Xin Yi was very satisfied with this small world, because she could sleep until she naturally woke up, and no one came to disturb her.
Xiang Lan would not, and the Melodramatic Transmigration System had no need to.
Thus, she woke up refreshed and clear-headed, and even the way she looked at the world seemed much better.
The only drawback was that the bedboard was too hard, which made her waist ache.
The Melodramatic Transmigration System watched as she leisurely got out of bed, stretched lazily, then sat at the desk, frowning at a plate of pastries that did not look very appetizing.
She muttered under her breath, “That dog of a man surnamed Xiao is such a bastard. Not only is he fickle, but he also abuses his original wife! He even skimps on food. Sooner or later, he’ll get struck by lightning while walking down the street.”
In the end, after cursing for a long time, her stomach was too hungry, so she still picked at them and ate.
The Melodramatic Transmigration System felt like she had forgotten something and reminded her, “Host, ever since that day when Xie Shuo chased you out of the courtyard, you haven’t gone to see him again.”
This really did not fit her belief in bold advances. It could not be because she was almost scared to tears by the snake and felt embarrassed, right?
“No rush. Give him a little time to breathe.”
Xin Yi finished the last bite, a faint smile appearing at the corners of her lips. “Because next, I will cling to him like a cute little ghost.”
The Melodramatic Transmigration System: “…”
You had better be serious, and not just bragging.
After barely filling her stomach, Xin Yi looked at the excessively shabby furnishings in the room and sighed faintly: It really was too poor.
Even the copper mirror on the vanity had been dug out by her after rummaging through every corner.
Being this poor was no way to live, because even in an ancient household, without money, one could not take a single step.
If she did not want to go to Xiao Cheng Ce with her hand out for money, she could only find a way to earn it herself, work hard to get rich, and build up a little private stash.
In her previous life, Xin Yi’s persona had been that of a noble lady from a great family. For various reasons, it had not been suitable for her to show her face in public, nor was there any need.
First, her parents in the Wu family were willing to give money, and even after the original host married, they often subsidized her. Second, her husband’s family never skimped on her food, clothing, or daily needs, so she naturally did not have to worry about anything. Her biggest daily task was to idly hold a book and sit by the window pretending to study when bored, occasionally copying a painting or playing the qin to bolster her cultured lady persona.
How was it like now?
She truly had nothing, just waiting with her mouth open to catch the northwest wind, and it might not even blow into her mouth.
Xin Yi’s gaze fell again on the plate, onto those dry and hard pastries.
No! She had to make money!
Otherwise, she could not even afford her favorite preserved fruit pastries, let alone buy red hairpins or jewelry. What fun would life have?
She pondered in her mind what an ancient woman could do to earn money. Opening a shop should be possible, but she had no capital, and it would take time for funds to cycle back.
She did not know how to do embroidery or women’s work, and even if she did, it was impossible; she did not want to ruin her eyes.
After thinking it over, she settled on the artistic skills she had accumulated in the previous small world.
Although most of those skills were golden fingers provided by the system, they had not disappeared with the loading of the new world, so using them to make a living should not be a problem.
Painter, qin player, or helping write family letters or correspondence on the street?
But she had many factors to consider.
First, she could not show her face too much, at least not be seen by the servants from the general’s mansion who went out to procure things. Second, it should not be too tiring, with high pay, and flexible, free time that would give her room to adjust her choices.
She had originally wanted to choose qin player, thinking it the least tiring. But after much consideration, she decided on painter.
She could paint landscapes or palaces that did not exist in this dynasty, preferably ones with grand immortal aura or eerie gods and monsters, which should sell for a good price.
Xin Yi was lost in her own thoughts when Xiang Lan pushed the door open and came in. Her little face was puffed up with anger, as if someone had bullied her.
Xin Yi’s brow twitched, and she asked her, “What happened?”
Xiang Lan grew even more dejected at the question, pouting as she looked at her. “Miss, this servant never wants to go to Madam Chu Chu’s place again!”
That was right.
Chu Chu had woken up three days ago.
This matter ultimately traced back to yesterday afternoon.
The maids in the courtyard had gathered together, beaming with joy as they discussed the general’s mansion’s new female master. They said the new madam was very good to the servants, generous too, regularly giving rewards to the maids, so all the servants liked the new Chu Chu girl.
The lively, chatting atmosphere had instantly stopped when they saw Xin Yi, as if they had seen a ghost in broad daylight or swallowed a fly, their expressions indescribably awkward.
Even two or three who leaned against the pavilion pillars with arms crossed looked down with brows and eyes full of mockery and derision.
Take a hand short from favors, mouth soft from food—they naturally sided with Madam Chu Chu. And who in the general’s mansion did not know about the awful things Bai Xinyi had done? Her mind was too vicious!
Fortunately, General Xiao had discovered it in time and divorced her.
It was just that the general was merciful at heart and temporarily allowed her and her servant a bite to eat. However, Bai Xinyi’s current status in the mansion was no different from that of a servant. Fawning over her was a waste of expression and opposing Madam Chu Chu and the general.
Xin Yi naturally sensed their mockery and hostility.
She could not help but click her tongue: They say when a person leaves, tea cools. She had not even left yet, and the tea was already cold.
But despite saying that, the next day she had early sent Xiang Lan to go collect the reward money from Chu Chu as well.
Xiang Lan: “…Huh?”
