New World's Empress

''Grandfather, it seems she is back.'' He called when he saw the young lady patiently standing in line and waiting for her turn.

The old man sneaked a peak and was stunned. Really, it's her. How interesting.

When it was her turn she put her bag and started taking out plants carefully one by one. She then calmly waited that he weighed and counted on the abacus and then did it again to make sure that he made no mistakes. He started putting the silver bits on the counter and then gave her the note with everything. She slowly counted the silver and sighed.

''I can see that you treat me properly so I will need information from you. Is it even possible for this amount to buy a place to live in?'' She pointed at the silver she just earned.

The old man calmly looked at the silver. ''Inside the city or outside?''

''Inside.'' Was her answer.

''Small house with a garden or big with just small yard?''

''hmmm. Small wait garden would make sense if it has a tall strong fence.'' She pointed at her hat and he understood.

''I can sell you one house that I got a few days ago not far from our main house. It has tall walls as it was before included in the estate but was given away to one of our servants as a wedding gift. Unfortunately, he and his wife had to rush to the other state to take care of his old parents so he gave me the house back but I gave him money instead. He practically sold the house to me. The house had one big gate. From three sides it has walls from my estate and a tiny bit of wall and the big gate from outside where you enter. It has a big key so you can lock it down when you leave the house.''

She just nodded considering with beating heart how much he will ask for such a thing. Luckily he couldn't see her face or he might take advantage of her scared appearance.

''Don't worry, the house had at least five rooms. Two sleeping rooms, kitchen, bathroom and front room where the people that come in could sit. In the garden, the wife already planted a few things so if you are lucky they are still alive. And yes, you have your own well. I could have opened the wall and added the small piece of land again to my estate but to tell you the truth, that would cost me more than to sell that to you. Give me half of this money and I will add free furniture and some live stocks inside. ''

The last things were actually anyway included and he wanted to make a joke but she just nodded and pushed half of the silver his way. ''When can we make a contract and when can I get key?''

Her straight question made him for a moment speechless but he then chuckled. ''Come into my office here and we can make the contract right away. The key is there any way so you can take it and my grandson will take you to the house right away.''

She followed him calmly and held her hands by her sides while her hands shook under long sleeves. Luckily they are hidden and no one could see.

''May I ask your name so I can write it the contract?'' His eyes seriously now we're set on blank paper as his heart started beating faster, please be nobles so I can protect you.

''''I am not sure. The people that took care of me told me that my last name is Liu my given name Mei. They died shortly in the forest I buried them and now I am alone. I have no idea who my real parents were and why I lived there. Is that a problem in this case?'' She was worried that her unknown background might be a problem in the future.

He shook his head. ''No problem.'' he swiftly wrote her name and when he finished she took the brush and beautifully wrote her name.

He made three copies, one for her one for himself and third will go to the main state entry as she needed to sign herself as owner and pay taxes like everyone else.

Her back was covered with fine cold sweat as she feared to be questioned. In olden times anyone who seemed to be strange would end up in jail as a traitor from the otehr country. In her case where she couldn't even prove where she came from it would be even reasonable if they arrest her.

But she had no reason to put herself in direct danger if there is no real need.

The young man came and bowed lightly. ''I will show you the way to your new home. In case of danger, you may ask our help. After all, if you are in danger, we might be as well.''

She just nodded. ''I understand. I shall do that.''

She then turned around and bowed again. ''Thank you for your care.''

He smiled at her. ''We shall see each other occasionally, neighbor.''

''Yes.'' He heard chuckle under the hat and she turned to follow his grandson.

When she left he finally exhaled. ''Whoa. She has no idea how powerful her aura is. No matter, maybe she is a concubine daughter or from outside woman a child. But Liu's family... Hmmm. Do they even still exist?''

He contemplated and then started writing letters in a rush. He needs to find the background of this child. It might help him in the future. Good, she came to ask him. It is his family luck. His family? If she is from Liu's family, maybe his grandson could get lucky?...