The legitimate daughter returns, and everyone in the Marquis's mansion regrets and begs for for

"Mother, I'm scared, I'm really scared. Mother, please don't send me to the Lin family, okay? Mother—"

With a cold face, Madam Chen rebuked, "If you spout any more nonsense, I'll break your legs. Your uncle is already dead, yet you remain stubbornly ignorant. Are you even human?"

These words struck a nerve with Su Muya. Her father had died young, and her mother had raised her and her three sisters through immense hardship; although her uncle hadn't died as young as her father, it was because of her and her sisters.

Chen said sternly, "Your cousin is dead, and instead of crying, you wail and scream. What kind of person are you? Do you have no conscience at all?"

Su Muya burst into tears.

Sister-in-law Su came in from outside and saw Su Muya crying loudly. She quickly rushed over and hugged Su Muya to comfort her, saying, "Don't be afraid, Wan'er. Mother is here. Mother will protect you for Uncle. Be good, Wan'er, don't be afraid!"

Su Muya cried and said, "I'm scared. I'm afraid Uncle Lin will come back and settle scores with me. Mother, I don't want to go to the Lin family. Please, I beg you, don't send me to the Lin family."

Sister-in-law Su felt extremely sorry for her and said, "You silly child, your uncle is already dead. How could he possibly come back to find you? Besides, even if he did come back, we're not afraid of him! Your aunt is a Noble Consort in the capital. If she doesn't agree to this marriage, even if the Emperor knows you have an affair with him, he can't divorce her and marry someone else."

"But……"

"No buts, it's settled then. We'll talk about it again when you're further along in your pregnancy!"

Su Muya had no choice but to agree. She knew that her mother had orchestrated this whole affair, and there was no point in trying to stop her. All she could do now was live in fear and anxiety.

Looking at her, Madam Chen sighed and said, "I know you like your cousin, and I'm happy that you've finally found your home. But the Lin family is a quagmire; it's easy to get in, but difficult to get out."

Su Muya said in a low voice, "Mother, I don't want to go into the Lin family."

“Wan’er, I know you like your cousin. But as you can see, Cousin Lin is not someone you can covet. If you want to save your life, you must enter the Lin family.”

Su Muya remained silent. She knew she couldn't escape Uncle Lin's clutches, but she was truly unwilling to marry him. Why was it that her father died young, while he enjoyed such a glamorous life?

"Wan'er, the Lin family is the wealthiest family in Jiangnan. Marrying into their family will not only bring you happiness but also endless wealth. This is a marriage that has fallen from the sky; others would love to be able to get it!"

Su Muya shook her head and said, "No, I would rather be poor and destitute than wrong myself."

Seeing her so stubborn, Chen couldn't help but yell angrily, "Are you trying to drive me crazy? If you do, you'll never have a good life!"

Su Muya gritted her teeth and said, word by word, "Lin Jinghe is dead. He will never come back."

After saying that, she turned and left the house. She knew her mother wasn't bluffing; her most respected uncle was dead, and her mother had completely gone mad.

Chen was furious and shouted at Su Muya's departing figure, "You have to agree today whether you like it or not."

She only calmed down after Su Muya had run far away. Sitting in her chair, Madam Chen rubbed her throbbing temples and muttered to herself, "Wan'er, don't blame me for being heartless. You chose the wrong person."

She originally felt that her son-in-law had done her family a favor and didn't want to break her promise. But her mother said that if Lin Jinghe were still alive, the marriage would never be called off.

Actually, when Su Dalang proposed this marriage, Madam Chen was not happy. Firstly, he was a widowed man and an orphan, and she feared her daughter would have a miserable future. Secondly, she felt that Su Dalang was not good enough for Lin Jinghe. However, her mother said that Lin Jinghe had a bright future, and her mother also instructed her that since the engagement was settled, the marriage should be conducted through proper channels.

Her mother was right; Lin Jinghe had a bright future and wouldn't have trouble finding a wife. Her mother also knew the Lin family's circumstances and was very satisfied with this marriage. So she readily agreed.

Within a few days, the Su family sent people to present betrothal gifts and also delivered deeds to 600 acres of land.

Upon hearing the news, Su Muya collapsed onto the bed. She thought that with Lin Jinghe dead, her mother would no longer force her to marry.

Ms. Chen knew that this was asking the impossible, but she really had no other choice.

Su Muya leaned against the bed, tears streaming down her face. She didn't understand how things had come to this; she just wanted to live a few years of simple, happy life with her parents.

Qing Shu received news that the Lin family had offered betrothal gifts, but Su Muya was unwilling to marry them.

Upon hearing this, Yao Yao laughed and said, "The Lin family has gone mad to believe such nonsense and actually tried to force Su Muya to submit with their power. Mother, they are too stupid."

"They never imagined that Su Muya would kill her father and then escape."

Su Muya's actions this time were too sudden; she hadn't expected it. But this was good; at least she wouldn't have to worry about her marriage. As for the Lin family's betrothal gifts, consider it compensation from the Su family for her losses.

Fu Jingxi said with a smile, "Don't worry, Lin Jinghe won't be coming back."

"really?"

Fu Jingxi nodded and said, "Yes, whether it's Lin Jinghe's body being discovered or someone telling the Lin family the truth, it will make Madam Lin hate the Su family to the bone."

He had investigated Lin Jinghe's death; the kidnapping of Su Muchen that night was orchestrated by them. Lin Jinghe had committed a serious crime in the government, and the Lin family had confessed.

Lin Jinghe's affair was merely a pretext to buy time. Lin Jinghe had always been astute; sensing something amiss, he went into hiding and hired someone to impersonate him. Not wanting to be exposed, he initially remained hidden. Only after confirming there was no danger did he venture out, then escaped under the cover of darkness.

Qing Shu asked, "Where is Lin Jinghe now?"

"In a secluded manor in Jiangnan." Fu Jingxi didn't elaborate, only mentioning it lightly to avoid arousing Qing Shu's suspicion.

Qing Shu frowned and asked, "What if the Lin family doesn't agree to annul the engagement?"

Fu Jingxi said, "Don't worry. The Lin family has declined and wouldn't dare to defy the world."

The Lin family is one of the wealthiest merchants in Jiangnan, and for such a family, reputation is of paramount importance. Therefore, even if the Lin family wanted to back out, they would have to consider the consequences.

Qing Shu breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I hope they won't dare to do anything reckless, as you said. Otherwise, I'll have a guilty conscience for the rest of my life."

Fu Jingxi patted her on the shoulder.

When Madam Lin learned of Lin Jinghe's death, she was devastated. Although he was no longer the eldest grandson, she had raised him for over thirty years, and their bond was deep. She lay heartbroken on her sickbed, and no one could console her.

Su Daya watched helplessly as her mother fell into a coma, unable to help.

When Qing Shu returned home from the palace, she heard a servant report that Lin Chengzhi had come to visit Madam Lin. Qing Shu's heart skipped a beat, but she showed no sign of it on her face.