Chapter 37: Reclaiming the Family Estate

In an instant, panic swept through the entire Liu family. Some were so terrified that their legs gave out beneath them, and they collapsed to the floor. The Liu family had long grown accustomed to their unchecked arrogance in Wan City, believing no one would ever dare challenge them. Yet now, someone had suddenly risen up and slain so many of their people. The Liu family could scarcely believe what they saw. Even their family's main pillar, Liu Xunshan, had been killed. What could those remaining possibly do now?

Next, Liu Xie killed another man—the family's steward. In some ways, this steward was even more detestable than Liu Hai. He flaunted his status as the Liu family's steward, wielding considerable power, and had inflicted endless misery upon the people of Wan City. So Liu Xie did not hesitate; he killed him outright.

In the end, only a group of women and maids remained in the Liu household. "Who is in charge of the family now?" Liu Xie asked, his gaze sweeping over the frightened faces. "Where is Madam Liu?" At these words, many glanced toward a richly dressed woman nearby—the mistress of the Liu family, Liu Xunshan's wife, Lady Wang.

"Please, don't—don't kill me," she stammered, trembling as she struggled to her feet.

"Rest assured, I do not kill the innocent," Liu Xie replied calmly. "As I said before, I seek only what is rightfully ours. Those things of Zhang Jiayu's never belonged to the Liu family; your son seized them by force. Now, whatever your son has taken from her, return it all."

Once more, Liu Xie made his purpose clear.

"Yes, yes," Lady Wang nodded hurriedly, not daring to defy him. Under her direction, everything that had been taken from Jiayu—all the deeds to houses and lands, and various other things—was brought forth and returned without exception. Among them were five or six maids who had once served at Jiayu's side, whom Liu Xie also intended to take away. What belonged to them, Liu Xie would not leave behind; what did not, he would not take.

So it was that, more than an hour later, as night fell completely, Liu Xie left the Liu residence with a stack of property deeds and five maids in tow.

On the way home, the maids followed Liu Xie with utmost caution, not daring to utter a word. Their fear of him was plain to see—for to them, he was a man who killed without a second thought.

As they walked, Liu Xie glanced back at the maids, understanding what weighed on their minds. "Do you find me frightening?" he asked gently, his tone warm and friendly.

"No, no," one of the maids replied timidly.

"Don't worry," Liu Xie reassured them, "I've already said I do not kill the innocent. The Liu family acted with cruelty and injustice; what I've done is nothing more than ridding the people of a scourge. You were once Jiayu's maids—I am simply taking you back. And more than that, I will give you the right to choose your own fate. If you wish to remain with Jiayu, you may do so. If you no longer wish to serve others, I will make that decision for you—I will grant you your freedom."

On the way back, Liu Xie spoke at length, especially about the matter of contracts. To him, things like deeds to land and houses were simply proofs of ownership—no different than property certificates in the modern age. But what he could not accept were the contracts of servitude. To him, such documents were inhumane, binding a person's freedom for life, condemning some to serve a family or individual forever, with no choice of their own. Having lived in the 21st century, Liu Xie found this intolerable. He longed for reform, for a world filled with freedom. Yet despite being an emperor, he possessed no real power, and, most ridiculous of all, did not even dare to reveal his true identity now.

So he planted a seed in his heart, vowing that when he regained power and ascended the throne once more, he would abolish such practices. But that was a matter for the future. For now, he would simply try to enjoy the coming New Year.

After hearing Liu Xie's words, the maids following behind began to change. Whether or not they believed him, his speech softened their impression of him. They realized that Liu Xie was not merely a ruthless killer.

Upon arriving home and stepping through the door, Liu Xie was immediately greeted by the delicious aroma of food. Clearly, the New Year's Eve dinner was ready.

"Mother, Uncle Liu has returned!" called Niuniu, who was playing in the courtyard.

At her shout, Jiayu and Fu Shou emerged from the house. Their initial delight faltered as they caught sight of the group following Liu Xie—several very familiar faces.

"Madam!" the maids cried out at the sight of Jiayu.

"Xiaoyuan, Xiaomin—you, how...?" Jiayu was dumbfounded. These five women had all once been her maids, serving her for many years. Of course she recognized them at a glance.

"Madam," the maids exclaimed, rushing over to greet her and exchange fond reminiscences. It was clear that Jiayu had always treated them well, and their affection for her was genuine.

Soon, Jiayu learned from the maids all that had transpired at the Liu residence—the killing of Liu Xunshan, the reclaiming of her family's property. She listened, stunned.

"Young Master Liu, I—I..." Jiayu was overwhelmed with gratitude, at a loss for words. Overcome with emotion, she fell to her knees once more.

"Young Master Liu, you are our benefactor. From this day forward, I am willing to serve you loyally in gratitude," she declared, her heart brimming with thankfulness.

When her family estate had been seized by the Lius, Jiayu had lost all hope, never dreaming it could be restored. At first, when Liu Xie promised to seek justice for her, she had doubted him, thinking he spoke only to comfort her. But now, Liu Xie had slain the Liu father and son and brought back all her lost property. He had fulfilled his every word.

Liu Xie hurriedly helped her to her feet, placing the thick pile of property deeds in her hands—all except the five contracts of servitude, which he did not hand over.

"Jiayu, your words are too heavy. This was but a trifling effort," he said. "The reason I waited until today to act was so I could present these things to you as a New Year's gift."