The Princess Weiyoung: The Crown

Hope

Warning: A scene that might be triggering, but nothing graphic that occurs. Mentions of attempted sexual abuse. 

Weiyoung

{Cheng'an, Day 22}

"My lady!"

I groaned as I heard someone calling me. A servant girl bowed to me.

"My lady, this letter is for you." She handed it to me before closing the door. I frowned. Who would be writing to me?

I opened the letter and read it aloud:

Dear Weiyoung,

I heard that Madam found a doctor for you in Cheng'an. I am thrilled to hear you have recovered. Next week, a servant from the Li Manor will arrive for you. I miss having you around and happily await your return.

Love, 

Grandmother

Old madam was taking me back! I felt a pang in my heart as I thought of her and mother. I couldn't wait to see them. But the thought of being in the manor again made my skin crawl. I studied my reflection in the mirror. My skin had regained its color, and the pain in my body was gone. I was stunned that Chiyun Rou dared to mistreat me this way, or worse, that Prime Minister Li allowed it.

If I were in Liang, grandmother would have her executed on the spot. I have never been humiliated like this before!

So what am I going to do about it?

Nothing. I was not the princess of Liang anymore. I had to rely on my cleverness and beauty to survive in the Li Manor. Chiyun Rou had the advantage now, but she would not forever. Until then, I had to wait. I sighed. I hated waiting. I looked outside my window. The weather was nice and I hadn't left my room in a few days.

Maybe I should go outside and explore the city.

It was a beautiful day; I smiled as my skin absorbed the sunlight. The cool summer breeze was comforting compared to the sticky humidity in Liang. Everyone I encountered worked diligently, from the farmers to the bakers selling goods in the street.

I felt so comfortable in Cheng'an. The people were friendly and seemed more trustworthy than the scheming citizens of Ping City. In Liang, I could never leave the palace without being greeted by my subjects. Here, I was not Princess Xin'er, but Li Weiyoung. I mourned and embraced the change at the same time.