Princess is Glamorous in Modern Day Chapter 1

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Snowflakes drifted down endlessly, blanketing the ground in quiet fury. Many years had passed since the Xia Dynasty's revival. The whole world lay buried under thick snow.

Suddenly, a flock of crows materialized, beating their shadowy wings as they crossed the heavens toward the loftiest palace in the capital, standing out as the only signs of life in this still landscape.

“Sister!” Wailed the young emperor in his imperial robes. Grief poured from his tear-streaked face. The one he called ‘Sister’ was Great Xia's legendary Eldest Princess, Xia Wanyuan.

“Don’t cry.” Though pale, the woman on the bed had eyes brimming with warmth that shone through. Despite days confined to bed, her voice held unshakable authority, etched deep from years of command.

“I’ve passed on all the knowledge I could. Cherish the loyal ministers and watch over Xiao Yu and Xiao Qiao well.”

As Xia Wanyuan struggled to lift her hand, the Xia Emperor quickly grasped it. A faint smile lit her face. She looked at her brother, now a regal man, and her sobbing younger siblings by the bedside.

“My time has come.” With her last bits of energy, Xia Wanyuan fell silent for a breath. “The Xia Dynasty is yours now.”

Those final words drained her completely. Xia Wanyuan's eyes slowly shut. The wails intensified around her, yet they seemed distant now, fading away bit by bit.

Xia Wanyuan, the Eldest Princess of the Xia Dynasty who single-handedly raised the Xia Emperor, gathered the world's geniuses, and forged the bedrock for the Great Tian Yuan era, departed in the fifth year of Tian Yuan.

The Xia Emperor held a grand state funeral, laying the Eldest Princess to rest in the Imperial Mausoleum. Thus, the realm's most stunning princess became a tale etched in history.

The setting sun bathed the mountainside villa in golden light. Through vast French windows, rays warmed the face of the woman inside. A soft gust stirred the wind chimes, making them chime softly.

Stirred by the tinkling chimes, the woman on the bed furrowed her brow. Her lashes trembled before her eyes parted gradually, unveiling clear, crystalline orbs filled with bewilderment.

For nearly half an hour, the woman stayed still on the bed. Only the movement in her wide eyes showed she wasn't asleep once more.

Having absorbed the fresh memories surging in her mind, Xia Wanyuan drew a deep breath. She lifted her hand to pinch her arm—pain confirmed it all. Reality had truly shifted for her.

She, who had undeniably perished, now lived again. Yet this revival placed her in the body of another woman sharing her name, from a millennium ahead.

This latter-day Xia Wanyuan hailed from riches too. But her actions were rash and untamed. Last night, amid friends at a party, she drank excessively until the driver brought her home.

What a tragic end. Though crowds surrounded her outside, after the chaos, no one spotted the poison mixed in her booze. Soon after the nanny settled her in bed, the original soul slipped away. Despite her desperate fight, help never arrived. Upon waking, an ancient soul from a thousand years ago claimed the shell.

Slowly, she propped herself up, surveying her surroundings. Memories still rushing in left Xia Wanyuan amazed and moved. Humanity had advanced beyond imagination in this era, with innovations outpacing all ancient dreams.

Those recollections crammed her head with unfamiliar wonders—cutting-edge tech, everyday gadgets easing life... things modern folk barely noticed.

Her skin felt sticky, reeking of booze blended with some strange scent. Xia Wanyuan threw off the covers and slid from the bed. The hangover's throb made her sway. Even on the plush wool rug, everything felt dreamlike.

Guided by the original host's memories, she stepped into the bathroom. The reflection in the mirror appeared utterly disheveled. Tangles of curly hair framed her face, while smudged makeup marred her features. Those vivid crimson lips jolted Xia Wanyuan deeply.

With hesitant hands, she flipped the strange switch in the bathroom, and soon relaxing melodies filled the space. Perfectly tempered warm water poured over her skin. After a lengthy shower, Xia Wanyuan scrubbed away the grime clinging to her body, finally sensing some relief.

Having washed completely clean, she positioned herself before the mirror. The face gazing back mirrored exactly the Xia Wanyuan from her former life. As the famed most beautiful Eldest Princess of the Xia Dynasty, her looks were naturally exceptional.

Yet, since her youth amid national upheaval, she had nurtured her younger siblings while battling for dominance in the political arena. The Eldest Princess, hardened by countless years of strife, had long transcended her early innocence.

However, the Xia Wanyuan now facing the mirror was just twenty-two. At the height of her youth, her skin glowed like pristine jade. A subtle smile curved her lips. The original host had peered down disdainfully at others, sharpening the edge in her stunning eyes. Yet now, poise and grace softened her brows. Momentarily entranced, she gleamed like polished dust revealing a radiant pearl's luster.

Wrapped only in a bathrobe, Xia Wanyuan still felt awkward in such scant attire. Still, the Xia Dynasty's people weren't overly modest by comparison. In those turbulent times, few customs demanded strict adherence. Besides, Xia Wanyuan never clung to rigid conventions. With this era's ways, she would simply embrace them.

