A Concubine's Competitive Life in the Prince's Household-Chapter 122

Nanny Rong said, "Rest assured, mistress. I deliver money to the Wen Temple every month as scheduled. A few days ago, I sent a gambler there to deliberately provoke Young Master Shen into betting again, but the gambler was chased out with a broom by him."

Shen Wei felt slightly relieved.

Shen Xiuming’s gambling tendencies had nearly vanished, and he was now fully focused on preparing for the imperial examinations.

However, Shen Wei remained deeply concerned. Though Shen Xiuming was intelligent and diligent, weren’t all the candidates who participated in the imperial examinations just as bright and hardworking?

The imperial examinations were about selecting the most exceptional among a pool of geniuses.

The noble youths of Yanjing had been immersed in Confucian classics since childhood, while the students of the Imperial Academy studied daily under the guidance of scholars, preparing for the exams from an early age.

Reality was often harsh. Many children from aristocratic families started at a point that was the finish line for those from humble backgrounds.

Shen Wei wanted to give her brother another helping hand—by finding him a highly learned tutor.

"Nanny Rong, aside from the scholars of the Imperial Academy, who is the most erudite Confucian master in Yanjing?" Shen Wei inquired.

Nanny Rong thought carefully before replying, "Mistress, it must be Doctor Yang Xuanji. He is now in his seventies, having once served as a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Rites and compiled countless ancient texts. Last year, he retired, returning his official position to the emperor and retreating to the eastern outskirts of Luoyue Lake. In recognition of his contributions to historical records, His Majesty awarded him a hundred taels of gold and a grand residence for his retirement."

Shen Wei fell into thought.

In the Qing State, "Doctor" was an official title responsible for teaching Confucian classics.

Doctor Yang Xuanji had overseen three rounds of imperial examinations and had mentored many candidates. If he could be persuaded to guide Shen Xiuming, the chances of success would rise significantly.

Nanny Rong guessed Shen Wei’s intentions and gently cautioned her, "Mistress, those with great talent often have eccentric temperaments. Doctor Yang comes from a humble background and despises corruption, often clashing with his peers during his official career. Fortunately, under the protection of the Emperor and the Crown Prince, he was able to retire peacefully."

"He now lives in seclusion by the lake. Many nobles have tried to recruit him to tutor their children. I recall that last year, the Princess Consort personally visited Luoyue Lake, offering a thousand taels of gold as payment for him to teach her two children. Doctor Yang remained unmoved."

The likelihood of convincing him to tutor Shen Xiuming was close to zero.

Shen Wei took a sip of sour citrus water and smiled. "Man proposes, Heaven disposes. Everyone has a weakness—Nanny Rong, find out what Doctor Yang’s weakness is."

Nanny Rong replied, "This servant will not fail you."

With that, Nanny Rong left.

Shen Wei continued reviewing the account books when Cai Ping hurried over. "Mistress, Yun’er from the Princess’s residence has arrived. Her Highness invites you to the Pear Garden to watch an opera tomorrow."

Having been cooped up in the manor for some time, Shen Wei gladly accepted. "Very well."

...

...

The next morning, Shen Wei "reluctantly" bid farewell to the Prince of Yan, standing under the eaves and watching until his tall figure disappeared from sight before turning back inside.

She resumed her breakfast.

Nanny Rong returned with a portrait in hand. "Mistress, I have uncovered Doctor Yang’s weakness."

She handed the portrait to Shen Wei.

Unrolled, it depicted an elderly man and woman. The man, in his seventies, had graying hair and stern features—a dignified scholar. Beside him was a woman around sixty, her round face still bearing traces of her youthful beauty, though marred by a burn mark the size of a baby’s fist on her right cheek.

Nanny Rong explained, "Doctor Yang is upright and learned, unyielding to authority during his official career. His colleagues called him 'an unbreakable old bone.' His weakness is his wife, Mrs. Luo."

"Years ago, Doctor Yang offended someone in court, and his residence was deliberately set ablaze. Mrs. Luo braved the flames to rescue him, suffering burns on her right face, abdomen, and lower body, leaving her unable to bear children. Yet Doctor Yang remained devoted, never taking a concubine."

Shen Wei studied the portrait, committing Mrs. Luo’s face to memory.

After breakfast, the Princess’s carriage arrived at the gates of the Prince of Yan’s residence. Shen Wei changed into a plain long dress and boarded the carriage.

Inside, soft light filtered through the thin silk curtains, illuminating Shen Wei’s radiant face.

Her skin was flawless—pale, smooth, with barely visible pores. Her lips were rosy, her forehead adorned with a delicate red floral ornament, and her eyebrows arched like willow leaves.

Zhao Yang examined Shen Wei’s face. "Weiwei, you’ve grown even more beautiful—and fairer too! What pearl powder are you using?"

Curious, she reached out to touch Shen Wei’s cheek—it was silky smooth.

Upon closer inspection, her fingers came away clean, with no trace of powder.

Shen Wei explained, "A new cosmetics shop called Qixiang Studio has opened in Yanjing. They sell a product called 'Jade Beauty' face powder. It’s remarkable—it conceals imperfections and evens out the complexion. After applying it, I dust pearl powder on top to set the makeup, making it long-lasting."

The "Jade Beauty" powder was essentially an ancient version of foundation, while the pearl powder served as setting powder—with excellent results.

Zhao Yang’s interest was instantly piqued. "Weiwei, let’s skip the Pear Garden—take me to that shop instead!"

At present, noblewomen in Yanjing used either lead-based powder or pearl powder for makeup. Zhao Yang’s current makeup, for instance, consisted of finely ground pearl powder mixed with egg whites and oils, applied as a paste.

However, her pearl powder didn’t adhere well. If she moved her face too much, the powder would flake off—an unsightly sight.

Zhao Yang had long wanted a more skin-friendly alternative but hadn’t found one.

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Shen Wei had been waiting for this moment. She immediately directed the carriage to the cosmetics shop.

To boost the shop’s reputation, who better to endorse it than Zhao Yang, the Qing State’s beloved princess? Shen Wei had already written to Ye Qiushuang, instructing her to prepare for the princess’s visit.

The carriage traveled smoothly and soon arrived at the district where the shop was located.

...

...

Qixiang Studio, newly opened, was situated on the edge of the busiest commercial street. Besides the expensive "Jade Beauty" powder, it also sold ordinary cosmetics.

Business was neither booming nor failing.

Customers only purchased the cheaper products, balking at the "Jade Beauty" powder’s steep price of fifty taels of silver.

"Greetings to Her Highness, Princess Zhao Yang!"

Ye Qiushuang, having waited for some time, led her staff in bowing to the princess. The royal visit drew the attention of passersby, who turned to look.

Shen Wei, wearing a long white veil to conceal her face, followed behind Zhao Yang.

The princess, with her sharp memory, recognized Ye Qiushuang and smiled. "Manager Ye, you’ve opened a cosmetics shop?"

Ye Qiushuang replied smoothly, "This humble woman hails from Jiangnan, where the humid climate keeps women’s skin delicate. Upon arriving in Yanjing, I noticed how dry the autumn air was, roughening the skin. So, I decided to open this shop, offering makeup that nourishes and beautifies."

Ye ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‍Qiushuang’s face was adorned with the Jade Beauty Powder, her makeup flawless and elegant, radiating grace. Zhao Yang exclaimed in delight, “Is that the Jade Beauty Powder? This princess must try it at once!”