The old lady usually lives a secluded life. If I could win her favor and pity, would I be able to study and learn in the future, or even avoid being sacrificed like that?

This matter requires careful consideration. The old lady usually lives a secluded life, and she has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gaining her favor is not an easy task. But it doesn't matter; I'm still young, and there's plenty of time. As long as I have ideas, I'll eventually find a way.

Xu Zhi looked at Aunt Wu in silence. Aunt Wu didn't dare to look Xu Zhi in the eye anymore and said, "Ninth Miss, shall we wash up and go to bed?"

Xu Zhi said, "Sister Wu, I've heard everything they said. They said my parents aren't coming back. Is that true?"

Sister-in-law Wu said, "Don't listen to those people's nonsense. Third Master and Third Madam are such good people, how come they can't come back? Ninth Miss, please wait patiently. In two more days, Third Master and Third Madam will bring the eldest young master back."

Xu Zhi sighed. Looking at the little girl with her brows furrowed and sighing, Aunt Wu felt both sorry for her and heartbroken. She gently patted Xu Zhi's head and said, "Ninth Miss, from now on we are big girls. Big girls have to learn to grow up and take care of themselves."

Hearing what Sister Wu said, Xu Zhi felt a pang of sadness. Even if she could start over, she would still be destined to be so lonely.

Overwhelmed with grief, Xu Zhi couldn't help but lower her head and cry again.

Sister-in-law Wu quickly helped Xu Zhi wipe away her tears, saying, "Ninth Miss, why are we crying?"

Xu Zhi raised her head, her bright almond-shaped eyes appearing even clearer due to the tears. She pouted and said, "Sister-in-law Wu, you always make me learn to grow up. Only children without mothers have to learn to grow up on their own."

Upon hearing this, Sister Wu was stunned for a moment, speechless. She simply hugged Xu Zhi into her arms, her heart aching, and her eyes welled up with tears.