Watching the two figures retreat into the distance, Ru Yi—or rather, Xu Ruyi—gazed around in a daze. “It seems I’ve really transmigrated, and into a Servant Girl with no freedom at that.”
From the original body’s memories, she learned that the original host was also named Xu Ruyi, fifteen years old, from Daliu Village in Hong’an County of Shangyang Prefecture. Her family was fairly large, with her father being the second son, and she the eldest child.
When her father fell ill, just after a natural disaster had passed, the seven-year-old original host sold herself to save him, using the money to buy medicine for his treatment.
The original host was clever—instead of selling herself to a slave trader, she followed Uncle Wang, a hunter from the village, to the prefectural city and sold herself to the wealthy Wang family.
After receiving the silver, she had Uncle Wang take it back to her father for medical treatment.
Fortunately, her filial devotion wasn’t in vain. Father Xu took the medicine and, missing his daughter dearly, recovered quickly.
After entering the Wang residence, her family often visited, bringing small gifts.
When she turned ten, her family had gathered enough silver to redeem her, but the young mistress of the Wang family was unwilling to let her go. Madam Wang promised that the original host could be redeemed after turning eighteen, so the Xu family reluctantly dropped the matter.
The original host was intelligent. After entering the estate, she was first assigned to the kitchen as a fire-tending Servant Girl.
She was quick-witted and diligent, soon building good relationships with the aunties and cooks in the kitchen. The head chef even taught her how to cook.
Later, when she was nine, Madam noticed her cleverness and assigned her to the eldest young lady as a second-rank Servant Girl.
She then learned embroidery from the head Servant Girl, Bai Zhi, and continued until now.
The Wang family’s eldest young lady, Wang Jing Shu, was fourteen and already betrothed to the legitimate eldest son of the Cui Family in the capital.
She had two head Servant Girls, Bai Zhi and Shaoyao; two second-rank Servant Girls, Ru Yi and Chen Xiang; and four third-rank Servant Girls, including Xiao Cui and Xiao Lan…
The recent incident involved Chen Xiang stealing something. Afraid of being caught, she framed the original host, leading to her being punished and losing her life. This allowed Xu Ruyi from another world to take over her body.
Xu Ruyi touched her still-warm body and glanced at the steaming medicine beside her.
Closing her eyes, she mentally prepared herself, resignedly picked up the bowl, and downed it in one go. “Ugh, ugh, this is so bitter, ugh…”
She fought back the nausea, determined not to vomit.
Only when the queasiness completely subsided did Xu Ruyi feel like she had come back to life. “Damn it, this is way too bitter. I miscalculated—even a dog wouldn’t drink such bitter medicine.”
Just as Xu Ruyi finished the medicine, Xiao Cui returned and happily hurried over, taking the bowl from her. “Sister Ru Yi, how are you feeling? Are you uncomfortable anywhere?”
Xu Ruyi shook her head. “Xiao Cui, I’m fine. Could you fetch me a basin of water? I’d like to wipe myself down.”
“Of course! I’ll go right now!” With that, Xiao Cui immediately took Xu Ruyi’s basin and rushed out to get water.
Watching Xiao Cui cheerfully run off, Xu Ruyi sighed in resignation. “Couldn’t this girl have brought me a cup of water to wash down the bitterness? Ah!”
As she muttered to herself, Bai Zhi lifted the curtain and entered, holding a small bowl. “Ru Yi, Madam had the kitchen prepare this nourishing soup for you. Drink it while it’s hot.”
Xu Ruyi quickly stood up to accept it. “Thank you, Sister Bai Zhi, and please thank Madam for her kindness.”
Bai Zhi looked at her with growing concern in her eyes and couldn’t help but advise, “Don’t take it too much to heart. Madam is fully aware of what happened this time. The matter has been thoroughly investigated, and she definitely won’t let you suffer unjustly for nothing. Chen Xiang has already been executed by Madam’s order, and Xiao Cui has been promoted to second-rank maid. Here are one hundred taels of silver and two gold bracelets from Madam—please keep them safe. I have other matters to attend to and will visit you again tomorrow.” After speaking, she placed the box in her hand beside Ru Yi’s bed.
Xu Ruyi’s heart lifted at the sight of the genuine silver and gold, and she nodded, saying, “I know Madam, the young lady, and all you sisters are good people. Once I’ve recovered a bit more, I’ll return immediately to serve the young lady. Thank you for making the trip, Sister Bai Zhi!”
Just then, Xiao Cui returned with water. Bai Zhi offered a few more words of advice before leaving.
After washing up, Xu Ruyi sat by the bed, slowly sipping her nourishing soup while pondering what to do next.
The household was currently a mix of good and bad, and she still needed to find a way to escape her servant status.
After finishing the soup, she handed the bowl to Xiao Cui. “Xiao Cui, I’m fine now. You should go attend to the young lady—don’t worry about me. The young lady can’t be left without someone by her side.”
Xiao Cui, noticing her improved complexion, nodded. “Alright, Sister Ruyi, you rest first. I’ll go serve the young lady now. If you need anything, just call for Xiao Lan or the others.”
Xu Ruyi waved her off. “Mm, I’ll take a nap. You go ahead.”