'Ah, how do I get used to these courtesan's clothes?!'

'My stomach is showing.'

'My collarbone is showing.'

'My arms are not covered.'

'I feel naked. (╥﹏╥)'

Reluctantly, Bing Shi removed her cloak, her dissatisfaction evident. Within a modest bathing area, she helped to clean up twenty girls covered in dirt. Dressed in not much more than a rag, their faces were a perfect picture of misery.

Bing Shi lulled the crying girl with azure-blue hair, gently washing her trembling body with a sponge, "Shh, don't worry... It's alright to be scared..."

Her gaze shifted to the group, her voice carrying strength as she continued, "Powerful women don't become strong out of nowhere. The harsh life is forcing us to grow inside and out."

She continued, "There is only much fate can help us, for we have to build our future by ourselves. Remember, no matter how much it breaks us apart, we will always rebuild ourselves and come back stronger than ever."

'~ Says the one who gave up.'

'There was no future for me. I was beyond repair.'

'~ Hypocrite.'

'So? I regret nothing.'

In agreement, the girls nodded, and each took hold of a sponge, proceeding to clumsily cleanse themselves. Under the dirt and grime were hidden beauties; gorgeous as the hues of heaven, they were resolute to change their fate.

Waiting for the opportunity to foster some connection, Bing Shi gently asked for their names and the talents they possessed.

"We don't have a name anymore," splashing a bucket of water over her body, a girl with red hair and golden eyes, spoke out. They were all Tian Shi's property now.

Bing Shi inclined her head toward the timid girl, offering her a reassuring presence, especially needed in a group of this size.

She fixed her gaze upon the girl's expansive ocean-blue eyes and prompted softly, "Hm? I didn't hear you."

"I sai-..." The red-haired girl repeated her words.

"N...Nila," the timid girl quickly tilted down her head, hiding her teary face, "I...I know how to play the pipa."

"Tianshi Nila," Bing Shi handed each one a simple white tunic, "What about others?"

From the start, Bing Shi never stopped analyzing the girls. She was curious if all women were as inferior to the female lead as portrayed in the story. The pitiful female lead somehow always accumulated nearly every woman's hatred and hostility.

It didn't make much sense to Bing Shi. Young girls were under immense pressure to be wise beyond their age. They were expected to react to situations and make critical decisions as though they were adult women with decades of life experience.

As four girls caught Bing Shi's attention, the reality proved her wrong. With their fast adaptability, the girls snatched the opportunity the moment it was thrown at them.

"Tianshi Aine." A clever girl with blond hair and lush-green eyes accepted the tunic, "I'm good in poetry and singing."

"Tianshi Rianta." Quickly catching up, a girl with honey-colored eyes and rosy pink hair thanked for the new robe, "I'm good at dancing."

"Tianshi...Eshe." Finally, the red-haired girl spoke out, "Horseriding, and...um...archery..."

Speechless, all the girls looked at Eshe in amazement, "Eeh?! Who are you?"

"Daughter of a fallen general," Eshe muttered under her nose. She was from the Triweria Kingdom — a kingdom that was now part of Rania.

After cleaning up, they walked to the next room to receive some food.

'It seems like all women around the female lead existed as mere tools to make her shine like a bright star among the dusty sky.'

["Kuro, are you ready to lit the dim sky with a myriad of shiny stars?"]

[Of course. LOL.]

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

Bing Shi repeated the process with the males. Skipping the bath part, she gave them a slice of lemon and asked them a few questions to get an overall picture of their character. If it weren't for all the spies everywhere, she'd coerce them to follow her.

'What is Zhao Rong's biggest fear?'

'The world story revolved mainly around Mao An, so there was not much information on him.'

In this world, all healthy males would join each Kingdom's army as soon as they reached the age of sixteen. Before that, they would undergo basic training in legion formation, tactics, fighting, and physical exercise.

The more wealthy and privileged their family were, the higher their position would be in the army.

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

Walking up the stairs, Bing Shi appeared in Hasan's majestic slave shop.

To know exactly what one was buying, slave traders exhibited hundreds of naked slaves on small stands. A plaque hung around their neck, displaying their origin, age, character, and education.

