Just as she shook her head and was about to leave, the Taoist priest spoke again.

"Since you have questions, why don't you let me enlighten you? Perhaps I have the answers you are looking for."

Qin Qing was startled by these words, subconsciously pursed her lips, and then sat down in front of him.

"Your insight is indeed keen, Daoist Master. I happen to have a question I'd like you to consider..."

Upon hearing this, the Taoist priest maintained a normal expression, his eyes fixed on Qin Qing.

"Speak freely!"

Qin Qing didn't mince words and spoke directly.

"The Taoist priest said that the cuckoo has taken over the magpie's nest, but has he ever thought about why the cuckoo wanted to take over the magpie's nest? Did she want to take it over? The cuckoo originally had her own home and her own circle, but she was 'forced' to take over the magpie's nest by others. No one asked her whether she wanted to or not. How innocent the cuckoo is! But the Taoist priest only saw this phenomenon and completely ignored the essence!"

After hearing what Qin Qing said, the Taoist priest was stunned. Then his gaze gradually became complicated. After Qin Qing finished speaking, he seemed to have vented his resentment and felt much more relieved. Then, Aunt Si smiled.

"I had a very pleasant chat with the Taoist priest. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now!"

Having said that, she ignored the priest's expression, got into the carriage, and drove off quickly.

Madam Wang asked in confusion.

"What are you guys talking about? What's this about cuckoo taking over someone else's nest? I don't understand."

Qin Qing smiled; she didn't know why she had said those words.

"I don't know either, but I really didn't like the old Taoist's look in my eyes, so I argued with him for a bit."

Meanwhile, Ma Xinyue, having failed to obtain the pearl hairpin, was furious and ordered someone to investigate Qin Qing's residence. She inadvertently overheard a certain smile and immediately stood up in surprise, glaring at the servant in front of her.

"What did you say? Peony is getting married? That treacherous bitch!?"

After saying that, she realized that she had spoken nonsense. Seeing the servants in front of her looking surprised, she quickly regained her usual gentleness.

"I understand, you may leave now!"

He casually slipped three taels of silver to the servant, who weighed it in his hand before leaving satisfied.

A moment later, Ma Xinyue suddenly sat down on the stool, her gaze dangerous and sinister.

Time quickly came to the day of Shaoyao's wedding. Qin Qing got up early in the morning to dress and prepare Shaoyao, check the dowry, clear the way, and so on. The whole process was not much different from that in modern times, but it was a bit more complicated.

Just when everyone was ready and waiting for the groom to come and pick up the bride, an accident still happened.

A group of soldiers and servants rushed into the courtyard, startling the neighbors and wedding procession who had come to help into chaos.

Qin Qing had already walked outside when she heard the noise. As soon as she opened the door, she saw a group of soldiers stretching out their feet to kick it down, but they missed their footing because she suddenly opened the door! They fell directly to the ground.

Seeing this, Qin Qing simply watched them coldly.

"Today is my daughter's wedding day. If you've all come with such fanfare to congratulate me, I'll gladly accept it! But if you've come to cause trouble... I don't think you want to know the consequences!"

Perhaps it was because her gaze was too cold that the soldiers in front of her were stunned for a moment before realizing that this person might be unusual, and then they spoke.

"Please forgive us, madam! We received a tip that this house is harboring runaway slaves. According to the laws of the Tianlong Kingdom, a servant who betrays his master and runs away is imprisoned..."

Qin Qing frowned after hearing this and asked in confusion!

"Runaway slave? Whose is it? Only our family lives in this house. The rest are neighbors who came today to help with the wedding! How could there be a runaway slave?!"

After saying that, she changed the subject, her eyes filled with threat as she spoke coldly.

"Furthermore! Do you all not know who the Qin family is? You dare to search my residence just because someone reported you? What a joke! Is His Majesty's reward just a formality?!"

Her words were powerful and resolute, and her composure in the face of danger, along with the subtle yet powerful aura she exuded, made all the officers and soldiers tremble with fear!

At this moment, a soldier walked up in alarm and whispered in the ear of the leader.

"Boss, Qin Qing of the Qin family was publicly commended by His Majesty half a month ago, and he's also the imperial court's designated potato supplier..."

Upon hearing this, the leading man finally realized what was happening. He was already intimidated by Qin Qing, and now he felt both guilty and respectful.

"Ha, misunderstanding...it's all a misunderstanding! Madam is having a joyous occasion today, and we're just joining in the celebration. We wish Madam a harmonious marriage and a healthy baby soon!"

As soon as he finished speaking, one of the neighbors couldn't help but burst out laughing, while Qin Qing looked completely exasperated.

"What the hell! My daughter is getting married today! Are you trying to kill me by wishing me a son soon?!"

Upon hearing this, the officer's face flushed red, and he apologized repeatedly in a guilty manner. It was only when Qin Qing grew impatient that he told them to leave quickly and not to delay the time.

Just when this farce was about to end, a group of people suddenly burst in from outside. The woman in the lead was holding a piece of paper. She was beautiful and delicate, and her innocent face made people feel very sorry for her.

Qin Qing hadn't even entered the house when she saw the person who had arrived, and her brows furrowed instantly… Ma Xinyue? What's she doing here again? What a nuisance…

Ma Xinyue walked with light, graceful steps, her slender body appearing almost unsteady, yet her eyes were filled with a faint sadness.

"Wait a minute, everyone! I have something to say!"

The soldiers who had just reached the door were taken aback when they saw the newcomer, and immediately looked somewhat embarrassed...

Because the informant was none other than Ma Xinyue, the daughter of the Vice Minister, otherwise why would he have been so impulsive as to come and arrest her? Now he couldn't afford to offend either of them... He couldn't help but smile bitterly, wondering why he was so unlucky today!

Even so, he still led his officers and soldiers to stop.

Seeing him stop, the atmosphere became tense again. A smug look flashed through Ma Xinyue's mind. Then she looked at Qin Qing, and Qin Qing clearly saw the fleeting sarcasm in her eyes. A bad feeling gradually crept into her heart.

"Please forgive me, everyone. I did not intend to ruin this joyous occasion. It was truly out of necessity! To tell you the truth, the one who reported me is none other than myself, Ma Xinyue! And I have come here today to arrest my maid, Shaoyao, who has run away from her master in my residence! I also want to accuse this woman of instigating my servants!"

The accusations stunned everyone and reminded Qin Qing of something she had completely forgotten.

After rescuing Shaoyao, she took it for granted that she would follow him, completely forgetting that in ancient times there were such things as indentures. At this time, the society was still a semi-slave society, and most of the maids and servants in the inner courtyard were bought from outside, so indentures and the like were in the hands of the mistress of the house...

Peony followed her, but the indenture was still in the Vice Minister's mansion, which meant that she was still a slave. Maids and slaves were never innocent and could not be given the position of principal wife, let alone marry a deputy general like Huang Zhong!