The Princess Weiyoung: The Crown

Homecoming

Weiyoung, {Cheng'an}

I awoke to the sound of the birds chirping outside. Last night wore me out, but it was amazing. I haven't felt so free in a long time. And it was all because of Tuoba Yu.

I got up and walked to his room. I knocked on the door, but received no answer. Without thinking, I opened the door and decided to wait for him. He probably went into town.

30 minutes passed, then an hour. I was about to leave when I heard the door. I finally jumped up, but my excitement faded when I saw it was a servant girl.

"Where is the man that was staying here?"

"I'm sorry, miss. He left last night."

I felt like I'd been doused in ice-cold water. "Thank you."

I sat down at a table outside, lost in thought.

Why would Tuoba Yu leave without saying goodbye? He could have at least left a letter for me. After last night, I was certain that we formed a connection. Before I could dwell on it too much, I forced him out of my mind.

Get it together, Weiyoung. You have a mission; you didn't come here to make friends.

This still didn't stop how disappointed I was. I snapped out of my thoughts at the sound of horses. I turned and saw Su Jin walking alongside a carriage.

"I told Chun Ming that you agreed to take me to Ping City. She picked me up from the brothel," Jin said.

"Lady Weiyoung, I'm here to take you home. Are you ready?" Chun Ming asked.

I would never be ready to return to the Li manor, but before I lost my nerve, I hoisted myself into the carriage, leaving Cheng'an far behind me.

3 hours later, {Ping City}

After dropping Su Jin off at an inn, we finally arrived at the Li Manor. "We're here Lady Weiyoung. Welcome home," Chun Ming said. I stared at the place that had become my refuge and prison.

This place is anything but home. Home is Liang with Father, grandmother, and Jun Tao.

Images of my people and my family flashed through my mind. They were my reason for living on, and the only reason I returned. Bracing myself, I slowly walked into the Li Manor.

I felt Chiyun Rou's eyes on me as I entered Xue hall. Falling to my knees, I lowered my head before Old Madam, showing filial affection.

"Greetings, Grandmother. Your granddaughter has finally returned home," I said.

"Drop the formalities. Come here, so I can get a better look at you," she answered. I slowly rose my head and moved to sit beside her. Old Madam inspected my body from top to bottom.

"You have lost so much weight. Are you feeling better?"

"Your concern and well wishes have made me stronger every day. I sincerely hope you have recovered as well."

"Not to worry, dear. Your personal maid served me so well while you were away. I know that you were wronged, but do not worry. I have punished those servants severely for how they treated you."

Out of nowhere, I felt tears pricking in my eyes, but I forced them away. I had almost forgotten that Chiyun Rou and my other aunts were here. I refused to give Madam any chances to prey on my emotions.

While I collected myself, Grandmother's eyes lit up as something else came to mind. "Your father sent your mother to the North court. Now, you can see her whenever you want."