Yuanwei

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Rescue and New Identity

Originally named Mu Xue, Yuanwei was rescued by Yun Manman from the Flower-Filled House. Yun Manman freed her from restraints, gave her a healing fruit, and encouraged her to live for herself. Mu Xue offered to become her servant; Yun Manman accepted her loyalty, renamed her Yuanwei, and instructed her to use the title “Master” without kneeling 26.

Yuanwei later learned that her zither playing at the Fragrant Guest Pavilion had drawn Yun Manman’s attention and ultimately led to her rescue. She had originally learned the instrument to please men and had never imagined it would secure her a new life 27.

Concerned about Master Wang’s influence, Yuanwei feared that remaining beside Yun Manman would expose her rescuer to retaliation. She privately considered disfiguring herself to prevent recognition, but Yun Manman assured her that Wang would be unable to pursue them 27.

Leaving Wuliang

Yuanwei guided Yun Manman to the Ten Cold Gate’s Wuliang branch, initially believing she intended to hire an assassin. When assassins surrounded them, Yuanwei tried to shield her despite her fear. Yun Manman moved her to safety before defeating the attackers and negotiating with Han Yu 27.

Back at the Flower-Filled House, Yuanwei offered Yun Manman her savings—five thousand taels of silver—and promised to earn more if she would abandon assassination work. Yun Manman refused the money and burned Yuanwei’s former pavilion, declaring that only Yuanwei would exist from then on 28.

Before leaving the county, Yuanwei helped distribute food to twenty-eight starving children whom Yun Manman subsequently took in. On the journey to Red Star Village, she laughed freely at Yun Manman’s horse and joined the children in petting it, visibly happy to have left Wuliang 29 30.

Life in the Yun Household

Yuanwei became an attentive household companion, bringing Yun Manman food in the fields and offering to arrange her hair and makeup for the housewarming celebration. She also began learning martial arts under her 33 35.

After the old Yun household threatened the family, Yuanwei suggested dealing with them before they could retaliate. Her willingness to propose decisive action surprised Yun Manman, who had regarded her as simple-hearted and not ruthless enough 35.

Yuanwei noticed Yun Manman’s increasing appetite and growing abdomen and suggested that she might be pregnant. To limit gossip about an unmarried woman seeking a pregnancy diagnosis, she proposed sending Yun Mo to fetch a doctor from town rather than using the village doctor. She later attended the twins’ birth and reassured the waiting family that their mother and both babies were safe 36 37 40.

Recruitment and Pavilion Operations

Yun Manman entrusted Yuanwei with continuing to take in young beggars across different regions. Her responsibilities included inspecting the locations regularly and ensuring that the children learned both martial arts and literacy 39.

During the raid on the Longevity Stronghold, Yuanwei helped lure bandits into taking the group to their concealed base. After subduing the escorts, she and Yun Fang were assigned to rescue the captive women. She subsequently joined the fighting against the bandits 44 45.

Four years later, Yuanwei was involved in the Nine Lotus Pavilion’s conflict with the Leng Family in Dongxiao Kingdom. Yun Manman sent instructions through Yun Lin authorizing her to strike without restraint and force the Leng Family out of the brothel and gambling-house business 46.

Appearance

• Eyes: Described as watery and filled with open, unclouded laughter after leaving Wuliang 30.
• Voice: Soft and sweet; she convincingly adds fear to it while posing as a vulnerable servant 44.
• Disguise: Uses something supplied by Yun Manman that considerably changes her appearance, helping prevent recognition after her escape 28.
• Veils: Wears a veil after her rescue and again during the bandit-den infiltration 26 44.

Personality

Yuanwei is earnest, generous, and fiercely protective of Yun Manman. Early in their relationship, she offers her entire savings to keep her rescuer away from dangerous work and instinctively tries to shield her from assassins despite being frightened herself 27 28.

Her initial formality gives way to affectionate ease. Although she first kneels and calls Yun Manman “Master,” she later addresses her as “Sister Man,” laughs at her horse, and helps care for her daily needs 26 30 33.

She is observant without being intrusive. Yuanwei recognizes that Yun Manman’s account of the twins’ deceased father does not match her earlier surprise at the pregnancy, but supports her rather than challenging the story. She likewise accepts the beneficial fruits without asking where they originate 36 37.

Abilities & Skills

Zither Playing

• Trained to perform for male patrons before her rescue.
• Her playing attracts Yun Manman’s attention and becomes the unexpected reason for their meeting 27.

Martial Arts

• Trains under Yun Manman and increases her efforts to become useful in dangerous situations 35 36.
• Can immobilize an opponent through acupoint strikes 44.
• Participates in combat against the Longevity Stronghold’s bandits 45.

Acting and Infiltration

• Plays a frightened attendant protecting a supposedly frail young lady.
• Uses a fearful voice and deferential behavior to help the group gain access to the bandit stronghold 44.

Organization and Household Care

• Oversees recruitment locations for young beggars and their martial and literacy education 39.
• Anticipates Yun Manman’s needs, including food, grooming, and discreet medical assistance 33 37.

Relationships

• Yun Manman — Rescuer, master, and martial-arts teacher. Gives Yuanwei her new name and later entrusts her with recruitment and Nine Lotus Pavilion operations 26 35 39 46.
• Yun Mo — Fellow subordinate. Coordinates with her over threats to Yun Manman and the discreet search for a doctor 35 37.
• Madam Zhou — Fellow caregiver during Yun Manman’s pregnancy and childbirth 36 37 40.
• Yun Fang — Partner in subduing the bandit escorts and rescuing captured women 44.
• Yun Lin — Fellow Nine Lotus Pavilion operative entrusted with delivering Yun Manman’s instructions and newly made pills during the Leng Family conflict 46.