Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

Jiu'er thought to herself, but on the surface she looked hesitant. Mei'er thought she was hopeless and didn't know how to seize such a good opportunity.

In Mei'er's eyes, the Prince of Ding'an would soon become the emperor, and Mr. Hua would be the greatest contributor. Even if she were just Mr. Hua's concubine then, as long as she gained favor, wouldn't the other ladies still have to fawn over her?

If Xia Yu knew what Mei'er was thinking, she could only sigh and say, "What a beautiful dream." If everything had gone according to her plan, then she would have actually given Jiu'er a hand. Well, pulling Jiu'er from the boat into the water could be considered a hand in itself.

"I really can't do anything with you. Fine, since you call me sister, I'll go and talk to Madam Wang. You just need to stand aside. I'll say that we are long-lost sisters and that I'll buy your indenture from Madam Wang with silver. I don't think Madam Wang will stop us sisters from being reunited." Seeing that Jiu'er was still hesitant and timid, Mei'er became even more determined to bring Jiu'er to her side and make her her helper.

After saying that, she took Jiu'er's hand and headed towards Consort Lu's courtyard. Along the way, she kept giving Jiu'er instructions.

"If Madam Wang asks you, you must say exactly what I told you, and don't reveal anything."

Jiu'er stumbled a little as she was pulled, but still obediently hummed in agreement.

"Hey, what kind of work do you do at the Wang family? How come you have so many calluses on your hands?" Mei'er was very satisfied with her attitude. As long as she was willing to cooperate with her, could Madam Wang really force her to stay by her side and prevent the sisters from reuniting?

Thinking this to herself, she loosened her grip on Jiu'er's hand, tightening it into a tighter hold. In that instant, her fingertips touched the web between Jiu'er's thumb and forefinger, and she felt a hard texture. Turning her head, she saw it was a callus. However, it seemed to be well-maintained; the callus's color was indistinguishable from the surrounding flesh, only noticeable to the touch.

Hearing her ask that, Jiu'er shyly withdrew her hand and explained in a low voice.

“My sister-in-law loves flowers and plants. There’s a flower field in her yard, filled with rare and precious varieties that she’s collected. My sisters and I take care of it ourselves, and the calluses on our hands are from all that work.”

"Your wife is so heartless. The gardeners can do the hard work of tending the flower fields. Why make you do it? Don't worry, once you're by my side, you won't have to do any work. Just keep me company and talk to me. I'll also arrange for a little maid to take care of you. I guarantee she'll make your hands delicate and tender."

"How can that be? Wouldn't that make me a freeloader? If that happens, even though my sister won't mind, my master probably won't be able to stand it and will definitely sell me to a slave trader." Hearing Mei'er's promise, Jiu'er didn't show any gratitude or excitement; instead, she became even more helpless.

"You don't need to worry about any of that. Just stay with me when you're here. I'll put in a good word with the master, and everything will be fine."

After saying that, Mei'er quickened her pace. Jiu'er silently let her hold her hand, trying her best to keep up with her.

When the two appeared slightly out of breath at the entrance of Consort Lu's flower hall, the people inside were quite surprised to see them holding hands.

Mei'er's eyes instantly welled up with tears. She looked at Madam Wang and Consort Lu through her teary eyes, took two quick steps, and knelt down in front of them with a thud.

"Madam Mei, what are you doing? Get up and let's talk this out." Lu Min'er quickly got up to help her up when she saw her like this. Although she didn't like Mei'er, Mr. Hua did. If he saw Mei'er kneeling in front of him crying, he didn't know what he would think.

Mei'er knelt motionless on the ground, looking up at Madam Wang. Madam Wang was also stunned by her appearance; Consort Lu hadn't helped her up, and now she was looking at her like this. Looking up and seeing Jiu'er standing somewhat helplessly behind her, Madam Wang realized that Mei'er was kneeling before her.

"Madam Mei, please speak freely. Please get up first." Madam Wang sighed and helped Mei'er up.

"Madam, on behalf of my sister, I thank you for your great kindness. If it weren't for your help in saving my sister, we sisters wouldn't be able to recognize each other today." After saying this, Mei'er kowtowed twice more on the ground.

"Oh dear, get up first. You've come up here crying and kneeling, which has confused me. What sister? Explain yourself!" Madam Wang felt her teeth ache as she listened to her kowtow to the ground.

“Yes, get up and let’s talk this out. You’re making things unclear and confusing us all,” Lu Min’er advised from the side.

Mei'er knew she had done enough, so she stood up from the ground with the help of the two men and was helped to sit down on a chair by the maid.

She sobbed twice more, seemingly struggling to contain her turbulent emotions. Mei'er explained in detail that Jiu'er was her long-lost sister. Finally, she made her request: she hoped her sister could return to her side and live with her, and she was willing to pay money to buy Jiu'er's indenture.

After listening to her story, Madam Wang turned her gaze to Jiu'er, who was standing to the side with her head down, not saying a word. She seemed to be still not quite understanding what was going on, looking somewhat dazed. Her usually smiling round face was devoid of any smile today.

Madam Wang sighed and asked Jiu'er softly.

"Jiu'er, is Madam Mei really your biological sister? I remember you said before that you were kidnapped by human traffickers when you went out to look for your sister."

"Mmm," Jiu'er nodded and responded softly.

"Would you be willing to go back to your sister and live with her?"

"..." Jiu'er lowered her head and didn't speak, making Mei'er, who was standing next to her, wish she could answer for her.

Everyone in the hall looked at Jiu'er, waiting for her answer, including Madam Mei, who quietly watched Jiu'er and patiently waited for her reply.

After a long while, Jiu'er's low, tearful voice was heard.

"Jiu'er can't bear to part with Madam..." As she spoke, tears began to fall.

Madam Wang wanted to laugh at Jiu'er's expression, but in order not to give herself away, she forced herself to control her expression and went through the saddest things in her life before she could squeeze out two tears.

She wiped away the tears she had managed to squeeze out with a handkerchief, her voice tinged with a nasal tone.

"You've been by my side for so many years, and I can't bear to part with you. But you and Madam Mei have finally been reunited as sisters, and I absolutely cannot let you two be separated again." After saying this, he frowned and thought for a while before speaking to Madam Mei.

“I don’t have Jiu’er’s indenture with me; it’s at my old home in Jinling. Since Jiu’er is your sister, I can’t take her back to be your maid anymore. How about letting her come with you first, and I’ll have someone send Jiu’er’s indenture over once things are settled here? What do you think?”

Upon hearing Madam Wang's words, Mei'er was overjoyed and quickly rose to bow and thank her.

"Madam's suggestion is excellent. Let's do as you say. Thank you for understanding my longing for my sister!"

After saying that, he took Jiu'er's hand and spoke gently.

"Sister, kowtow to Madam Wang. It will be a way to fulfill your master-servant relationship."

Jiu'er obediently knelt on the ground and respectfully kowtowed three times to Madam Wang, before being helped up by Madam Wang, whose eyes were red with tears.

"It's a good thing you found your own sister. You must behave well by Madam Mei's side from now on!" As she spoke, she took off a bracelet from her wrist and placed it on Jiu'er's hand.

“This is what I always wear. Keep it with you as a keepsake. If you ever have the chance to come to Nanjing, remember to visit me at home.”

"Mmm," Jiu'er replied with her head down.