The door of the Fu Mansion was closed tightly, as if to lock away all the secrets.

On this seemingly peaceful night, Liu Ruyan and her daughter left the place that once gave them warmth and shelter silently like two shadows.

Upon hearing the news, Master Fu was enraged. He couldn't imagine that his beloved concubine would do such a thing. He sent people everywhere to search for Liu Ruyan and the others, vowing to bring them back and teach them the price of betraying the Fu family.

"You bastards! We must get them back!" Mr. Fu was so angry that he beat his chest and smashed several cups in a row.

"Master, many people have been sent out now. Madam Liu is pregnant and should not be able to run too far." Songbai said hurriedly.

"What Madam Liu? Don't call her Madam anymore!" Master Fu said as he kicked the chair over.

"Yes!" Songbai didn't know what to say.

At the same time, the atmosphere inside the Fu Mansion became tense and subtle.

Mother Fu sat in the room, sighing, her eyes filled with worry and helplessness. She knew that Liu Ruyan's departure was just the beginning, and the Fu family would face an even greater crisis.

Zhang Ling stood outside Master Fu's study, his eyes gleaming with ambition. He knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He walked up to Master Fu and said, "Now is the time to make a decision. You must choose your side with the Fu family. If you don't join us, we will report Fu Xiuqi's affair with Princess Du to the Emperor. Then, the entire Fu family could face execution."

Mr. Fu's face paled instantly. He knew Zhang Ling's words were true. He looked at Zhang Ling, a flicker of hesitation and fear in his eyes. He knew this was a matter of life and death for the Fu family.

Zhang Ling visited Fu's house for two consecutive days and took Du Shuting away.

Seeing that Master Fu was silent, Zhang Ling raised his eyebrows: "Master Fu, we have been here for two days and are a little tired."

"Master Zhang, our Fu family doesn't have much real power now, so I'm afraid we can't help you..." Master Fu's eyes were dark and he hadn't slept for two days.

"It doesn't matter whether I can help or not. What matters is the intention." Zhang Ling smiled.

Master Fu sighed deeply, as if releasing all the hesitation and anxiety in his heart. He slowly walked to the window, gazing at the world outside, as if searching for a final guide. Finally, he turned around, his eyes filled with an unprecedented determination: "Zhang Ling, you win. I have decided to join you. I only ask one thing of you—let the Fu family go."

Zhang Ling smiled and nodded slightly: "Master Fu, our family thanks you for your trust. I will ensure the safety of the Fu family."

Master Fu closed his eyes and said, "As for my son Fu Xiuqi, he is still young and does not understand the world. I hope Master Zhang can help with the aftermath."

Mr. Fu had been in the officialdom for many years, and his intuition told him that Zhang Ling was planning something big. If he got involved in this, the Fu family might be doomed.

But what can we do now?

Thinking of this, Master Fu felt even more pain in his heart. He looked out the window, trying to calm himself down.

Outside the window, the sun blazed like fire, filtering through the mottled leaves and spilling onto the courtyard. Bees and butterflies danced among the flowers. A gentle breeze brought bursts of floral fragrance, bringing a sense of peace and joy.

Such beautiful scenery makes people unable to appreciate it.