“May I ask, young madam, how old are you? Where do you live? Are you married?”
“Ah… ah… you dirty old pervert!”
Being inexplicably approached by an old man, Zhu Xinyan immediately sensed danger closing in, alarm bells ringing loudly in her head.
Without another word, she turned and sprinted toward home.
“Hey! Young madam, don’t run!”
If she didn’t run, was she supposed to stay there and let this nasty old man flirt with her?!
The public security in the Great Zhou Dynasty was way too terrible. In broad daylight, under the clear skies, people actually dared to harass respectable women.
If the other party had been handsome, maybe it would’ve been tolerable. But instead, it was some elderly creep.
Had her charm somehow decreased?!
As Zhu Xinyan spiraled into self-doubt, she also lamented her miserable fate.
In her previous life, she had been a pitiful corporate slave working the dreaded “996” schedule.
In order to achieve her dream of promotion and a raise as quickly as possible, she’d stayed up working several nights in a row—until her heart quit before she did.
When she reopened her unwilling-to-die eyes, the first thing she saw was a scene straight out of a horror movie.
White funeral streamers fluttering in the wind, a pitch-black coffin, and two paper effigies staring directly at her.
The sight scared Zhu Xinyan so badly that she let out a howl, rolled her eyes back, kicked her legs, and nearly died all over again.
Fortunately, a chubby little boy, crying so hard his face was covered in tears, suddenly threw himself onto her.
“Mother! Don’t leave Li’er behind! Mother…”
Just as the little fellow’s snot was about to drip onto her face, Zhu Xinyan sprang upright like a carp flipping out of water, startling everyone present.
At the same time, the original owner’s memories gradually flooded back, and she finally realized—
She had transmigrated.
Following the iron rule of “same name means transmigration,” the original host was also called Zhu Xinyan.
She had been the only daughter of a wealthy country squire, raised in luxury and cherished like a jewel in her parents’ palms.
Spoiled since childhood, she’d grown into a delicate flower in a greenhouse, never once understanding the hardships of the world.
The year she came of age, by chance, she met Jiang Yihan, a poor scholar preparing for the imperial examinations.
Although his family was impoverished, their daughter genuinely loved him.
Thus, not only did her parents refrain from separating the couple, they even sent her off with nearly half the family fortune as dowry.
After marriage, the young couple lived sweetly and harmoniously, and the following year they had a son, deepening their affection further.
Jiang Yihan had only hoped to succeed in the autumn examinations the next year, obtain an official position, and repay his wife for all she had done for him.
But fate was cruel. He suddenly fell gravely ill and passed away.
The original Zhu Xinyan’s parents had already died years earlier, and now her husband had left her as well.
Unable to withstand the blow, she became mentally distraught day after day, until on the day of the funeral procession, she smashed her head against the coffin to die for love.
That was how Zhu Xinyan ended up taking over the body.
At first, she had secretly rejoiced, thinking her transmigration setup was actually pretty good.
Jiang Yihan had been an only son, so she neither needed to serve in-laws nor deal with sisters-in-law or troublesome younger sisters.
With abundant wealth in hand, no worries about food or clothing, and an adorable three-year-old child by her side—
As long as she didn’t seek death herself, she could live out her life peacefully.
But she never expected how difficult it was to be a widow in ancient times.
Not only did she have to eat vegetarian food and mourn every day, but the Jiang clan members guarded her like thieves, watching and monitoring her at home daily.
Her beautiful youth was being wasted away for nothing.
Most importantly, there wasn’t even any internet here. As a modern person, how could Zhu Xinyan possibly endure such a life?
It was absolutely killing her!
So after the seven-day mourning period passed, she took advantage of the guards relaxing their vigilance and secretly slipped out with her son to wander the streets.
She had just bought two candied hawthorn skewers and hadn’t even taken a bite before an old man set his sights on her—
Leading to the earlier scene.
