The Princess Wei Yang Chapter 39
May 03, 2017
This chapter is translated by Angela ^_^ - enjoy! Also, a chapter index and character guide is added as a page.
Editor: Panisa
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Xiaojie: Miss
Nubi: the way a servant would address oneself in third person
Penjing: potted Bonsai
囊中羞涩1- Embarrassed due to not having money in one’s pocket, euphemism for being poor
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Chapter 39: Secret Collusions
Bai Zhi and Zi Yan entered the house one after the other, Li Wei Yang did not pay attention to Zi Yan and spoke only to Bai Zhi: “Did you feel like I was too harsh in punishment?”
Bai Zhi thought about it and said: “This house does have rules, Xiaojie was right.”
Li Wei Yang smiled and said: "I brought you two with me when I came to Li Residence, if you do well, I can be proud, but if you misstep out of line, I will lose face. To be by my side, aside from diligently carrying out errands, you also need to be loyal. If you cannot do these, then I will send you back to Pingcheng.”
Bai Zhi answered yes, Zi Yan softly said, “Xiaojie, of course Nubi is loyal to you.”
Li Wei Yang sighed in her heart, she did not want Zi Yan to think unnecessary thoughts; she was using Liu Mama’s matter to remind her, but couldn’t determine the effect.
One morning three days later, Zi Yan brought breakfast and set up the table.
Li Wei Yang discreetly sized her up with a glance.
Zi Yan was born beautiful with a pair of water-clear almond eyes, lotus-like face with delicate red blush. Wearing a pale red embroidered dress, she had rounded shoulders and slender waist, an eye-catching figure. If Li Wei Yang was just a naive thirteen-year-old girl, naturally nothing would seem amiss, but however her mind was already past thirty years old, how could she not know that a shift has happened with this girl in front of her. Without an expression on her face, Wei Yang said in an easy voice: “This dress is pretty.”
Zi Yan just laughed and said: “Didn’t Xiaojie give some beautiful silks that she didn’t like to Nubi? Nubi wanted to wear it for Xiaojie to see.” Upon seeing Li Wei Yang’s expression, she added: “Xiaojie said that it is suitable for Nubi, now it seems it is as you said.”
This dress, Zi Yan finished making it to be used for the New Year, however she brought it out now! Bai Zhi’s pupils narrowed slightly, almost afraid to see Li Wei Yang’s expression. San Xiaojie was not a weak ignorant person who can be bullied; on the contrary, although she was only thirteen years old, she was shrewd and capable, careful and subtle. The slight changes with Zi Yan were discovered by Xiaojie. She didn’t say anything because she wanted to give Zi Yan a chance, but this girl was too dumb to see it!
Li Wei Yang's soup spoon gently touched the bowl, then she heard Zi Yan whispered: “Xiaojie, yesterday afternoon, the young master has specially ordered someone to deliver a red coral bonsai, look---"
Li Wei Yang glanced at her: "Oh, is it?" Deliberately did not say more.
Zi Yan is a bit anxious, but did not dare to show it on her face, instead said carefully: "The young master sent a fragrant jade fan to Da Xiaojie, she sent back a set of four stationery treasures of Chinese study; a pair of Fanghu hairpin to Si Xiaojie, Si Xiaojie sent back a set of Yan Zhi Ge ancient books; a green jade cosmetic box to Wu Xiaojie, she ... ... "
"Yeah, everyone has given a gift in return, however it is difficult when it come to me, they have money to send some gold and jade, however I am poor1." Li Wei Yang appeared slightly embarrassed.
Li Wei Yang’s current expenditure, although not rich and ostentatious like Da Xiaojie, was unlike those other misses who have their mothers to subsidize, can only rely on the monthly allowances and the monetary rewards from Lao Furen, she also has to rewards the servants, therefore cannot spend money extravagantly. Zi Yan only wanted to find an opportunity to see the young master but never thought that San Xiaojie cannot produce a decent gift in return, so she was immediately staggered.
Unconsciously, Bai Zhi held her breath; her gaze hesitated on Zi Yan’s and Xiaojie’s face, then quickly lowered her head, pretending like she did not hear anything.
Mo Zhu who was distributing the food on the table, laughed and said: "Xiaojie, the young master doesn’t need the gold or silver jade wares, it is about the sentiments, you can send a pouch or a pair of shoes that are useful.”
As a sister, sending a pouch or a pair of shoes to her big brother is not impossible, the gift may be small but it conveys deep affections. Li Wei Yang nodded and praised: “That’s right.” However it was difficult to do it soon, “Time is too tight, it may be too late.”
So as to not let Li Wei Yang change her mind, Zi Yan said: “Xiaojie, embroidery can harm the eyes, you should not do it personally. Nubi will work day and night, should be able to make a pouch for the young master on time.”
Li Wei Yang’s cold gaze fell on her, but her face was full of smiles: “Zi Yan, you know how to care of my burden.”
Zi Yan, upon hearing no objections from her, could not hold back her smiles. She was anxious that she would be unable to reasonably convey her feelings to the young master, now this is a great opportunity!
