Though she now had a biological daughter of her own, Shen Wei couldn’t ignore Li Yao’s presence.
Shen Wei cared for Li Yao—perhaps more out of calculation, hoping to use her to solidify her position in the household. But regardless, Shen Wei at least provided Li Yao with the maternal love she had been missing.
Li Yao resided in the Peony Courtyard.
The entire afternoon, Li Yao was distracted. While learning tea ceremony from the elderly maidservant, her mind kept wandering.
Granny Liu’s words echoed relentlessly in her thoughts: "Now that Shen Wei has her own daughter, how could she spare any attention for you?"
Li Yao was deeply troubled.
She faintly remembered that the Princess Consort had treated her kindly when she was younger. But later, after the Princess Consort bore a son, even less attention was given to Li Yao.
Now that Shen Wei had her own daughter, she would surely dote on the younger sister even more. Li Yao wasn’t Shen Wei’s child—would she even play with her anymore?
She would become the unloved child again. Li Yao slumped onto the table, tears welling in her eyes.
"Little Mistress Yao." Cai Ping’s cheerful voice sounded from outside as she entered with a smile. "My lady specially commissioned this summer dress for you, along with two handkerchiefs."
Li Yao sprang up like a carp leaping from water.
She rushed over eagerly. "A dress from Auntie Wei? Let me see!"
On the tray lay a beautiful pale red gown embroidered with gold, adorned with patterns and colors Li Yao adored most. Tiny golden koi fish danced along the sleeves.
Li Yao’s eyes sparkled.
Since spring began, the Princess Consort had ordered new clothes for her two sons—but none for Li Yao.
Cai Ping added, "The kitchen has prepared flower cakes for dinner tonight. Would the young mistress like to join?"
Li Yao nodded excitedly. "Yes! I’ll definitely go!"
All her worries vanished in an instant.
That evening, Li Yao changed into her new dress and happily skipped to the Glazed Pavilion. Shen Wei greeted her warmly as always, beckoning her over. "Yao’er, come see your little sister."
Li Yao leaned over the cradle, peering inside.
The baby was still asleep, her plump little face fair and soft, her lashes like tiny black brushes. After watching for a while, Li Yao looked up and asked, "Auntie Wei, how much longer will she sleep?"
Shen Wei smiled faintly, rubbing her temples wearily. "She’ll wake when she’s hungry."
Li Yao tilted her head, studying Shen Wei. It had only been a few days, but Shen Wei’s complexion had paled, dark circles shadowed her eyes, and a white bandage wrapped around her wrist. The elderly maidservant had mentioned how newborns were fussy, crying through the night.
Shen Wei must be exhausted.
Guilt welled in Li Yao’s heart. Shen Wei was already worn out caring for the baby, yet here she was, jealous of her little sister.
"You’re at the age where you’re growing taller. Your dresses need to be adjusted every year." Shen Wei took Li Yao’s hand, examining the fit of the gown. "Does it fit well? If it’s too small, I’ll have Cai Ping send it to the seamstresses."
Li Yao nodded gratefully. "It fits perfectly. Thank you, Auntie Wei."
Prince Yan was occupied with official duties that night and didn’t return to the manor. Li Yao dined with Shen Wei, savoring the delicious cakes before helping her tend to the baby in the cradle.
Only when night fell did Li Yao reluctantly leave, her heart brimming with happiness.
Back in the Peony Courtyard, Li Yao was about to retire when movement outside caught her attention. Granny Liu, sent by the Princess Consort, entered her bedchamber unannounced.
"Young Mistress Yao, the Princess Consort has sent you something." Granny Liu carried a tray.
Li Yao, already in her nightclothes, rubbed her sleepy eyes. "Mother sent me something?"
Granny Liu smiled. "With spring’s warmth, the Princess Consort had the seamstresses make you a new dress."
Li Yao froze mid-motion.
Granny Liu set the tray down, her tone meaningful. "Young Mistress, you are the Princess Consort’s own daughter—naturally, she holds you dear. But spending all your time in the Glazed Pavilion? That Shen Wei has her own child now. How could she truly care for you? Think carefully on my words, Young Mistress. I only wish you well."
The night deepened as Granny Liu rambled on before finally taking her leave.
Li Yao picked up the dress the Princess Consort had sent and held it against herself.
Her eyes lowered. "It doesn’t fit at all..."
She had grown taller and fuller over the past two years—yet the dress was made to her old measurements.
---
The next morning, Shen Wei rose early, taking her usual stroll around the courtyard for exercise before breakfast.
The kitchen was already bustling.
Today marked the baby’s full-moon celebration, to be held in the Glazed Pavilion’s front courtyard. The guest list was modest: the Princess Consort, Prince Yan, Zhang Miaoyu, Liu Ruyan, Liu Qiao'er, and a few concubines.
A small family gathering.
Before noon, Zhang Miaoyu was the first to arrive, drawn by the festivities.
She hurried in, her pink skirts fluttering, and immediately noticed the faint shadows under Shen Wei’s eyes and the medicinal bandage around her wrist. "Sister Shen Wei, don’t be sad. The prince favors you. If you wish to see the child later, it won’t be difficult."
The full-moon banquet was also the child’s handover ceremony.
A mother separated from her daughter—there was no greater sorrow.
Zhang Miaoyu wanted to help but lacked the means. She squeezed Shen Wei’s hand. "I have no children. Should I ask the prince to let me raise yours? Then I could secretly return her to you."
Shen Wei chuckled. "Thank you, Sister Miaoyu. But there’s no need. Where there’s a will, there’s a way."
Zhang Miaoyu sighed, then eyed Shen Wei’s wrist again. "Sister Shen Wei, did you injure yourself?"
Shen Wei flushed, recalling unpleasant memories. "Just a sprain. The ointment helps."
During her pregnancy, intimate moments with Prince Yan had been rare, often replaced by other means.
After childbirth, Shen Wei focused on recuperating, her complexion growing fairer, her figure even more alluring—much to Prince Yan’s longing.
But Shen Wei gently declined his advances. Her body was her own, and postpartum recovery was not to be trifled with.
Ah.
She pitied her poor wrist.
Time passed, and the banquet was about to begin. Guests trickled in. Prince Yan arrived first, still clad in his court robes. He strode inside just as Shen Wei bent over the cradle, carefully wiping the baby’s face.
Spotting him, Shen Wei greeted, "Your Highness, you’ve returned."
Prince Yan took in her tired eyes and knew she hadn’t slept well. He wrapped an arm around her waist. "What are you doing, Wei’er?"
Shen Wei forced a smile. "Just cleaning her face before changing her clothes. Once she’s with the Princess Consort, I won’t be able to tend to her daily."
She pretended not to know that her brother had already passed the imperial examinations.
