The Princess Wei Young Episode 3 Recap
> The Princess Wei Young Recap
Upon arriving at Junlan Courtyard, the residence assigned to her, Li Weiyang was greeted by her new maids. In the Ruyi House, Li Changxi, Li Changru's younger sister, gossiped gleefully about how Li Weiyang had left the First Madam, Chiyun Rou, speechless, finding satisfaction in her embarrassment. Changxi openly yearned to be born into the Eldest Son's household, believing her life would be far better with the fine clothes and food Li Changle enjoyed.
Annoyed by her sister's fawning, Li Changru chastised her. Changxi retorted that Changle enjoyed hearing such flattery and would reward her for it, then proceeded to belittle Changru, asserting that she was no match for Li Changle in looks or talent. Changru questioned her sister's dignity in demeaning their own kin to curry favor with others. Later, Li Weiyang inquired of her maid, Huamei, why she had not yet seen her older brother, Li Minfeng.
Huamei informed her that Li Minfeng had accompanied the Duke of Hexi home, but the Duke had unexpectedly rebelled. Li Minfeng was now with General Chiyun's army suppressing the rebellion and would not return for some time. Weiyang was visibly upset, questioning how the Duke of Hexi, who was loyal to the Emperor and had pledged allegiance to Wei for the sake of his people, could possibly rebel.
Following this, Chunming, the chief maid of First Madam Chiyun Rou, arrived to "teach" Li Weiyang etiquette. Chunming deliberately made the tea offering difficult, causing Weiyang's hands to redden, and then forced her into painful kneeling postures while whipping her. Weiyang turned the tables, seizing the whip and striking Chunming, declaring that Chiyun Rou had ordered instruction, not physical punishment.
When Chiyun Rou, the Old Madam, and Prime Minister Li Xiaoran arrived, Weiyang cleverly argued that Chunming's ruthless methods, carried out in Chiyun Rou’s name, would tarnish the First Madam's reputation. She claimed to have punished Chunming to prevent Chiyun Rou’s good intentions from being misinterpreted as malice. The Old Madam agreed that Chunming had gone too far and ordered her to apologize to Weiyang.
After the confrontation, Weiyang was informed by her maid, Baizhi, that her birth mother, the Seventh Concubine, suffered from poor health and was confined to the damp and cold Nan Courtyard, where she was now gravely ill without access to a doctor. Weiyang was determined to visit her, but Baizhi explained that no one was allowed to enter Nan Courtyard without permission.
When Baizhi suggested begging the First Madam, Weiyang coldly dismissed the idea, stating it would be better to sneak in. Baizhi then reminded Weiyang of the Old Madam's upcoming 60th birthday, suggesting a thoughtful gift might win favor. As the Old Madam's birthday approached, the Prince of Nan'an, Tuoba Yu, delivered gifts from the Emperor to the Li Manor. Li Minfeng flattered Tuoba Yu, remarking that with the Crown Prince deceased, the position of heir apparent might fall to him.
Tuoba Yu humbly deflected but praised Li Minfeng for his service in suppressing the rebellion and promised to recommend him to the Emperor, inviting Minfeng to his mansion as a potential advisor. On the day of the Old Madam's birthday banquet, Li Changru presented a "Hundred Longevity Embroidery" she had spent three months creating.
However, Li Changle immediately outshone her by unveiling a far more extravagant version of the same gift, crafted with priceless Feiyun Gold thread and featuring the character for "life" written by one hundred centenarians. Next, Li Weiyang surprised everyone by performing a vibrant lion dance. The Old Madam was delighted, declaring it the best gift. Jealous of Weiyang stealing the spotlight, Li Changle instructed her maid to scatter beans on the ground.
Weiyang slipped but was caught by Tuoba Yu, who had just arrived at the banquet with Li Minfeng. Tuoba Yu was visibly struck by her. An imperial decree was read, announcing the Emperor's gifts to the Li family: treasures confiscated from the Duke of Hexi's mansion. When Li Minfeng presented Li Changle with a legendary jade pendant from the spoils, Weiyang recognized it as the birth gift from her own royal grandmother. Overcome with emotion, she tried to snatch it.
Quickly composing herself, Weiyang claimed that, according to countryside folklore, such a spiritual jade required a special tying method to bring its wearer good fortune. Later, Li Minfeng privately warned Weiyang to avoid causing trouble and shaming the family. At his mansion, Tuoba Yu's attendant asked if he truly intended to promote Li Minfeng. Tuoba Yu scoffed, calling Minfeng a "fool" and revealing his true aim was to gain influence over his father, Li Xiaoran.
He noted the need to strengthen his own forces against his rivals for the throne: the Prince of Dongping, who had significant military achievements, and Tuoba Jun, the late Crown Prince's son, who was favored by the Emperor and known for his cunning. Later, Li Changru visited Li Weiyang, presenting her with an embroidered sachet. She confided in Weiyang, expressing her frustration over how Li Changle had deliberately overshadowed her gift.
Believing Weiyang was the only one in the family who could stand up to Changle, Changru admitted she was looking forward to seeing what would happen next. Meanwhile, Chiyun Rou and Li Minfeng discussed Weiyang. Deeming her clever and troublesome, they concluded that her attempt to snatch the valuable jade was a sign of ambition and a threat to Li Changle's status.
Chiyun Rou also voiced her suspicion that Weiyang might be an imposter, noting she seemed too refined for someone raised in the countryside. They decided to investigate her past. Chiyun Rou then informed Li Changle that the Crown Princess Consort would soon visit a monastery, giving Changle an opportunity to orchestrate a "chance" encounter with her and, by extension, Tuoba Jun.
Weiyang sent Baizhi to the inn to ask about the young lord who had saved her from the fire, but no one knew his name. Weiyang reflected on the rescue, but quickly admonished herself. With her family's murder still unavenged and the real Weiyang's death on her conscience, she told herself she could only feel gratitude for his lifesaving act and nothing more.
