Chapter One: Transmigrated as a Passerby

"Ding—"
"Warning! Warning!"
"System data corruption detected. Please address immediately..."
...
Jiang Zao felt irritable from the faint, persistent sound. She wanted to open her eyes and silence whatever was disturbing her sleep.
"Shut up!"
"My dear, my precious..."
The middle-aged man beside the bed paused, looking at Jiang Zao, who had sat up abruptly in a fit of irritation, appearing at a loss.
He indeed had something to discuss with his precious daughter, but he had only just entered and hadn't even spoken yet; why was she in such a foul mood?
Once Jiang Zao was fully awake, the annoying sound vanished without a trace, and the headache subsided, allowing her to calm down.
The man looked at her with concern, his expression filled with doubt. "My dear, are you alright?"
Hearing his caring tone, Jiang Zao shifted her gaze to the man by the bedside. Seeing his haggard face, she felt a brief moment of disorientation before smiling and saying, "I am fine, Father."
"As long as you are fine." Jiang Weian’s heart settled, a relieved smile appearing on his face.
That was right; this was no longer the world she knew.
Three days ago, she had died unexpectedly in her original world, only to transpire into a novel she had read in her spare time. Her current identity was nothing more than an insignificant background character.
In these three days, Jiang Zao had thought things through thoroughly.
Being a background character was fine; it meant she wouldn't be dragged into the love-hate entanglements of the protagonists. After all, her father was wealthy, so he would certainly not let her live on the streets or resort to begging.
Living out the rest of her life as a carefree slacker was not a bad plan.
However, Jiang Weian’s next words shattered her dreams of a lazy life.
"My dear, you have been out here for a long time; it is time to return."
"Return? Return where?"
Jiang Zao was confused by his words.
Was this not their home? Where else would they go?
She didn't recall this body having another home. Could she have remembered it wrong?
Jiang Weian chuckled. He didn't blame her for asking, as she had only been a year old when she was sent here; it was natural not to remember.
Looking at Jiang Zao, who had grown into a graceful young woman, Jiang Weian felt an indescribable sense of sorrow.
His daughter had suffered from a severe illness since childhood, and her mother had passed away early. The physicians at the Medicine King Valley had said her condition required quiet and rest, and she could not handle stress. Helpless, he had arranged for her to recuperate in the countryside.

Now that her condition was effectively treated and would not recur as long as she avoided major stress, and with her grandmother writing to say how much she missed her, it was the perfect time to bring her home.
"We are returning to our home, of course." Jiang Weian stood up with a smile and gently stroked her hair. "We will leave tomorrow morning. You can use the remaining time to pack and see if there is anything you need to bring."
Jiang Zao listened to his words, feeling lost in a fog. But since the one in the know had already left, she could only guess his meaning.
Could this body have a hidden identity she hadn't discovered yet?
After all, she had skimmed through parts of the novel when she read it, so it was normal to be unaware.
The more Jiang Zao thought about it, the more she felt she understood.
As for any hidden identity, she didn't care.
What kind of important person could someone who appeared for less than two chapters be? Even if there was one, she could just play the fool and muddle through; no one would be the wiser.
A wealthy young lady, an insignificant background character... a doting father, and no messy palace or domestic power struggles.
This setup was practically custom-made for her!
Jiang Zao felt a happy, retired life waving at her.
...
The next morning.
Jiang Zao was awakened by a maid, dressed simply, and boarded the carriage sent by the Jiang family.
"Father, where is the home we are going to?" In the carriage, Jiang Zao sat opposite Jiang Weian, nibbling on the pastries provided and asking casually.
Jiang Weian was not surprised by her question. He slapped his knee and spoke heartily, "Our home is in Luoshui County. Besides your father, you have a grandmother, a concubine mother, and siblings."
"When you get home, they will dote on you just as much as your father does."
Listening to his introduction, Jiang Zao’s eyes curved into a lovely smile. "Okay."
Luoshui County...
She remembered the book describing it as a prosperous place in the south, with beautiful mountains, clear waters, and honest, simple folk.
It was indeed an excellent place for retirement.
Jiang Zao arrived at the home in Luoshui County with anticipation. Stepping off the carriage, she was greeted by a high-walled courtyard. Hanging above the gate was a plaque with gold-inlaid borders and a solid black base, inscribed with the words "Jiang Mansion" in upright, square script. Mighty and solemn stone lions stood at the entrance.
The red gates were pushed open by the accompanying servants, and Jiang Zao followed behind Jiang Weian into the deep, multi-layered residence.
The Jiang mansion was a four-courtyard complex, layer upon layer, with scenery changing at every step, fully manifesting the grandeur of a prominent family.
Jiang Zao followed him through the corridors and across arched gates before reaching the rear main hall.
"Mother."
Entering the hall, an elderly woman with white hair and a kind face sat in the main seat. Jiang Weian bowed to her.
Jiang Zao followed suit. "Granddaughter greets Grandmother."
"You are home now, no need for such formalities." Song Zhihua said with a chuckle, reaching out to help her up. Her eyes turned slightly red as she looked at Jiang Zao. "Zaozao has suffered these past years."
"Grandmother, I have not suffered. I am very happy to see you." Jiang Zao smiled to comfort her. Song Zhihua gave her a sense of warmth that made her want to be close to her.
Song Zhihua nodded kindly and beckoned her to her side. "Good child, come here and let Grandmother have a good look at you."
Jiang Zao walked over obediently, letting her inspect and gaze at her.
"Our Zaozao has become a beautiful young lady, and her health is much better than in childhood."
"Zaozao has recovered well thanks to the treatment from the physicians at the Medicine King Valley, Mother, so you need not worry." Jiang Weian watched the heartwarming moment between the grandmother and granddaughter with a smile.
Jiang Zao held Song Zhihua’s aged hand and said softly, "It is all thanks to Father and Grandmother’s meticulous care; otherwise, I would not have grown up to be like this."
"Rongyue, has the young lady’s chamber been properly prepared?" Song Zhihua asked the elegant woman at the side.
"Replying to the Old Mistress, the eldest young lady’s room has already been prepared," Lin Rongyue replied gently.
Jiang Zao looked at the gentle, beautiful woman, guessing she must be her concubine mother. From her appearance, she did not seem like an unreasonable or harsh woman.
Based on her intuition, Jiang Zao’s affection for her was on par with her father and grandmother.
Song Zhihua nodded knowingly, then turned to Jiang Zao. "Zaozao, would you like to see your room?"
"Whatever Concubine Mother arranges is naturally the best. Besides, I haven't seen Grandmother for so long, and I want to spend more time with you."
Jiang Zao held her hand as if acting spoiled, which put Song Zhihua in high spirits. "Hahaha, good, Zaozao, stay and talk more with Grandmother."
Song Zhihua trusted Lin Rongyue; otherwise, she would not have entrusted the task to her.
Beside them, Lin Rongyue blushed at Jiang Zao’s praise, bowing her head in shyness.
She had expected this eldest daughter, whom she had never met, to be as her sisters had described: unreasonable, arrogant, and looking down on her concubine status.
She hadn't expected the young lady to affirm her the moment they met; how could she not be surprised?
"Grandmother, Concubine Mother, I am back!"
Before the person was seen, her voice was heard—a delicate, lively feminine voice coming from outside.
Upon hearing the voice, Lin Rongyue lost interest in Jiang Zao, focusing her attention entirely on the doorway.
Song Zhihua and Jiang Weian also turned to look at the entrance.