Shen Wei knew that she and the Princess Consort would eventually stand on opposing sides.
She had to seize the time to grow stronger.
Nanny Rong had been in the Prince's Mansion for a long time, but she had never seen a mistress like Shen Wei—so young yet so clever and perceptive.
Nanny Rong felt a surge of emotion, knowing she had chosen the right person to serve. She secretly resolved to cling tightly to Shen Wei, this budding tree destined for greatness.
Out of concern, Nanny Rong reminded Shen Wei, "Mistress, the Princess Consort is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Now that you're with child, she will surely bring new women into the mansion to divert the prince's favor."
Shen Wei was pregnant, making it inconvenient for her to attend to Prince Yan. The Princess Consort would use this as an excuse to introduce fresh, flower-like beauties into the mansion, stealing Shen Wei’s share of affection.
"No need to worry," Shen Wei said, sipping the tangy citron water. "The women the Princess Consort picks won’t be a threat."
Shen Wei understood the Princess Consort’s nature.
When selecting concubines, she only dared to choose low-status women to divert attention.
Those with even a hint of noble background posed a risk to her position, so she would never let them step foot into the mansion.
Shen Wei set down her porcelain cup and sighed quietly.
She pitied these girls, reduced to disposable tools in the Princess Consort’s hands. In her mind’s eye, she saw the desolate, tomb-like courtyards in the southwest corner of Prince Yan's Mansion, where countless withered young women had been discarded.
Shen Wei instructed Nanny Rong, "Carefully organize the gifts from the empress. Make sure to record all the valuable items and store them properly."
Nanny Rong nodded eagerly. "Rest assured, mistress. This servant will handle everything with the utmost care."
While Nanny Rong went to sort the empress’s gifts, Shen Wei returned to her chamber and picked up a brush to practice calligraphy. Though she was pregnant, she couldn’t afford to slack—her writing must improve, her garden must flourish, and the prince’s favor must be secured. The relentless pursuit of excellence never ceased.
As she wrote, Shen Wei mentally summarized the day’s "work report."
Today, at Zhao Yang Princess’s birthday banquet, she had gained much—skillfully announcing her pregnancy, securing the empress as her unborn child’s protector; receiving lavish gifts from the empress, replenishing her nearly depleted private coffers; and having the desserts from her sweet shop personally tasted by the emperor and empress, boosting their fame.
After reviewing the day’s gains, Shen Wei meticulously planned her next moves.
Tomorrow, she would make time to visit Ye Qiushuang and capitalize on their momentum to expand the sweet shop’s scale.
As a first-time mother, she needed to take precautions for her child’s safety—strengthening her body, nourishing herself, securing a skilled midwife, and planning postpartum care...
Of course, she also had to tend to Prince Yan’s emotions during her pregnancy. She couldn’t let him feel neglected just because she was carrying his child.
Additionally, she would send Nanny Rong to the temple outside the capital to continue pressuring her younger brother, Shen Xiuming, in his studies, ensuring he remained diligent.
As Shen Wei pondered her plans, she continued practicing calligraphy. Cai Ping entered the room and softly asked, "Mistress, now that you’re with child, your meals must be carefully prepared. Shall we adjust tonight’s dishes to better suit the baby?"
Shen Wei gripped her brush, thinking for a moment before asking, "Cai Ping, you’ve been in the mansion for years. In the past, how did the other wives and concubines behave when they were pregnant?"
Cai Ping recalled and nodded. "Oh, they made a grand show of it! Each one acted as if they’d ascended to the heavens. They demanded only the finest in food and clothing, terrified of harming their unborn children."
Shen Wei considered this and then ordered, "No need to change tonight’s menu. Keep it as usual. And make extra of my favorite fried dumplings."
Cai Ping gasped. "Mistress, the first three months are the most delicate! Spicy and greasy food isn’t good for the baby!"
Shen Wei smiled faintly and glanced at her. "Not seeking is seeking; not acting is acting. Actively grasping for things invites disdain. Better to let others offer them willingly."
