Rong Ruo was right. A little over an hour later, Linglong came in to report that people from the clan had arrived and were making a fuss outside the mansion.

Previously, the reason why people from the Zhou family came was because of Zhou's mother.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Zhao smiled faintly and said:

"Wen Feng, help me get ready."

Outside the gate of the Marquis of Yongning's residence, all the elders of the Zhou clan came over.

Today, the rare Marquis of Yongning also appeared. He no longer attends the morning court and stays at home all day.

Upon hearing that someone from his clan had arrived, he naturally knew what was going on.

Now that his son is busy with the imperial examinations, he has to handle these matters himself.

He, Madam Zhou, and Zhou Shiyuan all agreed on the same story. Since things were already like this, they didn't care about saving face anymore. They just put on an act as if their family had suffered a great injustice, hoping to gain some sympathy.

Therefore, today, Zhou's father was different from his usual serious demeanor, appearing somewhat depressed and dejected. He even respectfully bowed to several elders in the clan.

Seeing his polite manner, the elders nodded in agreement. They had naturally heard about the events at the Yongning Marquis's residence.

One of the elders said:

"Although the hereditary title of Marquis has been stripped away, fortunately, his children and grandchildren are all ambitious and hardworking. They have worked hard to pass the imperial examinations, made achievements, and are still able to be ennobled and appointed as prime ministers."

Upon hearing this, Zhou's father's expression softened somewhat, but then, as if remembering something, his face fell again.

"That's true, but it's a misfortune for our family... alas."

He let out a long sigh, looking utterly helpless, which only fueled the anger of the clan elders.

They came because of those rumors, and seeing Zhou's father like this, they naturally believed them a bit more.

"She's just a woman, yet she's completely out of control."

"So what if she's the daughter of a great general? We still have to be reasonable!"

"Today I will see how the General's Mansion will distort the truth."

"Send someone to invite the General."

Zhou's father was waiting for the clan elders to speak. He had already thought this through. Even if things didn't work out in the end, it wouldn't have anything to do with them. Even if Yuan Lin wanted to settle scores, he would only go after these old fogies in the clan.

He was already annoyed by the constant reminders from those old fogies in the clan, so it was better for them and Yuan Lin to suffer mutual losses.

Thinking of this, he immediately sent someone to invite the Yuan family father and son over.

Because Yuan Zhao had already sent a message, the Yuan family was not surprised when they received the news.

"Dad, remember not to act rashly later."

As he left, Yuan Gu gave him one last instruction.

His biggest worry was his father, who had a very short temper. If his father couldn't control himself, Zhao Zhao's plan would be ruined.

"I know, no need for you to keep nagging."

Yuan's father kicked his eldest son in a huff before angrily mounting his horse.

He has a bad temper, but he always listens to his beloved daughter.

The Yuan family members arrived, but the Marquis did not go in. Yuan's father raised his voice and said:

"Let's talk outside so everyone can hear, otherwise you'll accuse me of bullying you and forcing you to confess. I don't want to be framed."

As soon as General Yuan said this, many of the onlookers laughed.

The words may be crude, but the principle is sound.

Upon hearing this, Zhou's father twitched his lips. "This old fool has finally grown a brain; how could he say something like that?"

The Zhou family elders were naturally unafraid. They believed that the truth was in their hands and that the Yuan family couldn't deny it even if they wanted to. They wanted everyone outside to judge who was in the wrong.

Soon, a group of people went to the gate of the mansion.

The news of the spectacle spread like wildfire, and a large crowd gathered outside the Marquis's residence.

The Marquis's mansion hadn't been this lively in a long time, but the Zhou family members were anything but happy.

Because all these recent spectacle were just for people to see them make fools of themselves.

If it weren't for a last resort, Zhou's father wouldn't have used such a method, but unfortunately, they have no other choice now.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Zhou's father spoke up:

"Go and invite the young master, the young master, and the young mistress."