Passing a few, Bing Shi raised a question, "How much would I cost?"

"..." Not to catch anyone's suspicion, Hasan was required to drop the honorifics while treating Bing Shi as a courtesan in training, "Based on beauty and health alone, you'd cost around 2100 Kangs."

•─────────•❇•─────────•

1 Kang = 1 copper coin

100 Kangs = 1 silver coin

1500 Kangs = 1 gold coin

•─────────•❇•─────────•

The price ranged from 700 Kangs for a worthless mining slave, to 2500 Kangs for a sturdy male, and 3500 Kangs for a skilled individual.

A commoner's annual wage was around 9 000 Kangs. The preferable way to provide money for the family was to become a soldier, whose annual wage started at 19 000 Kangs.

Hasan, holding in his inner irritation from losing a big deal, attempted to change Bing Shi's morality, "The girls underground would cost from 10 000 to 15 000 Kangs. They are perfect for the auction house, where the price could reach as high as 100 000 Kangs. Pleas─"

His words flowed past her ears as she appraised her current beauty, "Why is my price so low then?"

Bing Shi was under the impression that she possessed a unique beauty, distinguished by her tan complexion, captivating grey eyes, and lustrous dark aqua-green hair.

"..." Reaching the guest room, Hasan poured her a cup of tea, "Miss comes from a poor village with no background story and education. Your skin is darker than desired. Men in this kingdom are fond of jade white skin. "

"Hm..." Bing Shi raised her creamy tea hands with a few small cuts and callouses from working in the fields.

'I was worried all for nothing. So it's just the skin color? I can work with that.'

To accomplish what she wanted, she didn't have lots of options when it came to her body of choice. Her piano skills were out of practice, while Kalimba wasn't as impactful. Well, those instruments didn't even exist in this world.

'Pole dancing? To be able to hold a pole, I'd need to train this weak body.'

'The problem is if Xuan Mu knew that I performed before someone else besides him... Ah, I can't even imagine his reaction.'

'Mentioning Xuan Mu, heh....'

"Shall we raise my value then?" Bing Shi took a sip of the tea, inhaling the fragrant scent of the osmanthus. Her words sounded pleasant to every businessman, old Hasan included.

· · ───────── · ⊱❈⊰· ───────── · ·

The energetic commotion of the crowd breathed life into the grand city. Vibrations resonated from carriages pulled by individuals, while the vibrant attires and distinctive traits of sellers and buyers animated the discussions.

It was a captivating spectacle, particularly for those unaccustomed to such an era.

While the notion of slavery appeared dehumanizing to Bing Shi, it was perceived as a necessity to sustain the economy. Similar to her past world, the most impressive structures had been constructed by the hands of slaves.

'When in Rome, do as the Romans do, ah?' Bing Shi had no other choice but to follow this saying. For the time being, of course...

Concealing her revealing attire beneath a cloak, Bing Shi remained vigilant of her surroundings, keenly observing for any indications of something amiss.

If Xuan Mu had also transmigrated, he might retain memories akin to little Ziek. As she familiarized herself with the unfamiliar realm, her attention was caught by a stall displaying sweet potatoes.

The smiling Bing Shi pointed with her eyes at the freshly baked potatoes, "Mr. Hasan, shall we buy some of these?"

Hasan, not used to long walks, sweated like a squeezed wet sponge. Fanning his face, he annoyingly ordered one of his three guards to buy some random food.

Meanwhile, Bing Shi took a glimpse at the man standing next to the sweet potato stall.

If not for her experience with Yi Zen's facial paralysis, Bing Shi might not have discerned that something was awry. This young man's facial expressions didn't align with his body language.

As if trying to calm down his inner tension, his hand was playing with a small knife. His dry lips and rapid breathing showed that he'd been standing at the spot for a very long time without drinking or eating.

Following his gaze, he seemed to be scanning every passerby, as if looking for someone. Except for the knife part, his manners didn't show any impatience.

In seconds, Bing Shi came up with a few reasons why he would be standing there, his past and occupation.

'Ah, I caught his attention.'