The Princess Consort schemed in her mind—using Li Yao's poisoning incident to bring down Shen Wei, or any other concubine, would not be a loss.
Prince Yan naturally did not believe Shen Wei was capable of such deeds.
Yet, Shen Wei had given Li Yao the chilled cakes, and thus was unwillingly dragged into this conflict.
The court physician had yet to arrive, so Prince Yan ordered someone to summon Shen Wei from the Glazed Pavilion.
...
In the Glazed Pavilion, Shen Wei was happily savoring a steamed perch. The air outside was stifling, but the room was cool and comfortable. She did not have to attend to Prince Yan during dinner or put on an act, relishing the rare moment of ease.
The night was unbearably muggy, with restless winds and birds flying low—a sign of an impending downpour. Shen Wei even planned to pick the ripe red tomatoes in the courtyard after her meal, lest they be battered to the ground by the storm.
