The Fu Family Has a Fine Daughter (Republican Era)

Funi was fourteen when her family fell on hard times. Holding a small suitcase, she stood nervously at the entrance to the old mansion. It wasn't her family's home anymore.

A distant uncle took her in, and from then on, the Bai family's servants called her the young Miss from the family branch. She had the title of a young lady, but in reality, all she did was keep the Bai matriarch company every day. Her treatment was a little better than a servant's, at least.

One day, she met Third Master Zheng, who was visiting the Bai family. Finding her amusing, he beckoned her over for a chat.

After one thing led to another, Funi somehow became a maid at Third Master Zheng's side.

There was just one catch: Third Master Zheng said that his maids had to be literate and fluent in foreign languages, too.

And so Funi started going to school, all to become a capable little maid for Third Master Zheng. Other people studied hard so they could get a good job or marry into a good family. Funi alone did it so Third Master Zheng would stop tapping her on the head and calling her a little dummy.

At last, Funi graduated. Watching the young woman walk toward him with graceful poise, Third Master Zheng was overcome with emotion.

He had intended to raise her, pay for her education, and then provide her with a generous dowry when she married, repaying the kindness her parents had shown him. But without realizing it, the young woman had taken over his heart, leaving no room for anyone else.

Theme: Self-reliance is the foundation of a life well lived.