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

Qu Muya sneered inwardly, but maintained a gentle smile on her face. She thought to herself, "This Granny Sun is indeed a cunning old fox. She will definitely side with the strong at this crucial moment. She would never dare to reveal Qu Muya's affairs, but her attitude makes people feel uncomfortable."

"Granny Sun, you flatter me. I was merely following the family rules," she said slowly, but a strange anxiety welled up inside her. After all, today's trip to apologize was undoubtedly a trap set by Qu Muya. If she didn't handle it properly, wouldn't she fall into the carefully woven net?

A murmur came from the hall. Qu Muya tilted her head slightly and heard two servants behind her whispering, their voices filled with sarcasm and disdain.

"Miss Muya, are you apologizing this time for your reputation, or for the sake of your poor maid?"

"A poor maid? Haha, she's nothing but a lowly being. It's quite surprising that Miss Muya would plead guilty for her sake."

Qu Muya felt a sharp pain in her heart, her face instantly darkening, but she quickly composed herself and walked calmly towards the ancestral hall. Her shadow stretched long in the sunlight, as if it held countless emotions of resentment and anger, yet she knew she had to endure it. For her reputation, for her future, she had to restrain herself.

Stepping into the ancestral hall, a faint scent of incense filled the air, seemingly amplifying the divine authority. Qu Muya took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and respectfully bowed, a slight tremor appearing on the white silk she held in her hands.

"Madam, I beg your forgiveness for my previous ignorance and recklessness." Her voice was clear and firm; despite the turmoil in her heart, she refused to show the slightest weakness.

As she finished speaking, a low murmur rippled through the ancestral hall, with some even covering their mouths, their barely concealed laughter spreading through the air.

"Ah, how laughable! The eldest daughter of the Qu family is so humble for a mere maid."

"Qu Qingwan's methods are truly brilliant; Miss Mu Ya has become a laughingstock."

The mocking words pierced her heart like swords. Qu Muya's hands clenched slightly, her nails digging deep into her palms, as if only in this way could she quell the anger in her heart. She knew she couldn't back down; she absolutely couldn't let these people look down on her.

Just then, a clear voice rang out from behind the ancestral hall, "Oh, Sister Muya, today's apology is truly something to look forward to." Qu Qingwan walked over slowly, a faint smile on her face, seemingly unintentionally drawing everyone's attention.

Qu Muya's heart tightened, but her face remained impassive. Every word Qu Qingwan spoke was like a needle, piercing her deepest sore spot. She smiled faintly, thinking to herself, "Qu Qingwan, don't think your scheme will succeed so easily this time."

“Sister Qingwan, you’ve come at the perfect time. You can be a witness.” Qu Muya turned around, as if emphasizing her firmness and resolve. “Today, I am acting for myself, and also for my innocent maid. Please, Madam, investigate.”

All eyes turned back to her, and Qu Qingwan's smile faltered slightly, a barely perceptible hint of gloom flashing in her eyes. However, Qu Muya's words left her speechless for a moment.

"Alright, since you're so righteous, I'll give you a good hand." Qu Qingwan's voice was like a gentle stream, soft and tender, yet it carried a strong sense of sarcasm.

Qu Muya's heart skipped a beat; she vaguely sensed a sense of unease. However, she had no way to retreat now; she could only move forward. Facing this enemy who used her as a pawn, she knew that only by turning the tide could she regain her freedom.

Qu Muya secretly vowed that she would never again be a puppet to be manipulated, and that she would never again allow herself to act recklessly. She would take control of her own future.

Qu Muya made up her mind, but her face showed no sign of anything unusual. She slightly raised her eyes and scanned everyone, but found no clues. It was as if everything just now was an illusion, leaving no one to be sure who was behind the scenes and had dealt her a fatal blow.

Qu Muya felt a little flustered, but she remained calm on the surface. She lowered her head slightly and silently recited "Amitabha" in her heart, hoping to calm her fear in this way.

Qu Qingwan frowned slightly, a sense of unease creeping into her heart. Although she wished she could tear Qu Muya to pieces, it didn't mean she was truly willing to take responsibility.

The people inside the ancestral hall seemed quite satisfied with her actions, exchanging glances. Qu Muya's lips curved into a slight smile, her vigilance gradually relaxing, yet she remained wary.

Suddenly, a voice came from the entrance of the ancestral hall, "Everyone, please be quiet."

Qu Qingwan was startled upon hearing this; she recognized the voice all too well. It was her father's voice! Had her father already woken up?! Her gaze swept quickly around the ancestral hall, searching for something. However, she found nothing. Why was her father in the ancestral hall? She wondered to herself.

However, Qu Muya was unaware of the reason behind this, still clinging to a last glimmer of hope that it was just a coincidence. But when she saw Qu Qingyang approaching in a blue robe, all her hopes vanished.

Qu Qingyang's gaze swept over Qu Muya and then settled on the old lady's desk.

"Muya, is what happened today true?"

His voice remained clear and gentle, like the tinkling of a spring. However, everyone present knew that this was the calm before the storm.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for Qu Muya's answer.

Qu Muya felt a chill run down her spine. She pursed her lips, her heart turning cold. She had intended to take this opportunity to tell everyone that Qu Qingwan was indeed sowing discord, but before she could speak, Qu Qingyang interrupted her.

"Grandmother, I personally investigated this matter today, and there is absolutely no falsehood in it." Qu Qingyang's voice remained calm, yet it was filled with undeniable authority. "We all know that Miss Muya serves in Qingzhi Courtyard. Miss Muya, what exactly happened?"

"I..." Qu Muya gritted her teeth, her heart hardening, "I'm because...because..."

"Enough!" the old lady snorted coldly, interrupting Qu Muya. "I have my own plans for this matter, and you have no need to interfere."

The old lady's words were undoubtedly a death sentence for her. The pent-up resentment and bitterness in her heart instantly overwhelmed her, and tears streamed down her face. Qu Muya's shoulders trembled involuntarily, her heart filled with bitterness.