The legitimate daughter returns to the capital and embarks on a splendid life, tearing apart the fak

Yun Heting stood up and paced back and forth in the room a few times, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

Liu Zhixue looked at him, not urging him, but waiting quietly.

After a long while, Yun Heting stopped and said in a deep voice, "Don't be in such a hurry. I'll have someone investigate Bai Jin's background. As for Lang'er... Wanqing said he'd stay at the General's Mansion to recuperate. If I refuse, it will only arouse suspicion. I'll go and bring him back in a few days and see how they react."

A ruthless glint flashed in Liu Zhixue's eyes: "If all else fails, then we'll move it forward..."

Yun Heting nodded: "We'll see. If the General's Mansion doesn't suspect anything, then we'll do as you say. We can't wait any longer."

Liu Zhixue nodded and then asked, "Also, that girl named Bai Jin has expressed her desire to learn from me. What do you think?"

Yun Heting pondered for a moment: "You can agree and keep her under your watchful eye, so you can keep an eye on her."

Liu Zhixue smiled and said, "That's what I think too. If she wants to learn, I'll accept her. As for what to teach, that's up to me."

Yun Heting nodded and stood up: "I have to go now, or she might become suspicious if I stay too long."

Liu Zhixue didn't see him off, but quickly got up to see him off.

Yun Heting first went to the study to change his clothes before heading to Chu Wanqing's Qingshui Garden.

In Qingshui Garden, Chu Wanqing was talking to Yun Jin.

"Jin'er, are you sure you want to learn from that Liu woman?" Chu Wanqing frowned slightly. "She's a vicious person. You're around her every day; what if she sees something..."

Yun Jin held her hand and gently comforted her, "Mother, don't worry, I know what I'm doing. If she agrees, it's because she's keeping an eye on me. Then I'll let her see what she wants to see, and if she wants to watch, I'll let her watch something insignificant. She's watching me, and I'm just as eager to watch her; it's a matter of who's more cunning."

Looking at her daughter's resolute expression, Chu Wanqing's unease subsided slightly.

Just as she was about to say something more, Bitao's voice came from outside: "Madam, Master has arrived."

The mother and daughter exchanged a glance and quickly composed themselves.

Chu Wanqing picked up her teacup and resumed her usual gentle and serene demeanor.

Yun Jin lowered her eyes and sat obediently to the side.

The curtain was lifted, and Yunheting walked in.

He had changed into a casual dark blue robe, and a gentle smile was on his face.

Chu Wanqing looked at him and asked casually, "Master, you've been back for a while now, why did it take you so long to come?"

Yun Heting paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "I just went to the study to change my clothes and take care of some official business."

Chu Wanqing asked sarcastically, "Has anything major happened at the Ministry of Rites lately? Why are they so busy?"

These words hit Yun Heting right where it hurt. The Ministry of Rites was the least profitable and least lucrative of the six ministries. Over the years, he had tried to transfer to the Ministry of Personnel or the Ministry of Revenue more than once, but he had never succeeded. This was also the reason why he had not wanted to share a room with Chu Wanqing in recent years.

He hesitated for a moment before speaking gently to Chu Wanqing, "How is your mother-in-law feeling?"

Chu Wanqing put down her teacup and said calmly, "Thank you for your concern, Master. Mother is much better. She just misses Lang'er, so she asked him to stay at the manor for a few days."

Seeing that Yun Heting's expression remained normal when Yun Lang was mentioned, he breathed a slight sigh of relief and nodded, saying, "It's only right. My mother-in-law dotes on her grandson, so it's good for Lang'er to spend more time with her. However, my mother-in-law's health is not good, and Lang'er's health is also weak. Let's not pass on his illness to my mother-in-law. Let's bring him back tomorrow."

Chu Wanqing sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "Actually, I'm also reluctant to let Lang'er stay at Mother's, but since Mother said she misses Lang'er, you can't very well refuse her. Just let him stay for two days, and I'll go pick him up in a couple of days."

Yun Heting immediately smiled and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Madam."

His gaze then turned to Yun Jin, "Is this your mother's cousin?"

Yun Jin stood up at the right moment, bowed her head and said, "Bai Jin greets Uncle-in-law."

Yun Heting looked her over, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment.

Upon closer inspection, she did resemble Lan Ying somewhat, and he couldn't immediately determine whether Bai Jin was his other daughter.

He asked with a smile, "Where is Jin girl from?"

Yun Jin lowered her head and replied, "Uncle, I am from Jing'an County, Guangping Prefecture. My parents were both from there, but they are no longer with us."

Yun Heting nodded and smiled, "Sit down. Now that you're here, make yourself at home. If you need anything, just tell your aunt."

Yun Jin responded softly and said nothing more.

Seeing this, Chu Wanqing seized the opportunity to speak, "Master, I have something to discuss with you. Jin'er may be staying in the capital for a long time, and I'd like her to study under Mr. Liu along with Xiu'er. What do you think?"

Yun Heting had already spoken with Liu Zhixue, so he nodded in agreement: "Okay. Tell Mr. Liu about it later. Although she is a female teacher, she values ​​etiquette the most, so we mustn't let anyone look down on us."

Yun Jin sneered inwardly.

The most important thing is the rules?

Does adhering to rules mean becoming someone's mistress?

Would someone who is so bound by rules switch their own daughter with someone else's daughter?

Would someone who is strict about rules poison someone else's son?

In every single one of these incidents, Liu Zhixue's shadow was involved.

"I'll have someone invite Mr. Liu to lunch with us, so he can also meet Jin'er," Yun Heting said to Chu Wanqing.

Chu Wanqing had the same idea, so she nodded in agreement.

Yun Heting exchanged a few more casual words, then stood up and said, "I'm going to take care of some official business. Send someone to call me when it's time for dinner." With that, he went to his study.

After he left, Chu Wanqing let out a long breath and lowered her voice, saying, "He won't suspect anything, will he?"

Yun Jin raised her head, her eyes cold and clear: "Mother, he has no evidence. So what if he suspects me? Don't worry, there won't be any flaws in Qingping County in the short term."

Chu Wanqing nodded and called Qinghe over: "Go to the kitchen and tell them to prepare a feast for lunch, and Mr. Liu will also have lunch with us. Make it exquisite, and tell the kitchen that it's a welcome dinner for Miss Liu."

Qinghe responded and left.

The mother and daughter chatted for a while longer when Bitao came in to announce, "Madam, Mr. Liu has arrived."

Chu Wanqing and Yun Jin exchanged a glance and stood up to greet her.

The curtain was lifted, and Liu Zhixue walked in gracefully.

"Madam," Liu Zhixue stepped forward and bowed, then looked at Yun Jin with a gentle smile, "This must be Miss Yun Jin, right?"

Chu Wanqing glanced at her indifferently: "Mr. Liu is certainly well-informed."

It's almost as if she, a guest lady, is actually concerned about the host's family affairs.

Liu Zhixue choked slightly, then smiled and said, "It was what the eldest young lady just said, that a cousin of similar age to her has come to the manor. I think this must be the young lady."

Chu Wanqing followed up, "Oh? What did Xiu'er tell you?"

Liu Zhixue's gaze fell on Yun Jin, her face all smiles: "The eldest young lady said that the cousin wants to study with me, but I'm afraid my level isn't high enough and I might hold her back."

Yun Jin smiled, but the smile didn't reach her eyes: "Sir, you are too modest. I have heard that Mr. Liu is proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Who in the capital doesn't envy Cousin Yunxiu for having such a good teacher? If Mr. Liu is willing to take me, a dull student, as his student, I would be more than happy to do so."