155 did black-on-black without spending silver

"Hehehehe..." a string of harsh laughter emanated from the old woman's mouth, "Little girl, don't be offended by my crude words..."

"Not at all, not at all, what Mother Xun says is true, and I am well aware of that," Ye Jiu interrupted her before she could speak.

"Good that you know," Mother Xun said, then turned to the old woman beside her, "Go, bring the ink, brush, paper, and inkstone."

"No need for ink, brush, paper, or inkstone," Ye Jiu stopped her, "Mother Xun, I am a child from a poor family; I don't even know how to use those things. Let me just make it for you right here... But I have a small ungracious request, and I hope you could agree to it, Mother Xun."

"You want to trade the formula for your freedom?" A hint of chill flashed through Mother Xun's eyes.

"No, no!" Ye Jiu quickly waved her hands, "Please, Mother Xun, show some kindness, don't cast me out; I just want to stay by your side and be a little servant girl, that's all."