A Concubine’s Competitive Life in the Prince’s Household
Chapter 214

It would be quite the joke if word got out!

According to the regulations set by the Qing State's imperial family, the education of princes began at the age of six and continued until they came of age and were enfeoffed as lords.

But Li Yuanjing was different. From childhood, he had no interest in books but was fond of martial pursuits. He started practicing archery at three, later learned to ride ponies, and as a youth, he joined the military ranks, eating and living alongside common soldiers. He had originally intended to spend his life as a lord waging battles across the land—never expecting to ascend the throne midway.

Now, as he looked at his two three-year-old sons, he saw a reflection of his own childhood and felt an inexplicable surge of affection.

"You're using the wrong force to draw the bow," Li Yuanjing reminded.

Shen Wei's little wooden arrow went thwack—completely off target.

Her face flushed as she defended herself, "My posture is definitely correct! It’s just that I lack the strength."

Li Yuanjing raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "A child’s bow—what strength does it require?"

Shen Wei fell silent, placing the tiny bow on the stone table with an air of if you're so good, you do it.

Li Yuanjing casually picked up the bow. With effortless ease, he nocked the arrow, drew, and released—hardly exerting any force—yet the small wooden arrow struck the straw target dead center.

A perfect bullseye.

Shen Wei gaped in astonishment.

Li Chengyou’s round eyes widened in awe, his chubby face frozen in amazement. He toddled over to the target and saw that the tiny arrow had pierced the exact center of the red bullseye!

"Father is amazing!" An overwhelming wave of admiration surged in Li Chengyou’s heart. Huffing and puffing, he ran back, tilting his little head up to gaze at Li Yuanjing with sparkling eyes.

Tugging at Li Yuanjing’s robes, he pleaded excitedly, "Father, can you teach me? I want to learn! I really, really want to!"

Nearby, Li Chengtai, who had been quietly observing, furrowed his tiny brows, glancing between the target and his towering father.

Pressing his lips together, he too stepped forward. "Father, Chengtai also wants to learn."

He wanted to master everything his father knew—to become like him, even surpass him, so no one would dare bully his mother, sisters, or brothers.

Looking at his two sons flanking him, Li Yuanjing couldn’t suppress a smile.

Among all his sons, the others trembled like mice before a cat in his presence. Only Shen Wei’s children were brave and affectionate, daring to act spoiled and eager to learn from him.

Li Yuanjing was pleased.

The sons of an emperor must never be timid or weak.

"Very well, Father will teach you." With court affairs already settled for the day, Li Yuanjing had ample time. He personally guided his sons in nocking the arrows, adjusting their stances, and drawing the bow.

Li Chengtai and Li Chengyou practiced with utmost focus.

Meanwhile, Shen Wei leisurely sipped floral tea and nibbled on delicate pastries, watching the father-son archery session with contentment.

A child’s upbringing must never exclude the father. Shen Wei was determined to involve Li Yuanjing in their sons’ growth, strengthening their bond.

After nearly an hour of practice, both boys showed slight improvement. A deep sense of accomplishment swelled in Li Yuanjing’s chest. His gaze drifted to Shen Wei, still sipping tea nearby.

"Don’t just watch—come and learn too," he called.

Shen Wei stirred a spoonful of honey into her cup, the porcelain clinking softly. She had no intention of moving. "Your Majesty is mighty and formidable," she demurred, "but as a woman of the inner chambers, I seldom step beyond the gates. Embroidery and tea are enough for me. What use would archery be?"

Li Yuanjing smirked. "You’re just lazy."

Shen Wei retorted without shame, "I won’t do it—my arms ache from drawing the bow. Besides, Le You is still playing in the water. I should go check on her."

She handed Li Yuanjing the honeyed tea, dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief, then darted off before he could protest.

Li Yuanjing shook his head, amused. Every other consort in the palace obeyed his every whim without question.

Only Shen Wei dared to act spoiled or throw little tantrums before him. Amid the splendor of the harem, she stood out—always captivating, always drawing his attention.

"Don’t imitate your mother’s habit of starting things and never finishing," Li Yuanjing teased, bending down to adjust Li Chengyou’s grip.

Li Chengyou, ever his father’s admirer, nodded vigorously. "I won’t! I’ll practice hard until I’m as good as you!"

Beside them, Li Chengtai silently resumed his training, his small face a picture of concentration as he drew his tiny bow. The arrow snapped forward, flying toward the target.

...

As dusk fell, Yongning Palace buzzed with warmth.

An elaborate dinner was served. Le You and the others had caught several fish, which Shen Wei had the kitchen prepare into a rich fish stew, sweet-and-sour fish, and delicate fish porridge.

