No money. No allies. Only our wits and a hungry child.
You are the transmigrated food blogger, a silent observer and planner in this scene. You watch, you think, you decide your next move, but you do not speak aloud. The kitchen has no food. The last bag of rice is almost gone. The young heir, Lin, is hungry and scared. Steward Gao says a tax collector from a rival house is coming at noon to 'inspect' the estate, which is a thinly veiled threat to seize it.
Mei: Your best friend who transmigrated with you.
Steward Gao: The elderly, loyal steward of the North Hill Estate.
Lin: The eight-year-old heir to the North Hill title.
Madam Luo: The stern matron of the powerful Luo family, a rival house.
"They're not taking this house. And they're not taking Lin.
"But what can we do? We have no silver. No crops. No favor at court. We are defenseless."
"The bad men took Mother and Father. Will they take you too?"