Even women who travel through time can become prime ministers and nobles.

Cui Yu'an lingered in the brokerage shop for a long time, carefully scrutinizing each girl. Finally, he selected three girls who were around fifteen years old. They were beautiful, with delicate features, radiating youthful energy. They were composed, well-mannered, and gave people a sense of security. Moreover, they were skillful and literate. Their demeanor revealed that they possessed certain skills and talents.

Cui Yu'an began a long negotiation with the matchmaker. He knew the value of these girls, but he didn't want to be ripped off too badly. The two sides argued back and forth, hoping to reach a satisfactory agreement on the price. After much negotiation, they finally settled on a price of twenty taels of silver.

Cui Yu'an looked at the three girls he had chosen with satisfaction, took their indentures from the matchmaker, and led them out of the brokerage.

In the bustling marketplace, three young women were bought by a wealthy young man. Their hearts were filled with unease and fear, unsure of their fate. After all, many of their close friends had fallen into the hands of wicked people, suffering endless torment and hardship.

Cui Yu'an led the girls through the streets of Yongxing Town, their laughter echoing in the air. The three girls came from different places, dressed simply, and seemed somewhat out of place in this bustling town. To help them fit in better, Cui Yu'an decided to take them shopping for some new clothes.

They entered a fabric shop, which was filled with all kinds of cotton and silk fabrics. The girls excitedly picked out their favorite colors and styles, while Cui Yu'an patiently guided them. After some selection, they finally chose their desired fabrics. They also bought some insoles, soles, and fabric for making shoes. The total cost was 2 taels of silver.

With more people coming, the food we bought in Licheng wasn't enough, and the carriages weren't big enough, so we'd have to hire another one.

"Brother Li, why don't you go and hire a carriage and a driver, and buy some bedding, rice, flour and dry food while you're at it? I'll take them back to the pharmacy to wait for you. Brother Shen warned us that we shouldn't stay here for long, so please be careful!"

Li Changyu nodded and asked passersby where he could rent a carriage. After Cui Yu'an took them to have breakfast, they returned to the pharmacy.

Shen Yanchu quietly observed the three girls, inwardly admiring them. Their manners were indeed excellent; their speech and behavior were impeccable. Every action and every word was just right, demonstrating their refined upbringing and manners.

However, a hint of doubt lingered in Shen Yanchu's mind. He had only intended to buy two, but now there was one extra. He didn't ask directly, but instead chose to give them a warning. His gaze sharpened, and his voice took on a serious tone: "You three, do you know why I bought you?"

The girls were slightly taken aback, then respectfully replied, "Young master, we are here to serve you and obey your orders."

Shen Yanchu nodded and continued, "That's right, but I hope you understand that from today onwards, the four young ladies in that carriage are your mistresses. They are injured now, so you will bandage their wounds and take care of them. Remember, you only obey me and Miss Shi."

The girls replied in unison, "Don't worry, young master, we will do our best and live up to your expectations."

Shen Yanchu smiled with satisfaction, then waved his hand: "Alright, you can go now. Remember what I said, and do your best."

The girls bowed and then withdrew. Shen Yanchu watched their retreating figures, quite satisfied with their performance.

The young apprentice handed the wound medicine and the prepared antipyretic decoction to the three maids, instructing them to keep a close eye on their mistress's condition. Then he went to continue preparing the medicine.

Shen Yanchu stood at the entrance of the pharmacy, quietly waiting for all the medicine to be prepared. The apprentice was busy moving between the medicine cabinets, holding various medicinal herbs in his hands, skillfully weighing and mixing them. Before long, all the herbs were ready, and the apprentice even gave them an extra medicine pot to brew the medicine.

The head maid took the medicinal herbs and quickly placed them in the carriage. Her movements were practiced and nimble, clearly indicating she did this often. Shen Yanchu watched from the side, secretly admiring the maid's competence.

After settling the bill, Li Changyu sat on the horse he had just hired, waiting for Shen Yanchu and her maid. Shen Yanchu stepped forward, exchanged a glance with Li Changyu, and then together they drove out of the city.

Throughout the journey, Shen Yanchu and Li Changyu remained silent, quietly observing their surroundings.

They were almost at the city gate when suddenly the crowd ahead panicked and scattered in all directions, as if fleeing from something terrifying. Screams and shouts mingled together, shattering the previous tranquility.

A sense of foreboding welled up within him, and he quickened his pace, wanting to find out what was going on. Soon, the crowd dispersed, leaving only her group standing on the empty street. The city gates had closed sometime earlier, isolating Shen Yanchu and the others from the outside world.

Shen Yanchu stared at the tightly closed city gates, his heart filled with doubt and fear. He didn't know what had happened, nor what to do. He tried to find another way out, but the surrounding streets were blocked off, and they were trapped.

Suddenly, a group of several hundred ragged, disheveled refugees appeared ahead, armed with various weapons such as knives, clubs, and swords, and charged madly toward the city gate.

The eyes of these refugees revealed despair and madness. Their bodies were stained with blood, and the blood on the tips of their knives was chilling. Their steps were chaotic and hurried, like a pack of wild beasts driven by demons, indiscriminately slaughtering innocent civilians.

The guards at the city gate were stunned by this sudden turn of events. They quickly grabbed their weapons, preparing to meet the onslaught of the refugees. However, the number of refugees was simply too great; they surged forward like a tide, putting the guards under unprecedented pressure.

In the chaos, some refugees began scaling the city walls, attempting to escape. The guards fought back fiercely, engaging the refugees in a fierce battle. Amidst the flashing swords, blood splattered, and screams filled the air.

The people hiding in the shadows were also stunned by this scene. They quickly closed their doors and windows, hiding in their homes, afraid to go out. The entire city was plunged into panic, and people did not know how to deal with this sudden crisis.

On the bustling street, Shen Yanchu and his companions were traveling in a carriage. Suddenly, a group of refugees came into their view. These refugees were ragged, haggard, and their eyes revealed despair and longing.

"There's some good stuff here!" a vagrant shouted, his voice echoing through the quiet street. Shen Yanchu's heart tightened; he knew these vagrants might cause trouble.

"Quick! Get out of here right now!" Shen Yanchu shouted decisively to the coachman. Upon hearing this, the coachman hurriedly whipped the horses, trying to speed the carriage away from the street and shake off the vagrants.

The horses, startled, neighed and charged forward. The wheels screeched on the stone pavement, and the carriage jolted and lurched forward. Shen Yanchu gripped the edge of the window tightly to avoid being thrown out.

As the carriage sped away, the refugees gave chase. They shouted and waved their sticks, trying to stop it from moving forward.

The coachman desperately tried to urge the horses on, but the refugees drew ever closer. Shen Yanchu was frantic; he didn't know how to shake off the refugees' entanglement.

Just then, a refugee rushed in front of the carriage, trying to stop it. Seeing this, the coachman quickly pulled on the reins, and the horse leaped high into the air, soaring over the refugee's head.

The carriage continued forward, gradually leaving the refugees behind. Shen Yanchu breathed a sigh of relief, glancing gratefully at the coachman, secretly rejoicing.

After a thrilling chase, the carriage finally left the street and arrived at a safe and secluded alley.