Xin Yi: “We women must be able to bend and stretch. Why go against money? If she were giving rewards to the maids of each courtyard, I would even want to go collect some.”
She meant this sincerely, but she also feared that if she went, she might anger the newly awakened Chu Chu into fainting again.
Thus, Xiang Lan had gone reluctantly, then returned with a belly full of anger after collecting the silver.
It seemed she had been subjected to no small amount of veiled barbs from others there, and even her thick-skinned mistress had been dragged in for a good long round of passive-aggressive sniping.
Xin Yi could only comfort her, her tone leisurely. “Han Xin once endured the crotch humiliation, and King Goujian of Yue lay on firewood tasting gall. What we’ve been through is nothing compared to that.”
As she spoke, she walked over and pushed open the window, breathing in some fresh air. “Don’t worry. In a few days, once your miss starts selling her arts, I guarantee you won’t have to look at anyone’s face again. You’ll be able to strut around in this general’s mansion.”
General’s mansion, Goose Water Courtyard.
Half-reclining on the bed in the side room was a woman whose delicate face was like a flower, her light-colored pupils lively and sly like a fawn’s.
At this moment, she slightly lowered her head and drank the medicine from the bowl with the man gently feeding her spoonful by spoonful, though her tone was shy and helpless. “Shi Bi, I know you’re worried about my health, but you don’t have to always keep me company like this. It’ll delay your proper business.”
Xiao Cheng Ce fed her the last spoonful, his handsome face showing gentle ease. “No harm. You are my proper business.”
Chu Chu paused, her eyes flickering as her face reddened. “Shi Bi…”
Seeing this, Xiao Cheng Ce also gave her a considerate smile, then turned his gaze to the youth beside them.
Xie Shuo wore smoky purple clothes, with silver bells and red cords intertwined in his black hair, still in that foreign ethnic style. His eyes were like dots of ink, lips red and teeth white; he looked extremely endearing, obedient and sensible.
But as far as he knew, though Xie Shuo and Chu Chu were siblings, their relationship was not particularly close.
Even during the days Chu Chu was injured, the youth only came at fixed times to deliver medicine, stayed no longer than necessary each time, and rarely used sign language to communicate.
He looked at the youth, pondering in his heart before slowly speaking.
Seeming to consider something, his tone softened as well. “A Shuo, Xin Yi specially came to find me the other day, regarding your matter.”
The youth was slightly stunned upon hearing this, then frowned at him, his eyes clearly showing resistance and confusion.
Anyone could tell at a glance that he did not like Xin Yi.
Xiao Cheng Ce naturally saw it too, but he continued, “She hurt Chu Chu in a moment of heated impulse and has repented to me multiple times afterward. She must have learned her lesson. The other day, she specially came to tell me that after much thought, she still felt guilty inside. If she did not do something to make amends, she feared she would not be able to eat or sleep at night.”
“So, to atone, while Chu Chu is recuperating in bed, she wants to take Sister’s place in caring for youand also serve as your tutor in the mansion, teaching you some common Central Plains characters.”
He actually did not know much about Xie Shuo either; mainly, the youth’s personality was too gloomy and reclusive, and with his muteness, he could not speak.
So as his brother-in-law, he could only satisfy him more materially.
However.
Xiao Cheng Ce was quite satisfied with Xin Yi’s overture of goodwill this time.
It seemed this incident had fully taught her a lesson. No matter what, her attitude was at least sincere.
Moreover, he hoped Xin Yi would be more sensible in the future and get along well with Chu Chu, reducing any rifts between them later.
What worried Xiao Cheng Ce the most now was Xie Shuo’s temper being too cold and strange; he might continue to harbor resentment toward Xin Yi.
After all, she had just hurt Chu Chu. No matter how thin the sibling bond, it was not something an outsider could compare to.
Especially when that outsider was the “culprit” who had caused his elder sister to lie unconscious for days.
He feared Xie Shuo would be too disgusted and even harm Xin Yi.
After all, he had witnessed the Miao Frontier’s skills in medicine and gu. They could make one live or die as they wished, like ghosts from the underworld, inspiring awe while involuntarily putting one on guard.
Thinking of this, Xiao Cheng Ce could not help but sigh. “You two get along well. Learning some Central Plains characters during this time is no bad thing.”
Xie Shuo recalled the woman’s stunning face under the night colors and the deliberately sweet, cloying words from her lips, and he wanted to frown.
Her?
Teaching him to write?
Xie Shuo did not think there was much sincerity in those words.
But seeing the persistence and plea in the man’s eyes, and thinking that Chu Chu was still watching from the side.
He could only compromise for now, swallow his disgust, and nod.
Sunlight filtered through the diamond-patterned window, filling the room with quiet serenity.
Only Chu Chu on the bed, upon hearing these words, had her eyes flicker with a trace of imperceptible disappointment.
Not just disappointment, but an unspeakable resentment and sadness.
She had originally thought that after lying unconscious for days, Bai Xinyi would certainly be driven out of the general’s mansion. She had not expected Xiao Cheng Ce to be so soft-hearted as to keep her, and even seem to genuinely hope she could make amends and get along with her.
It would be false to say she was not disappointed.
Even before falling from the high platform, she had clearly seen Bai Xinyi’s movements with her peripheral vision but still waited in place without dodging, all to turn the tables and completely erase her from Xiao Cheng Ce’s side.