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

There was only one brokerage firm in the entire Ruyang County, so Chen Wanxing didn't have much choice and went straight there. As soon as he entered, he was hit by a smell that was a mixture of old wood, dust, and a faint smell of sweat.

The interior was dimly lit; this brokerage firm was considerably smaller than the two she had visited in Kaifeng. Behind the counter, a manager with a goatee and wearing a melon-shaped hat was fiddling with an abacus. Upon seeing Chen Wanxing enter, he quickly put down the abacus and greeted her with a beaming smile.

"Young lady, would you like to see the girl in person? All the girls here have impeccable backgrounds and have been trained. What kind of girl are you looking for?"

Chen Wanxing glanced around the hall, her brows furrowing slightly. The hall was predominantly filled with women, mostly girls around ten years old; the occasional boy or girl appeared either overly thin or dull.

"I want a capable bodyguard, around twenty years old, quick-witted, and preferably knowledgeable enough to help with external affairs," Chen Wanxing said directly and calmly.

Upon hearing this request, the shopkeeper's smile faded, and he looked somewhat troubled: "Oh dear, young lady, your request is a bit difficult to fulfill."

These days, there are very few men who voluntarily become slaves; most are refugees who can't survive or have committed crimes. You probably wouldn't even look at those ugly, deformed men.

Nowadays, most good male servants are born into wealthy families. Those with your qualifications and skills are extremely rare and expensive. Therefore, most people buy young boys and raise them themselves.

As he spoke, he led Chen Wanxing to a slightly cleaner table and chairs nearby, gestured for the waiter to serve tea, and recommended a boy of about ten years old.

"No need, I need something that works right now."

Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper had no choice but to pull out a thick booklet from under the counter and flip through it, muttering, "Currently registered, there are a few men who meet your age requirement, but..."

Chen Wanxing listened quietly to the shopkeeper's introduction, but she wasn't satisfied. Seeing her indifferent expression, the shopkeeper became a little anxious. This girl seemed like a customer who really wanted to buy her, and he didn't want to let this business slip by.

His eyes darted around, and as if he had suddenly remembered something, he lowered his voice and said, "Miss, there is such a family. They moved here from the north a few months ago."

The man, surnamed Han, was in his early twenties. He had a wife and two children, a four-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl. This man, surnamed Han, was literate, shrewd, and had handled many outside affairs.

He must have been a servant to some master before, probably because his master had done something wrong. But this family has changed hands several times since they came to us, so they're definitely not in any trouble. It's just that…”

The shopkeeper rubbed his hands together, looking troubled: "These two children are too young. They will definitely have to be sold along with the adults. Those two children are at the age where they are a burden. Which family would be willing to bring along two nursing babies when buying servants?"

So it's been shelved until now without any action. This Han family man has been working diligently at the brokerage these days so that his family can suffer less. He helps with odd jobs like moving and running errands. He's also honest and sensible, and we've gotten to know each other quite well.

"If you don't mind those two children being a burden, young lady, this man from the Han family is quite capable. His wife seems honest and hardworking; she can handle laundry, sewing, and all the kitchen chores."

Listening to the shopkeeper's description, Chen Wanxing's heart stirred. It was indeed difficult to find decent male servants on the market these days. People like the Han family often understood etiquette and social hierarchy better than servants from ordinary farming families, making them a suitable candidate.

"Take me to see it." Chen Wanxing put down her teacup, her tone decisive.

The shopkeeper was taken aback, then overjoyed. He quickly led her to the backyard. The backyard of the brokerage firm was even more cluttered and cramped than the front. Some miscellaneous items were piled up in the corners, and there was a row of low sheds against the wall. The shopkeeper walked to the last shed and knocked on the door.

The door opened, and a man of medium build, wearing a faded old cloth shirt, with a tired but neat and tidy face, appeared in the doorway, his eyes revealing caution.

Behind him, a woman, also dressed in old clothes, with a haggard face but trying her best to remain calm, was holding a bewildered child in one hand. The older boy looked timidly outside, while the younger girl was held in the woman's arms.

"Han Feng, this young lady wants to see you," the shopkeeper said.

The man immediately stepped aside, bowed respectfully with perfect form, and said with the deference of a servant, "This humble man, Han Feng, greets the young lady." The woman behind him also slightly curtsied, her voice soft and weak, "This humble woman, Liu Shi, greets the young lady."

Chen Wanxing sized them up. Han Feng wasn't particularly muscular, but he stood steadily, his eyes were clear and upright, and he looked very composed. Although Liu Shi didn't look well, her hair was neatly combed, and the two children were also very clean.

"Can you read? What kinds of words do you know?"

"He knows a few words, can roughly read accounts, and is familiar with running errands, delivering messages, purchasing and sending off guests—all the outside affairs. He also has some strength and can do ordinary manual labor."

Han Feng answered with great tact, neither exaggerating nor belittling himself excessively. Chen Wanxing asked Liu a few more questions, mainly about needlework and cooking skills, which Liu answered in hushed tones, sounding like a reliable and capable worker.

"Do the two children have to come along?" Chen Wanxing's gaze fell on the two children with wide, open eyes.

Both Han Feng and Liu Shi showed expressions of tension and determination. Han Feng bowed even deeper, his tone earnest: "Please, young lady, grant our request. Our two children are too young to survive without their parents. If you are willing to take us in, we will do everything in our power to repay your great kindness."

The two children don't eat much either. When they're a little older, they'll be able to help the girl with chores." Liu hugged her daughter tightly, tears welling in her eyes.

Chen Wanxing remained silent for a moment, while the brokerage manager stood by anxiously, fearing that the deal would fall through again.

"How much is your net worth?" Chen Wanxing finally asked.

The shopkeeper quickly quoted a price, which was slightly higher than buying a single adult male servant, but considering that the servant was traveling with a family, this price was already considered a clearance price in the brokerage business.

Chen Wanxing did not haggle, but said, "The indenture documents must be complete. Go to the county office immediately to complete the formalities. I want to take the people away today."

The shopkeeper was overjoyed and readily agreed.

Upon hearing this, Han Feng and Liu were stunned in disbelief at first, then their faces lit up with immense joy and gratitude. Han Feng pulled Liu and the child to kneel down and kowtow, but Chen Wanxing raised her hand to stop them.

"There's no need for that. Just focus on your work from now on."

She looked at the family of four in front of her and pondered how to use them.