Chapter 38: A Different New Year's Eve Dinner

Unbeknownst to herself, Jiayu was already in tears.

When Liu Hai abandoned her, all her family property was lost. She and her daughter lived a life of hardship, as if engulfed by suffering. At that time, she felt the whole world was shrouded in darkness. It wasn’t until Liu Xie and the others appeared that she began to realize—there truly were good people in this world.

“Thank you, thank you, benefactor.”

She once more offered her thanks, her emotions overwhelming. Liu Xie gave her a gentle smile. “All right, no need to say so much. It’s good that you’ve recovered your family property.”

“A new year, a new beginning. Everything will only get better from now on.” Both Liu Xie and Fu Shou comforted her greatly.

Jiayu wiped away her tears, nodding fervently like a little chick pecking at rice.

“Yes, a new beginning. Come, let’s go inside and eat.”

With that, Jiayu led everyone in.

However, the five maids remained standing, unsure of what to do. Liu Xie, who had taken a few steps, turned to look at them.

“You’re home now, don’t be so restrained. Come in.”

The five young women followed nervously, still settling in a corner by the wall. They were used to being maids—half their lives had been spent serving others. Sitting down was something they wouldn’t dare.

But Liu Xie immediately pulled them to the table, seating them.

“My dear sisters, I am no longer the lady I once was. From now on, let’s live well together—you don’t need to serve me anymore.”

Jiayu understood the current predicament. Her life was so difficult now, how could she possibly have others serving her?

“Madam, we…” The five young women felt utterly unaccustomed; no one had ever spoken to them like this before.

At this moment, Liu Xie smiled and looked at Jiayu, producing the five indenture contracts.

“Jiayu, these are their indenture contracts. Originally, they belonged to you; later, when they entered the Liu family, they belonged to the Liu family. Now that they have returned, the contracts should be returned to you. But I have a request—Jiayu, would you agree?”

Liu Xie held the five contracts, earnestly asking Jiayu.

“Master Liu, there’s no need for such formality. Without you, my daughter and I might have starved to death. Whatever you say, I will agree.”

Jiayu’s attitude was gracious.

Liu Xie nodded lightly. “It’s simple—return these five contracts to them, grant them their freedom. If they wish to stay, let them stay, and we’ll live together. No one needs to serve anyone anymore; we’ll support each other. If they don’t wish to stay, let them find their own way.”

At his words, the maids were stunned. On the journey home, Liu Xie had mentioned granting them freedom, but they hadn’t taken it seriously, thinking he was only making promises. They never expected Liu Xie would truly decide so.

“Master Liu, you’ve thought too much. Even in the past, I never regarded them as mere servants. In truth, I intended to restore their freedom as well.”

Jiayu did not refuse, agreeing sincerely. Though she had recovered her property, the matter of maids was no longer important to her after years of self-reliance.

Liu Xie smiled, handing the contracts to the young women.

“All right, Jiayu has agreed. I promised you your freedom. Whether you stay or go, the choice is yours.”

He spoke gently.

Taking the contracts, the maids looked at Liu Xie in disbelief. They were truly free? It felt like a dream—unimaginable.

When they finally gathered their wits, they knelt before Liu Xie without hesitation.

“Thank you, thank you, madam, thank you, Master Liu!”

With gratitude overflowing, they knelt and thanked him profusely.

Liu Xie lifted them up and seated them.

“It was nothing. From now on, indenture contracts mean nothing to you. If you ever have troubles, come to me—I will help you. Never sell yourselves again.”

With warmth in his voice, Liu Xie spoke at length.

The five young women and Jiayu were all moved to tears.

To them, meeting someone as kind as Liu Xie was the greatest stroke of luck.

“Master Liu, we have no family left, so…”

One of the maids spoke softly.

Liu Xie understood their meaning. With no family, even if they left, they had nowhere to go.

“Very well, stay. Let’s live together.”

“From now on, we are family, and staying means we can take care of one another.”

Liu Xie smiled.

Everyone nodded eagerly.

And so, a group of people—without status or distinction—shared a truly joyful New Year’s Eve dinner.

This night held special significance for each of them.

For Fu Shou, it was perhaps the most modest celebration, yet the happiest Spring Festival she’d ever experienced. Though the table lacked the palace’s abundance, her heart was free of burdens. There was no fear of Cao Cao’s schemes, nor concern for other troubles.

For Jiayu and her daughter, after years of hardship, they had finally seen the dawn.

For the five maids, who had spent half their lives in service, it was their first proper meal.

Then there were the twenty members of Wolf Shadow. During this time, they had followed Liu Xie through many trials, becoming a formidable little force. Their greatest fortune was that their master—Liu Xie—treated them well.

Lastly, there was Liu Xie himself.

This was his first Spring Festival in the era of the Three Kingdoms. Whatever the circumstances, this New Year’s Eve held profound meaning for everyone.

Thus ended a harmonious, joyful New Year’s Eve.

Living together in one courtyard, they felt like a family, filled with happiness.

After the meal, as everyone tidied up, Liu Xie stepped out alone into the courtyard.

Gazing up at the clear sky, he was overwhelmed by emotion.

The same sky, yet a different era and world.

He didn’t know how he had come to this place. In the twenty-first century, he was already dead. Since Heaven had granted him another life, especially in such tumultuous times, he was determined to accomplish something earth-shattering.

“Husband, what are you thinking?” Fu Shou approached from behind.

Liu Xie smiled, taking her arm. “I’m thinking about the future.”

“The future? Do you have plans, aspirations?”

Indeed, their goal was the restoration of the Han Dynasty.

This place was only a temporary refuge for them.