NOVPUBPrince Heng curled the corner of his lips, his voice like waves brushing against the shore, whispering into Shangguan Xuan's ear: "The weather is cold. Miss Shangguan should dress warmly."
Shangguan Qian's delicate face flushed with shyness.
Prince Heng draped his cloak over Shangguan Qian, a charming smile lingering on his lips before he turned and walked away.
Shangguan Qian's heart pounded uncontrollably. Wrapped in Prince Heng's cloak, her entire world seemed to grow warmer. She stood dazed, watching his tall figure retreat into the distance, her heart sinking deeper into infatuation.
He gave her his cloak in winter—Prince Heng must surely like her!
Shangguan Qian preened inwardly. The position of Princess Consort Heng seemed almost within her grasp.
...
...
In the afternoon, at Liuli Pavilion.
Plum blossoms bloomed in the courtyard, their delicate fragrance drifting into the warm pavilion. Little Leyou crawled playfully on the thick woolen rug, chasing after a rabbit-shaped lantern, occasionally bursting into giggles.
Shen Wei sat by the desk, flipping through account books as she pondered management strategies for the lands in Yanjing. The winter chill required "nourishing the soil" in the southern fields—spreading plant ash to maintain fertility for the coming spring.
Under her elder sister Shen Qiang's supervision, the southern fields and orchards had hardly encountered any issues.
Thinking of Shen Qiang reminded Shen Wei of her sister's ex-husband, the merchant Liu Boyuan. Months had passed since the man vowed to stay in Yanjing to find Shen Qiang, yet he had since vanished without a trace.
Perhaps he had already left the capital, sparing Shen Wei the trouble of dealing with him.
"My lady!" Cai Ping scurried in excitedly.
Shen Wei set down the account book. "What is it?"
Cai Ping brimmed with gossip. "My lady, this morning, the Marquis of Southern Garrison and his wife entered the palace to express gratitude. It is said His Majesty praised Princess of Pingyang for her brilliance and rewarded her with four maidservants and a hundred taels of gold!"
"After returning to the marquis' estate, Princess of Pingyang sold off her maid Cui Er. I bought Cui Er's contract from the broker. Since she excels in hairstyling and makeup, I sent her to work at Qixiang Studio—at least she’ll have a livelihood."
Shen Wei nodded in approval. "Well done."
The Emperor gifting Zhao Qing four personal maids was no blessing. He was planting spies in the marquis' household to monitor her every move.
Zhao Qing’s talent for crafting intricate weapon designs had earned her great renown—and no shortage of covetous factions.
To protect her—and to ensure she never entertained disloyalty—the Emperor would never allow Zhao Qing to leave Yanjing. She would remain trapped in the marquis' estate for the rest of her life, until her usefulness was exhausted.
Once the Emperor deemed her mind barren of value, the Marquis of Southern Garrison’s fleeting prosperity would meet its end.
...
Time flowed silently as winter faded and spring arrived in slow steps.
Shen Wei’s belly swelled day by day. Carrying twins, her pregnancy was especially pronounced. Sometimes, during her evening baths, she would gaze down at the thin, stretched skin of her protruding stomach and fight back tears.
How ugly...
Motherhood had turned a once-lovely maiden into something battered and scarred.
Worse still, the Imperial Physicians and midwives warned that the babies were poorly positioned. The birth would likely be difficult—risking stillbirth or fatal harm to Shen Wei herself.
Anxiety gnawed at her. If only she had taken more contraceptive brews, waited until her body recovered before conceiving again.
But regret was useless now.
Steeling herself, Shen Wei prepared for the worst. Ancient childbirth was perilous; the direst outcome would be her and the babies perishing together. She had to do everything possible to avoid that fate—then leave the rest to destiny.
To correct the babies’ position, she dedicated time daily to exercises meant to shift them. After weeks of relentless effort, their alignment improved slightly.
Fearing postpartum hemorrhage, she had her maids stockpile hemostatic herbs and supplies. When labor came, she planned to deliver standing—believing it would ease the process.
By the fifth month of spring, her due date loomed close. On the fifth day, the Empress’s birthday, Shen Wei—too heavy with child to attend—sent Prince Yan and Li Yao to the palace for the celebratory banquet.
At dusk, before departing, Prince Yan clasped her hand gently. "The four Imperial Physicians sent by Her Majesty are lodged in the side courtyard. Do not worry. I will return early tonight."
With labor imminent, Prince Yan sensed Shen Wei’s unease. Nightmares plagued her sleep lately, and her appetite had dwindled.
Beneath the eaves, Shen Wei gripped his hand and murmured, "Your Highness, if I die in childbirth... please entrust our unborn children and Leyou to the Empress’s care."
"Don’t speak such words." A sharp pang struck Prince Yan’s heart, an inexplicable surge of dread seizing him.
He hated hearing this from her.
Through their days together, his love for Shen Wei had become impossible to conceal. Her presence had grown indispensable.
The thought of losing her was unbearable—something he refused to entertain.
Shen Wei lowered her head, despondent.
Prince Yan softened his voice. "Rest now. I will return soon to be with you and the children."
The political climate in Qing State grew increasingly volatile. Prince Heng, allying with the Marquis of Southern Garrison’s faction, stirred unrest, hungry for upheaval. Though swamped with duties, Prince Yan carved out every possible moment to accompany Shen Wei in these final days of her pregnancy.
Like clinging to the last sanctuary amid a gathering storm.
His mind unsettled, Prince Yan left for the palace with Li Yao.
Once he was gone, Shen Wei turned, cold sweat beading on her forehead. Leaning on Nanny Rong for support, she steadied herself. "Bring me the medicine."
Nanny Rong frowned. "My lady, this will harm your body—"
Shen Wei shook her head, her gaze resolute. "The birth will happen in these coming days regardless. Better to deliver at the right time than delay."
