Chapter 1 - 1 Chapter 001: Beaten to Death (1/2)

1 Chapter 001: Beaten to Death

Translator: 549690339

“Sister, sister…”

A voice called out by her ear, soft and sticky, but anxious.

Zhuang Qingning opened her eyes and saw a young girl with a worried expression.

The girl had a thin face, her cheeks slightly sunken in, and her hair some sort of yellowish-brown. At first glance, it was clear that she was suffering from chronic malnutrition. The robe draped around her was clearly an old one handed down from her older sister, too big for her small frame. It made her look like a large-headed doll. Even her hair bun was slightly fluffy because it hadn’t been combed for a long time.

“Sister, are you awake?” The young girl was visibly excited to see Zhuang Qingning’s eyes flutter open. She reached out a small hand to feel her sister’s forehead and then touched her own, “It seems like the fever has broken.”

“But just because your fever’s gone, doesn’t mean you’re fully recovered. You can’t stay in bed, you must get up and work.”

“Aunt has scolded us several times already, we’re late today, I’m afraid she won’t let us eat breakfast.”

“I’m fine, but sister, if you’re unwell and can’t eat, what can we do?”

The young girl said through a veil of tears.

Being such a loving person at her tender age, she’s a well-behaved child.

Zhuang Qingning stirred a little, stretching out her arm, the inside of which was aching due to the fever. She patted the young girl’s head gently: “Qingsui dear, your sister is fine. I’m all better.”

Zhuang Qingsui was the name of the girl standing before her, her biological sister in this world, only eight years old this year.

She had transmigrated.

After working late into the night, on a rainy night, she was hit by a truck that ran a red light while she was returning home alone. She died on the spot. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself in an unknown ancient era, reincarnated as a 13-year-old girl who shared her name.

Her parents had died early. In this era where women had no inheritance rights, the house and farmland belonging to Zhuang Qingning’s family did not go to her and her sister, but per the rules, they went to her uncle’s family who had offspring.

In return, Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui were to be raised by their uncle’s family until they were old enough to marry.

However, the method of this care…

“The sun’s already high, and you’re still lazing around at home? Do you think you’re little princesses who don’t have to work? Get out here and work right now!”

“What a couple of lazy ones! If you aren’t pushed, you don’t work! Every day I feed you and all I get are two lazybones. I’d do better feeding a dog than feeding you two little brats.”

A plump woman of medium height stood in the courtyard with her hands on her hips, shouting angrily. Her rage caused the fat on her face to shake. The maliciousness in her eyes seemed ready to swallow people whole.

This was their Aunt, Mrs. Song.

“Sister.” Zhuang Qingsui pulled Zhuang Qingning’s sleeve, her voice teary.

Mrs. Song was usually harsh with them. Now, she was scolding them in the courtyard. Once they went outside, they would probably be met with a tirade of abuse and blows.

“It’s alright.” Zhuang Qingning climbed out of bed.

Her clothes were full of patches upon patches, and her shoes were of the same kind. One of the shoes even had a small hole at the toe because of long usage.

This Mrs. Song was extremely cruel. She had taken a house and five acres of land from Zhuang Qingning’s family, promising in front of the clan to take care of her two nieces, but in reality, this was how they were treated.

The girls were always hungry and cold and had to do a lot of heavy work. If Mrs. Song was unhappy, she would ruthlessly beat and scold them.

One can only assume that the previous Zhuang Qingning had died due to years of hard labor and malnutrition, unable to recover from a simple cold.

Zhuang Qingning frowned. Her disdain for her cruel aunt began to swell from her heart, making her hold her breath and causing her to cough a few times.

“Sister, you should rest a bit more. I can do the work.” Zhuang Qingsui, looking worried, supported her.

Worst case scenario, she would work till midnight again.

“Don’t worry. I’m alright already.” Zhuang Qingning lightly patted Zhuang Qingsui’s head.

Although they had just met, Zhuang Qingning could feel this younger sister’s kindness and thoughtfulness.