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

Qin Yao learned about the Jiang family's affairs the next day.

The people left at the Jiang family's residence sent a message saying that Qin Yao was not there. By the time Qin Yao returned, it was already quite late, and Qiu Liu only told her the next day.

After listening, Qin Yao continued drinking her sweet soup, her expression unchanged.

Qin Yao didn't have much affection for the Marquis. In her previous life, he was just her father-in-law, and they rarely spoke when they met.

The old lady...

"Have someone prepare a gift for the funeral," Qin Yao said calmly, putting down her spoon.

Consider it saving face to the very end.

In her past life, she was heartbroken when the old lady died. She took full charge of the funeral and collected many of the old lady's favorite silks and antiques to be buried with her.

The funeral was also very grand, and even the usually picky Jiang Su was very satisfied with her.

But this time, I'm afraid even the most basic banquet will be difficult to maintain!

"Send a message to Xiao Liu, spread the word that the Jiang family has fallen on hard times. Make it as difficult as possible to write about it. If it's not difficult enough, add fuel to the fire."

Jiang Su is a man who cares a lot about his reputation. If he knew that people outside were talking about him, he would probably hide away and act like he was going to die.

"Yes, Miss." Qiu Liu told someone to clear the dishes and prepared to help Qin Yao out.

Just then, Qingzhi came in to report that someone from the princess's residence had arrived.

Qin Yao was puzzled. Liu Qingping?

"Miss, the person is already in the living room!" Qingzhi reminded her.

Qin Yao understood; then she wouldn't be a princess anymore.

"Let's go!" Qin Yao straightened her clothes and walked in front.

Light branches and willows followed behind.

A young maid had already served tea in the living room, with Granny Zhao keeping her company.

As soon as Qin Yao arrived, Granny Zhao introduced her with a smile.

"Miss is here! Come, Miss, this is Granny Jiang from the Princess's residence."

"Greetings, Granny!" Qin Yao bowed respectfully.

Those around the princess were naturally of high status.

"Oh dear! No way!" Granny Jiang helped Qin Yao up, smiling as she looked her over.

"What a wonderful person! No wonder the princess likes her. When the princess heard about it, she insisted that this old servant come and invite Miss to her residence. She is also very curious about Miss!"

After saying this, Granny Jiang made her purpose for coming clear.

Qin Yao immediately replied obediently, "Thank you for making this trip, Granny. I'll wash up and please wait a moment."

"It's alright, it's alright. I'll chat with Granny Zhao some more. Miss, take your time getting ready."

Granny Jiang was very thoughtful. It was the first time meeting the princess, so she knew she needed to be cautious to leave a good impression on the important person and maybe even get a reward.

"Sister Jiang, come here!" As soon as Qin Yao left, Granny Zhao had someone bring the things over.

The young maidservant came over carrying a tray.

"Oh! This won't do!" Granny Jiang waved her hand immediately when she saw the contents of the tray.

Granny Jiang was a connoisseur; she could tell at a glance that everything here was priceless!

She wouldn't dare accept it!

As a nanny serving a princess, being careful with one's words and actions is the most basic requirement.

Otherwise, he wouldn't still have the princess's trust at his age.

"Sister Jiang, don't misunderstand." Granny Zhao pulled her back and continued.

"This isn't worth much; I had someone bring it from the southwest. All I know is its health benefits!"

"Look at us, we've served others our whole lives, and now that we're old and our bodies aren't what they used to be, shouldn't we think more about ourselves!"

"I feel close to Sister Jiang as soon as I see her, so I'm sharing with her."

When it comes to taking care of one's health, Granny Jiang is less averse to it.

How do you raise it?

“It’s an ancient method, for nourishing the bones…” Granny Zhao took out the things she had found and explained it to her in detail.

"We're getting old, and our bones are really letting us down. Taking care of our bones is absolutely crucial! Look! After these past few years, my legs and feet have become much more agile!"

Granny Jiang was tempted and couldn't take her eyes off the things in her hands.

"Sister Jiang, you try it first! If it works, we can have the caravan take it together!" Granny Zhao patted her hand meaningfully.

Granny Jiang had always suffered from back and leg pain, and seeing a doctor had not helped.

If this stuff really can nourish bones...

"Okay! If it's useful, we'll buy them together in the future!"

……

When Qin Yao came out again, she found that Granny Jiang was much warmer towards her, so she nodded to Granny Zhao.

The carriage drove all the way to the princess's residence.

Qin Yao got off the carriage with Qiu Liu's help.

Granny Jiang sent someone to announce their arrival before coming to fetch Qin Yao.

"Miss Qin, come with this old servant!"

Qin Yao nodded and followed her into the princess's residence.

Liu Qingping had heard that Qin Yao was coming today, so she came early in the morning to wait for her.

When Qin Yao came in, she tried to get up, but was pressed down by Granny Qian behind her, and then sat back down.

"Qin Yao greets Your Highness the Princess and Your Highness the County Princess."

