When Hong Yingrong heard Xue Yuanchu's words, she immediately flew into a rage and said sternly, "You want to divorce me? You are so unreasonable and reckless. Do you want me to disown you as my son first? It seems that His Majesty was right to confine you to the palace."

"Someone, carry the prince back to Lanyue Pavilion and have him reflect on his mistakes!"

Her words revealed an unquestionable majesty, just like the old marquis was in the mansion when he was alive. Everyone present was shocked, and no one dared to be negligent or hesitate.

The servants brought a rattan couch and carefully lifted Xue Yuanchu up, preparing to send him back to Lanyue Pavilion.

Xue Yuanchu was still stubborn. With trembling hands, he pulled Hong Yingrong's skirt tightly, his voice filled with resentment and unwillingness: "It's all her fault. She acted on her own..." His words were full of accusations.

After saying this, his eyes wandered around, as if looking for Guan Yan's figure.

His little action did not escape Hong Yingrong's eyes. Fortunately, Guanyan had been taken to the backyard of Prajna Hall by Nanny Zhao early in the morning, away from the dispute. Hong Yingrong's disappointment with her son deepened.

She suppressed the anger in her heart, swung her skirt hard, broke free from Xue Yuanchu's hand, and spoke in a cold voice.

“That’s enough!”

"If you continue to be so stubborn, I will make you commit suicide in front of your father's spirit!"

Hong Yingrong's voice was like ice cracking in the cold winter, crisp and decisive, instantly shattering the last glimmer of hope in Xue Yuanchu's heart.

Xue Yuanchu lay on the rattan couch, looking up at Hong Yingrong in a daze, his eyes revealing disbelief.

From childhood to adulthood, his mother always complied with his requests and never scolded him so harshly.

However, today, she actually used the dragon-patterned staff bestowed upon her by the emperor to break his leg, and even scolded him mercilessly in front of a room full of people.

The servants took this opportunity to quickly and safely lift him up and send him to Lanyue Pavilion.

Xue Yuanchu lay on the rattan couch, with an unprecedented complex emotion surging in his heart.

Pain, regret, unwillingness...all these emotions intertwined together, almost suffocating him.

He knew that this time he had really touched his mother's bottom line and put himself in an unprecedented predicament.

But who could he blame for all this? It was all his own fault, the result of his reckless behavior.

Jiang Shuxiu stood by and witnessed her husband's cruelty. She felt disheartened and almost fainted. Fortunately, Ruier supported her in time.

When Hong Yingrong saw this, she hurried forward and showed concern: "Shuxiu, don't worry. As long as I am here, I will not let Xue Yuanchu divorce you." Hong Yingrong promised, hoping to give Jiang Shuxiu some comfort.

Jiang Shuxiu forced herself to stay awake and suggested, "My husband is injured now and needs to rest. It's not suitable for us to have sex. I want someone to clean up Tingyuxuan. I'll go to Lanyue Pavilion to take care of my husband during the day, and return to Tingyuxuan to rest at night. I hope mother agrees..."

This proposal was indeed well-considered, but Hong Yingrong also knew that Tingyuxuan's layout was indeed a bit simple.

Then, she turned to Madam Zhao and said, "Ah Zhao, go open the storeroom immediately and select some exquisite furnishings. Decorate Tingyuxuan nicely so Shuxiu can live comfortably. Just buy whatever is needed."

Nanny Zhao replied respectfully, "Yes," and went out to take care of the matter as soon as possible.

Hong Yingrong turned around again, looked at Jiang Shuxiu with concern, and said softly, "Shuxiu, you don't look well. You should go back to Lanyue Pavilion and rest first. It won't be too late to move in after Tingyuxuan is ready." As she spoke, she called Rui'er over, "Rui'er, help your daughter go back quickly."

Jiang Shuxiu nodded gratefully and, supported by Rui'er, went back to Lanyue Pavilion.

As everyone left, the room suddenly became quiet.

Hong Yingrong looked around and saw only a mess. The air was filled with a faint smell of blood and herbs, which made her feel dizzy.

Xue Zhongfu saw this and immediately stepped forward, holding her firmly, and asked with concern: "Mother has been overworked these past two days. It's better to put her to bed as soon as possible."

Hong Yingrong shook her head slightly, took a deep breath, and tried to calm the discomfort in her heart.

"Mother Han, have someone clean this place up. Remember to light some black agarwood. The smell in this room is really unbearable."

Mother Han responded and immediately got busy with the servants. They swept the floor and wiped the tables and chairs with swift hands and feet, and soon the Prajna Hall was tidied up to look brand new.

At the same time, a faint and elegant scent of black agarwood slowly spread out, dispelling the strange smell in the house.

Hong Yingrong looked at her son Xue Zhongfu, her eyes revealing deep trust. "You've worked hard these past two days. His Majesty's order cannot be delayed. The grain must be delivered to the orphanage as soon as possible. Your elder brother is in such a state now, and Ji Yan is busy with the Spring Imperial Examination. Naturally, the heavy responsibility of the family will fall on your shoulders."

Xue Zhongfu's expression was firm. He responded solemnly, "Mother, please relax. If there is anything, let your son handle it. Don't tire yourself out."

After hearing this, a hint of relief flashed in Hong Yingrong's eyes. She continued, "Manager Xue is a loyal man. With his help, I think it should be fine. You just have to be busy between the Ministry of Works and the Marquis' Mansion." She gave her son an encouraging smile.

When Xue Zhongfu saw his mother's expression, he felt more confident. He said good night to Hong Yingrong and then returned to his own courtyard to rest.

After experiencing the turmoil of the day, the night was as clear as water, and the moonlight sprinkled in every corner of the mansion. The Xingyuan Marquis Mansion finally returned to tranquility.

A few days later, in the court, Feng Shaoying's case of embezzling military rations was quickly concluded. His Majesty Li Longze also dismissed several commanders of the three major camps in the capital and replaced them with his own trusted confidants.

People in and outside the government couldn't help but speculate whether this was a case of accidental damage to innocent people, or was it a deliberate act, a step-by-step strategy?

All we can say is that the emperor’s heart is unpredictable, and thunder, lightning, rain and dew are all his grace.

The main person involved in the case was the son of Xingyuan Marquis Xue Yuanchu, and his punishment was no secret. Many people admired the old lady of the Marquis's Mansion for not showing favoritism or covering up for him, but for being fair and selfless, allowing people to see the majesty and family style of the Marquis's Mansion.

What surprised the ministers was that Lieutenant General Feng Shaoying was originally going to be dismissed and exiled, but his father-in-law, the loyal and brave General Duan An, submitted a memorial to the emperor, saying that his old illness had relapsed and he was unable to handle the heavy responsibility, so he requested to retire and return home.

His Majesty Li Longze, in consideration of his many years of loyalty to the country and his great contributions, showed leniency and dismissed Feng Shaoying from his post and banished him from the capital, never to employ him again.

On the day when the imperial edict was received, the entire General Zhongyong's Mansion became busy. Everyone in the mansion began to pack up their belongings and prepare to move the family to their hometown of Gusu in the south of the Yangtze River.

Only General Duan's daughter, Duan Yujiao, rode in a sedan chair and, accompanied by her maids and old women, went to the prison of the Jingzhao prefect.