Although it was past March in the capital city, the cold lingered. A young maidservant under the eaves pulled her padded jacket closer, folded her hands together at her side, and let out a shiver as she spoke in a trembling voice,

“Grandmother Su, when will the young lady wake up? It’s been three days since she fell ill. Should I go to the Marquis' mansion and ask Third Master to find a doctor for the young lady? Although our young lady is an outsider, she’s still the only one in Third Master’s house. With the young lady having a high fever that won’t break, Third Master definitely can’t just stand by and do nothing.”

The woman, served by Su Mama, was not very old, probably in her early forties. Her plump face was full of worry. She glanced into the room as if making up her mind, gritted her teeth and said.

"Alright, then go quickly and return swiftly. Don't dawdle outside. If you can't see the Third Master, ask if the Duke's Mansion can spare some silver so we can find a doctor for the young lady ourselves."

The young maidservant, Rěndōng, nodded repeatedly. "Grandmother, I understand. I'll go right away."

As he raised his chin and was about to break into a light jog, a sound of "drip drip" carrying a weak voice suddenly stopped him.

Wait, don't go!

"She's a young lady!"

"The girl woke up!"

The door curtain opened and closed, letting in a gust of cold wind. The person in bed subconsciously furrowed their brows.

He was leaning against the headboard, his black hair as smooth as silk piled at the back of his head. His beautiful face looked even more delicate in contrast, small as a palm. Though ill, he didn't seem haggard; rather, his illness added to his allure, making him all the more pitiable.

The little maid turned her head and wiped away the tears from the corner of her eyes, feeling indignant for her young mistress.

Everybody says Miss Jia is lucky, having married the third son of the Pei family. But only those of us who are here now know clearly that after Third Master placed her in the outer courtyard, he never came again. Miss Jia, a woman like this, staying alone in the outer courtyard, wouldn't even dare to go to Third Master when she was sick. What kind of good fortune is this?

Xi Ning was unaware of the maidservant's feelings. She struggled to lean against the headboard, her illness lingering for too long. Her life ended with a sigh. When she woke up, she had a different core.

Having received the original owner's memories, she hastily stopped the young maid who was about to go out.

"My son is fine, so don't trouble Uncle Pei... the Third Master."

"Miss!" The little maid stamped her feet in a hurry, feeling that her young mistress was too humble.

Xi Ning, however, didn't mind. She curved her lips and smiled at An before turning to smile at Mama Su.

"Grandma, could you please cook me some light congee? My stomach feels bad."

Smiling, she tilted her head slightly, adding a touch of mischievousness to her fu rong noodles. Su Mama's heart ached with a bittersweet feeling as a smile bloomed on her face.

"Hey, young lady, wait for me! I'll be right there!" He said, then pulled the still-bickering little maidservant out.

"Grandma! Why did you listen to the young lady? You're so sick, it's only right for Third Master to come and take a look."

"Shut up! Shouldn't we, as servants, listen to our master? Besides, don't you remember what the Third Master said? Nobody knows the hardship our young mistress endures behind closed doors."

Grandma Su's words calmed down Ren Dong. She sniffed and said, "That's because the Third Master doesn't know how good our young lady is. If he knew, he definitely wouldn't bear to see her suffer."

In all my years, I've never seen anyone like this. How could the Third Master be so heartless?

"Oh, it would be great if the Third Master came."

Yes, it would be great if the Third Master came.

Sūmāmā turned her head to glance at the bedroom. The heavy curtains blocked her view, so she shook her head, dispersing her thoughts, and then instructed the young maid.

"I'm going to make some porridge for the young lady. You stay here and keep a close watch on her, don't let her fall asleep again."

"Grandma, I know."

Under the eaves, silence fell once more. Xi Ning looked up at the bed curtain overhead and let out a sigh.

Even after half a day had passed, Xi Ning still found it hard to accept this fact.

A respected agricultural Ph.D. was caught wearing a man's mistress.

Pei Zhao, Pei Sanshao, was the most outstanding young gentleman in the capital. His father was the Duke of Jin, and his mother was the Princess of An. Although he had two older brothers, it did not diminish his brilliance in any way.

He achieved the position of top scholar at a young age. With his youthful elegance and unparalleled charm, he is the ideal husband sought by noble families in the capital.

But this Pei Saburo, who prides himself on his purity, bought a demon child when he journeyed south. He ostentatiously brought it home and settled it outside the manor, breaking the hearts of many noble ladies.

Everyone said he was bewitched by this demon, but only Xi Ning knew that Pei Zhao had never been touched by him before. They hadn't even met a few times. He bought the original owner simply to cover up his own 'illness'.

However, the original owner thought she had climbed a high branch and looked forward to entering the Duke's mansion every day. She spent all her money but never saw Pei Zhao. In the end, she fell ill with despair and died, allowing Xi Ning to take advantage of the situation.

"Oh!"

Xi Ning couldn't help but sigh again. She had been taught in her past life that it was harder to let a man be a concubine than to kill him.

A concubine is nothing more than a servant who caters to the master. When the master is pleased, they are favored; when he is displeased, they are ignored. Frankly speaking, isn't that just a mistress?

Xi Ning narrowed her eyes, absolutely refusing to allow herself to be subservient to a man. The original owner's selling contract was in Pei Zhao's hands; she had to find a way to get it back.

"Miss, it's time for dinner."

As Xi Ning was lost in thought, Su Mamā entered with a bowl of porridge.

Still unable to get out of bed, Ruo Dong helped set up a small table on the bed. Su Ma ma placed the meal on top of it.

Congee cooked until very soft, served with a dish of pickled cucumber. Though simple, it's just right for this patient.

She merely sipped white porridge, yet Xi Ning couldn't help but furrow her brows without a trace.

>Too much water was used for the rice, making it lack flavor. The yellow pickled cucumbers were overly salty as well. They must have been pickled for too long because they were mushy and lacked the crispness of fresh cucumbers.

Xi Ning endured finishing the congee, and when Su Mama asked if she wanted another bowl, she shook her head.

"Please bring me a glass of sugar water."

This kid is too weak, he has no energy, needs to top up on some sugar.

"Oh."

Su Mama let the sugar water cool down and fed it to Xi Ning. Seeing that his face was slightly flushed, she finally felt relieved.

"The young lady is not yet well, she needs more rest. As for what you'd like to eat tonight, just tell the old servant and I shall prepare it."

"Okay."

Xi Ning nodded, not refuting Su Mamá's kindness. In fact, she wanted to eat a lot, but since the white porridge and small dishes just now had already shown Su Mamá's culinary skills, she was afraid that her own request might not satisfy her.

After the two left, Xi Ning felt a bump on her right wrist under the blanket.

Well, the smart watch also caught up.

This place has the fruits of past research, seeds of various grains, vegetables, flowers, which have been improved through cultivation. They not only have a high yield but also excellent quality.

These seeds were priceless treasures in their past lives, let alone in the impoverished ancient times.

Xi Ning closed her eyes slightly. This was the capital for survival in ancient times; with these seeds, she could live even without relying on Pei Zhao.

When the time is right, ask Pei Zhao to return your deed of sale and become free again.

Xi Ning's illness took half a month to recover, and by the time she was able to get out of bed, the capital city had already warmed up.

Grandma Su and Yin Dong were busy in the courtyard, a pile of clothes drying full of the whole yard.

Upon seeing this, Granny Su and the two maids hurried forward.

"Girl, how did you come out? There's wind outside, come in quickly!"

Xi Ning hadn't heard, looking at the full courtyard of clothes asked.

"What's going on?"