"Rise!" The princess, seated in the main seat, gestured.

Qin Yao then got up.

"sit down!"

As soon as the princess spoke, Granny Jiang immediately pointed out the location to Qin Yao.

As soon as Qin Yao sat down, Liu Qingping next to her kept giving her meaningful glances.

"Ahem!" The princess coughed lightly, and Liu Qingping sat up straight.

“Miss Qin!” the princess said.

"Yes!"

"Qingping came back yesterday and told me about your plan to open a shop. It sounded quite interesting, so I called you over today to hear what you have to say."

Qin Yao naturally dared not refuse, and slowly explained her plan.

The princess sat at the head of the table, nodding repeatedly.

"Excellent idea! Miss Qin, as expected of a descendant of the Qin family, has a great business sense."

Hearing the princess's mother say this, Liu Qingping was overjoyed and, gripping the armrests of her chair, could hardly contain her excitement.

But the next moment, she heard the princess's mother say to her, "Qingping, you go down first. I have something to say to Miss Qin."

Liu Qingping's excited face immediately fell.

He had no choice but to stand up properly and take his leave.

"Yes!"

As soon as Liu Qingping left, the princess waved her hand, and all the servants in the room withdrew.

Only the princess and Qin Yao remained in the room.

Liu Qingping dared not go far and waited outside for a long time without leaving.

"Princess, why don't I wait here while you go and rest? I'll take Miss Qin there when she comes out," Xiao Lan suggested from the side.

"I'm worried! What does Princess Mother want to talk to Sister Qin about alone? No, I'll say I'll wait!" Liu Qingping became more and more worried as she thought about it.

Princess's mother treats her very well, but she never shows mercy to those with ulterior motives. I wonder if Sister Qin can handle it.

Liu Qingping sat at the stone table and fell asleep while waiting.

"Princess, Princess!" Xiao Lan called out several times before Liu Qingping woke up.

She looked up and saw Qin Yao walking over.

"Sister Qin!" Liu Qingping stood up, took two steps over, and took Qin Yao's hand.

"Come on, let's go to my yard."

Liu Qingping furtively pulled Qin Yao into her room.

"How was it? Did your mother, the princess, give you any trouble?" Liu Qingping asked impatiently as soon as she sat down.

"No, the princess is very kind and approachable."

"That's true..." Liu Qingping agreed wholeheartedly, relieved. "What about opening a shop?"

"The princess... also agreed."

"That's wonderful! I knew it was such a great idea. I'm sure the princess mother would approve of it, and she might even contribute some money!"

Liu Qingping held her heart in her hands, her smile radiant.

This is not without precedent.

Previously, the Third Prince's mother had invested money in the teahouse.

Qin Yao remained noncommittal.

I chatted with Liu Qingping for a while and we agreed to go to the shop together to discuss things next time.

Qin Yao left the princess's residence before lunch.

Back at the Qin family home, Qin Yao locked herself in her room.

Qiu Liu and Qing Zhi were completely bewildered.

When Granny Zhao asked, neither of them knew the answer.

Qin Yao went up to the attic and sat by the window, staring blankly outside.

Judging from what the princess said, she... must be from the same place as Lina.

Just now, the princess kept saying strange things to test her.

For example, where did hot pot originate?

She answered Jiangzhou.

For example, where does Jiangzhou like the most?

She answered Hongya Ferry.

For example, where is she from?

She replied that it was a double celebration.

……

Although Qin Yao answered each question, there was no guarantee that her answers would not be problematic.

She isn't!

She had only learned some things about her world from Lina during her interactions with her in her previous life.

However, a deeper understanding is lacking.

Although the princess eventually agreed with a smile and asked her to take care of Liu Qingping, Qin Yao was still worried.

If... if Lina came.

Will she be exposed? Will the princess blame her? Will she make an enemy because of this?

Qin Yao could tell that the princess longed for the world she spoke of.

She talked a lot with Qin Yao, saying that she had been to Qin Yao's hometown, which was a very beautiful place, and that she had thought about settling down there, but her health wouldn't allow it.

After staying there for two months, she had to return to the capital and was hospitalized.

When she woke up again, she was here.

She used to be deprived of her freedom because of her illness; now she is deprived of her freedom because of her status.

She chose the prince consort because if she didn't, he would have to be married off to a foreign land. However, she hadn't expected that the prince consort still had someone in his heart.

She originally wanted to help them be together, but unexpectedly, they ended up spending so many years together.

A life of outward harmony but inner discord was not what she desired.

It was truly unbearable.

Qin Yao didn't know how to comfort her, but then she saw the princess waving her hand to comfort her.

"You're still young, you have many choices, you must not end up like me."

……

Qin Yao picked up the jade pendant on the table and felt that it was burning hot no matter how she looked at it.

This was given to her by the princess, who told Qin Yao that she could take the jade pendant to her if she needed anything.

Since this play has already begun, it must continue.

If she performs well, she'll have a powerful backer; if she performs poorly, she might have to leave this world prematurely.