The General’s Maidservant

Chu Suian is a transmigrator who finds herself in a historical setting where she must survive by any means necessary. Her father, Chu Tongsheng, falls gravely ill while traveling for his examinations, leaving the family destitute and unable to afford medicine. Desperate to save him, Suian decides to sell herself into servitude. She travels to a talent-selecting market, where she is initially mocked for her thin, scrawny appearance and lack of physical strength. However, a slave broker reveals that she is literate, having learned to read from her father. In this era, literacy is a valuable skill, particularly for wealthy families who require study companions for their children. This revelation shifts the brokers' attitudes, and Suian is able to negotiate a deposit contract rather than a lifelong one, hoping to retain some hope of redemption in the future.

After securing the contract, Suian hands the deposit money to a villager to buy medicine for her father. She is then transported to the Chu Mansion, the estate of a fourth-rank military official. The family is prestigious, with the eldest brother serving as a General. Suian is presented to the household, where she is evaluated by the mistress of the house and the Ninth Master, Chu Yi. Chu Yi is a young, arrogant boy who despises the frivolous and pretty maids selected by his mother. He critiques the other candidates harshly, accusing them of being distractions. When his gaze falls on Suian, he is struck by the intensity and longing in her eyes. Despite her plain appearance, which the mistress criticizes, Chu Yi insists on keeping her, claiming that her ugliness is suitable for his study. Suian is thus assigned as a reading companion to the Ninth Master.

Life in the Chu Mansion is precarious for Suian. She serves Chu Yi, who is notoriously difficult and dismissive of his studies. Despite his laziness, Chu Yi retains Suian, partly because she is resilient and does not react emotionally to his provocations. Suian’s primary goal is to earn enough money to buy her freedom and return to her father. She works diligently, managing the household affairs and maintaining a low profile. Her quiet competence does not go unnoticed by the Old Madam, who begins to consider Suian for a more permanent role in Chu Yi’s household, potentially as a tongfang maid. Suian is unaware of these discussions but senses the shifting dynamics around her.

The arrival of Mr. Lin’s family marks a significant turning point. Mr. Lin is a tutor hired by the Chu family, and his relatives come to stay at the mansion. Suian is tasked with preparing their accommodations, a job she performs with great care and attention to detail. During this time, she discovers that the Lin family is in a state of decline and is relying on connections within the Chu household. Suian overhears information suggesting that the Eldest Master has taken a concubine from the Lin family, a scandal that could damage the household’s reputation. She reports this to Ziyu, a senior maid, who advises her on how to handle the sensitive information. Suian’s discretion and loyalty earn her further favor with the Old Madam.

Chu Yi remains suspicious of Suian’s motives, believing she is cunning and calculating. He tests her loyalty, at one point threatening her with physical punishment to see if she will break. Suian endures his intimidation without showing fear, which only deepens Chu Yi’s confusion and frustration. He is accustomed to people either cowering before him or trying to curry favor, but Suian’s steady, unyielding demeanor defies his expectations. Despite his outward hostility, Chu Yi finds himself increasingly dependent on Suian’s presence and competence.

As the story progresses, Suian continues to navigate the complex politics of the Chu Mansion. She balances her duties to Chu Yi with her desire to maintain her independence. The household is fraught with tension, particularly regarding the Eldest Master’s scandal and the impending return of Commander Chu from the battlefield. Suian’s position remains fragile, but her intelligence and resourcefulness allow her to survive in an environment where mistakes can have severe consequences. The narrative sets the stage for further conflicts as Suian’s past and her relationship with Chu Yi continue to evolve.