Chapter 3, On the Way

Gazing at the three individuals, Zhang Qi tightly clasped her hands together once more

Since the Wei and Jin dynasties, the customs have been open. The poem "Song of Midnight" states: "Cold birds cling to high branches, withered forests mourn in the wind. For joy, one withers away, how can one attain beauty?" Young girls, in the bloom of their emotions, regardless of their character, are willing to follow their beloved husbands in pursuit of a fleeting joy. Zhang Qi is a product of this fleeting joy.

Hmm. Zhang Qi nodded slightly, and she did not look forward to returning to Jiankang. Over the past month, she had intermittently recalled some events. From what was uncertain whether it was a dream or an illusion, in the fragmented memories, she saw her not-so-beautiful life.

The middle-aged, plump woman turned to look at Zhang Qi. Before she could approach, Zhang Qi raised her voice and said crisply, "Aunt, I have heard that some prominent families' servants like to collude with thieves. I wonder if this is true?" Her voice was not low, and all three could hear her clearly. For a moment, everyone was taken aback and simultaneously looked at Zhang Qi.

Hmph! This man is merely a servant of the Zhang family, and his life and fortune are entirely in the hands of his master. It would be one thing if no one pursued him, but if he arouses suspicion, he will find himself in a dire situation

After a moment of aimless thinking, Zhang Qi fell into a deep sleep once again

Thirteen-year-old Zhang Qi shook her head. She extended her slightly pale little hand, which showed signs of malnutrition, lifted the car curtain, and looked outside, "How much longer until we reach Jiankang?"

After an unknown amount of time, she softly called out and struggled to sit up

No, no matter what, she must be cautious; she cannot afford that kind of possibility

If her recollections are true, one of the three has already contacted the thief, preparing to abduct her and sell her to a brothel. In this era, the nobility indulges in pleasure, and the wealthy take pride in keeping beautiful concubines and singing girls. Some brothels are responsible for collecting talented young girls from various regions, teaching them the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and after grooming them, they are presented as gifts to the homes of those noble and wealthy families. Due to the high demand, the minions of various brothels have no choice but to abduct people from all over. Zhang Qi is clearly a beauty, worth a high price.

Such a Zhang Qi, with a kind of pitiable innocence that evokes sympathy, softened the heart of the warm matron, who could not bear to scold her. She furrowed her brows and admonished, "Who told you such nonsense? My Zhang family is also a prominent family in Jiankang, and we would never have such audacious scoundrels!"

Thinking of this, Zhang Qi raised her voice slightly and called out crisply: "Wen Aunty." She was addressing the middle-aged, plump woman. These three servants were all household servants of the Zhang family, following their master's surname Zhang

Perhaps, throughout history, there have been widows who became empresses, as well as women who bore children yet enjoyed perfect marriages. However, such instances are indeed rare and do not apply to her mother at all

That's wonderful! Zhang Qitian truly smiled, her eyes squinting into crescent shapes. While laughing, she glanced at the lean man in his thirties.

It will be ready soon, in about two days.

Her maternal family was originally well-off, but due to a few days of indulgence, her mother paid for it with her entire life. After taking her body, that man simply left without a second thought. However, her mother was left to bear the stigma of being an unwed mother. The naive younger sister-in-law only realized at this moment that life is indeed life; since she was pregnant, she could not marry. If she went out, she would inevitably be pointed at by others, and if she stayed at home, she would also be disliked by her brothers and sisters-in-law. The naive younger sister-in-law only realized at this moment that life is indeed life; since she was pregnant, she could not marry. If she went out, she would inevitably be pointed at by others, and if she stayed at home, she would also be disliked by her brothers and sisters-in-law.

Those fragmented memories seem to have encountered issues. Many crucial elements have been lost, while what remains clear are merely some inconsequential scenes

Just now, when she spoke these words, the man clearly appeared a bit flustered. Zhang Qi felt a surge of alarm: judging by the man's demeanor, it was evident that he was guilty. Could it be that he intends to take action against me?

In her memories, after she fell into the hands of thieves, although she was quickly rescued by a knight from the North and returned to her family, her reputation was tarnished. From that point on, her status as an illegitimate daughter, coupled with the loss of her innocence, rendered her unworthy even as a gift, subjecting her to countless disdainful glances and immense suffering

With a light sigh, Zhang Qi no longer dwelled on her memories. She looked down at her pale and tender hands, silently thinking: No matter what, I just need to be a little more cautious and try my best not to repeat the same mistakes.

With both hands clasped together, gently twisting, Zhang Qi pondered: How is it that no matter how I try to recall, I cannot remember the face of that husband, nor his name?

She is currently on her way back to the old residence

Zhang Qiyi was innocent; she did not wait for the few sullen servants to reprimand her, but anxiously bit her lip and said, "I have heard that they particularly like to target young ladies of my age. I, I am scared!" She widened her bright, watery eyes, looking both nervous and bewildered at Old Lady Wen.

As the time for delivery approached, without mentioning anything else, just the expenses for hiring wet nurses and other attendants caused her mother to endure a considerable amount of disdain

Thirteen years old in nominal age, Zhang Qi has not yet fully matured. Her pale, youthful face features delicate yet unremarkable features that cannot be described as stunning. At present, she is still a recently arrived illegitimate daughter, sent for by her father from her hometown.

Although her father's family is a large one, she, as a lowly illegitimate daughter, would be of no consequence if she were to disappear, which is why the servant dared to act so presumptuously

"Daughter-in-law, it's time!" A weary and hoarse voice startled Zhang Qi, causing her to jump in surprise

Hearing her cry, the plump woman approached again and asked, "Sister-in-law, what is wrong?" Her tone remained concerned, yet her eyes revealed a hint of impatience. Since she arrived in that rural area and took this sister-in-law on the journey, the younger sister-in-law had been constantly startled and anxious. After several such instances, even she, who considered herself to have a gentle temperament, began to feel irritated.

Several years after giving birth to Zhang Qi, her mother passed away in sorrow. Recently, her father, who had unknowingly learned of Zhang Qi's existence, ordered someone to bring her back to the old residence in Jiankang.

Upon hearing the inquiry from the plump woman, Zhang Qi shook her head and softly said, "I have nothing to report." She leaned her head out and glanced outside the vehicle

These tangible difficulties can no longer be associated with romantic notions. Not only are they devoid of beauty and interest, but they are also exceedingly heavy and trivial. Her mother, who relied on her beauty, will no longer be surrounded by those youthful and exuberant young men; instead, those who come to seek marriage are mostly widowers and old men

Seeing this, the woman in her forties with a round face and fair skin asked with concern, "Young man, are you feeling unwell again?"

Outside the car, in addition to the plump white woman, there was a middle-aged man and a lean man in his thirties. These three were all sent by her father to take her back. Her maternal family could not spare any extra people to send this illegitimate daughter off.