Without further delay, Cai Lian dragged Cai Ping away.
Cai Ping was pulled along for over a dozen meters, still turning her head to curse at Xiang'er: "Never seen anyone so stupid, rushing to their death! Thinking their sacrifice means something, when in reality they’re just stepping stones for others. Pah! Even death would be wasted on them!"
The morning breeze brushed past as Xiang'er stood frozen in place, her mind a muddled mess.
Cai Lian and Cai Ping played good cop and bad cop, alternately coaxing and threatening Xiang'er before finally returning to Liuli Pavilion to report.
Shen Wei reclined on a plush chaise longue, flipping through an account book with a sigh. "Can’t the Princess Consort just behave?"
Fortunately, Shen Wei had taken precautions.
The entire Prince Yan’s household was under her watch, with servants loyal to her at every turn. The maids in the Princess Consort’s courtyard, bribed by Cai Ping, would report any mischief the moment it arose.
"Don’t worry, mistress. We have eyes on her every move," Cai Ping reassured with a smile.
Shen Wei took a sip of tea to soothe her weariness, her tone tinged with envy. "Sometimes, I truly envy the Princess Consort. She doesn’t appreciate the blessings she has."
With the backing of a powerful family, the Princess Consort held her position securely. Others managed the household for her, raised her children, and she didn’t even have to attend to her husband. Spending her days peacefully in her courtyard, well-fed and well-dressed—it was practically a heavenly existence.
If only the Princess Consort could let go of her ambitions and empty titles, her life would already be one of happiness!
This was the carefree life Shen Wei dreamed of!
But alas, such leisure was a privilege of the wealthy nobility. Only with wealth could one afford to laze about.
Born into humble origins, Shen Wei had no such luxury. If she slacked off, a miserable fate awaited her.
Poverty bred relentless toil. Who would willingly become a pitiful overachiever if they had power and privilege?
Shen Wei quietly consoled herself—no matter, hardship now would bring sweetness later. Decades of hard work would earn her a peaceful retirement.
She looked up and instructed, "Cai Ping, go check the kitchen. Is the date cake for Zhao Yang Princess ready? And this afternoon, open the wine cellar—fetch a jar of last year’s fruit wine."
Cai Ping hurried off to the kitchen.
An invitation had arrived from the princess’s residence: Zhao Yang Princess would visit that afternoon to see her young niece. Shen Wei needed to prepare for the esteemed guest.
In the afternoon, Zhao Yang Princess arrived laden with gifts. She adored Shen Wei’s daughter, Little Leyou, and had brought an array of toys and beautiful clothes.
The princess’s presents were nothing short of extravagant: a jade pendant, a cloth tiger embroidered by palace seamstresses, a gilded rattle, a gem-studded lion’s head toy, a golden-threaded puzzle lock, and even a golden nine-linked ring...
The dazzling display left Shen Wei struggling to suppress her delighted smile.
"She’s so sweet—she smiles the moment she sees me," Zhao Yang cooed, leaning over the cradle and teasing the baby with the gilded rattle.
Little Leyou giggled, chubby hands waving, utterly adorable.
After playing with her niece, Zhao Yang pulled Shen Wei to the waterside pavilion for a chat. Taking a bite of the fragrant date cake, she sighed contentedly. "In all of Yanjing City, only Wei Yan’s bakery and your kitchen make date cakes this delicious!" For more chapters visit NoveI(F)ire.net
Shen Wei fanned herself lightly with a silk fan. "I’ve packed a box for you to take home, Your Highness."
Zhao Yang was in high spirits.
She always found solace in Shen Wei’s company. Finishing her cake, she suddenly remarked, "I heard the Princess Consort is gravely ill, bedridden—even the imperial physicians are at a loss. Earlier, I tried visiting Kunyu Courtyard, but they turned me away."
She frowned in confusion.
The Princess Consort had always been healthy—how had she fallen so suddenly ill? And why were the physicians insisting she needed prolonged rest, free from exertion?
Zhao Yang picked up another date cake. "Vivi, since you’re managing the household in her stead, come to me if you need help. My princess residence has several capable stewards—experts in household affairs."
Shen Wei smiled. "Thank you, Your Highness. The prince’s household also has experienced stewards. With their help, it’s not too taxing."
Zhao Yang rested her chin on her hand, staring intently at Shen Wei.
Under the scrutiny, Shen Wei flushed. "Is there something on my face, Your Highness?"
Zhao Yang shook her head.
Gazing at the lush greenery in the courtyard, where the breeze carried floral fragrances into the pavilion, the princess sighed wistfully. "You’re incredible... Second Brother dotes on you, Mother Empress favors you, the servants respect you, your daughter is delightful, even the flowers in your courtyard bloom the brightest. You’re untouchable—nothing seems to trouble you."
In Shen Wei, Zhao Yang saw a vibrant, indomitable spirit—radiant and full of life.
Being near her felt infectious, as if her energy could uplift anyone.
Shen Wei chuckled, fanning herself. "A day spent in sorrow is still a day. Might as well spend it joyfully."
Zhao Yang pondered this—it made sense.
A maid brought out sweet fruit wine. The previous autumn, Shen Wei and Prince Yan had picked fruits from their garden, steeping them in mild liquor. After months of aging, the brew was now rich and fragrant.
The wine was so delightful that Zhao Yang drank generously, urging Shen Wei to join. Soon tipsy, she tugged at Shen Wei’s sleeve. "Oh! In early winter, it’s the Old Lady of Zhennan Marquis Manor’s birthday—let’s go together... I heard Shangguan Xuan is returning. His military advisor designed some terrifying landmines... Boom! Scared the Yue Kingdom into retreat..."
Shen Wei’s head spun—until the word "landmine" struck her like ice water.
Her mind cleared instantly.
Setting down her cup, she leaned closer. "Landmines? The kind that explode when stepped on?"
Zhao Yang, cheeks flushed, nodded drunkenly. "Mhm... overheard His Majesty say so. That Military Advisor Zhao is brilliant. The court plans to honor him—he’ll likely return to the capital with Shangguan Xuan in early winter... Heh, Lady Sun will finally have her husband back."
"And that scoundrel Yan Yunting wants to see me again. Ugh! I’d rather he never comes back."
Shen Wei paled, her mind reeling.
A military advisor—one who crafted landmines!
Could Military Advisor Zhao be from her era, somehow transported to this world too?