Cai Ping blinked in confusion.
She didn’t quite understand, but it sounded profound.
...
Meanwhile, Prince Yan returned to Prince Yan's Mansion under the cover of night, accompanied by his guards.
Now that Shen Wei was pregnant, he naturally went to visit her. He was fond of Liuli Pavilion—it gave him a unique feeling, unlike the stifling imperial palace, the rigid front quarters of the mansion, or the austere Eastern Palace.
Liuli Pavilion was vibrant and full of life. Every time he stepped inside, his weariness melted away. Shen Wei’s bright, lively smile seemed contagious, lifting his spirits effortlessly.
On the way to Liuli Pavilion, Fu Gui followed at Prince Yan’s side, grinning. "Congratulations, Your Highness. With Mistress Shen expecting, the mansion will be even livelier."
Prince Yan’s lips curved into a smile.
But as he smiled, a trace of melancholy crept into his heart... He should be overjoyed that his beloved concubine was carrying his child.
Yet memories flooded back—pregnant women were unpredictable! Utterly unfathomable!
When the Princess Consort was pregnant, she had poured all her energy into the unborn child, obsessing over every dish on the table to ensure it benefited the baby. She had even replaced Prince Yan’s favorite incense, claiming its scent made her nauseous.
When he visited her at night, she would refuse his company, saying her condition made it inconvenient, only to throw tantrums when he turned to other concubines.
And the other concubines? Pregnancy transformed them entirely. In the middle of handling state affairs, maids would frequently interrupt, reporting that some pregnant mistress was unwell and begging the prince to visit.
He wasn’t a physician! What good would his presence do?
Stomach pains, vomiting, quarrels with other concubines—they all demanded his attention. At first, he would go, but after endless disruptions, he grew frustrated.
Children were important, but so were matters of state. Repeated delays had caused serious consequences.
Now that Shen Wei was pregnant, would she too become spoiled and temperamental?
With these mixed thoughts, Prince Yan arrived at Liuli Pavilion. The courtyard was as lively as ever, lanterns casting a warm glow.
Shen Wei had changed into a pale-yellow dress, her dark hair loosely tied back with a single hairpin. She trotted toward him, her bun swaying slightly. "Your Highness, you’re back!"
Prince Yan caught her in his arms and sighed. "Now that you’re with child, you mustn’t run around carelessly."
Shen Wei beamed. "How could I walk slowly when I longed to see you?"
The words pleased him greatly.
Under the soft candlelight, Prince Yan and Shen Wei dined together. The meal was as exquisite as always—Prince Yan’s favorite dishes like shrimp with lotus root, braised wild rice stems in tomato sauce, and chicken with fish balls, alongside Shen Wei’s beloved spicy chicken, sweet and sour ribs, candied cherries, and fried dumplings.
Shen Wei had always adored deep-fried meatballs. These were made by finely mincing fish, chicken, and pork, then mixing them with chopped dried bamboo shoots, shredded radish, wood ear mushrooms, and other ingredients. The mixture was shaped into small balls, steamed, and then deep-fried until crispy, finally coated in a vibrant red chili powder—spicy and utterly delicious.
Prince Yan had assumed that after Shen Wei became pregnant, her palate would grow more particular, just like the other expectant consorts in the Prince's Mansion. They were often overly cautious about their food, clothing, and daily routines, even using their pregnancies to act spoiled and demand special treatment.
But...
Watching Shen Wei happily devour her fifth deep-fried meatball, Prince Yan could no longer hold back. He set down his chopsticks and said, "Weiwei, you’re with child now. Spicy, fried meatballs aren’t good for you in excess."
Shen Wei blinked, her expression innocent. "But I’ve always eaten them this way before."
Prince Yan’s eyelid twitched, his handsome face flashing with exasperation. "But you’re pregnant now!"
This was far too careless when it came to taking care of her health!
