Princess Wei Yang - C3
1- The Deposed Empress
2- The Unwanted Daughter
3- Slave no more
4- First revenge
5- The Pigs Have Escaped!
6- Seventh Prince, Tuo Ba Yu
7- Returning to the Li’s Estate
8- Benevolent Mother, Filial Daughter
9- Surrendered by Xiaojies
10- Li Zhang Le
11- Prime Minister, Li Xiao Ran
12- Tea Brewing Skills
13- Tit for Tat
14- Battle of Wits
15- Da Furen
Chapter 3
Slave no more
It was February 12 in the 31st year of the Yong Ming Empire—a date that marked the beginning of a new chapter in Li Wei Yang’s life. In other words, she had inexplicably traveled back 23 years, a phenomenon that left her reeling with confusion and dread. This year, she was a mere 13 years old —a girl on the cusp of adolescence, yet burdened by the heavy weight of her past life.
For the entire night, Li Wei Yang lay wide awake in her dimly lit chamber, tormented by vivid memories of her “previous lifetime.” Those recollections were a haunting mix of pain and betrayal. She was overwhelmed by a profound sense of loss and anger, hating that she couldn’t cry out loud; she knew the softest sound could reach the ears of everyone in the house. Suppressing her powerful sobs, she felt an emotional pressure building inside her, a tempest that threatened to burst forth if she let her guard down for even a moment. Every shadow in the room seemed to whisper of her past, and she was terrified that if she closed her eyes, she would be plunged back into the darkness of her former self—the crippled, dirty woman abandoned in the Cold Palace, forsaken by those meant to care for her.
The mere thought of her family, especially the two individuals she despised the most—her cold-hearted husband and the scheming sibling who had betrayed her—ignited a furious blaze within her. She yearned for vengeance, harboring a fierce desire to wield a sword and exact retribution on them a million times over for the injustices she had suffered. It wasn't just them; she wanted to confront everyone who had wronged and betrayed her.
As the hours passed and her turbulent emotions began to settle, Li Wei Yang eventually gave in to exhaustion. She lifted her head, looking through the small window that framed the night sky—a deep indigo canvas dotted with stars. Her face shifted from one of anguish to a dark, determined resolve. Beneath her calm exterior was a storm of resolve, for she had been given a second chance—a chance to rewrite her destiny and reclaim the power that had been so harshly taken from her.
In her past life, she had believed that what mattered was doing her part right, knowing where she stood, and putting her best efforts into everything, expecting to receive good karma in return. But who would have thought those ideals were unrealistic and illusory? She had traded her compassion and kindness for nothing but betrayal and heartache.
Her father was heartless, her husband cruel and merciless, and even the person she once considered a good sister betrayed her. Although she could not compare her beauty to Li Zhang Le's, she had been faithful and loyal to Tuo Ba Zhen. She risked everything for him, including her life, and had it not been for her, Tuo Ba Zhen would have died long ago and never risen to the throne as Emperor. Yet, she was discarded, treated like trash in the Cold Palace, and ultimately murdered.
She knew her sister had persuaded her husband to kill her and had paid people to spread lies about her, claiming she was having nightmares—blaming everything on her. Her husband believed her sister’s act of portraying herself as a pure, innocent woman. In reality, she was just as ruthless as her husband.
For twelve long years inside the Cold Palace, with no one to talk to, no care, and barely enough food, she had all the time in the world to reflect on her life and the wrongs that had been done to her. She remembered every single slight, and she had forgotten none of them. Not one.
Heaven had granted her a chance for rebirth. Li Wei Yang inhaled deeply, her gaze filled with determination. There was no reason to show mercy toward those who had wronged her. Someday, she would make them pay for what they owed her, one by one.
For the entire night, Li Wei Yang lay wide awake in her dimly lit chamber, tormented by vivid memories of her “previous lifetime.” Those recollections were a haunting mix of pain and betrayal. She was overwhelmed by a profound sense of loss and anger, hating that she couldn’t cry out loud; she knew the softest sound could reach the ears of everyone in the house. Suppressing her powerful sobs, she felt an emotional pressure building inside her, a tempest that threatened to burst forth if she let her guard down for even a moment. Every shadow in the room seemed to whisper of her past, and she was terrified that if she closed her eyes, she would be plunged back into the darkness of her former self—the crippled, dirty woman abandoned in the Cold Palace, forsaken by those meant to care for her.
The mere thought of her family, especially the two individuals she despised the most—her cold-hearted husband and the scheming sibling who had betrayed her—ignited a furious blaze within her. She yearned for vengeance, harboring a fierce desire to wield a sword and exact retribution on them a million times over for the injustices she had suffered. It wasn't just them; she wanted to confront everyone who had wronged and betrayed her.
