Buying Servants

"Let's go." Lily Evans held the two girls' indenture contracts, finally letting her tense expression soften into a gentle smile. "From now on, your names will be Belle and April."

The sisters seemed to awaken from a dream, dropping to their knees and bowing deeply to Lily Evans and Lucky. "Your humble servants Belle and April thank Madam and Master for saving our lives."

"You may rise. From now on, you will follow me. As long as you remain loyal, I will never treat you unfairly," Lily said warmly.

Lily Evans and Lucky, with their two newly acquired maids, returned to the slave broker and purchased four old servant women. She named them Mrs. Gold, Mrs. Silver, Mrs. Bronze, and Mrs. Iron, according to their ages from eldest to youngest.

With so many people, they rented an ox cart in town to carry everyone home.

As soon as they entered Clearwater Village, the group drew curious stares from the villagers.

Mrs. Barker’s eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my, Lily, you really did buy maids and old servants! I thought you were just saying that to spite the Evans family the other day!"

Lily Evans smiled. "Of course it’s true." She pointed to Belle and April, grinning. "See, these two girls are for my mother, to keep her company and lift her spirits."

Mrs. Barker could only look on with envy. "Your mother is truly blessed, Lily. Sigh, if only my own boy would let me enjoy such comforts one day."

Lily Evans and Lucky led the two maids and four old servants toward home. Along the way, Belle gazed at the village, noticing most houses were made of mud bricks and thatched roofs. Only when they reached the far end of the village did she spot, in the distance at the foot of the mountain, a sprawling courtyard built with blue bricks and green tiles—elegant and beautiful.

Once inside the courtyard, Lily Evans admired the elegant and spotless surroundings, everything in perfect order.

Margaret Evans sat in the main hall with a warm, gentle smile. Belle and April stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Belle and April greet the Madam and wish her well."

Behind them, the four maids also bowed in unison, each calling her 'Madam,' making Margaret Evans beam with delight.

Lily Evans grinned at her mother. "Mom, from now on, these two will look after you." Then she turned to Belle and April, "Madam is kind-hearted. Serve her faithfully and you’ll never be mistreated. But if anyone tries to slack off just because she’s gentle, you’ll be sent back to where you came from!"

Sending them back to Yixiang Courtyard would be worse than death!

Belle and April trembled and immediately knelt. "We will serve Madam, Lady Lily, and Master Lucky with all our hearts."

Goldie, Silver, Copper, and Iron—the four older maids—hurriedly knelt as well. "We will be loyal and diligent in our duties."

And so, the six newcomers settled in. Goldie, the best cook among the maids, took charge of the kitchen, while the others handled cleaning and chores around the house.

Belle and April attended to Margaret Evans. The two young maids soon discovered that Madam was truly kind, nothing like Miss Willow from Yixiang Courtyard, who used to scold and beat them.

"Sister, looks like our luck has finally turned. All three of our masters are good people," Belle said to April as she rolled over in bed that night.

April nodded, snuggling close to her sister. "Belle, let’s serve our new family well from now on."

"Of course," Belle replied, eyes half-closed. Where else could they find such good masters? They’d been rescued from the jaws of disaster and treated kindly. Even in her dreams, Belle prayed for blessings and long life for the Evans family.

News of Lily Evans buying servants caused another stir in Clearwater Village.

Old Mrs. Evans was so furious when she heard the news that she smashed a bowl and cursed for half the day.

Mrs. Zhao was fuming too. She went home and gossiped with Mei Xiang, "That shameless Lily Evans thinks she deserves servants?" Then, remembering her daughter's marriage, she laughed, "When my girl marries into the Zhang family, she'll have maids and old servants too. We don't envy her one bit!"

Talking about the marriage made Mrs. Zhao happy, but then she frowned, realizing it had been months and the Zhang family still hadn't come to propose. "Mei Xiang, it's been ages. When will the Zhangs come to ask for my daughter's hand?"