Yun'er

Biodata

Background / History

Neglect in the Duke's Mansion

Yun'er originally worked as a maid in the White Tiger Duke's Mansion. Dai Hao fathered her daughter, Dai Yutong, but subsequently avoided acknowledging responsibility for them. His prolonged military absences left household affairs under the duchess's control, while mother and daughter lived in a remote courtyard 3 8.

Her former servant status made her a target of the duchess's hostility. Chronically ill and dependent on medicine, Yun'er lost access to the mansion's physician when the duchess declared her treatment too expensive. Her five-year-old daughter was bullied over the money intended for her medicine 1 3.

Treatment and Protection

After defending Yutong, Ye Tianming began bringing Yun'er medicine, food, and money. Initially wary of his motives, she hesitated to accept gifts she could not repay. His regular visits eased her coughing and restored some color to her face 3 4.

Her illness worsened sharply in autumn, leaving her bedridden, unable to eat normally, and coughing through the night. Tianming brought Physician Sun, who attributed her condition to years of illness, overwork, and worry. Recovery required costly herbs and at least six months of uninterrupted treatment. Fearing she might die, Yun'er asked Tianming to look after Yutong 6 7.

Tianming then appealed to Dai Hao, prompting the duke to visit and confront their living conditions. Dai Hao supplied medicine, restored their allowances, and ordered the courtyard repaired. Treatment and better nourishment gradually allowed Yun'er to walk again 8 9.

During Dai Hao's next absence, the duchess attempted to send Yun'er and Yutong to a country estate. Still recovering and barely able to stand, Yun'er pleaded to remain. Tianming prevented the expulsion by invoking Dai Hao's instructions, threatening to expose the decision, and offering to fund their expenses himself 12.

Recognition and Recovery

Following Dai Hao's return, Tianming challenged his neglect directly. The duke publicly entered Yun'er into the family register as a concubine, recognized Yutong as the mansion's Third Young Lady, and renamed their residence Cloud Creek Garden. He also warned that anyone mistreating them would be expelled 14.

Two months later, a physician confirmed that Yun'er's illness was gone, provided she avoided overwork and maintained her health. Dai Hao began visiting regularly; he later took her hand and asked to speak privately, showing renewed closeness 14 18.

When Yutong prepared to attend Shrek Academy, Yun'er emotionally accepted the decision that her daughter would travel under the Huo surname. She supported the departure with food, money, and supplies despite her anxiety about the separation 24.

Appearance

• During her illness: Sallow complexion and severe thinness; Dai Hao finds her almost unrecognizable when he visits 8.
• During recovery: Her complexion becomes rosier with regular medicine and improved meals 9.
• After formal recognition: Dai Hao sends her concubine's clothing and a copy of the family register 14.

Personality

Yun'er is cautious about accepting kindness after years of mistreatment. When Tianming first brings medicine and pastries, her gratitude is tempered by concern that she has nothing to offer in return. Even after he prevents her expulsion, she feels unable to repay what he has done 3 13.

Her daughter's security remains her foremost concern. While gravely ill, she asks Tianming to care for Yutong if she dies; after recovering and gaining household recognition, she again asks him to take Yutong wherever he goes. She supports her daughter's opportunity to study at Shrek, but anxiously checks her for injuries when she returns from Soul Ring hunting 7 14 24.

Abilities & Skills

Cooking

• Prepares a large pot of beef in sauce and packages individual portions for Tianming's first Soul Ring expedition 16.
• Provides freshly cooked meals and travel provisions for the children 24.

Needlework

• Does needlework while watching Yutong and Tianming spend time together indoors 9.

Relationships

• Huo Yutong / Dai Yutong — Daughter. Yutong nurses her during her illness; Yun'er repeatedly seeks protection for her daughter's future and supports her departure for Shrek 6 7 14 24.
• Dai Hao — Partner and father of her daughter. His years of avoidance contribute to their hardship; he later funds her treatment, formally recognizes her status, and resumes visiting 8 9 14 18.
• Ye Tianming — Benefactor whom she calls a “good child.” He finances treatment, prevents her expulsion, and treats her and Yutong as family. She entrusts her daughter's safety to him 3 7 12 13 14.
• The Duchess — Hostile household authority. She cuts off medical care and later attempts to remove Yun'er and Yutong from the mansion 3 12.
• Physician Sun — Physician brought by Tianming to diagnose her worsening illness and prescribe sustained treatment 6 7.

Notable Quotes

“Tianming, you good child... I'm afraid I'll never be able to repay what I owe you in this life.” 13

“I'm asking just one thing of you. Wherever you go from now on, can you take Yutong with you?” 14