As the hours passed and her turbulent emotions began to settle, Li Wei Yang eventually gave in to exhaustion. She lifted her head, looking through the small window that framed the night sky—a deep indigo canvas dotted with stars. Her face shifted from one of anguish to a dark, determined resolve. Beneath her calm exterior was a storm of resolve, for she had been given a second chance—a chance to rewrite her destiny and reclaim the power that had been so harshly taken from her.
In her past life, she had believed that what mattered was doing her part right, knowing where she stood, and putting her best efforts into everything, expecting to receive good karma in return. But who would have thought those ideals were unrealistic and illusory? She had traded her compassion and kindness for nothing but betrayal and heartache.
Her father was heartless, her husband cruel and merciless, and even the person she once considered a good sister betrayed her. Although she could not compare her beauty to Li Zhang Le's, she had been faithful and loyal to Tuo Ba Zhen. She risked everything for him, including her life, and had it not been for her, Tuo Ba Zhen would have died long ago and never risen to the throne as Emperor. Yet, she was discarded, treated like trash in the Cold Palace, and ultimately murdered.
She knew her sister had persuaded her husband to kill her and had paid people to spread lies about her, claiming she was having nightmares—blaming everything on her. Her husband believed her sister’s act of portraying herself as a pure, innocent woman. In reality, she was just as ruthless as her husband.
For twelve long years inside the Cold Palace, with no one to talk to, no care, and barely enough food, she had all the time in the world to reflect on her life and the wrongs that had been done to her. She remembered every single slight, and she had forgotten none of them. Not one.
Heaven had granted her a chance for rebirth. Li Wei Yang inhaled deeply, her gaze filled with determination. There was no reason to show mercy toward those who had wronged her. Someday, she would make them pay for what they owed her, one by one.
๑‿︵‿୨🌸୧‿︵‿๑
As night faded away, a new day began.
Mrs. Ma hesitated. She didn’t know whether to wake Li Wei Yang. The rooster was about to crow, but if Li Wei Yang continued to sleep, Mrs. Ma would face a scolding from Mrs. Liu. After contemplating for a moment, she reluctantly stepped into the bedroom, only to discover it empty. Panic set in. Where was Wei Yang? The bed was made, and the room so clean that she was surprised.
In the kitchen, Li Wei Yang was pacing back and forth. She had finished warming up the soy milk, poured steaming congee into everyone’s bowls, carefully prepared pickled cucumbers on a separate plate, and finally placed the pot of congee on the table.
Seeing Mrs. Ma’s stunned expression as she entered the kitchen, Wei Yang smiled. “Lian Zi jie, I have already prepared the meal.”
Mrs. Ma’s maiden name was Lian Zi, but Wei Yang had never addressed her with such affection before. Until now, she had always been nervous and scared, as if she might burst into tears at any moment.
Li Wei Yang knew what the other woman was thinking. Before she was seven years old, there were maids and servants to help with her daily routine. Then she was suddenly sent off to the countryside to survive on her own, which was incredibly difficult. Especially in the latter half of the year, when Mrs. Liu saw her becoming a pretty young girl, she became more abusive and cruel. As a result, Wei Yang grew increasingly frightened and anxious, like a deer caught in headlights.
After experiencing Tuo Ba Zhen’s cruelty, enduring the agony of her broken legs, and spending twelve years imprisoned in the Cold Palace, what was Mrs. Liu to Li Wei Yang? She was merely an insignificant bump—a small rock in her path. What was there to fear?
Thinking of this, Li Wei Yang smiled and said, “Aunt Liu and the others are almost here. Lian Zi jie should hurry up with the preparations.”
This family had five members. The head of the family was Zhou Qing, the groundskeeper for the Li De household, who was usually away. Then there was his wife, Mrs. Liu; their eldest son, Zhou Jiang; his wife, Mrs. Ma; and, last but not least, their youngest daughter, Zhou Lan Xiu.
Mrs. Ma stared at Wei Yang in confusion, but Wei Yang merely grinned and stepped outside.
At the Zhou family's rundown house, the large gates slowly opened. A whimsical young girl, around 12 or 13 years old, carefully carried a wooden tub filled with clothes outside. She wore a blue dress that had faded to grey from repeated washings, and a patch had been sewn on the back. Her hair was styled into two small buns. Despite her ragged appearance, she exuded serenity.
