His Concubine

That summer after the college entrance exams, she went on a trip and saved a child from drowning.

When she opened her eyes again, she had become Liu Xu'er, the lowest-ranking cleaning maid in the Marquis of Dingyuan's household.

She worked hard to save up silver, wanting only to buy her freedom.

But one night, the young master got drunk and dragged her into his room.

The next day, he demanded that she become his concubine!

When she refused, he made her his personal maid instead!

She saved up enough silver to ask the Old Madam to buy her freedom, but he caught her and dragged her back.

He gripped her wrist and asked, "Wouldn't it be better to just behave? I'm giving you wealth and honor. What more could you want?"

She lay on the bed, crying as she shook her head.

She wanted to go home.

Theme: Standing on one's own two feet