Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

Hongyin trembled all over, and tears streamed down her face.

She knew in her heart that Gu Jinyan was no longer the person who would easily let her go out of pity.

The young lady in front of me had changed quietly at some point, as if she were a completely different person. She had become cold and ruthless, and she knew that she had no way out.

"Miss, I know I was wrong... Please give me another chance. I am willing to die for you..."

Gu Jinyan slowly shook his head, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

She had seen through every word and expression of Hongyin; they were all just her survival tactics.

Gu Jinyan's gaze was sharp as he swept over Hongyin, who was kneeling on the ground.

She raised her hand and gently stroked the jade pendant in her hand. It was this jade pendant that gradually brought many clues about her rebirth to light.

Her voice was low and cold: "You fawn over the Quran, thinking it will give you wealth and glory, but it is only using you."

Hongyin, your betrayal has only brought you a fleeting, unattainable dream.

Hongyin was too weak to struggle anymore, and could only sob softly, filled with remorse: "Miss... I know I was wrong... I am willing to bear all the blame..."

Gu Jinyan gave a cold laugh, turned around and whispered towards the door, "Come in."

The guards outside the door quickly entered and stood before her, bowing respectfully.

"Take him away and deal with him without mercy." Gu Jinyan's voice was as cold and piercing as the dead of winter.

Upon hearing this, Hongyin's eyes filled with utter despair. She struggled desperately, crying out, "Miss, please spare my life! I truly know I was wrong..."

Without hesitation, the guard grabbed Hongyin and dragged her out of the room.

Her cries faded into the distance, disappearing into the night wind.

When the room fell silent again, Gu Jinyan let out a long sigh.

Gu Jinyan gently gripped the jade pendant in her hand, as if she were holding onto her destiny since her rebirth.

As the sun rises, golden rays spill into the courtyard of Gujinyan, and a gentle breeze rustles through the flowers and trees, carrying a delicate fragrance.

After a night of deliberation, Gu Jinyan decided to select a new, reliable maid.

Hongyin's betrayal made her realize that the loyalty and cunning of those around her were crucial, and she would never easily trust anyone again in this life.

She needs a loyal and intelligent maid to assist her in her next plan.

She changed into an elegant long dress, casually styled her hair, and was accompanied by several bodyguards.

He decided to personally go to "Juxian Lane" in the capital city—a famous gathering place for talented people in the capital, where servants, maids, guards and so on were selected.

She no longer wanted to just pick any maid; she wanted to go herself so she could see the person and understand their character.

Juxian Lane is one of the busiest streets in Beijing, with groups of people constantly flowing through it, and all sorts of people moving about.

Here, not only are there goods sold by ordinary people, but also servants and maids of many noble families standing waiting to be hired.

Families often come here to scout out maids and servants, because many of the people in this alley have undergone rigorous training, and some are even descendants of noble families who have fallen on hard times and have been forced to sell themselves due to their families' decline.

At the end of the alley is a courtyard made of blue bricks, which is a place specifically used to display maids and servants. A plaque hangs at the entrance with the three characters "Shandetang" written on it.

As Gu Jinyan stepped into the courtyard, several middle-aged men who appeared to be in charge immediately came to greet her. The one in the lead was neatly dressed and had a respectful expression. He bowed and asked, "Miss, may I ask if you have come to select a maid?"

Gu Jinyan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the rows of maids standing in the courtyard.

These maids were young, around sixteen or seventeen years old, dressed neatly and cleanly. Although their expressions were reserved, their eyes held a hint of anticipation.

Gu Jinyan knew that the maid's appearance was not what she valued most; loyalty and wit were the qualities she needed most.

"Miss, please look. These maids have all been carefully selected. Their loyalty and abilities have all stood the test." The steward said with a smile, personally leading the way.

Gu Jinyan nodded and slowly walked past each maid, scrutinizing them closely.

Her gaze was cold and stern as she slowly scanned the maids standing in two rows.

These maids were dressed in uniform plain-colored dresses, with light-colored belts around their waists, and were neatly and cleanly dressed.

Each person had two braids in their hair, with simple wooden hairpins inserted between them. The hairpins were adorned with a few small beads and jade, making them look dignified but not extravagant.

Most of the maids had their eyes lowered and looked reserved.

A hint of fear showed on their faces, and they gripped the hem of their clothes tightly with their hands, as if they were even careful to breathe in front of Gu Jinyan.

Their appearances are all different.

Some of them were dark-skinned farm girls.

Some of them were fair-skinned children from towns who were being sold.

There were also a few from impoverished merchants who, despite having once lived a relatively refined life, had now fallen into the state of selling themselves into slavery.

Gu Jinyan's gaze was like an icy blade, scrutinizing and critical, sweeping over each maid.

She walked with a calm and composed gait, as if she could see through the secrets in their hearts.

The maids all lowered their heads, not daring to look directly into her cold gaze, for fear that she would notice something amiss.