The dining table was lively.

Li Yao, Li Nanzhi, Li Wan'er, Le You, Chengtai, and Chengyou sat around the rosewood table. Palace maids meticulously deboned the fish, mashing the flesh into soft portions for the young ones.

The giant pumpkin gifted by the Empress Dowager was also put to use—sliced into chunks, steamed with red dates, honey, wolfberries, fermented rice, and starch, transforming into sweet, glazed delights.

Li Yuanjing and Shen Wei presided at the head of the table. Initially, Li Yao, Li Nanzhi, and Li Wan'er were stiff under the emperor’s imposing aura, but they gradually relaxed, savoring the meal.

The fish stew was savory, the pumpkin lusciously sweet—all the children adored it.

As ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‍Li Yuanjing gazed at the fish stew, a peculiar emotion stirred.

Throughout his life as emperor, he had tasted countless exquisite versions. But tonight’s held something unique—the fish had been caught by his own daughter.

It was unprecedented, imbued with meaning beyond flavor.

One sip, and he found it exceptionally delicious.

After dinner, the children waddled off, their bellies round and full. Le You bid farewell. "Father, Mother, I must return to Grandmother. If I’m late, the fish stew will turn cold."

Mindful of the Empress Dowager in Cining Palace, she had a portion packed in a lacquered box to deliver.

Once the meal ended, Le You and her brothers departed Yongning Palace. Li Yao and the other girls curtsied properly to Li Yuanjing before being escorted back to their quarters by attendants.

The moon climbed the willow branches as night draped the palace.

Shen Wei, having overeaten, strolled with Li Yuanjing in the courtyard to cool off.

Spring nights in the palace were tranquil, the air humming with unseen insects. The uprooted roses had been replaced by new, drooping saplings. They reached the archery range at the rear, lanterns hanging from the eaves casting a warm glow.

Seized by inspiration, Li Yuanjing turned to Shen Wei. "Come, let me teach you archery again."

Shen Wei: "..."

She wasn’t keen.

But Li Yuanjing had already ordered a lighter bow brought over. He pulled her into his embrace, guiding her hands. "Draw firmly, lift your arm."

Her back pressed against his chest, Shen Wei followed his instructions, slowly drawing the bowstring.

Whoosh—

The arrow veered off course.

Undeterred, Li Yuanjing patiently coached her. The night breeze stirred, lifting strands of Shen Wei’s hair. The silken ends brushed his lips like feathers.

A tickling sensation.

And a faint, elegant fragrance—utterly intoxicating.

That was the unique fragrance of Shen Wei.

Li Yuanjing’s gaze drifted downward. From his angle, he could see the delicate curve of Shen Wei’s profile—her soft, pink lips slightly upturned, glistening faintly with moisture. Her skin was as fair as jade, her lashes long and curled, her figure as slender as a willow.

As Shen Wei drew the bowstring, her slender arm brushed lightly against Li Yuanjing’s chest—unintentionally alluring.

Thud—

“I hit it!”

After over a dozen attempts, Shen Wei’s arrow finally struck the target. Delighted, she turned to Li Yuanjing, her eyes shimmering with joy as she smiled and said, “Your Majesty, I’ve done it. I’ll practice more tomorrow.”

The next moment, Shen Wei noticed something unusual in Li Yuanjing’s gaze—his dark eyes flickered with an unspoken fire.

In one swift motion, Li Yuanjing hooked an arm around Shen Wei’s slender waist, lowering his head until his warm breath enveloped her. His voice was rough with desire. “Let’s return to the bedchamber.”

A gentle breeze stirred, rippling the tranquil spring waters.

...

...

Within the palace of Qing State, Li Nanzhi carried a food box under the moonlight as she made her way back to Yuxiu Palace—the residence of Consort Mei, Liu Ruyan. As night fell, only a few maids swept the courtyard, their quiet movements adding to the palace’s perpetual chill.

Yuxiu Palace was always desolate.

Li Nanzhi walked down the long corridor and saw the lanterns still glowing in the pavilion. Liu Ruyan had yet to retire. She had ordered a table and chairs to be placed on the open terrace, where she now sat alone, drinking beneath the moon.

“Mother,” Li Nanzhi called softly.

The spring night was cool, the moonlight casting a lonely glow over the palace grounds. Liu Ruyan sat by the railing, her white sleeves fluttering in the wind—as if she might ascend to immortality at any moment.

Li Nanzhi’s voice was laced with concern. “Mother, the night wind is cold. I’ve brought a bowl of hot fish soup for you to try.”