After Zi Yan left, Li Wei Yang put down her chopsticks.
Mo Zhu brought a cup of tea and lightly said: “Xiaojie, don’t be mad…”
Li Wei Yang was very angry, she slammed the teacup on the table so hard that the tea spilled out when it shook and coldly said: “That girl clearly thinks I’m blind!”
Bai Zhi could not bear to speak, Mo Zhu lightly said: “Zi Yan, this child, is rather impatient. Xiaojie has already warned her yesterday, yet she doesn’t reflect on it.”
Li Wei Yang took a deep breath, she had done what she can, giving her two chances, but she only thought about climbing to a higher branch of the tree, never thinking about the difficulties of her own master! If Zi Yan had any conscience, she should know that she should not have any involvement with the young master!
For a long time, Li Wei Yang did not utter any sound and seemed to be deep in thought, Bai Zhi, finally unable to bear it, said: “Perhaps Zi Yan has been deceived.”
Li Wei Yang glanced at her, slowly said: "She was deceived? Did she never think that, if she didn’t have any use, would the young master even be interested in his own sister’s maid!" She could not repress the moodiness from her heart, traces of condensation appearing on her face.
Mo Zhu thought about it, carefully asked: “Xiaojie, what should be done?”
Li Wei Yang’s face gradually relaxed: "Find someone to watch her, her every moves should be reported back to me!”
Mo Zhu respectfully said: "Yes."
Bai Zhi was secretly wiping her tears. Li Wei Yang saw it, and sighed gently: “Bai Zhi, I know you were together from a young age, your relationship is good.”
Bai Zhi wiped her tears, her face becoming steadfast: “Xiaojie is good to all of the Nubis, yet Zi Yan is like this, she is too ungrateful. Nubi knows the severity, Xiaojie should set your mind at ease.”
Li Wei Yang paused for a moment, then slowly said: "It seems that Dage is doing this for Dajie." She looked out the window, a single plum blossom bloomed alone. Wei Yang could not help but sigh, "do not act any different, they will be taking actions soon."
Bai Zhi said: "Nubi understands."
Li Wei Yang lowered her head and continued to eat, thinking about the entire matter in her mind. Li Min Feng was arrogant, yet he stooped down to be interested in a yatou, was he using Zi Yan to deal with her? But Li Min Feng was not a fool, he would not make the same mistakes as in the Hua Mei incident, then, what was he trying to do?
30 comments
Thanks for the new chapter! Zi Yan really screwed up missing all those signs.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the translations! My dreary monotonous Wednesdays are much more interesting now!
ReplyDeletehopefully in next chapter will show how wei yang will deal with her brother. Looking forward to that
ReplyDeleteSome things are hard to say aloud, yet I don't understand why Wei Yang has to be so indirect. Zi Yan is clearly not smart enough to follow, so why doesn't she directly warn her of the chance that Min Feng is using her? Zi Yan knows the main wife and her daughter hate her master, so it would make sense. Wei Yang could even reassure her she'll help her find someone suitable for marriage later that would not want to use her to his advantage... Sure, all of this could fall on deaf ears, but if she sincerely cared for Zi Yan, she would at least try that much?
ReplyDeleteAre you for real?
DeleteIf she can't even think at least this much... and wei yang was angry because zi yan only thinks of her own benefits and does not care what it means for wei yang. In addition, WY wants loyal servants. If zi yan changes bc wei yang tells her directly and not because she cares about wei yang then why shoul wei yang try to protect her?
DeleteI think that WY knew ZY got involved with the Young Master to get up, so WY knows that even telling ZY that she's being used she, zy, would not listen, and could overrun the enemy by worsening her situation , WY.
DeleteIf she sincerely cared she should at least try that much? lol. I think WY gave Zi Yan enough chances at this point telling her directly would mean that Zi Yan can alert WY's brother that she's suspicious of him. Since Zi Yan has decided in her heart to betray WY there isn't any reason to tell her directly or protect her.
DeleteWell, you are not wrong lol
DeleteBut we need to put aside our 21th-century mind and consider it from the perception of people in the olden times.
Chinese people are not so direct back then. They prefer using verses, phrases, and poems to convey their true feelings. Zi Yan was indeed stupid to not catch the subtlety. She knew how those people treated Weiyang so far, yet she was still trying to climb up the social status. If WY was to be so direct with her, that means the chances are all gone and the servant can either leave the estate or die.
Because as much as she cares for her, ZY is her servant? She's ZY's master and ZY loyalty must always be to her
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DeleteI guess it comes down to personality somehow, then. If it were me, and I noticed my servant is not loyal; I would sooner send her away than wait until she betrayed me and her punishment were imminent.
DeleteWhy does Bai Zhi want to betray her? It's not that she really hates her or that she loves Li Min Feng, it's that she wants to marry and do well. If Wei Yang sent her off to marry someone else, far away from the estate, she might just settle for it after Wei Yang explains what Li Min Feng wants her for. In exchange for her leaving, she wouldn't punish her for stealing her money and betraying her master, which was worthy of death in those days.
