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

Hearing this, Grandma Chen sat down beside her with satisfaction, her cloudy yet clear eyes carefully examining her, as if trying to make up for the twelve years that had been missing, inch by inch.

She sighed, her voice full of concern: "Alright, now that there are no outsiders, tell Grandma the truth."

"Having lived in the Marquis's mansion for so many years, you really didn't suffer any major grievances? Were the masters easy to serve? Looking at you, Grandma thinks you have an even more refined air than the young lady of a wealthy family. You must have endured a lot of hardship to get to where you are now!"

She took Chen Wanxing's hand and stroked her fair fingertips.

"Grandma, don't worry, I really didn't suffer much. When I first went in, I was young and did some rough work like sweeping and cleaning, which was indeed quite hard. Later, I was lucky enough to be transferred to Madam's side, where I did lighter work like needlework and serving ink and paper. Madam is kind and gentle, so life became much easier."

Chen Wanxing opened her palm and let Grandma Chen stroke it. She felt the rough warmth of her grandmother's palm and said in a calm tone, "As for grandeur, that's just because the Marquis's mansion has strict rules. I've seen it a lot and just imitated it. It's nothing."

Grandma Chen nodded repeatedly, feeling both heartache and pride: "I knew my granddaughter was clever and would succeed anywhere."

"So, do you have any work to do in Kaifeng now? The cost of living in Kaifeng is very high; it's tough to make a living there. Are you managing all by yourself?"

Chen Wanxing felt a little warmer and replied, "Grandma, don't worry, I'm doing fine. I used my savings to buy a small house with a yard in Kaifeng, so I have a place to live and my other expenses aren't that high."

Moreover, I'm not alone; I have a sister who keeps me company. She was also from this batch of families who came out of the mansion, and we practically grew up together.

Grandma Chen listened carefully and felt that her granddaughter had finally settled down. A relieved smile appeared on her face: "Good, good. It's good that you have your own ideas and can stand on your own two feet. But if you encounter any difficulties, you must tell the family."

She gripped Chen Wanxing's hand tightly, then her smile softened with deep reluctance and a hint of sadness. "So, how long will you stay this time? Will you settle down in Kaifeng from now on and not come back often?"

"Grandma, this is my root, where my blood relatives live. Of course, I will come back to visit often. This time, I will stay a few more days to keep you and Mom and Dad company. In the future, when things are less busy at home, you can also come to Kaifeng to visit me."

Grandma Chen was a wise and experienced woman; how could she not understand the deeper meaning behind those words? She felt a little empty inside, but she also understood that fledgling eagles always have to fly high when they grow up, and this was already the best possible outcome.

She sighed, ultimately not insisting further, but simply patted Chen Wanxing's hand and murmured, "Okay, just come back to visit often, it's good that you're back..."

The grandmother and granddaughter chatted for a while longer, mainly with Grandma Chen rambling on about the trivial matters that had happened in the family over the years. Chen Wanxing listened quietly until his mother whispered from outside that the house was tidied up, and the conversation came to an end.

Chen Wanxing helped her grandmother out of the house. The afternoon sun slanted into the yard with warmth, casting a warm yellow glow on the mud walls and also reflecting the subtle changes that might occur in the future of this large family.

Chen Wanxing helped Grandma Chen out of the house. She immediately saw Yunzhu standing quietly under the elm tree in the courtyard, as well as two bodyguards not far away who, although trying to conceal their presence, still seemed out of place in this farmhouse.

He had been talking with his grandmother and had completely forgotten about them, including the coachman Chen in the carriage outside the courtyard gate. They were all still waiting.

After a day of observation and interaction, the Chen family's simple joy, their careful attempts to please her, and the genuine care in Grandma Chen's words melted away most of the ice of danger in her heart.

Since she has already agreed to stay, let them not wait any longer and go back to Ruyang County first.

"Yunzhu, Master Zhao, Master Zhou," she said in a low voice, "it's getting late, you should head back to the inn in the county town."

Upon hearing this, Yunzhu hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "Miss, would you like me to stay and serve you?"

Chen Wanxing gently shook her head, her tone gentle: "No need, I can take care of myself, and besides, there are no spare rooms at home. You go back with the two masters first, and I'll come find you in a few days. Just wait for me at the inn."

Yunzhu understood and said nothing more, curtsying and replying, "Yes, Miss, this servant understands."

Chen Wanxing nodded, took out two taels of silver from her sleeve, and handed it over. "I won't be by your side, so take care of yourself. Also, take this money. You'll have to arrange your own meals for the next few days, along with your two masters."

After settling things over here, Chen Wanxing's gaze swept across the courtyard and landed on Chen Yanche, who was secretly watching them with curiosity and a hint of restraint in his eyes.

"Brother Che," she called out, her voice softer than before.

Chen Yanche was suddenly called out, and his dark face instantly turned red. He looked flustered and at a loss for words when facing a stranger: "Big sister?"

"Come here," Chen Wanxing beckoned to him, and after he dawdled over, she pointed to Yunzhu, "Go with Yunzhu and help my elder sister move the luggage from the carriage back to my room tonight, okay?"

This was the first time Chen Wanxing had asked this unfamiliar younger brother to do something for her. Her tone was natural, carrying the air of a sister making a request of her brother as if it were her right, without the slightest hint of formality.

Chen Yanche was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed, feeling needed. His initial restraint dissipated instantly. He straightened his still somewhat thin chest and replied loudly, "Okay, I'll go move it right away."

The courtyard gate opened, Yunzhu bowed to Chen Wanxing, and then followed the three of them out. After a while, Chen Yanche returned carrying a box.

The box itself wasn't heavy, and the boy was quite strong, so carrying it wasn't too difficult for him. He walked steadily toward the main house.

The Chen family witnessed all of these actions.

Seeing that the two formidable-looking bodyguards and the well-dressed maid had left, the Chen family felt a sense of relief.

Night gradually enveloped the Chen family courtyard, but this night, many people were destined to find it difficult to fall asleep, each with their own thoughts.