A Concubine's Competitive Life in the Prince's Household

If only Prince Yan had stood by her side, the Empress wouldn’t have so forcefully taken away her three children.

The Princess Consort closed her eyes, her voice hoarse: “The Imperial College is filled with geniuses. If Cheng Ke and Cheng Zhen don’t strive to improve, they’ll inevitably be overshadowed by others. If they grow up with a reputation for being useless, where would that leave the dignity of Prince Yan's Mansion? As for Yao’er, those four old nannies can teach her whatever they please—it’s none of my concern.”

Ever since Li Yao had exposed the Princess Consort for withholding her meals in front of Prince Yan, the Princess Consort had grown increasingly disappointed in her daughter.

Raising a daughter who didn’t side with her was no different from raising an ungrateful wretch.

Incense burned in the shrine as the Princess Consort slowly raised her eyes, fixing them on the merciful statue of the Buddha.

Clutching her prayer beads one by one, her gaze grew resolute: “This is Prince Yan's Mansion—my domain. For Her Majesty to send four old women here is nothing short of a slap to my face. Those nannies won’t ruin my two children.”

For the sake of her sons, she would have to fight against these nannies.

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Life in the Glazed Pavilion remained peaceful.

Shen Wei had been eating well, sleeping soundly, and maintaining a proper exercise routine.

Her dessert shop was thriving, its expansion well underway. It had gradually gained fame in the capital and was poised to become Yanjing’s premier dessert destination.

While Shen Wei’s days were smooth sailing, the Princess Consort’s were anything but. According to the latest gossip relayed by the ever-inquisitive Cai Ping, the Princess Consort and the four nannies were locked in fierce conflict.

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Outwardly, they maintained civility, but behind the scenes, the power struggles were relentless.

The Princess Consort was so consumed by her battles that she barely had the energy to deal with the pregnant Shen Wei. Xiang’er, the newcomer she had brought in to divert Prince Yan’s affections, had long been forgotten in the rear courtyard.

In the garden, Shen Wei lounged leisurely on a recliner, flipping through the account books delivered by “Wei Yan Sweets.” She instructed Nanny Rong, “Tell Shopkeeper Ye to add a delivery service once the new products are launched. If any noble households in the capital place orders, have the staff pack and deliver the desserts directly to their doors.”

As the shop’s reputation grew, customers flocked in droves.

Introducing a “takeaway” service would help manage the influx and boost sales.

“This servant has taken note,” Nanny Rong replied calmly, her admiration for Shen Wei deepening.

Home delivery for goods—such an innovative idea.

Just as Shen Wei relaxed with the ledgers, Cai Ping announced from the courtyard that Young Mistress Li Yao had arrived. Setting the books aside, Shen Wei saw Li Yao’s pale, timid face peeking in.

Shen Wei invited her in.

A few days had passed, and Li Yao had recovered well. Clutching a delicate little box, the girl swept her dark, shining eyes over Shen Wei and spoke softly, “Auntie Shen, when I was poisoned, Mother nearly blamed you… Yao’er has come to apologize.”

She handed over the pastel-colored box—a takeaway package from “Wei Yan Sweets,” containing a bowl of their newest dessert.

At heart, Li Yao was a kind child. After regaining her senses and realizing how close Shen Wei had come to being wrongfully accused, she felt guilty and had come to make amends.

These days, the Princess Consort had ignored Li Yao entirely, too preoccupied to oversee her studies in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting. Freed from her cage, Li Yao reveled in her newfound liberty, even finding time to visit Shen Wei.

“Thank you, Yao’er,” Shen Wei replied with a warm smile.

Li Yao exhaled in relief.

But instead of leaving, she hesitated before asking timidly, “Auntie Shen… may I play on the swing?”

After all, Li Yao was only an eight-year-old girl—still a child at heart. She adored the Glazed Pavilion, with its blooming flowers, lush trees bearing peaches, and the garden’s ripe red tomatoes.

Most enchanting of all was the wooden swing beneath the great tree.

Shen Wei nodded, smiling. “Cai Ping, take her to the swing.”

Delighted, Cai Ping led Li Yao to the swing. The girl had only ever read about swings in books—her mother had forbidden her from playing on them, insisting that young ladies must remain dignified.

This was Li Yao’s first time on a swing. Gripping Cai Ping’s hand, she tentatively took hold of the sturdy ropes.

The swing seat was a secure wooden chair. As Cai Ping gave her a gentle push, Li Yao’s slight frame swayed, her eyes lighting up with joy.

Swinging was so much fun!

With each sway, the breeze caressed her cheeks. For a moment, she felt weightless—free from all constraints, like a little bird soaring through the scenery.

After nearly an hour of play, Li Yao reluctantly left the swing. Though she had enjoyed herself, she hadn’t forgotten her unfinished lessons.

The nanny assigned to her by the Empress had explained that as the eldest daughter of Prince Yan's Mansion, Li Yao bore responsibilities—she would one day manage the household. The nanny taught her to read ledgers, analyze estate finances, and oversee farmland and shops. Surprisingly, Li Yao found it all fascinating.

She loved working with numbers far more than tedious music or painting.

Before leaving, she thanked Shen Wei politely. “Thank you, Auntie Shen. Yao’er will visit again another day. Please take care of your health.”

With that, she skipped away.

Cai Ping poured Shen Wei a cup of tea and murmured, “Mistress, if Young Mistress Yao keeps visiting our Glazed Pavilion, what if she falls ill again? We’d be in trouble.”

Shen Wei swirled her porcelain cup, her eyes soft with sympathy. “Play is a child’s nature. To play in youth and toil in adulthood—that is the way of life.”

The Princess Consort had poured all her energy into her sons, effectively abandoning Li Yao.

One’s poison is another’s nectar. To Shen Wei, Li Yao was a sweet girl—gentle-hearted and kind.

A pity the Princess Consort was blind to her daughter’s virtues.

Shen Wei rested a hand on her still-flat stomach. If her own child could someday earn the affection of the mansion’s eldest daughter, it would be an added layer of security.

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Li Yao returned to her courtyard and, under the nanny’s guidance, resumed her ledger studies.

She worked until dusk, when the nanny brought in an exquisite dinner. Watching Li Yao’s studious focus, the nanny praised, “Young Mistress Yao is remarkably diligent.”

The nanny had been sent by the Empress.

She had expected Li Yao to be a difficult child, but after just a few days, she was astonished—Li Yao was bright, kind, and hardworking.

She loved to play but knew her limits.

She enjoyed food but never overindulged.

A truly clever girl.

“Thank you, Nanny.” Li Yao finished her meal, her little belly pleasantly full. Since the nanny had taken charge of her care, she had never gone hungry.

Still, she hadn’t forgotten the Princess Consort. After days without a visit, Li Yao missed her mother dearly. She packed two peach blossom pastries and hurried off to Kunyu Courtyard.