Old Princess Dowager

Biodata

Background and History

The Old Princess Dowager remained in charge of the Prince of Anbei’s residence after the deaths of the late Prince Anbei and his princess consort, Si Yunqi’s parents 3 33.

Before Si Yunqi’s wedding, she personally found a reputable matron of good fortune for Yan Wanning. She sat in the place of honor at the ceremony, having waited years to see her grandson marry 3.

The day after the wedding, she welcomed Yan Wanning to Cian Court, accepted her tea and gave her a purple jade bangle passed down to the Si Household’s daughters-in-law. She also sent the household account books to Yan Wanning and encouraged her to seek Steward Mu’s advice 4 6.

When Western Rong attacked Yucheng, the dowager initially advised Yan Wanning to remain inside because of the refugees in the city. After learning that she had gone out, the dowager allowed her to go, recognizing that the Princess Consort of Anbei had responsibilities to face 16.

The dowager supported Yan Wanning’s proposal for a refugee-relief banquet, provided silver notes and instructed Steward Mu to arrange it. She donated one hundred thousand taels; her involvement reassured other prominent families and encouraged further contributions 17 18.

Too old to endure the journey to the capital, she remained in the Northern Borderlands when Si Yunqi and Yan Wanning departed. At their farewell, she urged Si Yunqi to protect his wife and watched the couple leave from the residence gates 27 35. When Yan Wanning’s pregnancy reached three months, Si Yunqi sent word to the dowager 42 45.

Appearance

At Si Yunqi and Yan Wanning’s wedding, the dowager wore a magnificent crimson-purple mamian skirt 3.

Personality

The dowager is affectionate and protective toward Yan Wanning. Mindful that her granddaughter-in-law had married far from home, she encouraged her to make friends, checked whether she had been hurt at the Sun family’s banquet and promised to defend her if anyone bullied her 4 6 12.

She also takes a practical view of the couple’s duties. She urged Si Yunqi to spend time with his new wife, supported Yan Wanning’s relief plans and reminded her grandson that protecting his family mattered as well as protecting the realm 7 17 35.

Relationships

• Si Yunqi — Her grandson and the Prince of Anbei. She hoped he would marry and live well, encouraged him to grow closer to Yan Wanning and looked forward to a great-grandchild 4 7 35.
• Yan Wanning — Her granddaughter-in-law. The dowager welcomed her warmly, gave her a family heirloom and treated her like a granddaughter; Yan Wanning frequently visited Cian Court to keep her company 4 6.
• Lüyun (Aunt Green Cloud) — An attendant who serves her, conveys messages and helped her back inside after the couple’s departure 16 35.
• Steward Mu — The residence’s chief steward. He handled its accounts for years and arranged the refugee-relief banquet at her instruction 6 17.
• The late Prince Anbei and Princess Consort — Si Yunqi’s parents, both deceased. The prince fell on campaign, and his wife later died 3 33.

Notable Quotes

“If he dares to bully you, tell Grandmother, and I’ll teach him a lesson for you.” 4

“Whatever your idea is, go ahead and do it. Grandmother will support you.” 17

“The men of the Si Household can protect all under heaven, but they must be able to protect their own families even more.” 35