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

In the pavilion, Qin Yao and Wu Shiyun sat facing each other.

"It's so comfortable here, the breeze is so cool." Wu Shiyun leaned back in the recliner and closed her eyes comfortably.

"Isn't Puhua Temple cooler up on the mountain?" Qin Yao asked, puzzled.

"How can they be the same?" Wu Shiyun turned her head away, feeling depressed.

“When the Empress Dowager goes to worship Buddha, we all have to follow her, three times a day without fail. These past few months have been the most tiring time of my life.”

Morning classes, noon classes, evening classes—I cannot miss a single one.

They needed to arrive early to show their respect for the Empress Dowager and Buddha.

She was just the daughter of a minor official who had never even been to the palace; how could she be so arrogant?

Unless she was too sick to get up, the nanny would get her up and nag her all day long, reminding her that her family couldn't afford to offend people in the palace.

I've heard it so many times, what can she do?

She's not a princess who can freely enjoy the scenery of the temple.

All she could think about was getting this over with as soon as possible so she could go home.

This is nothing like lying here doing nothing and enjoying the cool breeze!

Qin Yao didn't know how to comfort her. Who in the world would dare to disobey the Empress Dowager's orders?

Even if the eldest princess were around, the pressure of filial piety would force her to obey.

Moreover, Wu Shiyun?

"Ms. Wu, you've worked hard. Come and try our new iced drink; it'll make you forget your troubles."

Just then, Qingzhi came over carrying something, and Qiuliu quickly stepped forward to take it, taking the opportunity to start a conversation.

Wu Shiyun was indeed attracted by what she was holding. "I've heard about it before, but I haven't had a chance to see it yet."

Wu Shiyun waved to Qiu Liu and continued:

"Come on! Introduce him to me!"

Qiu Liu curtsied slightly before beginning her introduction.

Qin Yao took the shaved ice from Qingzhi and told her to take Wu Shiyun's maid away.

Wu Shiyun's eyes sparkled as Qiu Liu introduced her to her.

Who wouldn't love something so colorful and appetizing?

Qin Yao and Wu Shiyun's connection dates back two years.

Wu Shiyun was looking for a birthday gift for Mrs. Wu and happened to go to Diancui Pavilion.

Qin Yao introduced her to a headdress that suited Mrs. Wu very well. From then on, Wu Shiyun admired Qin Yao's taste at Diancui Pavilion and always asked her to help her choose things.

Qin Yao was naturally happy to give her advice, and she was always the one to greet Wu Shiyun whenever she went.

Wu Shiyun was surprised for a moment when she learned her identity.

At that time, Qin Yao dressed simply and didn't like to show off. She really didn't realize that she was the owner of Diancui Pavilion.

What followed was a natural progression, and the two became friends.

Wu Shiyun took a few bites and immediately praised it.

"As expected of the Qin family's product, it looks appealing and tastes even better."

No wonder she heard that as soon as she returned, several young ladies had their maids order them to buy things.

It is definitely worth it.

"However, I've also heard about your affair with the Jiang family, and I just can't understand it. How did you come to that conclusion?"

Wu Shiyun actually disliked the Jiang family, but good words are useless against those damned devils.

Qin Yao plunged headfirst into it, and there was absolutely nothing she could do about it.

Upon returning home, Wu Shiyun heard that the marriage had fallen through and the Jiang family had collapsed. If she didn't want to know the reason, she would have just burst out laughing.

Then say, "Serves you right!"

"I have to thank Miss Chen for this..."

Qin Yao couldn't say that she had already tried it once, and it was as terrible as it could get, before she finally understood.

The only explanation is that this reason can be attributed to Chen Yiru.

Qin Yao learned that Chen Yiru had discovered Jiang Su's conspiracy and warned her, and that she herself had completely given up on Jiang Su after being humiliated by him several times.

"Well done! That's exactly how it should be! The Jinglin Marquis's Mansion is called a Marquis's Mansion, but to put it bluntly, it's a destitute household. People are just looking to take advantage of your family's extinction, and you're willing to do it!"

Qin Yao smiled. Everyone around her could see it clearly, but she was the only one who was bewitched and jumped in without a care.

"It's all in the past. From now on, there will be good days." Qin Yao said nonchalantly, as if she were talking about the future, or perhaps about her past life.

"That's true! I missed your coming-of-age ceremony, but as for your marriage, I need to ask my mother to help me decide, so you don't fall into another fire pit."

I missed my coming-of-age ceremony, but the gift had been prepared long ago.

It was delivered that same day, so it can't be considered a missed delivery.

"I'm not in a hurry, but you, are you going to settle things next year?" Qin Yao teased.

The practice of "finding a son-in-law after the imperial examination results are announced" has always been an open secret. Official families with eligible women would look for suitable candidates at this time.

That's how Wu Shiyun's husband came to be in her past life.

Although everyone was somewhat surprised that the top scholar was chosen by Lord Wu, well, who could blame them when the top scholar was willing to do so?

Their life after marriage was very happy. Qin Yao thought Wu Shiyun would be happy or shy, but she didn't expect her to lower her head and look sad.

"What's wrong?" Qin Yao asked.

I don't understand why she suddenly changed her expression.

“Oh! You don’t know… I’m engaged…” Wu Shiyun put down the shaved ice in her hand and didn’t say anything more.

Qin Yao was also extremely surprised.

If there's a marriage agreement, how could it happen in a past life...?

Qin Yao was thinking when Wu Shiyun interrupted her.

"Let's not talk about it anymore! We finally get to see each other, so let's not think about those worries."

"I also heard that you've gotten in touch with the Princess? Congratulations!"

It's not that she's blaming her for only referring to the eldest princess; it's mainly because neither Chen Yiru nor Princess Liu Qingping have the same prestigious title as the eldest princess.

"Thanks to Miss Wu."

Qin Yao is still young, and her father's connections are limited in terms of buying her money, so there's no need to think about those officials anymore.

Therefore, all Qin Yao could do at that time was to cling tightly to the Marquis's mansion as a lifeline, hoping to change the Qin family's current situation through it.

Unfortunately, she failed and even ruined the Qin family. This couldn't happen again, so she had to find someone else.

Of course, her target was not the eldest princess.

It was by chance that he was able to get in touch with the princess, and the princess's support was even more unexpected.

Wu Shiyun was actually the first step she wanted to win over, but she wasn't there.

Upon hearing Qin Yao say that it was thanks to her, Wu Shiyun quickly shook her head in denial.

"This is not my doing, but don't forget me when there's good news. I'm happy to support you."

"Of course!"

Whether it's another person or another young lady from an official family joining the family, Qin Yao welcomes it with open arms.

After exchanging their recent observations, Wu Shiyun decided to head home.

The Wu family has strict rules, so she can't stay out for too long.

Qin Yao saw her out and only went back after watching her leave.

That day, Qin Yao's mind was filled with Wu Shiyun's words, "She has an engagement."

Judging from her tone, she still cares a lot about this engagement, but how come she's now living a harmonious life with the top scholar?

Love for a long time?

"Go and find out which family Miss Wu is engaged to!" Qin Yao instructed Erjiu.

……

Wu Shiyun, who had just left the Qin family, was holding a silk handkerchief with a worried expression.

Her father did intend to arrange her marriage next year, and he did indeed want to find someone with an official title.

As for her marriage, if no one comes to her door, then it's not true.

Her mother would never agree to her waiting for someone who might no longer be alive.