In the faint morning light, Madam Hua walked into the quiet room. She sat down beside Han Yuling, wearing a forced smile, the wicked glint in her eyes making Han Yuling feel a wave of nausea. With her face plastered in a hypocritical grin, Madam Hua spoke: "I am Cunren's sister-in-law. Miss Han, is your health any better?"
Han Yuling replied indifferently, "Much better." There was not a trace of emotion in her voice; like a morning breeze, though faint, it carried an unshakable resilience.
Casually, Madam Hua inquired about Han Yuling's background: "Where is Miss Han from?" A certain expectation flickered in her eyes, as if waiting for an answer that would set her next move into motion.
Han Yuling let out a deep sigh, her gaze filled with helplessness and sorrow: "I am an orphan, and my home is everywhere." Her voice was bitter and resigned, as though the reply exposed a scar deep within her soul.
Hearing this, Madam Hua felt a surge of joy in her heart—she had no one to back her up. She knew this made the situation all the easier for her to control. Leaning close to Han Yuling's ear, she whispered in a soft yet chilling tone, "My father-in-law is a very stingy man. If you can't produce silver, he won't let you out the door."
Han Yuling gave a faint smile, her expression full of calm and confidence: "Then you needn't trouble yourself over that." There was no fear or worry in her words, as if everything were well within her grasp.
Madam Hua asked, "Do you have money?" Her tone was laced with suspicion and interrogation.
Han Yuling retorted, "Do I need to report to you whether I have money or not?" Her voice revealed an unshakable confidence and firmness.
Hurring to explain, Madam Hua said, "I'm just afraid you won't be able to produce any silver, and my father-in-law will make things difficult for you." Her tone held a hint of worry, as though she feared Han Yuling couldn't handle the situation.
Han Yuling smiled lightly: "That's my concern."
There was a distant relative in the Hua family—a young man from a wealthy household with high-ranking officials among his kin, who had now reached a marriageable age. Although he had never married a primary wife, he already had several concubines at home, which had become a major worry for the Hua family.
Regarding the young man's character, the Hua family could only shake their heads and sigh, their hearts filled with contradiction. If not for this flaw, the Hua family would have unhesitatingly betrothed their own daughter to him. In the end, however, they did marry their daughter to him, but only as a concubine.
When Madam Hua laid eyes on Han Yuling, an idea had blossomed in her mind. Gathering her courage, she sought out Han Yuling and asked, "Miss Han, you haven't settled on a match yet, have you?" Han Yuling's face darkened as she unpleasantly replied, "Is my marriage any of your business to report on?" Madam Hua hastily explained, "That's not what I meant, I just wanted to introduce a good match to you." Han Yuling snorted, "Save it for yourself." Rebuffed and empty-handed, Madam Hua left in a huff.
After Madam Hua departed, Liu Ye'er walked in carrying a bowl of medicine. She said to Han Yuling, "Godmother, I heard everything you two just said. My aunt has a bad heart, you must never believe her words." Han Yuling replied, "I saw right through that long ago." Liu Ye'er handed over the medicine bowl and said, "Godmother, drink your medicine quickly." Han Yuling took the bowl, drank it down in one gulp, and handed it back to Liu Ye'er. Looking at her, she asked, "Ye'er, what kind of person do you want to be when you grow up?" Liu Ye'er answered without hesitation, "I want to become someone like you, Godmother." Han Yuling asked again, "And what kind of person am I?" Liu Ye'er hesitated; there were things she couldn't say, lest they arouse suspicion. She hadn't yet mentioned that she knew martial arts, nor could she let on that she knew *Han Yuling* practiced martial arts, so she could only offer a half-truth: "Someone who travels the world, free and unrestrained." Han Yuling asked, "Do you know what it takes to travel the world?"
Liu Ye'er gazed eagerly at her godmother Han Yuling, hoping she would utter the words "martial arts." In Liu Ye'er's heart, martial arts represented a formidable power capable of resolving many problems—especially when encountering bandits or women being harassed. She firmly believed that with this power, she could protect herself and those around her.
Yet, Han Yuling seemed to see right through her thoughts. Shaking her head gently, she said, "Traveling the four seas is no fun at all. Sleeping in the open and eating on the run, with no good food or proper rest—I certainly don't want to live like that." Han Yuling's words were heavy with weariness of a wandering life and a yearning for stability.
Seizing the moment, Liu Ye'er said, "Godmother, then stay at our house, and I'll keep you company." Liu Ye'er knew this was a rare opportunity; she had to keep Han Yuling by her side, believing that given enough time, her martial arts would inevitably reveal themselves. Once they did, she would pester Han Yuling to teach her.
Looking at Liu Ye'er, Han Yuling calmly said, "If conditions permit, I will stay and keep you company." Hearing this, Liu Ye'er's heart filled with emotion, knowing that Han Yuling was already leaning toward staying.
Liu Ye'er's sincere invitation was undeniably a reflection of her deepest desire and expectation. Liu Ye'er continued, "If conditions don't permit, our whole family will wander the ends of the earth together." This was not merely a casual promise, but a profound emotional attachment.
Stepping out of the room, Liu Ye'er knew that Madam Hua would not let the matter rest. Although Han Yuling was immensely capable, she was still wounded and needed to be guarded carefully. It wouldn't do for her to eavesdrop herself, and Madam Yu's surveillance was too strict, making it easy to expose. She decided to have the Second Branch keep an eye on the situation and let them tear at each other like dogs.
