Er Niu returned to his own place when they reached the fork in the road. Zhao Shi, however, took the maid named Dong Yu toward her own home. When they arrived inside, Dong Yu looked around at the ordinary earthen-walled rooms. This was just a typical farmhouse, and a flicker of disappointment crossed her eyes. She had imagined that a household wealthy enough to purchase a servant would surely not be so common.

Yet, the disappointment was fleeting. Since she had been sold here, she was now a servant in this house. No matter the circumstances, she had no room to regret the decision. Zhao Shi led Dong Yu to the small storage room she had prepared, telling her to set down her things, before heading to the main hall, stating she had something to discuss with her.

Dong Yu stepped into the storage room and felt even more reluctant upon seeing such a simple dwelling. The room was tiny with a very low ceiling. Though the earthen walls were topped with roof tiles, they were dark and grimy. Besides a narrow bed and a broken stool, there wasn't even a table. But now, her reluctance was moot. Dong Yu placed her small bundle down and promptly left.

Entering the main hall, Zhao Shi was seated on a chair. Seeing Dong Yu enter, she immediately began her lecture: "Dong Yu, from now on, you are a servant in our family. All household matters will fall to you. You must work diligently and harbor no wicked thoughts. Whatever I tell you to do henceforth, you are to obey without question."

Zhao Shi had initially intended a stern dressing-down, but after much thought, only these few sentences came to mind. Deeming it sufficient, she instructed Dong Yu to clean both the house and the courtyard, adding that once finished, she would take her around the village to learn the layout. At the very least, she needed to know where her sons lived, as she would likely be sent on errands there in the future.

Dong Yu had spent her previous life working as a child bride in another household, so she was accustomed to labor. With quick hands and feet, she finished cleaning the house swiftly. Zhao Shi watched her work, quite pleased with her speed and efficiency. She felt her own judgment was sound; she had acquired a capable worker for such a small price.

After tidying the rooms, Zhao Shi took Dong Yu out for a tour of the village. Many people along the way noticed Dong Yu trailing behind Zhao Shi and asked who the girl was. Zhao Shi proudly replied, "This is the servant we purchased. My son bought her for us. She will be working in our home from now on."

Those who heard expressed envy, admiring Zhao Shi for having such a good son and enjoying a life where they were waited upon. Others showed disdain, viewing it as a common farming family flaunting their newfound money by hiring a servant, and then parading her around the village for all to see.

Zhao Shi cared deeply about the envy she inspired. Even the disdain she perceived, she interpreted as jealousy of her good fortune in having a servant. Her vanity was satisfied to an unprecedented degree.

Zhao Shi first led Dong Yu toward He Shi's house. Everyone in He Shi’s family, save for Da Jiang, was home. Upon seeing the maid Zhao Shi had brought, various thoughts surfaced among the family members.

He Shi, looking at the maid her mother-in-law had brought, immediately began scheming, though she dared not voice her true intentions. She opened her mouth with feigned curiosity: "Mother, where did you find this girl? She is quite lovely, isn't she?"

"She is lovely, isn't she? I chose her. Er Niu realized your father and I are getting old, so he bought a maid to serve us. Now, your father and I can finally enjoy some comfort," Zhao Shi boasted proudly.

"Indeed, Father and Mother deserve some comfort now that you are older, and Er Niu’s household isn't lacking for coin. However, Mother, Hong Xia works at Er Niu’s place every day, and the two children don't eat at your house. What duties does she have at your place? Mother, why don't you lend me this servant for a few days? Look how messy our house is, not yet tidied, and Yue Mei is heavy with child and cannot exert herself. We are truly short-handed." He Shi’s opening words were pleasant enough, but seeing Zhao Shi in a good mood, she swiftly pivoted and revealed her true motive.

Song Yue Mei shared the same desire. It was her suggestion last time when He Shi went to Huang Shi’s house to ask for a maid, and she had even encouraged her mother-in-law to demand one. But He Shi had failed to secure anyone from Huang Shi’s home and had spent days afterward berating the Huang family. Now that a servant was right before her eyes, her mind was certainly made up.

Qing Shan, standing to the side, observed Dong Yu. She wasn't very old and looked decent enough, so he spared her a few extra glances. Only Yu’er showed no reaction, sitting quietly and listening to her mother and the others speak.

Zhao Shi was naturally displeased by He Shi’s request. "Eldest Daughter-in-law, if your home needs help, go hire someone yourself. Last time you went to the Second Son’s house; now you've set your sights on me? This servant was hired by the Second Son for me. I haven't even asked