The night was deep, and lamplight flickered within the Li Residence.
Li Qingyun and Cheng Tangyin, the two heads of the household, once again gathered all the maids and servants of the residence and announced that they would be relocating far away.
"This happened suddenly. This time, we are moving to another great city, the journey is long, and the road ahead is uncertain. If any of you are unwilling, come forward, collect your settlement money, and leave quickly."
"You are all people born to bitter fates, children my husband and I took in one after another. Sadly, I can no longer keep my promise to give you a permanent home."
"Take this gold and silver, marry a dependable husband, spend the money carefully, and you can still live without want for food or clothing..."
Cheng Tangyin wore a light white fur cloak and sat beside Li Qingyun in the hall. She had become ever more gentle and moving, with an added air of graceful dignity.
Her swollen belly was round as a melon, and she was close to giving birth. Yet as she made arrangements for everyone in the residence, her voice remained soft and her handling of matters orderly.
"Over these ten-odd years, this is the eighth move, isn't it? When will we truly settle down..." Cheng Tangyin looked at the young maids in the hall, unable to bear parting with them.
Most of these twenty-some girls were pitiful children the couple had taken in one after another amid their wandering relocations. The earliest had been with them for four or five years already, so there were naturally deep feelings between them.
"Chai'er kowtows to Master and Madam. Thank you for saving and raising me!"
A senior maid of sixteen or seventeen wiped away her tears, stepped forward,