Guan Xiyue fiddled with the remaining silver in her hands—four qian of silver and fifty copper coins. By current prices, she automatically calculated it in modern terms: roughly 450 yuan.
Luckily, her situation included food and lodging. Unlike some novels where the female lead wakes up in the past in a straw hut or mud house with not even a single bun, she had the basics covered.
What could this little amount of money buy in her little “elf’s” shop?
She pressed her index finger to the mole on her temple. The elf’s voice came: “Master, when will you repay the debt? Do you have money now?”
Guan Xiyue was speechless. Was there really a creditor this impatient? It was just ten taels of silver! Though for her, it was a considerable sum.
She communicated mentally: “I only have four qian of silver now. How can I repay? You have to help me figure out a way to earn money quickly, so I can pay you back soon.”
The elf sounded anxious: “My level and abilities are low. I can’t provide much help yet. The sooner you earn money, the stronger I get, and the more and better items you can purchase from me.”
Guan Xiyue understood. She had no money; the elf had limited ability. The elf urging her to earn money almost seemed like it feared being out of work. Could this earning-and-leveling-up thing relate to the elf’s KPI?
Embarrassed, the elf admitted: “Yes, as you guessed. Every female lead who travels to the past comes with an elf like me. Our task is to assist you in thriving in this unfamiliar time. We also have performance assessments.”
Guan Xiyue waved her hand: “I don’t need to ‘thrive.’ I just want freedom, some money, and to live comfortably here.”
The elf agreed enthusiastically: “Of course, but you can’t slack off too much. No more buying on credit, or you could lose me—like I might suddenly disappear one day.”
Guan Xiyue jumped in alarm. So serious? She had just survived being transported to the past, and now she might lose the elf and her storage space? That would make ancient life even harder.
After all, the elf had been loyal, giving her ibuprofen to save someone, letting her go into debt for ten taels of silver.
Guan Xiyue promised: “I’ll earn money quickly and repay you.”
The elf was satisfied: “Master, you could store the four qian of silver here in my space. You can withdraw anytime. Otherwise, my storage is empty—your performance would look terrible.”
Guan Xiyue hadn’t thought of this. Immediately agreeing, she realized: this was essentially a portable safe. Valuable items could be stored securely.
Once she agreed, the silver automatically settled into the space.
Closing her eyes, she could see it lying in a compartment, her modest but precious silver glinting.
After this, Guan Xiyue secretly worried about earning money.
Being a concubine gave her food, clothing, and lodging, but it also brought inconvenience—immense inconvenience.
Without freedom, how could she freely earn money?
Carrying these worries, she still quietly went to deliver food to Ling Jingren.
Thanks to her success with the braised pork, the kitchen staff were now much more accommodating. Both the dishes and portions were satisfactory. She could finally eat her fill with Ling Jingren. Though others were surprised at her appetite—indeed, as a plump woman, she could eat as much as two or three ordinary people.
Ling Jingren repeatedly reminded himself mentally:
Yet, seeing Guan Xiyue, he still felt a bit embarrassed. While eating, he casually started a conversation: “You seem troubled.”
Guan Xiyue nodded: “Yes, I lack money. Money lets you travel anywhere; without it, you can’t even take a step.”
Ling Jingren felt even more awkward. His life had been saved by this concubine, yet he had nothing to give in return.
Clearing his throat, he whispered: “I have no money either. But if I do in the future, I’ll definitely give it to you.”
Guan Xiyue gave him a sidelong glance. The young man was handsome and aloof, face full of embarrassment. She snickered: “Don’t misunderstand. I’m not asking you for money. I’ll find a way to earn it myself.”
Ling Jingren was puzzled: “You’re already married, well-provided for, and the Zhou family is wealthy. Why do you insist on earning money? Is it to compete for favor?”
He glanced at her sympathetically. In the days she had been here, her husband had never visited. Only her little maid moved back and forth.
Guan Xiyue clicked her tongue, shaking her head: “Compete for favor? My ambition isn’t confined to this small courtyard. You wouldn’t understand even if I told you.”
Ling Jingren indeed didn’t understand. After a pause, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a piece of black jade and handed it to Guan Xiyue: “I don’t have anything else on me. This is a jade I’ve worn since childhood. It has some value, but don’t easily sell or exchange it. Consider it a token. If you ever need me, go to the Ling residence on West Street in Ningyang City.”
Guan Xiyue examined the jade. It was smooth, translucent, like congealed milk. Engraved was a mountain peak with sheer cliffs.
Ling Jingren explained: “I’m Ling Jingren, a military captain. This jade carries my name. On the day I was born, a monk in the temple gave it to me. ‘Tall and steep, with no desire, one is firm.’”
Guan Xiyue understood: “If one should have no desire to be firm, why did you join the army?”
Ling Jingren looked at her in surprise. This plump concubine was intelligent, contradicting her outward appearance.
He seemed to mock himself: “For me, ‘no desire, one is firm’ isn’t practical. If I lived without desire, our home wouldn’t survive.”
It was clear Ling Jingren bore the heavy responsibility of preserving his family’s prosperity.
Guan Xiyue handed the jade back: “Saving you was just a small act; no need to worry. This jade is precious to you—keep it well.”
Ling Jingren refused: “I know. If you hadn’t stopped my bleeding in time and given me the divine medicine, I’d be dead. That medicine was miraculous—are there really divine doctors here?”
Guan Xiyue laughed it off, brushing it aside: “The medicine is indeed rare and precious, not easily obtained. Since you care, I’ll accept the jade.”