Morning light streamed through the gaps in the thin wooden walls of my room, illuminating the dust motes that floated lazily in the air. As I sat up on the straw-filled mattress, I took a moment to piece together what I'd learned since waking up in this body.
This wasn't my world. Or at least, it wasn't anything like the one I left behind. In my old life, skyscrapers touched the clouds, and wealth was measured in digital numbers on a screen. Here, the tallest buildings were the towers of noble estates, and wealth was measured in gold taels and silver coins. The currency was simple: one gold tael was worth ten silver coins, and ten silver coins were worth a hundred copper pieces. The rich flaunted their gold, while the poor scraped by with copper.
I wasn't entirely sure where I stood on that spectrum, but judging by the state of my room—and my clothes—it wasn't anywhere good.
My name here was Xiao Feng, the illegitimate son of Xiao Zhen, the head of the Xiao family. The Xiao family was one of the wealthiest and most powerful in the region, their influence stretching across towns and cities. But as far as the family was concerned, I wasn't one of them. My mother had been a concubine, and when she passed away, any pretense of care the family had for me died with her.
The memories I'd gained from this body were fragmented, like pieces of a shattered mirror. But what they did show was enough to paint a grim picture. Xiao Feng had been a punching bag for his older brother, Xiao Liang, and a source of constant disappointment for his father. The servants ignored him, the maids whispered about him, and the rest of the family barely acknowledged his existence. He was, in their eyes, a failure.
But I wasn't Xiao Feng. Not really. And if they thought I'd play the role of the weak, submissive son, they were in for a rude awakening.
I stretched, wincing as my muscles protested. This body was weak, malnourished, and unused to physical labor. That would have to change. If this world respected strength, then I'd make sure I had it—in spades.
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Before I could respond, the door creaked open, and a stout man with a thick mustache stepped inside. His expression was one of perpetual grumpiness, as though he found joy in making others miserable. He sized me up with a sneer before speaking.
"Finally up, huh? You think you can laze around all day while the rest of us work?" His tone was sharp and accusatory, as if I'd personally offended him by sleeping past dawn.
I swallowed my retort, reminding myself that this wasn't the time for arrogance. "What do you need me to do?"
The man seemed taken aback, his eyebrows twitching in surprise. Perhaps he was expecting resistance, some defiance from the family's black sheep. Instead, I met his gaze steadily, waiting for his instructions.
"You're hauling firewood today," he barked. "Shed's out back. Don't slack off, or you'll regret it."
"Got it," I said, keeping my tone neutral. He scowled at the lack of protest and stomped out of the room, muttering something under his breath.
As I dressed in the coarse, ill-fitting clothes that had been left for me, I mulled over my situation. This estate was a far cry from the corporate world I once dominated, but power dynamics didn't change much. People like the mustached man were bullies, thriving on weakness and submission. My goal wasn't just to survive this world—it was to rise above it. For now, though, I'd play along.
The morning air was brisk as I made my way to the shed, a modest structure behind the main building. It was stocked with logs that needed to be moved to the kitchens and servant quarters. The task was monotonous and physically draining, especially with my body's current state. My arms ached after just a few trips, and my back protested every time I bent to pick up another load.
As I worked, I took the opportunity to observe my surroundings. The Xiao family estate was sprawling, with manicured gardens, ornate courtyards, and imposing stone walls. It was a testament to the family's wealth and power, but beneath the surface, there was an undercurrent of tension. Servants moved quickly and quietly, their eyes downcast. The guards stood rigid at their posts, their faces expressionless but watchful.
The family itself was another story. Xiao Zhen, the patriarch, ruled with an iron will, his word law within the estate. His disdain for Xiao Feng was no secret, and his approval seemed impossible to earn. Xiao Liang, the eldest son, was the golden child, basking in their father's favor. From what I'd gathered, he was cruel and entitled, using his position to bully those he deemed beneath him—which included me.
And then there were the younger siblings and extended family members, all vying for their share of the Xiao family's fortune and influence. It was a nest of vipers, each more eager than the last to climb the ladder, no matter who they had to step on.
By midday, my body was screaming for rest, but I forced myself to keep going. Each log I carried was a reminder of my current weakness and the distance I needed to cover to regain my former strength. If I wanted to succeed in this world, I couldn't afford to falter.
As I stacked the final load of firewood near the kitchen, I overheard snippets of conversation between two maids who were sweeping the courtyard.
"Did you hear about the merchant guild's visit?" one of them whispered, glancing around nervously.
"Yes," the other replied, her voice hushed. "They're negotiating with Master Xiao Liang. Something about a new trade route."
My ears perked up. A new trade route? That sounded like an opportunity. In my previous life, I'd thrived on deals and negotiations, turning even the slimmest chances into profit. If I could gather more information, maybe I could use it to my advantage.
Later that evening, as I sat in my room nursing my sore muscles, I began to formulate a plan. The Xiao family might see me as a failure, but that perception gave me an edge. No one would suspect me of being a threat, which meant I could operate under the radar.
The first step was rebuilding my strength. This body was a liability, but with the right training and discipline, I could transform it. The second step was information. Knowledge was power, and if I could learn the inner workings of the estate and the surrounding town, I'd have the foundation to make moves.
And the third step? Resources. Money, connections, influence—these were the tools I needed to climb the ladder. The merchant guild deal could be a stepping stone, but I had to tread carefully. If I played my cards right, I could turn their arrival into the start of my ascent.
As I lay back on the straw mattress, my mind buzzed with possibilities. This world was cruel and unforgiving, but it was also ripe with opportunity. And this time, I wouldn't waste it.
I smirked, the faint glimmer of determination sparking in my chest. "Let's get to work."