Returning to the system space again after a full decade had passed.
It must be said that through several reincarnations, this lifeti was undoubtedly the longest An Ning had lived, reaching her nineties and passing away almost simultaneously with her daughter. Due to her longevity and senior status, she had essentially beco a living mascot by the end, receiving annual visits from palace envoys sent to inquire after her well-being.
Because of her example, Yu Ludai's health-preserving tea recipes gained widespread acceptance. Even after Hongxi's death, her lineage continued receiving imperial favor with nurous acts of grace bestowed...
As for An Ning herself, she happily enjoyed her daughter's filial devotion. In truth, from the mont she chose to intervene with dicines, it was predetermined she would never be associated with any dical practice in that lifeti.
The Forbidden City never lacked for clever people.
Flipping through the tiline records, An Ning unconsciously furrowed her brow:
Indeed, Yu Ludai's death in the previous life wasn't accidental. The entire Zhao household, including her husband Zhao Shiyang himself, had been complicit.
In the inner chambers, eliminating a defenseless woman without backing was frighteningly simple—not even requiring basic poison.
Cold neglect from mother-in-law and husband naturally led servants to kick soone when they were down. Making her wait slightly longer during winter greetings, delaying slightly during illness—enough for a high fever to turn fatal.
Even having guessed the outco, seeing this still ignited An Ning's fury. The entire family being exiled after confiscation of property seed too light a punishnt.
Though considering how Zhao Shiyang—the main culprit—ended up dying at the hands of Commandery Prince Yong, whom he'd desperately curried favor with in the previous life, sowhat eased her frustration.
What truly surprised yet didn't surprise An Ning was...
"This protagonist's survival skills are ridiculously good!"
An Ning's lips twitched involuntarily.
Yes, this world also had a protagonist—the famously formidable Niohuru clan mber. The reason An Ning hadn't noticed this transmigrator initially was simple...
Her unparalleled ability to lay low.
Perhaps knowing she'd be the ultimate victor, this woman was the absolute queen of discretion, rigidly following historical developnts without any unnecessary actions.
She'd indeed succeeded last lifeti. Even as Empress Dowager, she'd never revealed any clues before her son until death.
This lifeti, what tipped An Ning off was discovering the Niohuru woman in the Fourth Prince's household hadn't borne any children—Fourth Prince Hongli's mother being an obscure Han Army Banner concubine instead. This made An Ning investigate thoroughly.
The truth proved straightforward.
An Ning's earlier actions had successfully made this transmigrator question reality. After thorough investigation and consideration, the woman beca convinced...
That Crown Prince Yinreng had been reborn!
Terrified of future retribution and deeply versed in survival tactics, she not only refused childbirth temptations but stayed as far from the Fourth Prince as possible.
Though childless, her retirent years were quite comfortable. Originally an engineering major in her past life, she keenly observed changing tides, spending fortunes to acquire books through servants. After years of dedicated research, she achieved so breakthroughs.
This ensured generous treatnt even after Hongshi inherited the title...
When An Ning passed away, this woman remained in robust health, eating heartily and taking multiple daily strolls around her estate!
Truly impressive—even An Ning had to admire such survival instincts.
What An Ning didn't know was that early on, this protagonist had also suspected her, the "Ninth Princess Consort." Only after seeing An Ning bear just one daughter over years did suspicions fade.
Instead, she deeply admired the Crown Prince's "psychological annihilation" tactics, becoming even more reclusive...
Aside from this episode, the original soul again awarded five stars for this mission.
Seeing over 300 points on her panel, An Ning hesitated before abandoning space upgrade plans...
***
Waking again in a cramped room, habit made An Ning instinctively feel the bedding with tiny hands before even opening eyes.
Hmm...narrow, not exactly hard but noticeably coarse—middling fabric quality at best.
Imdiately, An Ning knew this start wouldn't be smooth.
Sure enough:
"Ah-Ning! You're finally awake! Miss asked after you today."
"But don't worry—I got Wang Ma to excuse you, saying you're unwell..."
The speaker was a twin-bunned girl around eight or nine. Seeing An Ning awake, she hastily poured hot water from a small stove.
With duties awaiting, the girl soon left after placing the water and a small jar of pear syrup—a gift from Miss to soothe coughs—by the bed.
Only after she left did An Ning close her eyes to receive this body's mories.
Original host Chen Xiaoya, rely five years old, was already a low-ranking maid in the Lin household.
Normally too young for selection, her eight-year-old sister Chen Daya—terrified of separation—had desperately clung to the steward's legs during recruitnt, kowtowing until her forehead bled to evoke pity.
The child's pleasant appearance and bright deanor helped too.
As for "Miss"...An Ning fell into odd silence. This na remained famous even in modern tis.
Lin Daiyu—a four-year-old toddler version.
Months earlier, the little maid had inhaled stove smoke while working, caught cold, and collapsed on her way back—right where young Lin happened to pass while paying respects.
Perhaps pitying such a young child, Lin brought her in as a third-rank maid.
Though young, her duties were light—mostly following older girls, playing, and occasional learning.
In normal official households with kind masters, such maids could expect stable futures. But...
This was the Lin household. The legendary Lin family from Dream of the Red Chamber...
When mansions collapse, others might manage with family support. But considering these sisters' relatives...An Ning's gaze turned icy.
Just then, whimpers arose in her mind:
"Wow! Was that the legendary Pearl Jiangzhu Immortal, Sister Lin?"
"Already frail so young?" Thinking of the girl's tragic fate, the system whimpered:
"So...so pitiful!"
An Ning: "..."
Looking down at her tiny, bony hands and cramped hovel, she deadpanned:
"System, what exactly am I now?"
"A...a maid..." The whimpers softened nervously.
"Yes! So you DO know I'm a 'maid'!"
Glaring at the sniveling dog-form system, An Ning heavily emphasized the last word.
System: "..."
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