Prince Yan's expression suddenly turned cold.
Prince Yan and Prince Heng had always been at odds, never seeing eye to eye.
A woman who had served Prince Heng was now being sent to serve Prince Yan. This move by Prince Heng was clearly a deliberate slap in the face to Prince Yan.
Just as Prince Yan was about to lose his temper, Shen Wei, who was standing beside him, gently took his hand and softly said, "Your Highness, since Prince Heng has been so generous, it would be fitting for you to respond in kind. Why not have Qiongzhi deliver this plate of roasted meat to Prince Heng? What do you think?"
While on a business trip, her boss had clashed with another company's boss.
As an excellent employee, Shen Wei naturally had to stand up for her boss.
The imperial kitchen chefs had prepared the roasted rabbit meat with great care, slicing it thinly and sprinkling it with spices, giving it a rich and savory flavor.
Prince Yan had already eaten most of it, leaving only a few less presentable slices.
By having Qiongzhi deliver the leftover roasted meat to Prince Heng, they would not only send Qiongzhi back but also return the insult to Prince Heng.
Prince Yan raised an eyebrow, impressed by Shen Wei's cleverness. He coldly instructed Qiongzhi, who had approached, "Do as she says."
Qiongzhi paused, her charming smile freezing on her face. She hesitated, glancing at the plate of leftover roasted meat and then back at Prince Heng in the distance.
A cool evening breeze blew, carrying with it the distant calls of mountain birds.
Prince Heng raised his well-defined fingers, brushing back his wind-tousled black hair. He said leisurely, "Enough, Qiongzhi, come back."
Qiongzhi lowered her head, trembling as she knelt beside Prince Heng.
Shen Wei, as if nothing had happened, continued to dine with Prince Yan. She wasn't afraid of offending Prince Heng; if anything went wrong, Prince Yan would shield her. Prince Heng wouldn't be petty enough to target a mere concubine like her.
Shen Wei and Prince Yan discussed hunting plans, and Prince Yan, in a good mood, patiently answered her questions.
The scene was harmonious and joyful.
Across from them, Prince Heng watched, feeling a strange sense of dissatisfaction.
Prince Yan had only Shen Wei by his side, yet it seemed as though he possessed the entire world. Prince Heng, surrounded by beautiful women, felt that something was missing.
What was it?
Prince Heng lowered his gaze, deep in thought, but no matter how much he pondered, he couldn't figure it out.
After dinner, the sky hadn't completely darkened, and the golden sunset bathed the eastern mountains. Prince Yan ordered a horse to be brought over, intending to personally teach Shen Wei how to ride.
Having spent many days with Shen Wei, Prince Yan enjoyed teaching her new things. Watching her make progress filled him with a strong sense of pride and accomplishment.
Prince Yan wanted to be the teacher, and Shen Wei naturally obliged. She tied up her long hair and changed into a red riding outfit she had prepared earlier, complete with black boots. The riding outfit had fitted sleeves and a red silk ribbon tied at the waist, making her look lively and elegant.
Prince Yan's eyes lit up at the sight.
Sometimes Shen Wei resembled a blooming peony, stunningly beautiful; other times, she was like a wildflower, untamed and passionate.
His Shen Wei always brought him endless surprises, a treasure trove that he could never fully explore.
It was intoxicating, and he didn't even realize it.
Prince Yan led Shen Wei to the riverside and began teaching her, "Mount the horse from the left side, step on the stirrup, grab the saddle, and use your lower back to leap onto the horse—here, let me demonstrate."
Shen Wei watched eagerly as Prince Yan executed a swift and graceful mounting motion.
Her eyes filled with admiration, and she cheered, "Your Highness is amazing!"
Prince Yan coughed lightly, a faint smile playing on his lips.
No one disliked being praised, and Prince Yan was no exception. While court officials praised him for his virtue and martial prowess, their compliments were often too general. Only Shen Wei praised him for the little things in life, admiring him in ways that truly satisfied his ego.
"Now, you try," Prince Yan said as he dismounted.
Shen Wei was actually an expert rider.
In her previous life, in order to secure a deal with a major client, she had studied the client's equestrian preferences, trained in horseback riding for several months, and even won a provincial equestrian championship.
But in front of Prince Yan, she had to play the part of a novice.
