Zhou Zhengye sneered: “You great Buddha, the Zhou family can no longer provide for you. Today, you’ll go with Zhou Po. I hope you find a good buyer and a bright future.”
He expected to see panic or fear on Guan Xiyue’s face, perhaps even her kneeling to beg for mercy. Unfortunately, she showed none of it.
Not only did she not yield, she remained completely indifferent: “I admire your patience. Sure, I entered your home to bring good luck and saved your life. But now that I’m no longer useful, it’s only natural for you to discard me. I understand.”
Madam Wan, worried that rumors might spread, scolded her: “What nonsense are you talking? Clearly, your luck has run out. Staying in our Zhou household will only bring trouble. Look at what you did—our secret recipe, you handed over to the He family. You’re not on our side, so naturally, you can’t remain here.”
Guan Xiyue remained calm: “Madam, what are you saying? I sold my braised pork recipe—what does that have to do with you? How did it become your family’s secret? Since Zhou Po is here, let’s get this over with.”
After some haggling, Guan Xiyue was dismayed to find she had only been sold for three taels of silver. She re-signed her contract and stamped it.
Zhou Zhengye warned coldly: “Do not attempt to take anything from the Zhou household.”
Guan Xiyue shouted suddenly: “Shame on you! What a den of wolves the Zhou household is! You treat the one who saved your life like this! Who cares about a single thing in your house? I won’t take a thing.
Back when I was here, I barely had enough to eat. I saved your life, yet you pushed me until I cracked my head—my life nearly ended here…”
Madam Wan hastily ordered Zhou Po to take her away. How shameful! Guan Xiyue had suddenly become terrifying, as if possessed.
Outside, the maids and servants craned their necks to watch, whispering among themselves. They feared that the Zhou household would become gossip in the county tomorrow—this girl needed a proper lesson.
In reality, once Guan Xiyue left the Zhou household, she laughed uncontrollably, unable to stop. She had waited for the sale to complete before shouting—her way of letting these ruthless capitalists feel some sting.
After laughing, she noticed Zhou Po looking at her with sympathy. Zhou Po assumed Guan Xiyue was traumatized from being sold.
The Zhou household was wealthy, and though a concubine, she had been well-fed and cared for. Life as a woman was harsh enough, and now she was about to be alone and adrift.
Still, the agreed-upon sale had to proceed. Zhou Po allowed Guan Xiyue to buy back her freedom for five taels, tore up the contract, and spoke politely: “I can see young lady has great fortune. If you need me in the future, come find me directly.”
Guan Xiyue’s mood brightened: “Naturally! I will one day buy servants and housemaids—remember to choose the best for me.”
Finally free from the Zhou household, more than half a month had passed since her transmigration. It was time to start a new life.
Though she glimpsed freedom, Guan Xiyue still had tasks ahead. Leaving the Zhou household did not yet mean she was entirely free.
She had five taels left in her spatial storage, spending one on meat, sugar, and a duck-egg-green fine cotton cloth. Boldly, she spent ten wen to hire a bullock cart and headed toward Datong Village—her hometown!
However, she was not going home, but to the residence of the village head. Li, the head’s wife, saw a bullock cart stop at her gate and did not immediately recognize the visitor.
A plump, well-fed woman approached, with thick black hair, fair skin, wearing a beautiful pomegranate-red dress. She looked like a wealthy lady.
When the visitor handed over the bamboo basket filled with meat, sugar, and cloth, Li realized: “Ah, it’s Guan Xiyue from the old Guan family! She married into wealth and has changed greatly!”
Guan Xiyue smiled: “Aunt, I came to see Uncle Yang. Is he home? It’s been a while. Just a small gift, don’t mind it.”
Li realized why she hadn’t recognized Guan Xiyue earlier. The girl had changed drastically. Previously clumsy and coarse, now she appeared lighter, more agile, and carried herself with a hint of a gentlewoman’s grace.
Secretly impressed, Li thought: if this is considered a “small gift,” then the life of a wealthy household surely nurtures refinement.
Li hurried to fetch Uncle Yang. When he learned of the generous gift, he smiled warmly: “Xiyue, why are you here? Speak freely—I’ll help if I can.”
Suddenly, Guan Xiyue’s eyes turned red, brimming with tears: “Uncle Yang, the Zhou family has dismissed me.”
Uncle Yang and Li were shocked. Dismissed? Normally, she would return home, not the village head. The head could oversee village matters, but not affairs of a rich family in the county. Uncle Yang felt a headache coming on.
Guan Xiyue explained: “I’m not asking you to speak up for me. I have no face to return home. When I entered the Zhou family, my family said I was no longer theirs. If I go back now, life would be unbearable.”
Only then did Uncle Yang understand. He signaled Li, who came forward to comfort Guan Xiyue: “Xiyue, family bonds endure even through hardships. If you’re afraid to face them, Aunt and I can take you back safely.”
Li’s heart also sank. What nonsense—she had accomplished so much in the Zhou household, yet they treated her as disposable. It was a cruel betrayal, even if she had been admired for healing the young master.
Guan Xiyue then got to the point: “Uncle Yang, I’m not here to ask you to send me back. I want to establish a female household—my own independent household registration.”
Uncle Yang was stunned: “You, a young lady, how can you establish one? You don’t even have land. Besides, once you register, you’ll have to pay taxes.”