Shen Wei knew full well that Prince Heng was deliberately targeting her.
But to outsiders, it appeared as though Prince Heng was employing the tactic of "using minimal effort to maximum effect"—by humbling a mere concubine, he aimed to undermine Prince Yan's dignity.
After all, no one would believe that the illustrious Prince Heng would stoop to targeting a lowly concubine.
Zhao Yang, being innocent and guileless, was oblivious to Prince Heng's schemes. She beamed and asked cheerfully, "Shen Wei, what birthday gift have you prepared for me?"
With the princess personally addressing her, Shen Wei had no choice but to brace herself and rise. Head bowed, she cautiously stepped to the center of the hall.
Her bow was impeccably executed, but her voice trembled faintly as she spoke: "This humble servant, Shen Wei, pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress, and to… to Her Highness the Princess…"
She played the role of a timid concubine, unaccustomed to grand occasions, to perfection.
