"Dad never told me. I discovered it myself when I noticed Dad frequently gazing at a new set of clothes and shoes, lost in thought. After asking Dad several times, I learned that they were birthday gifts from Aunty Qiao," Shao Yao shook her head. "Dad doesn't want me to be wronged. He told me he wouldn't marry another wife, and he also said Aunty Qiao wouldn't agree."

"Firstly, Dad and Aunty Qiao are both Chief Stewards; the family cares deeply about this. Secondly, Aunty Qiao is no longer young and has taken the Sterility Soup, so she can't bear sons for Dad."

"I can tell that Dad really likes Aunty Qiao and doesn't mind not having a son."

Yang Mengchen contemplated for a moment. "My sister-in-law and I will talk to Aunty Qiao first. Our home doesn't have a rule that forbids the marriage of Chief Stewards. As long as they are truly in love, we will all support them. As for Aunty Qiao's health, I will check her pulse first."

The marriage of servants is generally decided by the mistress of the house; since Grandma and my mother have given my sister-in-law the authority to decide, naturally, she will be in charge.

"Thank you, Miss. I sincerely hope that Dad and Aunty Qiao can love each other deeply and grow old together, and if they can have a few younger brothers and sisters for me, that would be the best," Shao Yao suddenly realized, filled with hope. The miss's medical skill is excellent, and she is a lucky star; she will surely cure Aunty Qiao and bring blessings to their whole family.

Yang Mengchen teased with a chuckle, "You're quite far-sighted."

Embarrassed, Shao Yao rubbed her hands together, her face turning red.

After having lunch, Yang Mengchen asked Uncle Heng to find Dad and Big Brother, while she and Xiao Wanxue called for Aunty Qiao.

When they heard that Aunty Qiao flatly refused the arranged marriage, neither Yang Mengchen nor Xiao Wanxue got angry. Xiao Wanxue asked with a smile, "Aunty Qiao, do you have any regrets about your past actions?"

Aunty Qiao was a native-born child of the Han family of Marquis Huainan, who had served by the side of the legitimate young Miss Han from a young age and earned her deep trust. When the young Miss Han married the Son of Duke Wen, Aunty Qiao was part of her dowry as a Maid.

Three years into the marriage, the young Miss Han and the Princely Heir had no children, and the Princely Heir, frivolous at heart, set his eyes on the beautiful Aunty Qiao. With the young Miss Han being weak and selfish, she thought it better to favor Aunty Qiao than an outsider. Once Aunty Qiao bore a son, he would be raised as a legitimate heir of the Wen family under her name.

Aunty Qiao could then be easily disposed of, which is why she agreed to the Princely Heir's wishes.

But Aunty Qiao was strong-willed and would rather die than become a concubine. Fortunately, medical treatment came in time, and her life was spared.

Perhaps intimidated by Aunty Qiao's resolve, the young Miss Han and the Princely Heir never forced her again, nor did they sell her out of the residence.

Still not at ease, Aunty Qiao not only took the Sterility Soup but also made herself into an unmarried Sister Steward by the young Miss Han's side.

Later, when the Duke Wen's family was implicated in a rebellion, all the males were beheaded, and the females turned into Official Slaves. Aunty Qiao was no exception. She went to serve as a Sister Steward in several famous aristocratic families, but due to various reasons, she was sold several times until she met Yang Mengchen.

Firmly nodding her head, Aunty Qiao answered, "Even if I could go back, I would still not regret what I did!" Between wealth and personal dignity, she certainly chose dignity.

"If you don't regret it, why then refuse Uncle Heng? Or do you think little of him?" Xiao Wanxue asked with a smile.

"Lady, the Chief Steward is a good man who deserves better," said Aunty Qiao sincerely. "I'm no longer young and can't bear children, which would be a hindrance to him. But the main thing is...," she trailed off, suddenly stopping.

She wanted to say that both being Chief Stewards, not just those famous aristocratic families but even ordinary households would never allow it. But then it dawned on her that the young master and lady, along with the miss, had taken the initiative to suggest the marriage, which likely meant they didn't mind this issue. To continue on the topic would make her seem overly sentimental.

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