Ideally, servants should only live for the Master's sake, but Weiyang is smart. She knows people have their own worries and aspirations in life, so she shouldn't be shocked someone would want to marry and have a family rather than serve her. In that case, she should not keep her by her side and just make her part from the estate in peace. People were not direct back in those days, but I don't think it's that they could NOT be direct, but that it was seen as rude. When things are this dire, though, why be courteous? A life could be saved by sparing formality.
In the end, she prefers to deal with her this way because Weiyang gives more importance to being able to use Bai Zhi and having her servants' loyalty than about their personal happiness. Truly, it's hard to hold this against her because I'm aware that was the way people thought then, but I'm pointing it out because it highlights for me the hypocrisy of those times, and also some inability to sympathize.
You have to remember in the beginning of the story. Just before Weiyang died in her previous, she has sworn that she will no longer do good for anyone.
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DeleteI wrote a pretty logical comment but there were too many...structural errors. And I even forgot to copy the whole thing to avoid starting from scratch. So, here it goes:
DeleteZi Yan is the yatou manipulating her master, attempting to climb up the social ladder by marrying a gongzi - not Bhai Zi.
Zi Yan underestimates and manipulates Wei Yang; she also does not care about Wei Yang's wellbeing and situation but cares dearly about herself. These reasons are more than enough to inflict a justified and severe punishment on Zi Yan. Zi Yan is clearly an invaluable subordinate that bears ill will toward Wei Yang, her own master, so why should Wei Yang attempt to convince, or even offer sincere kindness to Zi Yan? A good marriage is not what she deserves.
Furthermore, using the concept of "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth", if Zi Yan manipulates Wei Yang then why would it be immoral for Wei Yang manipulate Zi Yan? Even further - if Zi Yan does not care for Wei Yang's well being then, in terms of equality, it is not wrong for Wei Yang to not care for Zi Yan's either.
Finally, manipulating Zi Yan brings at least two good benefits to Wei Yang's survival in the fu - getting rid of Zi Yan and Li Min Feng. So kicking her out immediately for her betrayal would not be a clever decision until Zi Yan's uses have been squeezed dry.
Wow. Clearly you really don't understand the gist of this novel nor Weiyang's character nor the customs of ancient China. Anyway, I hope you get your answer now that the Zi Yan arc has finished.
DeleteWell, you can imagine when parents warn their teenage girl that a rich handsome boy who comes around doesn't have any feeling for her. I think Zi Yan was just like that dump teenage girl. She wouldn't believe it.
DeleteYeah, I think Zi Yan is thinking that, even if she IS being used, if this guy sleeps with her, she is going to get an automatic promotion to low level concubine. And if he has her convinced he finds her pretty, she's caught up in pie in the sky fantasies of this being her lucky break and her ticket to a Cinderella existence.
DeleteThank you for the chapter~
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! Honestly Zi Yan is.....making such a huge mistake. Can't hate for falling in love, especially in times where she's treated as less than a human being for being born as a slave / servant, but she should realize the situation. LWY has given her 2 chances already, and can't give her anymore or else she will be pulled down along with Zi Yan. Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chapter!
ReplyDeleteOh, How I hate the main Li brother & sister. Now Li Min Deng is trying to use LWY's own yatou. But I can't blame Zi Yan, she is gullible and only thirteen. I just hope she doesn't harm LWY.
ReplyDelete* Li Min Feng
ReplyDeleteThank you Angela for this chapter! Always glad to see more translators working on this super long novel lol
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what's in it for Zi Yan and Li Min Feng. I believe in you, Weiyang! I'm sure you're not going to be humiliated or bullied around like in the series.
thx you for the chapter^^
ReplyDeletelove make ppl blind,,zi yan wake up please -___-
Thanks for the chapter!!
ReplyDeleteWhere's the button!!? Next button where u at?
ReplyDeleteI really hope that the author gets rid of that dumb @ss maid ASAP. Servants that betray their good masters are the worse.
ReplyDeleteThey're being quite dramatic.
ReplyDeleteShe's a dirt poor, 15 year old, boy crazy servant girl. He's extremely attractive, rich, and giving her a ton of attention. It's a little ridiculous not to imagine she'd be tempted to linger and flirt based on just one of those features. Doesn't mean she's "betraying" her master at the same time.
They also aren't offering her an equivalent. This handsome and rich young heir can ensure her a life of never worrying about food or work again, even if she winds up discarded and the lowest of his concubines. She is clearly boy crazy, and might be receptive to them offering to set up a marriage for her. But they're offering nothing and wondering why she is willing to seek better for herself.
*sigh* she is betraying..... her master told her on her face she don't have money to get gifts for brother but she still wanted to force her somehow and in a sense looked down at her... And also from the beginning she don't think about her master ..there ahs been some instances previously where she disregarded her as well and also her master didn't stop her from seeking a man but status is a thing imagine ur servant (think from ancient view) throwing herself on your brother how disgraceful that is , also status was important thing there if you want to marry someone from within mansion you have to marry someone from equal rank not a master her thoughts are really too high lol or you can collect enough money to buy yourself
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