Chapter 3

Lord Shen was renowned as an upright official. He and his wife were always generous to their servants-the monthly wages were twice as high as elsewhere, and during festivals, they even handed out silver.

In Jing City, poor families racked their brains trying to get their children employed here.

I touched the freshly issued clothes, feeling overjoyed: at last, these good days had come for me.

But who could have expected that before I’d even enjoyed a few days of this fortune, disaster struck.

Rumors swept through the city that the Shen Family was involved in an Imperial Examination scandal, and might face execution of the entire household. The servants fled faster than anyone.

I steadied myself.

On the day the mansion was raided, Shen Mansion descended into chaos. Seizing the opportunity, I rummaged through trunks and chests, searching for valuables.

The greater the storm, the higher the price of fish. I packed a bulging sack full of goods.

Passing through the rear courtyard, I heard the steward’s voice:

“Sir, please, show mercy! The Shen Family only assisted the princess in rooting out traitors-it was just a matter of cooperation. Please remember not to trouble the innocent in this household…”

Before he could finish, a flash of steel, and the steward’s head tumbled to the ground.

The man wiped his blade, a cruel smile on his lips. “Sorry, but if we don’t play out the whole act, how can we fool outsiders? My apologies, sir.”

Turning my head, I saw, crouched beside the well, the Shen Family’s six-year-old Miss, Shen Yushu-the cherished darling of the household, though slow-witted.

I gritted my teeth, mind racing. What were a few bits of silver compared to this? If this raid truly was just a show, and the Shen Family rose again, saving the Miss would be a great merit!

With that thought, I acted.

I quickly stuffed Shen Yushu into a basket and fled the mansion.

Fortune favors the bold; I have always dared to gamble.