Shen Wei timidly grabbed the reins, looking up at the tall horse. She tried to recall Prince Yan's instructions, hesitantly reaching out her foot to step on the stirrup.
Once her foot was in the stirrup, she attempted to climb onto the horse. But the horse was too tall, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get her leg over.
She looked like a little hamster struggling to climb a mountain.
Prince Yan couldn't help but chuckle.
Shen Wei puffed out her cheeks in frustration, throwing the reins aside and starting to act spoiled. "This horse is too tall. Your Highness, could you find me a shorter horse?"
Prince Yan laughed. "There are no short horses in Qing State. Come, I'll take you for a ride first, and then you can learn slowly."
Prince Yan mounted the horse and wrapped his arms around Shen Wei's slender waist, lifting her onto the saddle. The horse slowly walked along the riverside, and Shen Wei held the reins, her eyes sparkling with the excitement of a first-time rider.
The golden sunset cast its light, turning the river into shimmering fragments of gold. The sunset bathed Prince Yan and Shen Wei in a dreamlike glow.
Prince Heng, standing with his arms crossed, watched Prince Yan and Shen Wei riding by the river. He beckoned to his concubine, Qiongzhi, and said, "Qiongzhi, I'll teach you how to ride."
Qiongzhi obediently curtsied. "Thank you, Your Highness, for your kindness."
Prince Heng felt uncomfortable with Qiongzhi's submissive demeanor.
Why couldn't Qiongzhi be as carefree and bold as Shen Wei?
How did his second brother manage to find such an interesting concubine? He was so lucky!
Prince Heng gritted his teeth. He had always been competitive with Prince Yan, but it seemed he could never quite measure up.
This only deepened his frustration.
By the riverside, the horse continued to walk slowly, swaying gently.
Prince Yan caught a faint, refreshing scent. Shen Wei leaned against his chest, and as he looked down, he could see her smooth, fair neck and the soft curve of her cheek.
And that exquisite riding outfit.
The cool mountain breeze carried the scent of the woman in his arms, soft and sweet.
Prince Yan's throat tightened, his interest easily aroused. His warm breath brushed against Shen Wei's ear as he whispered in a low, husky voice, "Shen Wei, don't move."
Shen Wei was startled. She turned her head and saw the unmistakable desire in Prince Yan's eyes.
Shen Wei: ...
Having spent so much time with Prince Yan, Shen Wei knew exactly what he was thinking. Prince Yan was physically strong and had a high libido; most women couldn't keep up with him.
But Shen Wei was different. She was strong and healthy, and when the two of them came together, it was like fire meeting kindling.
Well, she enjoyed it too, so it wasn't a loss.
Shen Wei smiled coquettishly, gently holding Prince Yan's large hand. Her eyes, like peach blossoms dipped in water, glimmered with a seductive light. "Your Highness, be gentle."
The air around them grew hot.
The horse carried Prince Yan and Shen Wei to a secluded part of the mountains.
The breeze grew stronger, rustling the trees and occasionally carrying with it faint, suppressed moans...
By the time they returned to the tent, it was completely dark. Prince Yan, satisfied and refreshed, went to the Crown Prince's tent for a meeting after bathing.
Shen Wei, exhausted, lay in the wooden tub, her arms and neck covered in red marks. Her gaze fell on the tattered red riding outfit hanging on the rack.
She had only brought one riding outfit, and now that it was ruined, she wouldn't be able to ride for the next few days.
That man, always tearing her clothes.
Shen Wei sighed and called out to Cai Lian outside, "Cai Lian, bring in the anti-swelling medicine."
After applying the medicine, Shen Wei lay back in bed, ready to sleep.
Cai Lian whispered, "Mistress, should I bring the contraceptive tea?"
Shen Wei thought for a moment. It was already June, and the imperial exams would begin next March, with the results announced in April. Counting the days, it was about time to start preparing for pregnancy.
Next year, she would give birth to a child, and her younger brother would pass the imperial exams. It would be a double celebration.
"From now on, prepare fertility medicine for me," Shen Wei said, gently touching her flat stomach.
Her body was ready.
It was time to prepare for pregnancy and begin the next phase of her rise in status. She would go from being a lowly concubine to a member of the palace's management.
