A Maid's Survival Story in a Noble Family Mansion? Rich Landlords Are More Appealing.

Linglong originally wanted to take a nap to make up for the fatigue of more than a month of running around, but the excitement of becoming a "free person" kept her from lying down to rest.

"Let's not delay any longer, it'll save us trouble if we get it done sooner."

Fearing potential problems after receiving the contract, Linglong had placed it in her spatial storage early on. Only now did she carefully retrieve the contract from the wooden box.

Everything else can wait; this identity document is the most important thing.

However, she was a young woman, and a former servant who had just arrived. Going there alone was like a fat sheep being delivered to the door. Who knew how she would be tormented? Those little devils in the yamen were quite troublesome.

Her advantage lies in her money, not in her ability to confront things head-on.

Action-oriented people act on their words. Linglong quickly washed up and chose a light purple cotton long coat to match a moon-white skirt. She combed her hair neatly and even picked out a silver hairpin carved with begonia flowers, which looked very exquisite.

Her attire was neither shabby nor contemptible, and was appropriate for her current status as someone with some wealth who needed to get things done.

Linglong didn't go directly to the government office, but instead went downstairs to find the innkeeper. It wasn't busy time, and the innkeeper was busy calculating with his abacus.

"Shopkeeper, I'm sorry to bother you." Linglong's voice was clear and pleasant, and her face had a perfectly appropriate smile.

"Having just arrived in your esteemed place, I need to take care of some business at the government office, but I'm afraid I might encounter some trouble due to unfamiliarity with the rules. I would like to inquire if you know of any reputable and well-connected officials in the city? I would be extremely grateful for any recommendation you could give me."

Before he finished speaking, a small piece of silver, worth about two qian (approximately 6.5 grams), was gently pushed to the edge of the counter.

The shopkeeper paused in his calculations, looked up and carefully examined Linglong. Seeing that she spoke clearly, had a clear purpose, and acted decisively, he discreetly slipped the silver into his sleeve, his smile becoming more genuine.

"Young lady, you're a sensible person. In our Kaifeng city, when it comes to being familiar with the regulations of the government and having a wide network of connections, it has to be Li Kuaishou, who frequents the teahouse in the west of the city. He specializes in this, and his prices are fair. Exactly!"

"Money is a small matter, but safety is the most important thing," Linglong immediately chimed in, making her stance clear.

"Alright! I'll have the waiter take you there."

Led by the waiter, Linglong met Li Kuaishou in a bustling teahouse.

He looked to be around forty years old, dressed in a slightly worn straight shirt, with lively eyes, chatting and laughing with a few people while drinking tea. When he saw the waiter leading over the unfamiliar Linglong, he immediately stopped talking and his gaze fell precisely on her.

"Master Li, this young lady has something to ask of you."

Li Tai glanced at the group, noticing that it was a waiter from Laifu Inn leading them.

Although she wasn't wearing fine silk or satin, but rather a simple, plain cloth dress, the cut was extremely well-fitting, and the stitching was fine and even. Her hair was jet black, and she wore a silver hairpin in her hair.

He stood there quietly, his back straight, a faint smile playing on his lips—neither humble nor arrogant. This composure was not something that could be cultivated in an ordinary, humble family.

The casualness in Li Tai's eyes vanished instantly. He stood up briskly and gestured to Linglong, "Miss, this place is too crowded and noisy. It's not a good place to talk. Please come to a quiet place to discuss this further."

As he spoke, he walked toward a quiet spot separated by a screen.

Once seated, Linglong didn't beat around the bush. She gave a slight curtsy and got straight to the point: "Master Li, I am Linglong, and I am new to Kaifeng. I need to exchange my old indenture for a free citizen's indenture at the government office."

She took out the indenture from the Marquis's mansion in the capital, stamped with a bright red seal, and handed it over.

Li Tai took it and examined it carefully, especially the Marquis's seal. After confirming it was genuine, a knowing glint flashed in his eyes. This girl was probably no ordinary person; she possessed a release document of this caliber.

"You're very generous, young lady." Li Tai handed back the indenture and held up one finger. "This matter will be taken care of by me. Guiding, arranging things, and getting the new household registration certificate will all cost one tael of silver. However, if the yamen requires any additional fees, that will be calculated separately, but you must first ask the young lady."

"Okay." Linglong nodded.

"However, I need to go with you." She wanted to ensure the process went smoothly, see for herself Li Kuaishou's methods, and hopefully get to know one or two officials from the yamen.

Having connections in government offices makes things easier; this applies to every dynasty. Since Linglong will be living in Kaifeng, getting to know more people in government offices won't be a bad thing.

Li Tai raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised, then smiled and said, "Alright, young lady, you seem like an efficient person. Please!"

With Li Tai leading the way, they entered the household registration office through the side gate of the government office without any hindrance. He was clearly very familiar with the people inside, and as soon as he entered, he loudly greeted them with a laugh, "Clerk Zhao, busy as can be! I've brought you some good news, so here's a little something for tea!"

The clerk, who was bent over his desk, looked up. He was a middle-aged man with a slightly rigid face. When he saw Li Tai, his expression softened a little, but when his gaze fell on Linglong, it carried a scrutinizing look and his usual arrogance.

Li Tai immediately stepped aside to let Linglong step forward and introduced her, "This is Miss Linglong. She has returned from the capital and has come today to handle the change of her household registration."

In his words, he subtly placed Linglong in the main position and also implied that she came from the capital.

Linglong stepped forward at the opportune moment, slightly curtsied, and bowed, her voice neither humble nor arrogant: "Thank you for your trouble, sir."

At the same time, a small silver ingot, weighing about two ounces and prepared beforehand, slid steadily under the clerk's booklet as the document was being delivered.

When Zhao, the clerk, touched the silver ingot, the frost on his face melted away instantly. He coughed lightly and picked up the contract, pretending to examine it.

All the paperwork is complete, no problems.

"Oh, young lady, is the person recorded in this document from Ruyang County, Runing Prefecture?" He spoke in a friendly tone, as if chatting with someone. "The journey back from the capital has been long and arduous."

Linglong's heart tightened slightly, but she maintained a polite smile and said softly, "Your Excellency has good eyesight. Is it possible to obtain a household registration certificate for Runing Prefecture in Kaifeng Prefecture?"

"No, according to the rules of Henan Province, such a major event as changing one's household registration to become a citizen does not necessarily require going back to one's hometown in Runing Prefecture. Our Kaifeng Prefecture is an important seat of the province, with a branch office of the Provincial Administration Commission, which is in charge of the province's household registration and finances."

Since you are a citizen of Henan Province, and you have returned with the indenture issued by the Marquis's residence in the capital, you can process the paperwork here. The documents will be issued to your original place of residence in Runing Prefecture and registered, with the same legal effect.

That being said, if we didn't have these two taels of silver today, we would definitely be in a bit of trouble.