Wu Caiwei had barely arrived in a new world when she saw a middle-aged woman, adorned in gaudy attire, looking at her with pity.
"If you truly have nowhere else to go, then come back. This place isn't much, but at least it offers shelter from the elements and food to keep you alive," the madam said, her tone laced with a hint of helplessness, yet her mind was already calculating. The woman before her had once been her top courtesan, a sensation in her time. She had married, and married a Zhuangyuan, no less. If she could just spread a rumor, she was sure silver would flood into her coffers.
Wu Caiwei, experienced in such matters, had already deduced the woman's profession from her attire and demeanor. From the madam's words, it was clear that the original host had once been a courtesan but had since left that life. For some reason, she had fallen on hard times.
Based on her past experiences, events immediately after arriving in a new world had a profound impact. Though she didn't understand the full story, she knew she absolutely could not fall back into that life.
However, the woman seemed to mean well. She quickly expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Mama. I've finally managed to escape, and I don't want to go back yet."
The madam appeared disappointed. But she understood, considering that most girls in her establishment longed for freedom. Moreover, given the woman's current predicament, she likely wouldn't last long before seeking her out again. Thus, she forced a smile. "Alright, this isn't a good place, so it's understandable you wouldn't want to return. Of course, if you ever find yourself at your wit's end, my doors are always open to you."
Wu Caiwei smiled and nodded. Looking up, she realized she was standing at the entrance of a brothel. She quickly turned around and walked onto the bustling street, unsure of where to go. Finding a small alley, she leaned against the wall, appearing to rest her eyes while, in reality, she was absorbing the original host's memories.
When she opened her eyes again, tears involuntarily streamed down her face. These were the emotions the original host had left within the body, and the tears Wu Caiwei shed for her. Having lived through so many lives, she had witnessed countless tragic figures, yet none had ever moved her to such a profound mix of gratitude and sighs.
In her previous missions, the hosts had been either cowardly, foolish, or overly emotional. This one was different. She had been remarkably intelligent since childhood, striving to find her own path amidst adversity. It was a pity fate had been unkind, leading her to die alone in a dilapidated courtyard.
The original host's name was Li Shiyun. She was born in Yangcheng. The Li family was an unremarkable merchant household, owning five or six shops. As she was their only daughter, her mother specifically hired a private tutor to teach her. Thus, from a young age, she studied qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, living the life of a young lady from a wealthy family. Her fate took its first turn at the age of eight.
Her mother, Li Jinyu, the eldest daughter of the Li family, fell ill and never recovered. She was on the verge of death. Although she was intelligent beyond her years and grasped her studies with ease, often praised by her tutors, she was still an innocent child when faced with life and death.
Knowing her mother was about to leave her, she stayed by her bedside daily, trying to cheer her up. Alas, her mother passed away with lingering reluctance for her.
She accompanied her father to the Li family's burial ground to bury her mother. Before entering the Li family gate, she saw her father coldly instruct a servant to hand her a small bundle and block her path.
The original host looked at her father in shock, not understanding his intentions. Liu Baishi looked at her calmly and spoke words that chilled her to the bone, making her world collapse.
He said, "Your mother was exceptionally domineering when she was alive. Although she only bore you, a daughter, she wouldn't allow me to take concubines. Now that she's gone, everything in this house is mine. You won't get a share. Get out and stay far away, or I'll find a slave trader to sell you."
In the original host's eyes, her father had always been gentle and refined, speaking softly to her and her mother. She had never seen such a repulsive side of him.
If not for the person standing before her looking exactly like the father of her memory, she would never have believed this was her father's true face. She had thought her tears had all run dry after her mother's death, but seeing her father like this, she silently wept again.
The gates of the Li family slowly closed before her. Undeterred, she stepped forward and knocked, but no one paid her any mind. She sat quietly in front of the Li family gate, feeling lost. She sat there from sunrise to moonrise. A strong wind blew at night, making her shiver. For the first time, she truly realized her father didn't care about her at all, and might even welcome her death. At that moment, she resolved that if no one cared for her by tomorrow, she would leave, lest she fulfill his wish.
After that night, she understood. While her mother was alive, he had pampered her likely to gain access to the Li family's wealth. Her mother was the sole heir of the Li family. Having displayed her business acumen, the Li couple, after consulting her, decided to arrange for a husband to marry into the family.
At that time, Liu Baishi was working for the Li family. He always looked at Li Jinyu with admiration and affection. Over time, everyone noticed. Coupled with his decent looks and a basic education that made him appear cultured, his diligence, and cleverness, the Li couple had a good impression of him. Thus, they sent someone to probe him.
Liu Baishi immediately showed a surprised delight and agreed without a second thought. It was said that upon his return, Liu's parents had some reservations, but he managed to convince them. When the Li family sent people to inquire, they joyfully changed their tune.
The marriage was thus settled. After marriage, Liu Baishi doted on Li Jinyu, his gaze filled with affection. Although Li Jinyu's feelings for him were moderate, love grew with time, and their marriage was quite harmonious.
After the birth of the original host, Li Shiyun, their relationship reached a new height. Unfortunately, it was short-lived. As time passed, the Liu family grew anxious about Li Jinyu's fertility.
They had originally agreed with the Li couple that the first child born to Li Jinyu, regardless of gender, would take the Li surname, while the second child would take the Liu surname. But after so many years, her womb remained empty. She couldn't help but murmur to Liu Baishi, though he always stopped her. For this, Li Jinyu felt quite grateful and became even more devoted to him.
The Li couple also felt they had chosen well. They passed away with smiles. Not even a few years after their deaths, Li Jinyu also fell ill. On her deathbed, she was reluctant to part with her husband and daughter. However, she believed that given their marital affection and the fact that her daughter was his darling, she would surely have a good life even after her passing. Little did she know that as soon as she was buried, her husband would cast their daughter out.