Collecting Rent in Ancient Times

Jiang Er transmigrates into a book as Jiang Xiao'er, the daughter of an innkeeper who appears only once in the story.

The inn is spacious and well situated, but her father falls gravely ill, leaving all the burdens to Jiang Xiao'er.

When word gets out that Jiang Xiao'er has spent all her money treating her father, panic spreads through the inn:

The cook demands his wages and hurries off.

The staff pack up and leave in the middle of the night.

Even the cleaning lady urges Jiang Xiao'er to sell the inn as soon as possible, before it runs at a loss and ruins its reputation.

Looking at the inn's exquisite guest rooms, Jiang Xiao'er puts up a notice outside the next day:

Lodging, long-term rentals.

For scholars traveling to the capital to take the imperial exams, Jiang Xiao'er rents out a secluded side room, quiet and undisturbed, where they'll soon be the top scholar.

For peddlers doing business in the capital, she rents out a simple, modest room, a place to rest and shake off their weariness, a home for those who wander.

For couples visiting the capital, she rents out a beautiful bedroom, with brocade quilts to recall their wedding day and a window overlooking the first shoots of spring.

Later, a curious story spreads through the capital: the Jiang Inn serves no food or wine, yet is famous throughout the land.

*

When Jiang Xiao'er falls on hard times, she takes in a beggar. He eats a lot and does little work, and she nearly kicks him out. Luckily, the beggar is quick-witted and good with accounts, so he gets to stay.

Later, the beggar marries Jiang Xiao'er and says he'll return to his hometown to prepare the betrothal gifts. A few days later, faced with a grand wedding procession and the elegant young gentleman at its head, Jiang Xiao'er blurts out, "Who are you?"

[Rent-collecting, fish-out-of-water heroine x fish-out-of-water hero who just wants to eat and do nothing]

Jiang Xiao'er: Are you going to collect the rent?

Beggar: (turns over) I don't want to move. You're the boss, you go.

Jiang Xiao'er: Ah, I don't want to move either. (lies down)

#One lazy fish can barely move, but two lazy fish just lie flat#

#The tenants weep: The boss hasn't asked for the rent today, either#

One-on-one, happy ending.

[Blurb written on November 11, 2021]

Theme: The world is vast, and I want a home.