The bedroom sprawled enormously, matched by its vast accompanying balcony. Eyeing a chair on the balcony, Xia Wanyuan headed over and took a seat.

Today's weather proved exceptionally fine. As dusk drew near, massive swaths of blazing clouds painted the sky in fiery hues. Spring was in full bloom, with a soft breeze bringing utter comfort.

She had personally groomed the Xia Emperor to shoulder the empire's immense duties. Thus, she had departed this world free of regrets or lingering concerns. Then why had she been reborn into this place?

Xia Wanyuan pondered the matter briefly. Abruptly, she chose to release it.

Fate had always been her guiding belief. Heaven had brought her here, so she would drift along with the currents. Xia Wanyuan swept back her hair and gazed skyward with a smile, her eyes brimming with peaceful acceptance.

Yet, contemplating the original host's chaotic aftermath, a wave of dizziness hit Xia Wanyuan. That former soul had a true talent for brewing trouble.

As she untangled the original host's intricate web of connections, a lovely tune suddenly chimed. Xia Wanyuan tensed, straightening alertly. Recognizing it as her phone's ringtone, she relaxed and moved to the bed, digging it out from the tangled sheets and covers.

She had barely swiped the screen to answer when the voice on the line erupted like a sparked firecracker.

“Xia Wanyuan, why can’t you stop doing stupid things? Do you still know that you’re a public figure?! Last night, someone posted a video of you being drunk. Don’t you think that you have gained enough hate?! You’ve dragged the company down with you again and again! Do you really think you’re a princess?!”

Searching her memories to place the furious voice, she soon identified him. This must be her manager.

Born into wealth with captivating beauty, Xia Wanyuan drew the agency's attention upon entering entertainment. They assigned her veteran manager Chen Yun. Though her skills faltered and arrogance knew no bounds, family riches provided backing. Despite endless criticism over the years, she clung to popularity and prominence in the industry.

Oddly enough, entertainers commanded little respect in her previous life. It surprised her how revered the profession had become now.

In the old days, Chen Yun would never have dared to talk to Xia Wanyuan like that. But with investors pulling out one by one and stocks plunging fast, the Xia family hovered on the edge of ruin. The Xia Corporation had formally gone bankrupt just the night before. Once the pampered eldest daughter of the affluent Xia family, Xia Wanyuan lacked any support or power to act haughty now, which explained her latest drinking spree.

At the other end of the call, Chen Yun kept blabbering away without pause, as though he'd endured too much restraint before and now grasped the opportunity to let it all out.

“Hey! Did you hear me!”

“Come over tomorrow. We’ll settle this then.”

Xia Wanyuan ended the call, restoring silence to her surroundings at last.

On the line's opposite side, Chen Yun went still. The voice belonged to Xia Wanyuan for sure, yet something felt off to him. Wasn't she supposed to be hurling insults his way? How come she sounded so composed, and why that authoritative edge in her voice?

“What a joke! I must have suffered eight lifetimes of bad luck to be working with this unlucky star.”

Muttering under his breath, Chen Yun hailed a cab right away and rushed to the office to handle the chaos Xia Wanyuan had stirred up. Back at the villa, Xia Wanyuan explored these unfamiliar modern wonders with keen curiosity.

The former Xia Wanyuan boasted a flashy character, filling her closet with extravagant outfits and gaudy accessories that clashed in a dizzying array of hues, giving her a headache. With the wardrobe stuffed full of vibrant garments, it took Xia Wanyuan ages of digging before she unearthed a light blue silk dress reaching the knees to slip on.

Grabbing her phone, she descended to the ground floor, spotting the maids in the kitchen fixing dinner. They emerged promptly at the sound of her approach. “Miss, dinner is almost ready.”

“Go and arrange a car. I’m going out.”

“Miss, where are you going?” Nanny Li, who'd served her for years, bristled at Xia Wanyuan's demand. She'd stumbled home drunk from the night before, and now, barely awake, she wanted to head out again. Nanny Li despised this reckless behavior.

“I said, send a car.” Xia Wanyuan stressed her command, drawing Nanny Li's gaze. Lifting her eyes, Nanny Li stared in shock at Xia Wanyuan.

Clad in a light blue silk dress, the woman before her let her wavy locks cascade over her shoulders. Free of the usual heavy makeup, her face appeared bright and clear, like verdant hills cleansed by fresh rain. Most intimidating were those majestic eyes that made direct eye contact daunting.

“Okay, I will have them arrange it now.” Her mind lagged, but the words of submission slipped out instinctively.

A sleek black sedan pulled up at the entrance, and the driver held the door open for Xia Wanyuan. “Miss, where are you going?”

“International Kindergarten.”

“Yes, Miss.” The driver found it odd hearing her name a destination beyond bars or eateries. ‘