Although she was barely passable in every aspect, such a wealthy and beautiful young master might not agree to her request.
Yet Jiang Yin knew that by showing such humble weakness, even if the young master refused, he would surely feel a trace of pity for her.
This trace of pity was Jiang Yin’s true lifeline.
To ensure the smooth implementation of this plan that allowed her to advance or retreat as needed, Jiang Yin sniffled and continued cautiously, “If A Yin causes the young master any trouble, you may refuse A Yin. A Yin… A Yin’s life is worthless—at worst, it’s just death…”
“Enough.”
Just as she was performing with full emotion and vigor, tears streaming halfway down her face, the hand she was holding suddenly gripped hers in return. With a slight tug, he pulled her up from the ground.
A voice, still calm and gentle, interrupted her words: “Do not speak lightly of life and death. I agree.”
“…”
As soon as these words were spoken, the surroundings fell silent for a moment before erupting into a wave of whispers.
The person beside the young master was likely his guard. Seeing that he had agreed to Jiang Yin’s proposal, the guard’s expression changed drastically, and he hurried forward to stop him. “Young master, this matter may not be appropriate. This…”
The young master’s face remained expressionless, but his tone was no longer as gentle as it had been toward Jiang Yin. He said coldly, “Step back.”
“But…”
“My decision is made. If there is any further reckless discussion, return to the manor and punish yourself.”
“…Yes.”
In the end, the guard dared not say more. He glanced at Jiang Yin with a complicated expression and silently retreated behind the splendidly dressed young master.
Jiang Yin lowered her head, secretly glancing at the hand holding hers. On the surface, she sobbed and wiped her tears, but inwardly, she rejoiced.
The System had crashed, and she had been trapped in Zui Xian Ju for over a month. Although she hadn’t encountered any real danger, she had been constantly on edge, unable to find peace.
Not to mention today, when the madam wanted to sell her to that old pervert—it was utterly terrifying.
At this moment, Jiang Yin didn’t know when the System would be repaired or how long she would have to stay in this world.
But she knew that in a place of trouble like a qinglou, as long as she stayed one more day, the threat of being bought and sold would follow her for that day.
She had to find a way to leave this place…
“…Do not be afraid, miss.”
Perhaps because Jiang Yin’s hand, trembling with a mix of excitement and fear, was too cold, the splendidly dressed young master released her hand, took off his water-blue Crane Cloak, and, feeling his way, draped it over her shoulders. He comforted her in a low voice, “There is a Warm Pavilion upstairs. Please follow me.”
Interrupted in her scheming, Jiang Yin was stunned for a moment before belatedly nodding and murmuring weakly in response, “…Thank you, young master.”
She tightened the soft Crane Cloak around her, still warm with the scent of incense, and watched as the madam, who had caught up to them, accepted the money pouch handed over by the guard with a dark expression. The madam’s face then broke into a wide grin, her teeth bared and powder flaking off her face: “…Oh dear… If you had said so earlier, sir… It was all a misunderstanding…”
Whatever was said after that, Jiang Yin didn’t catch.
Following behind the young master, who was as elegant as an orchid and jade, she paid no mind to the envious or puzzled gazes around her. Her mind was occupied with only one thing—
Today, no matter what, she had to fight for a way out of this place.
…
Unlike the dimly lit room earlier, the Warm Pavilion of the splendidly dressed young master was bathed in bright sunlight, quiet and tidy.
The door closed, shutting out the gaudy, noisy world of rouge and powder outside, leaving only the elegant, simple decor of blue and white in the surroundings, bringing a sense of peace.
Jiang Yin’s taut nerves relaxed slightly, but the injuries she had sustained while fleeing now throbbed with renewed pain.
She cautiously glanced at the richly dressed young master walking ahead of her, secretly pressing a hand to her ribs beneath her chest.
Earlier, she had been too focused on escaping the old pervert to notice. Now she realized the injured area felt as if it had been struck by a hammer—sharp, stinging, and swollen. Even the lightest touch sent a dull ache radiating through her fingers.
Jiang Yin couldn’t hold back a muffled groan.
“…Miss?”
Hearing the sound behind him, the young master halted and slowly turned around. “Miss… are you hurt somewhere?”
Learning from the earlier incident, this time he did not reach out to support her directly. Instead, he extended a hand before her, offering, “I have a physician with me. If you need one, I can call for him.”
“…”
The hand presented to her was slender and pale, with distinct knuckles. A flawless white jade ring encircled the base of his index finger, its gentle luster making the hand appear even more elegant.
But pain dominated Jiang Yin’s senses, leaving her no mind to appreciate it. She managed only a hurried glance before gasping for breath and looking away.
Noticing that no one had responded or taken his hand after a moment, the young master tilted his head slightly, his brows furrowing in faint confusion. “Miss… are you all right?”
As he spoke, he began feeling his way forward, as if intending to call for someone.
Remembering her plan, Jiang Yin’s heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly endured the pain and grasped his hand. “It’s nothing… just a few bumps and bruises. A Yin thanks the young master for your concern.”
“…Truly?”
“Truly,” Jiang Yin replied quickly, afraid he might discover the severity of her injuries. If that happened, the immense fortune she was supposed to receive might turn into a debt of gratitude for medical treatment. “The young master need not worry. A Yin is fine.”
Fortunately, the young master did not press further. He smiled slightly, seeming relieved. “That’s good… You were frightened earlier. Please sit and have a cup of hot tea.”
Jiang Yin had her own designs and naturally would not sit. Holding the young master’s hand, she helped him settle by the table, then took a step back and knelt, bending her knees.
Sensing her movement, the young master was momentarily taken aback and moved to help her up.
But Jiang Yin released his hand and bowed her head to the ground in a deep kowtow. “Today, I was saved by the young master. A Yin is endlessly grateful. This bow is one I owe you, and I beg you not to refuse it.”
—Kowtowing freely and frequently was the first survival skill Jiang Yin had learned after arriving in this world.
The reason was simple: she had transmigrated into a cannon-fodder maid in this novel.
In the story, the maid served the female lead but grew restless, secretly seducing the male lead and causing misunderstandings between the two.
Enraged, the female lead fell ill, remaining bedridden for nearly half a month.
One night, overwhelmed by sorrow, she wandered the garden despite her illness, sighing emptily at the moon.
But the night wind was chilly, and her mind was foggy. In a moment of carelessness, she stumbled into the garden pond.
Although the male lead descended like a divine savior and rescued her, the female lead had an elder brother who was fiercely protective. Upon learning of the incident, he flew into a rage and immediately ordered the maid who had seduced the male lead to be sold into a qinglou.
In the original text, the maid’s role ended abruptly here.
In other words, Jiang Yin should have been able to collect her reward and leave peacefully.
Unfortunately, the System crashed, and Jiang Yin, still playing the role of the maid, was left stranded in the brothel.
…
The past, dark and heavy, was not to be dwelled upon. After finishing her kowtow, Jiang Yin rose to her feet and looked at the handsome young master before her, feeling that her future was now brilliantly bright.
As for Jiang Yin’s gratitude, the young master did not refuse it in the end, only letting out a soft sigh. “It was but a small effort. There is no need for you to keep it in mind.”
Before Jiang Yin could respond further, his tone shifted gently. “However, I have come here not for pleasure, nor do I harbor any improper thoughts toward you… Tonight, you may do as you please.”