Chapter 114: The Subservient Slave

Yun Zui was extremely confident. The medicine formula she requested was actually one she had written herself. Since their missions often took them to remote mountains and wilderness, carrying bulky Western medicines and gauze was impractical and prone to being lost. Therefore, Yun Zui had studied traditional Chinese medicine books. Knowing how to identify and gather herbs from the wild to treat wounds was incredibly useful, and she never expected to apply this knowledge so quickly in ancient times.

“Thank you, Young Master, for saving my life,” Xiao Tianming said, about to kneel again.

“A man’s knees are worth gold; don’t kneel so easily,” Yun Zui said impatiently. She was most annoyed by how people in ancient times kneeled all the time. She even felt it was shortening her lifespan!

Xiao Tianming was taken aback once more but then nodded solemnly. “I have already instructed the servants to buy you some clothes. The hot water should be ready by now; please go wash up.” Seeing their ragged appearance gave Yun Zui a headache.

Xiao Tianming didn’t expect such kindness from Yun Zui and immediately said, “Thank you, Young Master.” It seemed he was deeply indebted.

Yun Zui simply nodded slightly, feeling no great obligation. Discovering them at the teahouse had truly thrown off her plans for the day.

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However, this Xiao Tianming seemed like a promising person—easy to cultivate, clever, and perceptive. While they went to bathe, Yun Zui went to finalize arrangements with the servants and sign all the property deeds.

Ten thousand taels in total secured this grand mansion! Since the master of the house was in urgent need of money, Yun Zui had bargained fiercely. Otherwise, how could one buy such a place for ten thousand taels?

Yun Zui felt this was an exceptionally auspicious location. Once she had arranged everything, dusk was settling in.

At that moment, the mansion’s steward arrived, presenting a complete list of all the servants along with the accounts and silver to be settled, awaiting Yun Zui’s approval.

Yun Zui felt a sudden throbbing in her temples—it was the first time in a long while she had to deal with so much written material. Business was clearly not her forte; staring at so many characters made her eyes ache.

In ancient times, the writing was vertical and reversed, without punctuation, densely packed in a large block. Fortunately, the characters were in a slightly traditional script, similar to modern Chinese; otherwise, Yun Zui would have been completely illiterate.

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Unable to continue, Yun Zui told the steward, “I’ll review these accounts later. You will still need to work tomorrow; everyone should remain at their posts and carry on with their duties.”

The steward immediately nodded respectfully and said, “The children have already changed their clothes. Young Master, would you like to dine with them?”

Yun Zui finally noticed that night had fallen outside and replied, “Let’s eat together.”

In the vast main hall, a large round table was laden with a sumptuous feast. The aroma was enticing, and the dishes were visually appealing, stirring the appetite.

Yun Zui was already hungry, and Xiao Tianming and the others had been waiting patiently, standing quietly until she arrived.

Yun Zui immediately said, “Let’s eat together.”

Bowls and chopsticks were already set on the table for everyone, of course allowing them to eat together.

They didn’t hesitate because Xiao Tianming was already seated at the table. As Yun Zui scanned them, she noticed three people—quiet and somewhat submissive, with a servile air—and among them was a girl. She had thought they were all boys!