Upon hearing this, Lian Xing's face turned pale, his body stiffened, and his eyes were filled with shock and fear. He quickly reached out and covered Ye Ling'er's mouth tightly, fearing that she would say something else.

"Ling'er, don't talk nonsense! The county magistrate is the mother and father official of our Yuheng County! Moreover, she comes from a prominent family and is the eldest daughter of the prime minister. Her status is extremely noble. How can she talk nonsense?" Lian Xing said in a low voice, with a hint of fear and trembling in her voice.

At this point, Lian Xing's voice gradually lowered, a flicker of shame in his eyes. He was well aware of his past as a prostitute, a past he couldn't bear to look back on. Now, facing the new county magistrate, Situ Wanqing, he felt his past was like a stain he couldn't bring himself to talk about.

Lian Xing forced an awkward smile, trying to hide her inner uneasiness and inferiority. "My Lord, Ling'er is young and ignorant, and she speaks without thinking. Please be magnanimous and don't bother with her."

Lianxing pleaded with Situ Wanqing humbly, hoping to get her forgiveness.

Situ Wanqing looked quietly at Lian Xing and Ye Ling'er in front of her, and an inexplicable feeling of pity surged in her heart.

She had met countless arrogant and conceited young men in the capital, but she had never met a man as tenacious and resilient as Lian Xing. Despite his delicate appearance, this man had a strong heart and was unafraid of all hardships to make a living and take care of his family.

"How can one choose one's birth? Besides, are kings, princes, generals, and ministers actually born with a certain kind of ancestry? A person's birth can indeed determine their starting point, but it doesn't necessarily mean they'll be stuck there for the rest of their lives."

Situ Wanqing's words were sonorous and resounding, revealing an innate calmness and composure, but every word struck Lian Xing's heart like a heavy hammer.

"My Lord County Magistrate..." Lian Xing looked at Situ Wanqing in disbelief.

Situ Wanqing raised her eyebrows slightly and said seriously, "Lianxing, there's no need to belittle yourself. In my opinion, the name 'Lianxing' doesn't suit you. How about... from now on, you can change your name to Ye Liangchen. If you don't mind, I'll have someone open a household registration for you in Yuheng County. From now on, you—Ye Liangchen—will be the first male head of household in this county."

After saying that, Situ Wanqing rubbed Ye Ling'er's head, then turned around and walked out of Junyanfang.

Lian Xing was left holding her daughter, standing there in a daze.