A heads-up: This is a female-dominated world with male pregnancy. There might be male menstrual cramps (it's my cheesy fetish), and there might also be instances of male offspring (probably in the side stories). If you can't accept this, see you in the next world! Mwah!
On a bitterly cold winter day, the wind, carrying a chill, blows against people's faces, and snowflakes are blown wildly through the air. Large, feathery snowflakes fall onto the thick snow on the ground, and there are few pedestrians on the road, trudging along the snow-covered path to their destinations.
Yun Jia reached out to try to catch the snowflakes, but they melted into water as soon as they landed in her palm, making it impossible to see their shape.
This was the first time he had ever seen snow, and even though his hands were red from the cold, he was unwilling to take them away.
"Madam! Is this snow? It's so beautiful!"
Yao Yishui reached out and took Yun Jia's cold little hand. "Stop playing around, we need to find an inn quickly."
They came from Miao territory, intending to settle in the Central Plains. They traveled and stopped along the way. They set off in spring, but arrived here in the dead of winter.
After finally finding an inn that was open, Yao Yishui led Yun Jia inside. The temperature inside was much higher than outside. She stomped her feet to warm her numb lower limbs, and Yun Jia followed suit.
The quick-witted waiter approached and said, "Sir, are you here for a meal or to stay the night? We have plenty of rooms available, and our food is the best in the area. We guarantee you'll be satisfied."
Yao Yishui took out a tael of silver from his clothes and threw it to her. "Stay at an inn, a room in the 'earth' category, until the snow stops, and we'll eat there. You can put three or four signs on your inn's signboard. If you need more silver, come to me for more."
The waiter grinned from ear to ear; such generous customers were a rare sight, and he couldn't help but become even more enthusiastic.
"Our specialty is roast chicken, it's the perfect accompaniment to drinks in this weather!" Seeing she was also holding a small child's hand, the waiter added, "For the young master, we have steamed egg custard..."
Yao Yishui interrupted the waiter, "Bring us roast chicken and steamed egg custard. Don't ask me about the other two dishes, just bring your signature dishes. We'll come down to eat later. Take us to our room first."
"Okay, okay, please follow me."
Yun Jia is only eight years old. Having grown up in Miao territory, he finds everything about this inn strange and wonderful.
The wooden stairs creaked underfoot, and the handrails on both sides were worn smooth and patinated, indicating that the inn was a long-established business.
"Teacher's wife, wait for me." Yun Jia came to her senses and was already several feet away from Yao Yishui. She kicked her short legs quickly to catch up with them.
After settling them in, the waiter said, "If you need anything else, just let the staff know, and we'll definitely get it for you. I won't disturb your rest any longer; we'll call someone to come and get you when the food is ready." With that, he turned and left.
It was much warmer inside than outside. The snowflakes that had fallen on her outside melted as soon as she came inside, and her clothes became damp. She took off her coat and hung it up to dry.
"Take off your coat too, and hang it up to dry,"
——
After Ye Jiu opened her eyes and sorted through her memories, she realized that this was truly a hellish start!
This is a matriarchal ancient world where women are revered and work outside the home to earn money and support their families, while men mostly stay at home embroidering and raising children. Women are taller and stronger than men, while men are more delicate, and petite and slender men are more popular with women.
Ye Jiu is one of the few unlucky ones in this matriarchal society. She is only seven years old. Because her family is poor and she has two older sisters, she was sold...
She was sold to this inn to work as a child laborer. Fortunately, the innkeeper was a kind man. After buying her, he made her do chores such as wiping tables and serving dishes. He provided her with food and lodging and gave her ten copper coins every month.
To complete her mission with such a start, she first needs to endure several years to earn enough money to redeem herself from her contract of indenture, and then search the vast country for the villain she is meant to save...
However, based on past experience, the villain might appear by her side on his own initiative. Since he's already here, she might as well make the best of it and focus on doing her job as a waiter at the inn.
"Ye Jiu! Go upstairs and call the guests from room number one to come down for dinner," Aunt Zhao called to her.
Ye Jiu replied loudly, "Coming right now."
Aunt Zhao is in charge of the kitchen and is also the cook at this inn; her cooking is exceptionally delicious.
Ye Jiu climbed upstairs, found room number one, and knocked on the door. "Knock, knock, knock."
Yun Jia opened the door upon hearing the sound, and Ye Jiu and Yun Jia met eyes, with a huge halo above his head.
Wow, we met so soon. I told you the villain would definitely run into us.
Yun Jia and Ye Jiu were the same height. Ye Jiu smiled and said, "Hello, guests. Your meal is ready. I've come to invite you down for dinner."
Although Ye Jiu was wearing an old padded jacket, her face was fair and clean. The seven-year-old girl was already beginning to take on a pretty appearance. After arriving at the inn, the innkeeper never lacked food for her. She had gained a lot of weight compared to before she was sold, and her face was fuller, making her look even more adorable.
Yun Jia was captivated by her smile and slowly smiled back, "Alright, my teacher and I will be down soon."
Ye Jiu went back to report. Outside, snow was falling heavily, and there was no one in the shop. Ye Jiu stood downstairs idly waiting for them to come down.
Not long after, a woman came downstairs holding his hand. This woman seemed to be his master's wife... Could he find a way to get her to take him as her apprentice? That way, it would be easier for them to do missions together.
Ye Jiu stared longingly at Yao Yishui, thinking of countless ways to attract her attention, but Yao Yishui rejected them all. No, those methods might just annoy people, and that would be a loss.
Ye Jiu's longing gaze was so striking that Aunt Zhao, seeing her staring longingly at the table, assumed she was hungry and gently patted her head.
"Girl, do you want some?"
Ye Jiu touched her stomach and realized that she hadn't eaten yet. She nodded, "It smells so good, I want to eat."
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