002 Morning Greetings

The Dowry Bride of Unremarkable Beauty

In the early morning, sunlight filtered through the window in delicate shards, casting a pale glow over Yun Xueyan’s body that felt nothing but cold. She could not recall how she had made it onto the bed; the only thing echoing in her mind was Duan Nanyu’s words.

With a bitter, forlorn smile, Yun Xueyan slowly rose. She still had to pay her morning respects—to her nominal husband and to the sister who had always treated her as little more than a scapegoat maid.

Casually smoothing her hair, she chose a gown in a soft blush shade, carefully arranging her locks to cover half her face. She did not wish anyone to glimpse the cruel, winding scar that marred one side of her features.

When everything was in order, Yun Xueyan stood, opened the door, and stepped outside.

The chill of the morning air made her hug her arms to herself. At the Yun estate, she had always risen around this hour to perform chores, regardless of season.

Thinking of this, she couldn’t help but laugh softly. Old habits, it seemed, died hard.

After a few steps, Yun Xueyan called out to a figure ahead—a young maid. “Take me to greet the Prince and Princess,” she said. “I don’t know the way.”

The little maid nodded timidly and led her forward. Though she didn’t recognize Yun Xueyan, anyone appearing in the prince’s manor must belong here.

Following behind, Yun Xueyan studied the maid, who seemed much younger than herself. “Other than the Prince and Princess, who else resides here?”

“There are also two concubines,” the girl replied obediently. “One was chosen by His Majesty—Mu Wanying, one of the three celebrated beauties of the capital. The other is Miss Duan Ruier, second daughter of the Imperial Censor’s household.”

“I see,” Yun Xueyan answered quietly. By now, they had reached the Junyu Pavilion, where a throng of servants already stood waiting. A heavy sorrow welled up within her; her own courtyard was always so empty.

Clenching her hand inside her sleeve for a moment, Yun Xueyan stepped forward and addressed a maid by the door. “Have the Prince and Princess risen yet?”

She recognized this maid—it was Yun Xiyin’s personal attendant.

In the Yun household, backed by Yun Xiyin, this maid had always been arrogant and overbearing, and Yun Xueyan had been one of her victims.

“Can’t you see?” the maid, Yicui, said, lowering her voice but not her hostility. “The Prince and Princess are still asleep. Why are you disturbing them?” Her eyes brimmed with disdain, as though Yun Xueyan was entirely beneath her notice.

Yun Xueyan was taken aback. Did they think she wanted to witness their affectionate display? She was merely following custom: after the wedding, the dowry maids were required to serve the bride for three mornings, to avoid overshadowing the main wife.

That was why she had come.

A cold voice rang out from within: “What’s all that noise?” It was laced with impatience.

Yicui shot Yun Xueyan a glare and abruptly knelt. “Your Highness, it’s… it’s…” She mumbled for a long time, unable to find the words—she didn’t know how to address Yun Xueyan.

“Your Highness, it’s me,” Yun Xueyan said respectfully from the doorway, her voice calm and steady. “According to custom, I should come to assist you and the Princess in rising.”

It was as if she were simply performing an ordinary duty.

“Oh? That hideous woman with half her face ruined? Spoiling the morning so early! Wait outside with the tea. When I decide to get up, you may move!” The cold voice struck Yun Xueyan like a douse of icy water. All around, the servants struggled to stifle their laughter.

Shivering, Yun Xueyan ignored the mockery that swirled around her. She quietly reminded herself that she was used to such ridicule.

She took the tray from the maid and knelt—thud—on the chilly ground. The cold seeped into her very bones, slowly devouring her.

“Your Highness, Princess, please continue to rest. Xueyan will wait outside.” Her voice was utterly even. She had thought speaking would make her choke with emotion, but unexpectedly, she was able to swallow all her grievances, regarding everything—including her own fate—with a cold, detached eye.