After the He family was raided, all the male members were beheaded, and the female relatives were demoted to the lowest - ranked slaves. Generally, women from noble families, knowing there was no hope for the future and unable to endure the hardships of being a slave, would most likely hang themselves before that. Especially in a case like this where the whole family was executed, with no ties left, they would rather die honorably.
Lu Wanning had heard that Mrs. He and Lu Yingshuang had committed suicide, but it seemed that the eldest daughter - in - law of the He family was still alive. She didn't know where she had been sold. She always thought that He Chan, having suffered so much, couldn't bear it anymore and had also committed suicide.
Unexpectedly, she would meet He Chan here.
He Chan's expression was dull, but her eyes were clear. She saw Lu Wanning at a glance. There was a look of pleading in her eyes.
Lu Wanning was a bit stunned. She admitted that she felt a bit sorry for He Chan, but she didn't want to be the farmer who saved the poisonous snake.
The broker started introducing the slaves one by one. When it came to He Chan, he lifted her clothes to show her tender skin inside and then winked meaningfully at the wealthy men who might be the buyers.
"This one is a convicted slave. Her family used to be extraordinary. She was a young lady. Look at her skin. It's different from those ordinary girls who are roughly raised."
Someone laughed, "Since she has the body of a young lady, she's useless as a maid. She's not smart at all."
The broker originally wanted He Chan to say some nice words, but He Chan gritted her teeth tightly and just looked at Lu Wanning hopefully. The broker got impatient, pinched He Chan, and then said,
"Oh, sir, a woman like this isn't brought back to be a servant. Hehe, a woman like this is much more interesting than an ordinary maid."
Hearing this implication, those middle - aged, pot - bellied wealthy merchants became interested.
"Come, let me take a look."
But He Chan let the broker do whatever he wanted. Her eyes still stared at Lu Wanning.
"Not bad, not bad. How much?"
The broker quickly held out his hand, "Twenty taels."
The merchant rolled his eyes, "Who are you kidding? Twenty taels for a woman who can't do any work? My wife will beat me to death."
The broker smiled obsequiously, "Sir, look, she's clean and has no illness or pain. As for work, as long as you're not too soft - hearted, she'll learn it after some beatings. I've never seen a woman who can't learn to work."
The merchant still shook his head, "No, it's too expensive. Give me a discount."
Seeing Lu Wanning unmoved and hearing the merchant bargaining with the broker, He Chan's eyes were filled with despair. She frowned and stopped struggling.
Lu Wanning felt sad. She raised her voice and said, "Twenty - five taels. I'll take her."
Zhen Yan's eyes widened. She grabbed Lu Wanning, "Are you crazy?"
But Lu Wanning ignored her. She just took out the silver from her purse and was about to hand it over.
The merchant got impatient, "First come, first served. I'll take this one."
Lu Wanning didn't even raise her head, "I'm offering a higher price."
The merchant was furious, "You... You're a young lady. Don't you have enough maids at home?"
Lu Wanning gave him a cold look and handed the twenty - five taels to the broker.
The broker was startled. He hesitated, looking at her and then at the merchant. The merchant was a regular customer who often came here to pick slaves, while this young girl looked unfamiliar. If he offended the merchant for the sake of twenty - five taels, it would be a great loss.
Lu Wanning noticed this. She took out another twenty - five taels and handed it to the merchant, "Well, consider it as if I'm buying her from you."
The merchant's face turned bright red, "What do you mean? Are you looking down on me?"
Lu Wanning said coldly, "I look down on everyone. I'll take this slave. Now I'm buying her with money. If you don't want it, I'll just snatch her later."
"You... Do you still have any law?"
Lu Wanning just stared at him quietly.
The merchant felt a bit guilty. He thought he shouldn't show off. This young girl was as beautiful as a celestial being. A woman like this dared to walk around on the street casually, so she must be extraordinary. Moreover, the fur coat she was wearing wasn't something an ordinary person could afford.
He was shocked and didn't dare to speculate further. He quickly waved his hand and refused the money, "Forget it. It's just a maid. If you want her, take her. There are still so many here. I'll choose slowly."
Seeing that he gave in, Lu Wanning naturally wouldn't force him. She thanked him, paid the money, and then told Jiyue to take He Chan to handle the slave contract.
She wasn't in the mood to stroll around anymore. She got back into the carriage and waited.
Zhen Yan didn't understand, "Hey, He Chan has harmed you so many times. How can you still be soft - hearted towards her?"
Lu Wanning shook her head, "It's not being soft - hearted. She seems to have something to ask for. I want to see what it is."
Zhen Yan mumbled, "No matter what she asks for, are you going to satisfy her? A person like her..."
It was Jiang Shishi who stopped her, "Come on. She's already bought. Now she's a slave. Ning'er is a princess. Can she still cause any trouble? If it really doesn't work, just send her far away. It's just a matter of twenty - five taels."
Zhen Yan glared at Lu Wanning but didn't say anything more.
Soon, He Chan was tidied up and sent into the carriage.
Lu Wanning wasn't in the mood to listen to how much she had suffered these days. She just said coldly and directly, "What do you want?"
He Chan bit her lips, "I want to serve Sheng Chenyi."
Her tone was calm, but her face was full of hatred.
Lu Wanning knew what Sheng Chenyi had done to He Chan, but she wasn't surprised by He Chan's tone at this moment.
"Sheng Chenyi is already a commoner."
"I still think it's not enough. He lives in the mansion safely, with servants to serve him, having enough food and clothing, and not having to worry about anything. Just thinking about this makes me unable to feel at ease."
Lu Wanning hesitated for a while and then nodded, "Okay. You can stay in the manor first. After I make the arrangements, I'll send you there."
He Chan had been kneeling in the carriage. Hearing this, she kowtowed heavily, "Thank you, Princess."
She raised her head, looking at Lu Wanning with glistening eyes. Her lips were trembling. It took her a long time to muster the courage, "Lu Wanning, I... I'm sorry for you, but I really thank you."
Lu Wanning smiled slightly, "There's no need."
He Chan got off the carriage with Jiyue. Before leaving, she still looked back at Lu Wanning seriously. For the first time, she could look at Lu Wanning so openly and without any hidden thoughts.
She followed Jiyue and got into an ordinary carriage. She would be sent to the manor to start a life she had never had before. But at least she was still alive. She no longer had to endure such humiliation, and soon, she could avenge herself.
She was so tired that she could finally have a good sleep.
Lying in the carriage, she dreamed of the past. Her cousin had said to her, Lu Wanning is the soft - hearted one. If you jump, she will definitely save you. You can take this opportunity to drug her. Even if she doesn't save you, there's a water pool below. I've made all the arrangements...
She hated Lu Wanning, who had been competing with her since childhood. She listened to her cousin's words. Lu Wanning really saved her. She even threw her up regardless of everything before falling.
He Chan, He Chan, didn't you feel even a bit touched at that time?
Tears welled up in her eyes. It was a pity that everything was too late.