Her face was delicately oval-shaped, with exceptionally fair skin that seemed to glow in the sunlight. Long, gracefully arched eyebrows framed her bright, spirited phoenix eyes, which sparkled with a hint of mischief and resolution. She had a well-defined nose and small ears that complemented her gentle features, while her small mouth, often adorned with a soft, inviting smile, added to her allure. Her sleek black hair was twisted in two buns, with a few charming stray strands framing her face, enhancing her natural beauty. Although her clothing was very worn, the way she walked, sat, or just stood made her stand out against the village's backdrop. Compared to the other girls, she was undoubtedly the prettiest, drawing the attention of passersby who couldn’t help but suddenly admire her as she stepped outside, radiating quiet confidence and grace.
This was not the same girl, was it? People were left wondering. Gone was the shy demeanor that once characterized her; she no longer walked with her shoulders hunched and her gaze cast down, as if trying to blend into the background. Instead, this girl moved with a newfound confidence, her head held high and a radiant smile gracing her lips. That smile was nothing short of breathtaking, illuminating her face and drawing everyone's attention.
Two small pimples on her cheeks only seemed to accentuate her unique charm, giving her an endearing quality that was hard to overlook. Though her frame was undeniably slim, the grace with which she carried herself made it easy for onlookers to forget any perceived shortcomings. In truth, it was nearly impossible not to notice her; she exuded a vibrant presence that lit up the atmosphere and captivated all who crossed her path.
Li Wei Yang remained calm and composed, seemingly oblivious to the stares. With the wooden tub in hand, she made her way toward the riverside.
They found her beautiful. So what? In her previous life, seeing Li Zhang Le made her realize the essence of true beauty. Compared to Zhang Le, her own beauty felt ordinary.
Li Wei Yang stopped by the riverside and squatted down. With determination, she used the washing bats to beat the dirt out of the laundry. The washing bats pounded the clothes, creating a rhythmic sound. Water splashed up and sprayed onto her clothing and face, but she was unfazed and focused on her task, showing no hint of resentment.
The other girls, who were also laundering their clothes, noticed her. They nudged each other and glanced at her from the corners of their eyes, exchanging smirks and whispering like a flock of sparrows.
“Look, xiaojie[1] is here doing laundry,” one girl observed.
“How pitiful! Look at what she’s wearing. It can’t even compare to us,” another replied.
“Is she really the Prime Minister’s daughter? Why hasn't a single courtier come to visit her?” one girl asked.
“Oh, don’t you know? She was born during the Ghost Month and is said to be a curse to her father! They were in a hurry to get rid of her, so they clearly have no intentions of seeing her again!” another girl explained.
“It’s better to be a village maiden like us than the Prime Minister’s unwanted daughter! If it were me, I would be furious!” someone added.
“Exactly! Even if it were offered to me, I wouldn’t want it!” another chimed in.
The girls had learned a lot about her background, largely thanks to Mrs. Liu, who had a penchant for gossip. After spending six years in this village, the conversations never seemed to change; it was always the same topics, the same scapegoats, and the same pattern of children and adults picking on the weakest among them. This was simply the way of the world: the weakest would always be the first to suffer.
Every word resonated in Li Wei Yang's ears. Today felt different; today, she felt as if she had been reborn into her younger self. She reflected on her childhood in this village, a time filled with dreams of one day returning to the Capital for a promising life. However, with each passing year, her hopes diminished that her father would remember her, and her self-pity deepened, intensifying her grief and sorrow.
A smile curved on her lips. Before her rebirth, it was the words of these people that had made her shed countless tears. But now, she stood up and walked towards the upland, the source of the river.
The fabric she held was what Mrs. Liu used as socks—long and filthy. Li Wei Yang gripped the fabric tightly and beat it with a bat, sending dirty, smelly water downstream towards the other girls. They were too busy gossiping to notice.
Once she finished laundering the clothes, Li Wei Yang grabbed the tub and stood up. Everyone looked at her strangely, sensing that something about her had changed. Despite their remarks, she maintained a calm, composed demeanour, as if an adult were watching a bunch of foolish children at play.
When she returned to the Zhou house, the sky was still bright. Mrs. Liu had just finished her meal and was sitting on the porch, flossing her teeth with a toothpick. Seeing Wei Yang, her eyebrows furrowed. She seemed about to say something, but swallowed her words, turning to go back inside.
Mrs. Ma approached and handed Wei Yang a tortilla bread, whispering, “Father-in-law has returned.”
Zhou Qing? Li Wei Yang raised her eyebrows, studying Mrs. Ma.
Mrs. Ma stiffened. Li Wei Yang was still young, but her eyes held a maturity that seemed out of place for her age—a steely resolve.
