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

“Mother, why do you always speak up for that wretched woman? I shouldn’t have agreed to marry her off to the Crown Prince of Han.”

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Let me find you a marriage partner."

Su Muwan looked uninterested: "Mother, can you please stop bothering me?"

"Don't rush to refuse, let your mother finish speaking first."

"You said."

Madam Li said with a smile, "He is your great-aunt's grandson. His name is Zhao Ling. He is handsome and has a refined appearance. He is a scholar who passed the imperial examination at a young age. Your uncle and his father have a good relationship. I think this marriage is a good match."

Su Muwan frowned: "You despise me again, you despise me for being a burden to you, and you want to marry me off to your half-brother born to your mistress. Don't worry, I don't want this marriage."

"You silly child, how could your mother think of you like that!" Madam Li said with exasperation. "Look at your eldest cousin, Su Muya, she's much more sensible and understanding than you. If you were like your eldest cousin, your mother would have less to worry about."

Su Muwan snorted coldly and said, "My eldest cousin was sensible and understanding, but it's a pity she died young and so tragically. Mother, have you forgotten how I died?" Su Muya was driven to her death by her mother.

"Don't worry, I will never push you into a fire pit." Li said solemnly in a low voice, "If you are not willing, then we will find another marriage, or you don't like that Zhao Ling. I remember that your third aunt has a nephew named Zhao Zhi, who is your third uncle's youngest son and is seventeen years old this year.

Su Muwan's eyes lit up; she liked Zhao Zhi. Zhao Zhi was tall, thin, and handsome, with a calm and composed personality; most importantly, he was the eldest son of the legitimate wife.

"Alright then, we'll do as Mother says."

Madam Li said with a smile, "Alright, I'll discuss this with your third uncle and get you married as soon as possible."

Su Muya suddenly remembered: "Mother, when I entered the city just now, I heard that Zhao Ling is coming to the capital today."

Li was surprised: "He only arrived in the capital on the sixth day of this month. Where did you hear that?"

"I went to a teahouse today and overheard the customers at the next table talking."

"You mean Zhao Ling is also in the capital? Will he come to the Marquis's residence?"

Su Muya shook her head and said, "I don't know. Mother, please have someone keep a close eye on him. If he comes to the Marquis's residence, please tell me."

Su Muwan was deeply upset after overhearing her mother and sister's conversation. Were they trying to sell her to Zhao Ling? No, she would rather die than let Zhao Ling have her. She would find a way to prevent Zhao Ling from marrying her.

In the evening, after finishing his official duties, Su Muyang went to his study. The Su family's study was in the west courtyard, and Su Muya rarely came here.

"Fifth brother, you're back." Su Muya stood under the eaves and waved to Su Muyang.

Su Muyang was taken aback when he saw Su Muya, and then said, "Sister Muya, when did you come back? Why didn't you let me know?"

"Oh, I just got back to the capital this afternoon. By the way, I went to a jewelry shop today and saw a jade pendant that I wanted to give you as a birthday gift." Su Muya took the brocade box from the maid and handed it to Su Muyang.

"Thank you, Sister Muya."

"By the way, Fifth Brother, what do you think of this brocade box?"

"It's quite beautiful, but..."

"Just what?"

Su Muyang placed the brocade box into Su Muya's hands: "I heard that things have been quite chaotic in the capital lately. A few days ago, I visited my uncle and he looked very worried, as if something bad had happened. My uncle told me that it's best not to accept gifts from strangers. Sister Muya, you should keep this brocade box."

Upon hearing this, Su Muya's heart skipped a beat. No wonder her uncle had been disliking her lately; he was afraid she would harm him. Su Muya immediately deflated.

"Since that's the case, then I won't force you." Su Muya handed the brocade box to the maid beside her, then pulled Su Muyang into the house to continue chatting.

The mother and daughter chatted for a while before Su Muya left.

Li asked, "Muyang, why didn't you accept the brocade box?"

Su Muyang said calmly, "Mother, who is this person you're talking about? I don't know him."

Li looked at Su Muyang suspiciously: "Muya told me that she saw a jade pendant she liked at the embroidery shop and wanted to buy it for you as a birthday gift. She told me that she bought the jade pendant herself."

Su Muyang said, "Mother definitely knows who that person is." He's getting smarter and smarter.

Madam Li frowned slightly and said unhappily, "Mu Ya said he's your aunt's son, surnamed Zhao."

Su Muyang was shocked: "Mother, how could you marry me off so casually?"

"Your mother is doing this for your own good. I'll marry you off after you come of age. You and Muya have gotten along very well over the years. Although Muya is a bit willful, she has a good heart. You won't suffer if you marry her."

"Mother, how could you arrange my marriage so casually?"

"Don't talk nonsense. Mu Ya is not willful. She is kind-hearted and a gentle and virtuous girl. Moreover, she is sincere towards you."

"I don't care if she's willful or not, I just don't want to marry her."

Su Muya walked in, beaming, and said, "Brother, I brought you some fresh lychees, they're still warm, have a taste!"

Li said sternly, "Your brother has already said he doesn't want to. You should go back now!"

Su Muya's face turned pale instantly: "Brother, how could you do this to me? I've been so good to you, but you don't appreciate it. Waaah, you don't love me anymore, you hate me."

Su Muyang said helplessly, "Sister Muya, it's not that I don't appreciate it, but... never mind, I'm too lazy to explain. You should just go back!"

"Brother, you don't love me, you don't care about me at all. Mother, I beg you, please let my brother accept the brocade box! You are siblings, you should take care of her."

Looking at Su Muya, Madam Li sighed, "Muya, it's not that I'm heartless, it's just that your uncle's family doesn't have any eligible young men. The contents of this brocade box are worth a fortune, and your uncle's family can't afford to pay for it. You'd better not even think about taking it."

Su Muya didn't believe Li's words: "Mother, my uncle's family has money. You can ask him to lend it to me, and I can earn the money myself to pay them back."

Madam Li refused directly: "Muya, the things in this brocade box are a gift from the Emperor. Your father said that things bestowed by the Emperor cannot be given away casually, otherwise it would be a crime of deceiving the Emperor."

Li was right; the brocade box was indeed a gift from Zhao Zhen to the Su family. As for Zhao Ling's desire to marry Su Muwan, not only was Princess Zhao opposed, but Grand Secretary Su and the old lady were also firmly against it. Su Muwan was born of a concubine, and marrying Zhao Ling would be a step up for her. Moreover, they didn't even know what kind of person Zhao Ling was; what if he was a spoiled brat? Such a thing would be incredibly shameful if word got out, and besides, it was a gift from the emperor, so they dared not accept it.

Su Muyang was startled by these words: "Is this really true? I have to go back and tell my father right away."