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

"Really? Then you should go and tell my father that we should move into the Duke's mansion as soon as possible."

Qing Shu chuckled and said, "You think this is as simple as moving? You should know that the Duke's mansion is very wealthy. Your father would not be able to move into the Duke's mansion unless he sold his estates and shops to prepare a sufficient dowry."

Yao Yao immediately deflated. Although she talked about moving every day, she knew it was just talk. She actually knew that moving meant preparing things, such as clothes and bedding.

Seeing her dejected look, Qing Shu couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Your father will talk to him about this, so you don't need to worry about it."

Yao Yao raised her head and asked, "Do you think Mother will agree to this marriage?"

After a moment of silence, Qing Shu said, "I think Mother will agree."

Yao Yao smiled happily and said, "Really? If Mother doesn't agree, I'll refuse to marry her."

She absolutely forbade her mother to find her a concubine, let alone a cousin or cousin's wife. Such a family would not only bring her trouble but also ruin the Lin family. If her mother stubbornly refused, she would definitely run away from home. As for whether her father would stop her, well, that would depend on whether he was willing to let her go.

Qing Shu remained silent. A family like the Lin family certainly needed a capable and influential matriarch. But this matter shouldn't be rushed; it had to be done step by step.

Seeing that Qing Shu remained silent for a while, Yao Yao couldn't help but reach out and nudge her: "Qing Shu, are you spacing out?"

Qing Shu shook her head and said, "I was thinking about your aunt's wedding date. Do you think September is a suitable time for the wedding?"

“It’s suitable, I think it’s great. I heard from my aunt that all of my eldest aunt’s relatives have died, except for my third aunt’s cousin.”

Qing Shu gently patted her arm and said with a smile, "You should think of it this way: when you become a prince's consort, your aunt's brothers and sisters will have someone to rely on."

Yao Yao looked at her with a puzzled expression and asked, "Qing Shu, what does this have to do with having a powerful backer?"

Qing Shu smiled and said, "Your aunt's great-uncle and aunt are still alive. They've made a lot of money doing business in the capital these past few years. They'll definitely help you out now that your uncle is getting married."

"Oh, I understand." After saying that, she changed the subject and said, "I'll sleep with you tonight and go back tomorrow night."

Qing Shu nodded and said, "That works too."

Yao Yao complained, "Grandma and Grandma are becoming more and more biased; they don't love me at all."

She studied medicine so hard, but her grandmother always said she wasn't like a girl and never let her touch the herbs.

Qing Shu chuckled and said, "Once you get married, your mother-in-law will dote on you."

Yao Yao pouted and said, "I'm not even old enough to be married yet! Do you think I can get married? What if I can't?"

Qing Shu said, "You're not old enough yet, but if you're willing, we can ask a matchmaker to help you find a good match. However, this is your own life's most important matter, and you have to choose for yourself."

Yao Yao hesitated, thinking about her eldest sister's marriage. Her parents weren't home; if she stayed with her mother, her mother would definitely keep her. But if she got married, she wanted to spend more time with her parents!

Qing Shu could tell what she was struggling with just by looking at her expression: "Your mother is definitely more concerned about your eldest sister's marriage than you are!"

"If your eldest sister doesn't marry Wei Zhen, why would your mother agree to let you marry him?"

Yao Yao muttered, "My father didn't propose marriage, so how can you be so sure I won't marry Wei Zhen? If my father dared to propose, my mother would have agreed immediately."

Qing Shu looked at Yao Yao and said these words with a straight face, feeling somewhat helpless. However, considering that this girl was always clever and mischievous, it wasn't surprising. So she changed the subject and brought up another matter: "I heard that the magistrate of Yunhai County is going to be transferred to Huguang. Did your father tell you about this?"

"My mother mentioned it yesterday."

Qing Shu frowned and said, "This magistrate of Yunhai County was transferred from Jiangnan, wasn't he?"

Yao Yao nodded and said, "Yes, I heard he's the nephew of the Vice Minister of Revenue. I've also heard he has a terrible temper."

Qing Shu asked with a smile, "Bad temper?"

Yao Yao nodded and said, "It is said that he is a playboy who keeps five or six beautiful and charming concubines at home. Every night he enjoys singing and dancing and has a very carefree life."

Yao Yao had gathered all this information not out of gossip, but because the magistrate had a bad reputation in Jiangnan, and she was afraid Yao Yao would suffer.

Qing Shu smiled and said, "Your aunt told me that the man is a decent person, but he's a bit lecherous and greedy. Since you know he's lecherous and greedy, what are you worried about?"

Yao Yao asked, puzzled, "Qing Shu, no matter how good a person's character is, he's still a man. Can you really trust a man?"

Qing Shu laughed and said, "Our family is a military family, so it's normal for men to have three wives and four concubines. If that man is a law-abiding citizen, I'd be willing to let Yao Yao marry him."

Yao Yao pouted and said, "You don't object to my father taking wives and concubines?"

"So graceful, so beautiful..."

Qing Shu called Yao Yao's name twice, but there was no response.

Qing Shu peeked at her and found that the girl had actually fallen asleep on her stomach.

Qing Shu looked up at the sky speechlessly. This girl was really carefree; she fell asleep so quickly. She must be so tired. No wonder she didn't open her eyes even after all the fuss last night.

Hongdou brought up the food and said to Yaoyao, who was already fast asleep, "Miss, let's wake the princess up! Otherwise, she'll wake up hungry and start crying again."

Yao Yao is most afraid of arguing; she will burst into tears at the slightest noise.

"Fine, let her be!"

After lunch, Qing Shu took Yao Yao for a walk in the garden.

Yao Yao looked at the plum blossoms in the yard and asked, "Qing Shu, I remember the peach tree you planted a few days ago has blossomed, right?"

Qing Shu said, "It's in bloom. The buds withered when the peach tree was planted, and now only the branches still have peach blossoms. If you like, I'll have the cook pick some peach petals for you to make tea tomorrow."

Yao Yao exclaimed in surprise, "Qing Shu, did I hear that right?"

"No. Your mother has been busy lately and hasn't had time for you. It will be fine in a while."

Yaoyao said happily, "Then thank you in advance!"

The two walked slowly along the path. Suddenly, Yao Yao's foot slipped and she veered to the side.

Qing Shu quickly grabbed her and helped her to her feet, saying, "I'll take you back to your room."

Yao Yao waved her hand and said, "No need, you still need to write! I can walk back myself."

She's twelve years old now and practices kung fu, so a fall wouldn't leave her crippled.

Qing Shu watched her figure disappear around the corner, shook her head, and went inside to continue writing. When Yao Yao returned, she saw her sitting in a chair, sipping her tea slowly from her cup.

Qing Shu put down her pen, walked over, and asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"