Third Young Master Yu Wenlin immediately went into protective mode.
“Yu Zhizhi, don’t even think about bullying my second sister.”
Hmph! He had changed sides pretty quickly.
In the past, he had been the original owner’s little shadow, following her around all day and calling her “Sister” every chance he got.
He had caused plenty of trouble outside, and most of the blame had been taken by the original owner, which was one of the reasons her reputation had worsened over the years.
Yu Zhizhi fixed him with a sharp gaze.
“Don’t worry. I won’t bully your second sister.”
She deliberately emphasized the words “second sister.”
Yu Wenlin clearly noticed it, and his eyes flickered uneasily.
Yun Yuqing replied softly,
“That’s fine.”
Soon, the two of them moved to a side hall next door.
Yu Zhizhi did not miss the two rows of servants standing outside the entrance.
There were more than a dozen of them, all tall and sturdy.
They were obviously guarding against her, afraid she might bully the real legitimate daughter.
Had they forgotten that the original owner knew no martial arts?
Did they really think she could fight more than ten men at once?
They were giving her far too much credit.
Yu Zhizhi got straight to the point.
“I’m not interested in playing household power struggles. I don’t want any of that real legitimate daughter versus fake legitimate daughter drama, nor any scheme where the fake daughter harms the real daughter to gain favor.”
“Now that the real legitimate daughter has returned, I can step aside. I’ll leave the Prime Minister’s Residence and cut all ties with them.”
“But I need you to honestly tell me about my biological parents.”
Yun Yuqing had traveled all over the country with her parents since childhood, learning the art of business.
She was especially skilled at reading people.
At that moment, she studied Yu Zhizhi carefully, trying to determine her true intentions.
“How do I know whether what you’re saying is true?”
She recalled what the Prime Minister’s wife had told her about Yu Zhizhi’s personality.
Although the woman before her seemed different from the rumors, she still could not fully trust her.
Yu Zhizhi appeared to sense her doubts.
She smiled faintly 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 officially stamped by the authorities. Would that put your mind at ease?”
After a moment of silence, Yun Yuqing nodded.
For a merchant, written proof was far more convincing than spoken promises.
She immediately ordered someone to prepare paper and ink.
Without hesitation, Yu Zhizhi picked up the brush and quickly wrote a letter of pledge.
When Yun Yuqing saw that she had actually done it, she could not help feeling surprised.
At the same time, she began to believe that Yu Zhizhi was sincere.
“Your biological parents are merchants. They own two general stores in the capital and several branch shops in other cities. The business isn’t particularly large, but they live comfortably enough. As long as you don’t cause trouble in the future, your life should be fairly pleasant.”
…
Doing business was great!
Fortunately, they weren’t officials.
She couldn’t stand the strict rules and etiquette of noble households. She would probably have to learn endless regulations and perhaps even music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Simply leaving the residence freely would likely be difficult.
Judging from Yun Yuqing’s manners and bearing, her upbringing was excellent.
Most likely, the original owner’s biological parents were kind people.
At first, Yu Zhizhi had thought that if her biological parents were unpleasant, she would simply cut ties with both families.
She could rely on herself and find a way to survive in this ancient world.
But now, perhaps she could try meeting them.
After all, she had just arrived in this unfamiliar era, had no money, and knew no one. Having family was better than being completely alone.
When the Prime Minister’s family learned that Yu Zhizhi intended to sever all ties with them, they were stunned.
They still found it hard to believe she would give up wealth and privilege 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 before the Prime Minister and his wife and kowtowed three times.
It was her way of thanking them for raising her all these years.
A hint of determination flashed through her eyes as she said coldly,
“If we meet again in the future, pretend that the people of the Prime Minister’s Residence and I have never known one another. I’m leaving right now.”
With that, she turned to leave.
But Xiao Tao stopped her.
Tears streamed down the maid’s face as she choked out,
“Miss, I want to stay by your side forever. Can you take me with you?”
Her words filled Yu Zhizhi’s heart with warmth.
“If you leave the Prime Minister’s Residence with me, your life may become harder than it is now. Are you still willing?”
Xiao Tao answered without hesitation,
“As long as I can stay with you, I’m not afraid of hardship or exhaustion!”
Though her mistress was spoiled and willful, she had never beaten or scolded her.
Compared to many other masters, she had treated Xiao Tao very well.
Especially when Xiao Tao’s mother had fallen gravely ill, the young miss had secretly given her silver so she could hire the best physician.
She would never forget that kindness.
No matter what, she wanted to repay that debt of gratitude.
Yu Zhizhi smiled with satisfaction and decided to take Xiao Tao with her.
A loyal person like Xiao Tao would be someone she could trust in the future.
Turning toward the Prime Minister’s wife, who managed the servants’ contracts, she said calmly,
“Madam Prime Minister, I would like to buy Xiao Tao’s freedom. In two days, I will bring the silver to the residence.”
The Prime Minister’s wife paused and glanced at Yun Yuqing.
She was clearly seeking her opinion.
Yun Yuqing generously agreed.
She also valued loyalty in the people around her.
If a servant’s heart was elsewhere, there was little point in forcing her to stay.
Looking at Yun Yuqing, Yu Zhizhi said,
“Thank you. If we hadn’t been in this kind of relationship, perhaps we could have become friends.”
Then she gently wiped away the tears at Xiao Tao’s eyes.
“Stop crying. You look ugly when you cry. In two days, I’ll come back and buy your freedom.”
After saying that, Yu Zhizhi turned and walked away without hesitation.
Her steps were firm and resolute.
Yet the moment she crossed the gates of the Prime Minister’s Residence, a wave of sorrow surged through her heart.
The tears in her eyes could no longer be held back.
They poured out like a breached dam.
Perhaps it was the lingering emotions of the original owner.
Silently, Yu Zhizhi prayed that the original owner might have transmigrated into the modern world just as she had, taking her place beside her family.
The longing in her heart grew stronger.
She thought of her own family in the modern era, filled with reluctance and yearning.
In the end, she burst into tears, crying more miserably than ever.
At that moment, a mysterious voice suddenly rang out.
“Makka Pakka!”
“Little Winter Melon is now online!”
Yu Zhizhi blinked in confusion.
For some reason, an adorable image appeared in her mind.
The voice continued:
“Host, I am Little Winter Melon. Congratulations on being chosen by the system! As long as you complete the tasks assigned by the system in this fictional dynasty, you’ll receive unexpected rewards!”
Yu Zhizhi immediately stopped crying.
She had thought her start in this world was nothing but bad luck.
Who would have imagined that a system would suddenly fall from the sky?