No wonder Mrs. Liu hadn’t yelled or scolded today. Suddenly, a bright smile bloomed on Li Wei Yang’s face, reminiscent of flowers in spring. She thanked Mrs. Ma, lowered her head, and ate the tortilla bread with delight, even though her throat felt so dry it hurt.
This was because the golden opportunity to punish Mrs. Liu had finally arrived.
Mrs. Ma hesitated. She didn’t know whether to wake Li Wei Yang. The rooster was about to crow, but if Li Wei Yang continued to sleep, Mrs. Ma would face a scolding from Mrs. Liu. After contemplating for a moment, she reluctantly stepped into the bedroom, only to discover it empty. Panic set in. Where was Wei Yang? The bed was made, and the room so clean that she was surprised.
In the kitchen, Li Wei Yang was pacing back and forth. She had finished warming up the soy milk, poured steaming congee into everyone’s bowls, carefully prepared pickled cucumbers on a separate plate, and finally placed the pot of congee on the table.
Seeing Mrs. Ma’s stunned expression as she entered the kitchen, Wei Yang smiled. “Lian Zi jie, I have already prepared the meal.”
Mrs. Ma’s maiden name was Lian Zi, but Wei Yang had never addressed her with such affection before. Until now, she had always been nervous and scared, as if she might burst into tears at any moment.
Li Wei Yang knew what the other woman was thinking. Before she was seven years old, there were maids and servants to help with her daily routine. Then she was suddenly sent off to the countryside to survive on her own, which was incredibly difficult. Especially in the latter half of the year, when Mrs. Liu saw her becoming a pretty young girl, she became more abusive and cruel. As a result, Wei Yang grew increasingly frightened and anxious, like a deer caught in headlights.
After experiencing Tuo Ba Zhen’s cruelty, enduring the agony of her broken legs, and spending twelve years imprisoned in the Cold Palace, what was Mrs. Liu to Li Wei Yang? She was merely an insignificant bump—a small rock in her path. What was there to fear?
Thinking of this, Li Wei Yang smiled and said, “Aunt Liu and the others are almost here. Lian Zi jie should hurry up with the preparations.”
This family had five members. The head of the family was Zhou Qing, the groundskeeper for the Li De household, who was usually away. Then there was his wife, Mrs. Liu; their eldest son, Zhou Jiang; his wife, Mrs. Ma; and, last but not least, their youngest daughter, Zhou Lan Xiu.
Mrs. Ma stared at Wei Yang in confusion, but Wei Yang merely grinned and stepped outside.
At the Zhou family's rundown house, the large gates slowly opened. A whimsical young girl, around 12 or 13 years old, carefully carried a wooden tub filled with clothes outside. She wore a blue dress that had faded to grey from repeated washings, and a patch had been sewn on the back. Her hair was styled into two small buns. Despite her ragged appearance, she exuded serenity.
Her face was delicately oval-shaped, with exceptionally fair skin that seemed to glow in the sunlight. Long, gracefully arched eyebrows framed her bright, spirited phoenix eyes, which sparkled with a hint of mischief and resolution. She had a well-defined nose and small ears that complemented her gentle features, while her small mouth, often adorned with a soft, inviting smile, added to her allure. Her sleek black hair was twisted in two buns, with a few charming stray strands framing her face, enhancing her natural beauty. Although her clothing was very worn, the way she walked, sat, or just stood made her stand out against the village's backdrop. Compared to the other girls, she was undoubtedly the prettiest, drawing the attention of passersby who couldn’t help but suddenly admire her as she stepped outside, radiating quiet confidence and grace.
This was not the same girl, was it? People were left wondering. Gone was the shy demeanor that once characterized her; she no longer walked with her shoulders hunched and her gaze cast down, as if trying to blend into the background. Instead, this girl moved with a newfound confidence, her head held high and a radiant smile gracing her lips. That smile was nothing short of breathtaking, illuminating her face and drawing everyone's attention.
Two small pimples on her cheeks only seemed to accentuate her unique charm, giving her an endearing quality that was hard to overlook. Though her frame was undeniably slim, the grace with which she carried herself made it easy for onlookers to forget any perceived shortcomings. In truth, it was nearly impossible not to notice her; she exuded a vibrant presence that lit up the atmosphere and captivated all who crossed her path.
Li Wei Yang remained calm and composed, seemingly oblivious to the stares. With the wooden tub in hand, she made her way toward the riverside.
They found her beautiful. So what? In her previous life, seeing Li Zhang Le made her realize the essence of true beauty. Compared to Zhang Le, her own beauty felt ordinary.
