind and decent man. Though she was the sole empress in his harem, she admitted feeling lonely and had even hinted that he might take in a few more sisters for company. The emperor had sulked for days but ultimately refused, instead bringing in two lively theater troupes to entertain her.

She also described accompanying the emperor to Yue’s grand sacrificial rites. The National Preceptor, clad in black robes, had an air of mystique—so striking, in fact, that she couldn’t help stealing glances. When the emperor tugged at her phoenix sleeves, she reluctantly averted her gaze.

Life in Yue was pleasant, save for one drawback: the food was too spicy for her taste. Fortunately, she had brought chefs from Qing State, ensuring she could still enjoy familiar flavors.

Nowhere in the letter did she voice complaints. Instead, she seemed determined to adapt to her new home.

Shen Wei felt a swell of happiness for her. The Yue Emperor was clearly devoted, and if their marriage flourished, Princess Zhao Yang would want for nothing.

Clutching the letter, the Empress Dowager said, "I plan to spend three days at Anguo Temple, praying for Zhao Yang’s happiness. You’ve been cooped up in the palace too long—come with me."

Shen ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‍Wei’s eyes lit up. "Gladly!"

For months, she had been trapped within the palace walls, tending to duties or attending to Li Yuanjing’s whims. She longed for the open world beyond—the bustling streets of Yanjing.

Like a gilded canary in Li Yuanjing’s cage, she appeared privileged, yet freedom eluded her.

The Empress Dowager’s invitation was a godsend.

Beaming, Shen Wei rose and curtsied. "Mother Empress, I shall prepare for the journey at once."

The Empress Dowager nodded. "Go ahead."

Watching Shen Wei’s retreating figure, the Empress Dowager smiled faintly. To the court, Imperial Concubine Shen was the picture of grace and competence. Only in her presence did the young woman’s playful spirit emerge.

It reminded her of Zhao Yang in her youth.

...

Shen Wei swiftly arranged the necessary preparations. With her and the Empress Dowager away for three days, someone had to oversee the palace. The responsibility naturally fell to Zhang Miaoyu.

In Yongning Palace, Zhang Miaoyu paused mid-bite of her melon, pointing at herself in disbelief. "Me? Little Sister Shen, I haven’t the faintest idea how to manage the harem!"

Shen Wei tilted her head. "Then I shall entrust Consort Shu with the task."

Zhang Miaoyu immediately straightened. "No need! I’ll do it. That woman is cunning—who knows what schemes she’ll hatch in our absence?"

Satisfied, Shen Wei smiled. "I’m taking only Cai Ping. Cai Lian, Nanny Rong, and Ji Xiang will assist you. It’s just routine matters—nothing too taxing. But Le You and the other children remain here. They’re young and vulnerable. You must protect them, understood?"

Zhang Miaoyu’s plump frame stiffened, her usually cheerful face turning solemn. "Don’t worry, little sister. I’ll guard Le You with my life."

Childless herself, Zhang Miaoyu had grown fond of Le You, teaching her tea ceremonies and chess. The girl’s liveliness had endeared her to the concubine, who now saw her as a daughter in all but blood.

Harm Le You, and Zhang Miaoyu would fight tooth and nail.

"But," she added between melon bites, "aren’t you afraid His Majesty’s favor might shift to Consort Shu while you’re gone?"

Shen Wei merely smiled.

Three days apart would be a welcome respite. Constant proximity bred monotony; a brief separation might rekindle Li Yuanjing’s interest.

And if Consort Shu could reclaim his affections in so short a time—well, Shen Wei would admire her for it.

The two spent the afternoon reviewing pending affairs before parting ways.

...

...

Huayang Palace.

Concubine Lan donned a new gown, meticulously applied her makeup, and stepped out with her maids. Before leaving, her gaze drifted toward the vacant side chamber.

Wild chrysanthemums clustered by its deserted entrance.

Since Tantai Yinxue’s banishment to the cold palace, the side chamber had stood empty. A pang of melancholy struck Concubine Lan. Though Tantai Yinxue had been insufferable, their shared quarrels had at least lent the place some vitality.

Now, Huayang Palace felt too quiet.

Concubine Lan shook her head, as if to dispel the thoughts swirling in her mind. She patted her cheeks and muttered to herself, "Am I ill? How could I possibly miss that wretched Tantai Yinxue?"

Coming to her senses, she lifted the hem of her skirt and headed toward Cining Palace.

Shen Wei had been elevated to the rank of Imperial Concubine, leaving one of the four consort positions vacant. Concubine Lan had considered it—among the dozen or so concubines in the rear palace, she, Xie Fanglan, was the most deserving candidate to fill the empty seat.

She decided to seek the Empress Dowager’s assistance. After all, the Empress Dowager was also a member of the Xie family, Concubine Lan’s own aunt. Supporting her niece’s rise to consort status was only natural.

At the gates of Cining Palace, Concubine Lan explained her purpose to Nanny Qian, the Empress Dowager’s attendant. Nanny Qian invited her to wait outside while she went to announce her arrival.

After a while, Nanny Qian returned and gently informed Concubine Lan, "The autumn fatigue has taken its toll. Her Majesty is resting and does not wish to receive you."