The merchant's rebirth led to the complete downfall of the Marquis's mansion.

After recognizing her, Qin Yao couldn't just leave her outside, after all, she was her distant "cousin"! So she had no choice but to take her back.

Throughout the journey, Lina's exclamations of amazement never ceased.

They would look at this and exclaim "Wow!" or touch that and sigh; their eyes never stopped moving.

Qiu Liu remained expressionless, but Qing Zhi seemed somewhat dissatisfied.

That looks so unruly!

Even servants wouldn't touch and grope someone like that when they go to someone else's house. Their eyes and actions make it seem like they're trying to empty the place out of there.

Qingzhi glanced at Qin Yao, and seeing that she didn't say anything, she wisely shut her mouth. Although she didn't know how she suddenly had a cousin, since the young lady had already spoken, Lingna's identity was a foregone conclusion.

Lingna was assigned to a place very close to Qin Yao's courtyard. Originally, she thought it would be fine to live together, which would make it easier to have heart-to-heart talks. However, when she thought about the way the two maids beside Qin Yao looked at her, she gave up.

People in ancient times were very particular.

Lingna followed the maid to her own courtyard. She didn't have much luggage; she just threw it on the table and that was it.

Just as he was about to lie down on the bed in a spread-eagle position, Qiu Liu's voice came from behind him.

"Miss, please rest for a while. I'll have the kitchen send you some hot water later so you can wash up. Tonight, Miss will host a banquet to welcome you back."

Lina quickly lowered her outstretched hand and nodded like a chick pecking at rice.

In Qin Yao's boudoir, Qiu Liu recounted Ling Na's reaction in detail, without embellishment, yet it was still quite amusing to hear.

As Qingzhi poured tea for Qin Yao, she couldn't help but say something.

"Is she some kind of naive recluse? If you say she doesn't understand, she's quite imposing in front of the shopkeeper and the young lady; if you say she does understand, she's like a country bumpkin..."

Qiu Liu glanced at Qing Zhi and agreed.

Indeed, ordinary people will subconsciously lower their heads when they see ladies of high status or people of power and wealth, and their aura will be diminished.

This "Miss" not only didn't have one, but she was also very excited to see a lady!

However, her behavior along the way did not seem like that of someone who had seen the world, and she was even less knowledgeable than those who had lived in the Qin family all their lives.

Qin Yao took a sip of tea, unsure how to explain. Of course, they didn't know that the place where Lingna was born was a utopian world of equality, where class distinctions were not as pronounced as in their area.

Her behavior along the way... was really a far cry from the elaborate and exquisite things that were found in the place where Lina was, or as she said, every single thing here was a "rare treasure" in her eyes.

"Don't worry about those things. From now on, she'll be my cousin, your little cousin. Just pretend you don't know anything about the rest."

Qin Yao paused for a moment, then continued, "Qiu Liu, starting today, you will follow Miss Biao and, um, teach her manners!"

Qiu Liu immediately curtsied in response.

Miss Biao really needs to learn some manners; otherwise, the Qin family will be ridiculed as soon as she goes out.

After resting for a while, Qin Yao asked the kitchen to prepare a meal, while Lingna began to enjoy her first wooden tub bath.

As a 996 working slave, she didn't even own a fish tank, let alone a bathtub, so taking a bath was something she had never done before. The first time she lay in the bathtub, Lina comfortably closed her eyes.

She'd only ever seen it on TV before, and now it was finally her turn; she was going to enjoy it.

She was so engrossed in enjoying herself that she lost track of time, only to be startled awake by a knock on the door.

She hurriedly got up, thankfully she had locked the door beforehand, otherwise someone would have come in and seen her naked and flustered.

Outside, Qiu Liu asked again if they needed help changing, and Ling Na answered her briefly, telling them to wait a moment.

Just as she picked up the clothes to put them on, she was stunned when she looked at them. They were so complicated! How could she possibly know how to do it?

Finally, she lowered her head and opened the door shyly. Qiu Liu didn't say anything and helped the two maids change her clothes.

This greatly alleviated Lina's embarrassment.

With her clothes on, the next issue was her hair. Lina had medium-length hair, which looked quite long, but compared to the people here, it was much shorter.

Qiu Liu personally combed her hair and tied it into a simple bun.

Our bodies and hair are gifts from our parents, and we cannot easily cut them off. Lina's appearance is completely different from the rest.

After combing her hair, Lina admired herself in the mirror again and again.

This is the first time she's looked so clean and beautiful since she came here.

Even without makeup, her dress and hair accessories already made her look so charming and lovely; a little more makeup would...

Rena glanced at the box on the table... Forget it, the cosmetics here... heavy lead, who knows what will happen if I use them.

Lina stood up decisively.

Someone came to urge her to hurry up, and the food was already set out, so Lina quickly made her escape.

"Let's go! Let's go!" Lina walked ahead alone, her steps as fast as lightning, stunning the maids around her.

I ran all the way to the dining room.

Fortunately, she has a good memory. As soon as she entered the door, she asked around and her place was close by. Otherwise, she would have had to slowly follow them.

Qin Yao was already waiting in the dining room. As the hostess, and Lingna as the guest, she naturally had to arrive early.

When Lingna saw her, it was like seeing a relative. She rushed over and sat down next to Qin Yao, naturally taking her arm.

"Let me see, let me see." Lingna said as she leaned closer to Qin Yao's face to take a closer look, and then rubbed it with her hand.

Qin Yao naturally knew her and what she was doing, and chuckled softly.

"I'm telling you, you absolutely mustn't use it, it'll ruin your skin!"

Lingna looked at Qin Yao with a serious expression.

People in ancient times would add anything in pursuit of whiteness. Qin Yao has always lived here, so maybe she'll adapt to local customs!

"I think you can give it a try. Besides the ones you think are bad, there are many... um... all-natural ones?" Qin Yao said tentatively.

That's the word.

"There are all-natural ones?" Lina exclaimed in surprise.

As a corporate slave, the most impressive thing is not being helplessly employed at the bottom, but being completely ignorant of anything outside of work.

The only time I've heard of cosmetics containing lead was from novels and TV dramas.

Qin Yao nodded, not wanting to continue the topic.

"Okay, Qiu Liu will take you to try it later."

After saying that, Qin Yao invited her to eat.

Lina wanted to say something more, but there was too much delicious food, and she couldn't find the time to speak.

Moreover, she is also a beauty enthusiast, and if there are cosmetics that won't ruin her skin, she will definitely try them!

After devouring the food in a whirlwind, Lina patted her belly contentedly; she hadn't eaten so well in a long time.

Eating too much means feeling unwell, so Lina stood up, supporting her stomach.

"I need to digest my food!"

Qin Yao watched with amusement as she awkwardly propped herself up on the chair and slowly moved away.

Just as he was about to ask someone to come and help him up, the butler rushed over.

"Miss, the Princess summons you!"

……