The third young master, Yu Wenlin, immediately became protective. “Yu Zhizhi, don’t even think about bullying my second sister.”
Hmph! He sure changed how he addressed her quickly. In the past, he used to trail behind the original owner like a little follower, constantly calling her “big sister” this and “big sister” that.
He had caused quite a bit of trouble outside before, and most of it had been taken on by the original owner, which only worsened her reputation.
Yu Zhizhi looked at him sharply. “Don’t worry. I won’t bully your second sister.”
She deliberately emphasized the words “second sister.”
Yu Wenlin clearly sensed it; his gaze flickered uncertainly.
Yun Yuqing spoke softly, “Alright.”
Soon, the two moved to a side hall next door. Yu Zhizhi didn’t miss the two rows of servants standing at the entrance.
There were more than a dozen of them, all tall and sturdy.
Clearly, they were guarding against her, afraid she might bully the real legitimate daughter.
Had they forgotten that the original owner didn’t know martial arts? Did they really think she could fight a dozen men alone?
They were overestimating her.
Yu Zhizhi got straight to the point. “I don’t want to play these household schemes—none of that ‘real daughter tearing apart the fake one’ or ‘fake daughter harming the real one to win favor’ nonsense.”
“Since you, the real legitimate daughter, have returned, I, the fake one, can step aside. I’ll leave the Prime Minister’s residence and cut ties with them.”
“But you must honestly tell me about my biological parents.”
Yun Yuqing had traveled far and wide with her parents since childhood, learning the ways of business. She was exceptionally skilled at reading people.
At that moment, she studied Yu Zhizhi with a scrutinizing gaze, silently weighing her true intentions.
“How do I know what you’re saying is true?”
She recalled what the Prime Minister’s wife had said earlier about Yu Zhizhi’s personality. Though the woman before her seemed different from the rumors, she still couldn’t fully trust her.
Yu Zhizhi seemed to notice her doubt. She smiled slightly and said firmly,
“If you still don’t believe me, I can write a formal pledge, promising to completely sever ties with the Prime Minister’s residence. We can even have it stamped by the authorities. Would that put your mind at ease?”
After a moment of silence, Yun Yuqing nodded in agreement. For a businessperson, written proof was far more convincing than verbal promises.
Soon, paper and ink were prepared. Without hesitation, Yu Zhizhi picked up the brush and quickly wrote the pledge.
When Yun Yuqing saw her actually writing it, she couldn’t help but feel a bit surprised. At the same time, she began to believe that Yu Zhizhi’s words were genuine.
“Your biological parents are merchants. They own two general stores in the capital and have a few branches in other cities. The scale isn’t large, but their life is fairly comfortable. As long as you don’t cause trouble in the future, you should live well.”
…
Doing business is great!
Luckily, they weren’t officials. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to stand all the rules of noble families—having to learn endless etiquette, possibly even music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and barely being allowed to leave the residence freely.
From Yun Yuqing’s demeanor and speech just now, it was clear she had good upbringing. Most likely, the original owner’s biological parents were kind people.
Originally, Yu Zhizhi had thought that if her real parents were unpleasant, she would rather cut ties with both sides.
She would rely on herself and find a way to survive in this ancient world.
But now, perhaps she could try connecting with her real family. After all, she had just arrived in this unfamiliar era with no money—having family to rely on was better than being alone.
When the Prime Minister’s family learned that Yu Zhizhi intended to sever ties with them, they were shocked.
They still couldn’t quite believe she would give up wealth and status so easily.
There was also a trace of sadness.
But not much.
After all, they had raised and spoiled her for sixteen years.
Representing the original owner, Yu Zhizhi knelt and kowtowed three times to the Prime Minister and his wife.
This was her way of thanking them for their years of upbringing.
A trace of resolve flashed in her eyes as she said coldly, “If we meet again in the future, treat it as if we’ve never known each other. I will leave the residence immediately.”
After saying this, she turned to leave, but Xiao Tao stopped her.
With tears streaming down her face, Xiao Tao choked out, “Miss, I want to stay by your side. Can you take me with you?”
Her actions stirred a wave of emotion in Yu Zhizhi’s heart.
“If you follow me and leave the Prime Minister’s residence, your future life may be harder than it is now. Are you still willing?” Yu Zhizhi asked softly.
Xiao Tao replied firmly, “As long as I can stay with you, I’m not afraid of hardship!”
Although her mistress was willful, she had never beaten or scolded her. Compared to other servants, she had treated her very well.
Especially when her family was gravely ill, the young lady had secretly given her silver to find the best doctor for her mother.
She would never forget that kindness. No matter what, she wanted to follow her and repay that great debt.
Yu Zhizhi smiled with relief and decided to take Xiao Tao with her.
With such loyalty, she could rely on her in the future.
Turning to the Prime Minister’s wife, who managed the servants’ contracts, Yu Zhizhi said calmly,
“Madam, I want to redeem Xiao Tao’s freedom. I will bring the money in two days.”
The Prime Minister’s wife paused slightly, then glanced at Yun Yuqing.
She was seeking her opinion.
Yun Yuqing agreed generously.
She also valued loyalty in those she employed. If a servant’s heart wasn’t with her, there was no point in keeping them.
Looking at Yun Yuqing, Yu Zhizhi said, “Thank you. If we weren’t in this kind of relationship, perhaps we could have been friends.”
After that, she gently wiped the tears from Xiao Tao’s eyes and comforted her, “Stop crying—you look ugly. I’ll come back in two days to redeem you.”
Then, without hesitation, Yu Zhizhi turned and walked away, her steps firm and resolute.
As she stepped out of the Prime Minister’s residence, an inexplicable sadness surged within her. Tears flooded her eyes uncontrollably, pouring down like a broken dam.
Perhaps this was the original owner’s lingering emotions.
Yu Zhizhi silently prayed that the original owner might, like her, transmigrate to the modern world and take her place beside her family.
Her longing deepened as she thought of her modern family, her heart filled with reluctance and attachment.
In the end, she broke down completely, crying bitterly.
At that moment, a mysterious voice suddenly rang out.
“Makabaka!”
“Little Donggua is now online.”
Yu Zhizhi blinked in confusion, an inexplicably cute image appearing in her mind.
The voice continued, “Host, I am Little Donggua. Congratulations on being chosen by the system. As long as you complete the tasks assigned in this fictional dynasty, you will receive unexpected rewards~”
Yu Zhizhi immediately stopped crying.
She thought her start had been unlucky—but who would have expected a system to fall from the sky!