Yanran

Biodata

Background / History

Life Under Hongxiu’s Care

Yanran lived in the Prince of Jin’s residence under the care of Hongxiu, a maid who had accompanied her from her previous home. The prince believed Yanran was deeply attached to Hongxiu and tolerated the maid for that reason 28.

Imperial physicians described Yanran as seriously ill, with some predicting that she would not live past ten. She suffered attacks described as epileptic fits and was kept in a room with tightly closed windows and heavy incense. Despite these restrictions, Yanran said she did not feel unwell and wanted fresh air and sunshine 26.

Tang Zhuyun’s Examination

When Tang Zhuyun examined Yanran, she found no serious underlying illness. Yanran’s fear of Hongxiu and a small pinhole near her elbow prompted a private examination, which revealed numerous needle marks on the insides of her thighs 26 27.

Yanran initially defended Hongxiu and resisted undressing. Tang Zhuyun patiently reassured her, promised not to disclose anything without her permission, and used humor to ease her fear. After discovering the injuries, she carried Yanran outside and confronted the Prince of Jin 27.

Tang Zhuyun accused Hongxiu of abusing Yanran and fabricating or causing her supposed illnesses. She also challenged the interpretation of Yanran’s attacks, suggesting they could have been fever-related convulsions rather than epilepsy. Yanran clung to her throughout the confrontation and eventually cried aloud, releasing the distress she had previously suppressed 27.

Hongxiu was dragged away after Song Jingyang stopped her from finishing an attempted declaration. Yanran refused to leave Tang Zhuyun’s arms, so the Prince of Jin allowed her to go home with Tang Zhuyun 28.

Recovery at the Tang Residence

At first, Yanran followed Tang Zhuyun everywhere, including into the kitchen, and resisted speaking to the Prince of Jin. As she began going outdoors, helping with vegetables, learning to cook, and feeding a neighboring lamb, her appetite and complexion improved. The emperor subsequently asked that Tang Zhuyun continue caring for her 28 29.

The prince later attempted to take Yanran back to his residence, leaving her distraught. Tang Zhuyun intervened, and the existing care arrangement remained unchanged. That night, Yanran developed a fever and deliriously pleaded not to leave. Tang Zhuyun nursed her through the night, while Linlin stayed beside her; she recovered within two days 31 32.

Dragon Boat Festival

At the Dragon Boat Festival, Yanran openly identified the Prince of Jin as her father and displayed her closeness to Tang Zhuyun before the assembled nobles. She hoped that making her preference clear would encourage her father to marry Tang Zhuyun, allowing them to remain together without an unfamiliar stepmother 33 34.

During an audience with the emperor, Yanran credited Tang Zhuyun with curing her illness. The emperor rewarded her with two pouches of gold and silver ingots, which she immediately offered to Tang Zhuyun for her dowry 34.

Yanran was wary of Meng Yulan as a prospective mother consort and tearfully asked why Tang Zhuyun could not marry her father instead. When the emperor decreed that Meng Yulan would become the prince’s principal consort and Tang Zhuyun his secondary consort, Yanran celebrated, unaware that Tang Zhuyun opposed the marriage 36 37.

Madam Song’s Visit

Madam Song’s arrival frightened Yanran, who sought reassurance from Tang Zhuyun. She later helped Linlin invite the Prince of Jin to dinner and was delighted that Tang Zhuyun had taken the initiative to ask him over 47 48.

When the household tension continued, Yanran suggested that Tang Zhuyun move in with her father because Madam Song feared him. Linlin objected to the marriage idea and instead proposed that Yanran marry him when they grew up, so they could remain a family with Tang Zhuyun 50.

Appearance

• Eyes: Large, clear black eyes, framed by long, dark, thick eyelashes 26.
• Complexion: Initially extremely pale, with an almost translucent appearance; her complexion improves during her stay with the Tang family 26 28.
• Smile: Two shallow dimples 26.
• Build: Exceptionally thin and light when Tang Zhuyun first carries her, even thinner than the malnourished Linlin 27.
• Hairstyle: Tang Zhuyun styles her hair into two little buns after comforting her 31.

Personality

Yanran is soft-spoken and initially hesitant around unfamiliar people. Her abuse leaves her frightened of Hongxiu, reluctant to reveal her injuries, and anxious about separation from Tang Zhuyun. Even while distressed by her father’s attempt to take her home, she asks him not to blame Tang Zhuyun 26 27 31 34.

She is perceptive about other people’s expressions. At the festival, she notices that Tang Zhuyun does not want to approach the Prince of Jin and agrees to stay back despite wanting to go herself. Her efforts to encourage their marriage are also deliberate: she hopes to secure a permanent place beside the person she trusts 34.

As her health improves, Yanran becomes more lively and eager to participate in ordinary childhood activities. Having met few people before, she especially looks forward to the bustle of the Dragon Boat Festival 28 32.

Skills & Activities

Reading and Writing

• Studies reading and writing under Linlin, who treats both Yanran and Tang Zhuyun as his pupils 29 45.

Household Tasks

• Helps pick over and wash vegetables 28.
• Stands on a small stool to learn cooking beside Tang Zhuyun 28.
• Feeds the lamb next door and joins Linlin in taking the chicks out 28 29.

Physical Exercise

• Participates in boxing practice with Tang Zhuyun, Xiu’er, and Linlin; no combat proficiency or ranked advancement is established 46.

Relationships

• Tang Zhuyun — Physician, caregiver, and trusted protector whom Yanran calls “Big Sister” or “Elder Sister Tang.” Yanran refuses to return to the prince’s residence without her and wants her to become her father’s wife 27 31 36.
• Prince of Jin — Her recognized father. Although Yanran initially withdraws from him after leaving his residence, she remains proud of his strength and later suggests seeking his protection from Madam Song 28 33 50.
• Linlin / Tang Duo — Companion and reading teacher. He comforts her, stays beside her during her fever, and guides her when meeting the emperor. His later suggestion that they marry is a childhood proposal, not an established engagement 29 32 34 36 50.
• The emperor — Her recognized imperial grandfather. He arranges for her continued care, asks after her health, and rewards her at the festival 29 34.
• Hongxiu — Former caregiver and abuser. Yanran’s apparent dependence on her conceals intense fear; after the abuse is exposed, Yanran chooses Tang Zhuyun’s protection 26 27 28.
• Meng Yulan — Prospective mother consort whom Yanran regards warily because she does not want anyone except Tang Zhuyun in that role 36.
• Madam Song — A frightening visitor whose behavior makes Yanran seek Tang Zhuyun’s reassurance 47.

Notable Quotes

“Father, I don’t feel unwell. I just... want to go outside for some fresh air and sunshine.” 26

“Big Sister, I don’t want to go back to the prince’s residence unless you come too.” 31

“For Elder Sister Tang’s dowry!” 34

Unresolved Background

• Yanran’s earlier home and the significance of her status remain unexplained. The Prince of Jin privately connects his concern for her to that status, while Hongxiu is silenced before completing a potentially revealing statement 28.
• Tang Zhuyun notices that Yanran has no commandery-princess title despite being recognized as the daughter of a first-rank prince. Her speculation about the reason is not confirmed 47.