Li Wei Yang stopped by the riverside and squatted down. With determination, she used the washing bats to beat the dirt out of the laundry. The washing bats pounded the clothes, creating a rhythmic sound. Water splashed up and sprayed onto her clothing and face, but she was unfazed and focused on her task, showing no hint of resentment.
The other girls, who were also laundering their clothes, noticed her. They nudged each other and glanced at her from the corners of their eyes, exchanging smirks and whispering like a flock of sparrows.
“Look, xiaojie[1] is here doing laundry,” one girl observed.
“How pitiful! Look at what she’s wearing. It can’t even compare to us,” another replied.
“Is she really the Prime Minister’s daughter? Why hasn't a single courtier come to visit her?” one girl asked.
“Oh, don’t you know? She was born during the Ghost Month and is said to be a curse to her father! They were in a hurry to get rid of her, so they clearly have no intentions of seeing her again!” another girl explained.
“It’s better to be a village maiden like us than the Prime Minister’s unwanted daughter! If it were me, I would be furious!” someone added.
“Exactly! Even if it were offered to me, I wouldn’t want it!” another chimed in.
The girls had learned a lot about her background, largely thanks to Mrs. Liu, who had a penchant for gossip. After spending six years in this village, the conversations never seemed to change; it was always the same topics, the same scapegoats, and the same pattern of children and adults picking on the weakest among them. This was simply the way of the world: the weakest would always be the first to suffer.
Every word resonated in Li Wei Yang's ears. Today felt different; today, she felt as if she had been reborn into her younger self. She reflected on her childhood in this village, a time filled with dreams of one day returning to the Capital for a promising life. However, with each passing year, her hopes diminished that her father would remember her, and her self-pity deepened, intensifying her grief and sorrow.
A smile curved on her lips. Before her rebirth, it was the words of these people that had made her shed countless tears. But now, she stood up and walked towards the upland, the source of the river.
The fabric she held was what Mrs. Liu used as socks—long and filthy. Li Wei Yang gripped the fabric tightly and beat it with a bat, sending dirty, smelly water downstream towards the other girls. They were too busy gossiping to notice.
Once she finished laundering the clothes, Li Wei Yang grabbed the tub and stood up. Everyone looked at her strangely, sensing that something about her had changed. Despite their remarks, she maintained a calm, composed demeanour, as if an adult were watching a bunch of foolish children at play.
When she returned to the Zhou house, the sky was still bright. Mrs. Liu had just finished her meal and was sitting on the porch, flossing her teeth with a toothpick. Seeing Wei Yang, her eyebrows furrowed. She seemed about to say something, but swallowed her words, turning to go back inside.
Mrs. Ma approached and handed Wei Yang a tortilla bread, whispering, “Father-in-law has returned.”
Zhou Qing? Li Wei Yang raised her eyebrows, studying Mrs. Ma.
Mrs. Ma stiffened. Li Wei Yang was still young, but her eyes held a maturity that seemed out of place for her age—a steely resolve.
No wonder Mrs. Liu hadn’t yelled or scolded today. Suddenly, a bright smile bloomed on Li Wei Yang’s face, reminiscent of flowers in spring. She thanked Mrs. Ma, lowered her head, and ate the tortilla bread with delight, even though her throat felt so dry it hurt.
This was because the golden opportunity to punish Mrs. Liu had finally arrived.
[1] "Xiaojie" (小姐) can mean "Miss" or "young lady" in a formal or traditional context, but in modern Chinese, especially in Northern China, it has become a derogatory term for "prostitute". The meaning is highly dependent on regional usage and context, so it is often best to avoid using it to address strangers. Safer alternatives include "meinu" (美女 - beautiful woman) or "nushi" (女士 - Ms.).
>๑‿︵‿୨🌸୧‿︵‿๑
Xiaojie: The term "xiaojie" (小姐, xiǎojiě) in Chinese has a dual meaning, which depends heavily on context and usage
- Polite form of address: It is a polite way to address a young, unmarried woman, similar to "Miss" or "young lady" in English. When used with a person's surname (e.g., Li Xiaojie, meaning Miss Li), it is a standard, respectful title.
- Stigmatized/Slang term: In mainland China, the term has widely become a slang or a euphemism for a sex worker or prostitute. This connotation is very common and can cause misunderstandings if the term is used in the polite sense in a general social setting.
Because of this dual meaning, the term is often avoided in casual conversation to avoid offence or misinterpretation. The appropriate way to address a woman politely in modern Chinese is often a matter of careful consideration of the specific social and regional context.
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