The Eldest Branch and the Second Branch shared common interests, but they were also in competition. The Second Branch would never willingly let all the benefits go to the Eldest Branch. They had intricate ties with the main household. Knowing this full well, Liu Ye'er decided to use the Second Branch's strength to check Madam Hua's actions.
After some calculation, Liu Ye'er arrived at Liu Shanzheng's room. Though Liu Shanzheng attended the private school, he always fished for three days and dried his nets for two, and recently he had simply used illness as an excuse to stop going altogether. Despite his parents' pressures, he still couldn't apply himself to his studies.
Liu Ye'er softly pushed open Liu Shanzheng's door. The room was filled with the scent of burning incense; Liu Shanzheng held a book in his hand, but his gaze drifted elsewhere. He looked somewhat absent-minded, as though pondering some important question.
Gently, Liu Ye'er called out "Second Brother," her voice like a spring breeze brushing across the surface of a lake—soft and warm. Only then did Liu Shanzheng put down his book and glance at her. His tone carried a touch of displeasure, as if blaming her for the interruption.
"What are you here for? Why aren't you off doing your chores?" he asked with a frown.
Unfazed by his attitude, Liu Ye'er walked over to his side with a mysterious smile on her face.
"I have some good news I want to tell you," she said softly.
Looking at her suspiciously, Liu Shanzheng asked, "What good news?"
Lowering her voice, Liu Ye'er said mysteriously, "Eldest Aunt is about to marry off that injured woman to a wealthy man."
Liu Shanzheng instantly bolted upright. Given the character of Eldest Uncle and Madam Hua, they were entirely capable of such a stunt. When the time came, the matchmaking fee would surely be substantial, and that money would undoubtedly be pocketed by them alone rather than turned over to the family fund—leaving his own branch with nothing.
"That's no good news," he said.
Liu Ye'er gave a soft chuckle. "It might not be good news for others, but it's different for you."
Liu Shanzheng looked at her, not understanding what she meant. Liu Ye'er continued, "Just think, if that woman really gets betrothed to a wealthy man, the matchmaking fee will certainly be hefty. Eldest Aunt won't hand that money over to the family; she'll keep it for herself. But if you can find evidence proving she did this, she won't be able to deny it. Then the rest of the family will see her true colors, and she won't dare swallow the money alone."
He got up and said, "I'm going to tell Mom and Dad."
Liu Ye'er said, "Don't rush. This hasn't even taken shape yet. What if Eldest Aunt refuses to admit it?"
Liu Shanzheng asked, "Then what?"
Liu Ye'er said, "You should eavesdrop on them first, then follow them to catch them red-handed so they can't deny it."
Liu Shanzheng said, "Alright, I'll go do it."
Content with the outcome, Liu Ye'er returned to her own room.
Feeling that this alone was not enough, Liu Ye'er decided to do one more thing for her father. She knew that if her father stepped forward to protect her godmother, the godmother would view him in an even better light, which would help foster a romance between them. With that thought, she went to her father's room.
At that moment, Liu Cunren was fast asleep. Every time he returned from a journey, he would rest properly for a couple of days to shake off the fatigue before handling domestic affairs. Liu Ye'er called out softly, "Dad, wake up."
Liu Cunren frowned, looking at her with sleep-heavy eyes. "Don't you know how tired I am? Can't you let me rest a moment?" he said with some displeasure. But Liu Ye'er had no time for explanations. She stated concisely, "Godmother is in trouble and might be sold. Are you just going to do nothing?"
A flash of doubt crossed Liu Cunren's eyes. He knew his eldest brother and sister-in-law well; they were indeed capable of such a deed. He let out a deep sigh, knowing he could not stand idly by. If an unbefriended, helpless woman were sold to a wealthy family as a concubine, his conscience would give him no rest.
"I know. You can go on down," he told Liu Ye'er. Watching him, Liu Ye'er knew that though her father was cold toward those inside the family, he was still a righteous and warm-hearted man toward outsiders.
Stepping out of the room, Liu Ye'er knew the rest was up to her father. She had confidence that he would handle the matter properly.
In the courtyard of the Liu Family's ancient estate, sunlight filtered through aged trees, dappling the bluestone pavement. Liu Cunzhong, a middle-aged scholar, sat indoors, deeply engrossed in the world of books. His son, Liu Shandao, dressed in blue cloth and carrying a school satchel, set off for the academy.
Liu Cunyi, an unrestrained middle-aged man, had already gone out in search of his wayward friends. Liu Shanzheng, the young boy, sat reading in the corner of his room, his eyes hazy as he fought off a string of yawns.
Liu Cunxiu, a gentle and diligent young woman, was sweeping the courtyard—her daily chore—executing each movement with practiced, vigorous strokes. Her nephew, Liu Shanxing, a taciturn boy, stood quietly to the side, watching his aunt's busy figure. Unlike his parents, he held a dustpan, helping to clear away the debris.
At that moment, Liu Ye'er appeared in everyone's view, a hint of yearning and anticipation on her face.Noticing that Liu Cunxiao was preparing his firewood-gathering tools, she gathered her courage and walked over: "Fourth Uncle, let me go gather firewood with you."" Her voice betrayed a trace of nervous expectation.
Liu Cunxiao turned his head and looked at Liu Ye'er. He understood her mood, comprehending her longing and hope. Nodding, he said, "Alright then, let's go." His voice was filled with warmth and support.