"Thank you, Miss, for giving me this opportunity."
The woman bent her waist and gave a curtsey to Chu Nanli.
Chu Nanli couldn't help but nod inwardly.
Cunning and prideful, yet willing to forsake her past dignity.
"I can also keep accounts and do embroidery. I once embroidered a 'Hundred Flowers Picture' that a clothing store bought to use as a pattern for clothes.
Whether you need a slave to relieve your boredom, or someone to help you manage your business, I am capable of both.
In terms of abilities, I am no less than those high-class slaves, and moreover, I come cheaper."
The final remark made the steward feel as if he had swallowed a fly. Wanting to erupt in anger yet restrained by the presence of Chu Nanli, the customer, he forcibly held it back.
Chu Nanli sized her up for a moment and asked, "Since you were previously an Official Family daughter, it must have been difficult for you to have any dealings with such worldly objects as an abacus. So how did you learn accounting?"
In this world, people of the Official Family generally scorned associating with businessmen and naturally did not let their children learn related skills, especially not the daughters secluded within their grand courtyards.
The woman didn't hesitate and earnestly replied, "People always say there are ranks among humans, those who dine with the Official Family are of the highest rank, the petty traders and foot soldiers are lower, and merchants are ridiculed by scholars for smelling of copper. Yet these scholars fail to realize that if it weren't for the merchants who built tea houses and spent money inviting them to compete, how could they gather to discuss and boast among themselves? They might not even have enough money to buy ink, paper, and brushes."
Hearing this, Chu Nanli was genuinely surprised.
In such a feudal society, it was genuinely remarkable for this woman to have such insights.
The steward by her side sneered coldly, "You're not even on the level of petty traders and foot soldiers now. How dare you mock those scholars?"
The woman ignored him and carefully chose her words before saying to Chu Nanli, "So, I never really believed that my status as a daughter of the Official Family made me superior to others. Additionally, I admired those women who could conduct business.
Because of them, I realized that this world is not only for men to scheme and trade; women can do the same. I... I wanted to be someone who controlled my own money, who steered my own life, so I sought out our family accountant and learned some business knowledge from him."
By the end of her statement, the woman appeared somewhat embarrassed and uneasy, clearly aware of the humble appearances of the surrounding slaves and realizing that she too was part of the slave community.
"Sorry, Miss. I spoke out of turn," she apologized.
The woman lowered her eyes, but her head did not bow.
Chu Nanli felt compassion for her. It truly wasn't easy for a woman to awaken in such a feudal society. If she were from her own world, her own time, she would undoubtedly lead a remarkable life.
However, having met her now was not too late.
It just so happened that she needed someone skilled in business.
"Come with me; I'll give you a chance to prove yourself," Chu Nanli decided without much hesitation.
Both the steward and the woman were momentarily stunned; soon after, the steward's expression worsened, but the woman was overjoyed.
Chu Nanli looked around at the other slaves kneeling on the ground and asked the steward, "Are these all Official Slaves?"
She still needed to buy two bodyguards, one to follow her and one to ensure this young woman's safety.
At that moment, the steward's expression sagged briefly, realizing that today's patron was set on making a deal for Official Slaves.
After realizing this, the frustration in her heart dissipated quite a bit, and she introduced diligently, "Yes, here are the ladies, and there are some distant relatives of the great families. These people were once daughters of wealthy families and young masters."
He quietly reminded Chu Nanli, "Miss, when you buy these people, be careful of their rebellious streak."
Chu Nanli nodded in acknowledgment.
The steward's warning was not without reason.
These people, once wealthy and noble, were now forced to serve as maids and servant boys, and their self-esteem was hard to bear. She feared that while some might outwardly comply, they would secretly seek to harm her.
As Chu Nanli observed, the official slaves kneeling on the ground all had their heads lowered.
Some were motionless, seemingly numb, while others clenched their fists, visibly stiff, clearly still unwilling to accept their current situation.
When Chu Nanli's gaze fell upon one of them, he suddenly looked up but then quickly lowered his head again.
Chu Nanli was startled and raised her eyebrows, "A martial family's son?"
The man with his head down hummed a response.
"Lift up your head," Chu Nanli said.
The man complied, lifting his head. There was not a trace of reluctance on his face, nor any unease, just calm and resignation.
His was a steadfast face, and from his build, it was apparent he had long practiced martial arts.
"Can you protect someone?" Chu Nanli decided internally.
The man hummed a response again.
Chu Nanli nodded and told the steward, "I will take these two. Please get the indenture of servitude, and if there are no issues, I will pay and take them with me."
The two kneeling could not help but look towards her, their hearts stirred by her decisiveness and resolve.
Years later, they still remembered this scene, remembered a woman in a blue silk dress who nonchalantly pulled them out of the mud and redeemed their lives.
While the steward went to fetch the indenture of servitude, a new batch of slaves arrived. Chu Nanli glanced at the woman beside her whose chains had yet to be unlocked, subtly moved, and picked another slave to serve as a bodyguard.
Soon, Chu Nanli left with the three, found a nearby teahouse, selected a private room, and had the server fetch three sets of clothes.
While waiting, Chu Nanli looked at the three who remained silent, heads bowed in contemplation, and asked, "What are your names?"
"Slaves need new names from their new master," the woman said plainly, looking at Chu Nanli.
Chu Nanli thoughtfully said, "Your previous names indeed seem inappropriate."
The woman's expression dimmed as she responded, but then heard Chu Nanli say, "Using your original names might easily bring trouble upon you. How about this? Today is the day of your rebirth; why not choose your own favorite names? Moreover, you need not use demeaning titles while with me."
All three were taken aback, their eyes fixed on her, seemingly unable to grasp the concept.
They had never heard of slaves having the right to choose their own names; they had thought that as slaves, they would be less than livestock.