Panting heavily, Zhu Xinyan finally ran back home, only to see her maid Qiao’er standing anxiously by the side gate, craning her neck in anticipation.
“Miss, you’re finally back. Your unlucky fourth sister-in-law just came by. I told her you and the young master were taking a nap, so she left for now. But she’ll probably come looking for you again soon.”
Qiao’er stepped forward to support Zhu Xinyan, then peeked behind her in confusion.
“Huh? I remember you brought the young master out with you. Where is he?”
Hearing this, Zhu Xinyan’s expression drastically changed. She smacked her forehead.
“Oh no—I forgot him!”
The moment the words left her mouth, she spun around and bolted outside again, desperately praying in her heart.
Please don’t let that old man kidnap him! Otherwise, how could I ever face his dead parents?!
Half a cup of tea earlier, Jiang Li had watched his mother transform into a cheerful little rabbit and disappear in a flash.
Feeling abandoned, he puckered his lips, about to burst into tears, when suddenly a huge piece of hibiscus cake appeared before him.
His tears vanished instantly.
In the face of delicious food, the little fellow became a social butterfly, spilling everything about his family.
From what he ate for breakfast, to whether he’d pooped, to how many loud farts he’d let out—he reported every tiny detail.
Qin Bo’s face darkened with black lines.
Who asked you all that?!
Just as the awkward grandfather-grandson conversation was about to completely die out, Zhu Xinyan descended like a divine soldier from heaven, crashing into Qin Bo hard enough to spin him in a circle before pulling Jiang Li tightly into her arms.
Filled with guilt, she repeatedly apologized:
“I’m sorry. Mother forgot about you.”
Jiang Li rubbed his head affectionately against her cheek.
“Mother, Li’er is fine. Don’t cry.”
Blinking away the sting in her eyes, Zhu Xinyan replied:
“I’m not crying. Your finger poked my eye.”
“Oh!”
The little fellow quickly wriggled out of her embrace and held up the pastry toward her mouth.
“Mother, eat!”
Without hesitation, Zhu Xinyan opened wide and took a huge bite.
Standing nearby with his arms crossed, Qin Bo smiled amiably and said:
“Young madam, don’t panic. I was too abrupt earlier. Please allow me to apologize.”
Oh man! How did she forget this living person was still here?
Seeing that he meant no harm—and had even watched the child for her—Zhu Xinyan stood up and gave a polite curtsy, smoothing down her disheveled hair before speaking solemnly:
“Sir, although I possess a face capable of enchanting all living beings, I am absolutely not a frivolous woman. Though I recently lost my husband, I have no intention of remarrying anytime soon. I hope you can understand.”
“Hahaha! Young madam, you misunderstand. It is my master who has taken a liking to you. He asked me to inquire whether you would be willing to become his concubine.”
Now that was straightforward.
She’d heard of scholars being snatched up as husbands after passing the imperial exams, but never of concubines being recruited in front of a street stall.
Secretly rolling her eyes, Zhu Xinyan thought: although she was a widow, she was still exceptionally beautiful. How could she lower herself to become someone’s concubine?
Besides, the man wasn’t even willing to show himself personally. He was probably uglier than this old man.
Better to refuse early and avoid awkwardness.
“Please thank your master for his kindness, but I—”
“Ah! Young madam, don’t reject him so quickly. Look—my master is over there.”
Following the direction Qin Bo pointed, Zhu Xinyan immediately flushed red with excitement.
On the second floor of the teahouse across the street sat a man dressed in white robes.
Though she couldn’t clearly see his full face, just his side profile alone was devastatingly handsome.
Even the casual way he lifted his teacup radiated elegance and nobility.
At that moment, the phrase “a feast for the eyes” became fully realized.
Zhu Xinyan unconsciously swallowed.
Taking the opportunity, Qin Bo respectfully presented a calling card with both hands.
“If young madam is interested, you may send someone to the address written here tomorrow to find me.”