The new maid’s name was Zheng Xiu’er, only sixteen—just a little older than Fengguang. Her parents had passed away, and she lived alone with her grandfather. Lately, the old man had fallen ill, and with money running short, Xiu’er had come to the household to work as a maid.
Fengguang thought to herself, Which servant’s life isn’t pitiful? She didn’t expect much from Xiu’er anyway—just for her to help brush her hair each day would be enough.
Over the past few days, Xia Chao had noticed that Fengguang’s mood hadn’t improved. He only set one rule for her: as long as she was home before dusk, she could go wherever she wanted.
The capital was nothing like Tong County—larger, busier, full of people and excitement. Even the street snacks were more varied. But despite all that, Fengguang still couldn’t find joy in anything.
She counted the days on her fingers. She had even imagined being bold for once—storming the wedding and stealing the groom away. But then she remembered what Shu Feng had told her: he didn’t like her, that he only saw her as a younger sister.
Younger sister, my foot!
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became—until she crushed the osmanthus cake in her hand.
Behind her, Xiu’er flinched. “Miss, do you not like the osmanthus cake I bought?”
It was Xiu’er’s first time working as someone’s maid. She thought her new mistress was kind in most ways, except that she always seemed gloomy, which made Xiu’er constantly nervous.
Fengguang looked at the trembling girl and said calmly, “My hand slipped. Don’t be nervous.”
They kept walking, and at some point, they passed a tavern where raised voices drifted out.
The tavern keeper was saying, “Old Zheng, it’s not that we don’t want to sell you wine, but I promised your granddaughter. You’re in poor health—if anything happens because of the drink, we can’t afford to take responsibility.”
“Just a little… just one sip to satisfy my craving. My granddaughter won’t know,” pleaded an old man in simple clothes.
Behind Fengguang, Xiu’er suddenly shouted, “Grandpa!”
Then she rushed forward, grabbed the old man’s hand, and scolded him furiously. “You thought I wouldn’t find out, didn’t you? I worked myself to the bone saving money for your medicine, and you’re still sneaking off to drink? Did you forget how sick you got last time you drank?”
Fengguang couldn’t help being impressed. The timid, soft-spoken girl who usually trembled in front of her was now standing there, hands on her hips, ready to explode.
“No, no, Xiu’er, don’t get upset. I just came to smell the wine, not drink it… not drink it,” the old man said weakly, trying to change the subject. “Aren’t you working as a maid? Did your employers give you the day off?”
Xiu’er suddenly remembered she was supposed to be serving Fengguang. She turned around quickly, bowing her head in embarrassment. “Miss… I’m sorry. I got carried away.”
“It’s fine. You don’t need to apologize,” Fengguang said, walking toward them.
When the old man heard her voice, he froze. As she came closer, he finally got a good look at her face—and went pale.
“G-ghost!” he cried.
Fengguang blinked in confusion, not understanding what was happening.
Xiu’er quickly grabbed her grandfather’s arm. “Grandpa, that’s my mistress! She’s not a ghost—don’t talk nonsense!”
“N-no… she is! She’s a ghost!” The old man tried to hide behind his granddaughter, trembling. “Miss… you died more than forty years ago! I served as the Xia family’s steward for decades—I did my duty! Even if you had grudges, you shouldn’t come after an old man like me!”
Fengguang froze, staring at him in shock. After a long pause, she hesitantly said two words—
“Uncle Zheng?”
Lucien On ABRWF Chapter 34.1