The Weight of a Crown

Rumors of the prince’s fondness for a slender waist spread throughout the capital. After the young lady was betrothed, she refused to eat or drink, sustaining herself each day with nothing but a bowl of plain ginseng soup—barely keeping her half‑alive. Yet she deemed herself too thin to catch the eye, so she chose me as part of her dowry, forcing me to swallow pig‑fat‑mixed rice every day. After a month, I hadn’t gained even thirty pounds, and she made me wear ill‑fitting gauze skirts that pinched me into all sorts of unsightly shapes. “The fatter you look—like a pig—the more it will set off my own frail, ethereal beauty.” Once we entered the bridal chamber, the prince’s eyes would see only me. “My son, you’re already thin enough.” “Once you’ve joined the princely household and borne the heir, then we can bring in a plump concubine to complement you.” “Mother, why must we wait?” “Why not just send a dowry maid straight over to share your bed?” “Ah, miss, I really can’t eat another bite.” “Stop after the second bucket! If I don’t get fat, how am I supposed to take you to marry the prince?” “What are you standing there for? Don’t you dare feed me just a few more spoonfuls?” “Eat!” “The prince is quite the prankster—while the young lady starves herself, she forces me to wolf down pig‑fat‑mixed rice while he’s asleep. She even makes me throw it all up—so isn’t it all for nothing?” “Hurry, give him another bucket!” “Ah…” “Ah.”

A month ago, when King Xiang was choosing a consort, the young woman I admired had a slender waist. And so, this marriage fell to Meng Tinglan, the most favored daughter of the Grand Secretary. “No, please, miss.” “I’m exhausted—my constitution has always been weak; after just a few dozen strokes, I’ve already lost all my strength.” “Someone, support her.” “There we go—she’s put on thirty jin! Only thirty jin—this girl is remarkably tough; you’d never guess she’s gained weight.” “Bring someone to change her clothes.” “Yes.” “The lady’s figure grows ever more graceful; King Xiang will surely be smitten upon seeing her.” “Indeed—no one else could ever compare to the lady, no matter how hard they tried.” “Dressing like this—is it to make everyone know she’s fat?” “That’s exactly how the lady wants to look—so she’ll appear delicate and enchanting.” “Oh, little chubby girl, dressed so lightly—could it be that you’re missing your brother?” “Ah, you wicked wretch!” “In the future, I shall be the king’s concubine—how dare you tarnish my purity?”

Silver Ring is following me—you’ve practically shot straight to the top. The young lady has a kind heart; anyone else would’ve been tossed into the kitchen long ago. Kindhearted? I’d rather spend my whole life tending the fire than eat this pig’s food of yours. Thank you, young lady, for your kindness. Oh dear, heavens! Is your waist made of a water bucket or something? Your clothes are about to tear—this is truly hilarious. Young lady, my garments are in such disrepair they’re hardly presentable. As dusk approaches, I’d like to ask you for a favorplease let me leave the estate to deliver this month’s allowance to my mother. Hmph! Hmph! With the wedding drawing near, I’ll grant you this one trip home—but don’t you dare cause any trouble. You two, go with him and watch over him carefully—make sure he doesn’t stir up any mischief. Yes, mistress. Thank you for your kindness. Mother, I’ve come back to see you. Mother, here’s this month’s allowance from your daughter—please accept it. Young master, why are you dressed so lightly? You even seem to have gained weight. Mother, I’ve become a maid accompanying the young lady as her dowry. This skirt was a gift from my mistress—it’s quite precious. My aunt is getting married, so keep this money for yourself—no need to give it back. The young lady is marrying a prince, so I’ll be very wealthy in the future. It just means I won’t be able to come back and visit you anymore. That’s all right. Mother has a portrait of Little Yin—though I’ve never actually painted a likeness before. A few days ago, someone was searching for a missing person. The portrait looked somewhat like you, so they took it home to keep safe. A wealthy merchant looking for his daughter? How could I possibly be so lucky? Stop the carriage—what are you yelling about? Looking for a fight, are you? Brother, I’m just settling an old debt with Doctor Xu. I previously asked him to deliver medicine to my mother on credit. It’ll be quick. Go quickly and return promptly—don’t try anything funny. The abortion medicine that Uncle Xu mentioned last time. Have you prepared it yet?

“This is the medicine you asked for, but the child is already too far along. If you force an abortion, it could very well cost you your life.” A few months ago, I found a person in the woodshed. Ah, that time when you half‑resisted and half‑gave in—little did I know it would lead to my pregnancy. “Stop! The Madam has ordered that all servants returning to the manor tonight must be searched.” “Mistress, there’s nothing worth searching on me.” “Hmph, behave yourself.” “Madam, we’ve found something—a packet of medicine.” “Yan, it’s over. If he discovers I’m pregnant and that I bought abortive pills, he’ll surely have me put to death.” “Return, Madam—it’s just a cooling herbal soup.” “It seems Master Xu, with his kind heart, exchanged my abortion medicine for this. By some twist of fate, he saved my life.” “Yinhuan, you’re Ting’er’s maid of honor. From now on, she is your mistress; you must see to it that she bears a son as soon as possible.” “Your mother isn’t in good health—I’ve already sent someone to bring her to the estate to rest.” “Someone will take good care of her.” “Thank you, Mistress, for your kindness. This servant swears to serve the Young Lady with her life.”