Zhou's father gradually sobered up amidst Zhou Shiyuan's roars. He stared blankly at the group of people not far away before belatedly realizing what he had done.

He was startled, and instantly lost all strength, shoving the person beneath him away.

His face turned deathly pale instantly as he struggled to suppress the panic in his heart.

He had countless ideas in his mind, but he didn't know how to start speaking.

Drunk, yes, drunk.

However, she was just a maid.

As long as she's not a mistress of any family, it's not a big problem; if word gets out, it'll just be his romantic escapades.

Thinking of this, Zhou's father's expression softened somewhat.

Meanwhile, those who had heard the news in the front yard also came over, including Rong Ruo, the Yuan family father and son, Imperial Censor Zhang who thought his daughter was in trouble, and several great scholars.

Seeing that so many people had been alerted, Zhou's father looked grim. He forced himself to say:

"I was drunk today and made such a fool of myself, please forgive me."

"This is a maidservant who serves me, she..."

Before he could finish speaking, Rong Ruo let out a soft "Eh":

"Isn't this the birth mother of the 'child prodigy' that Prince Zhou brought back?"

If Zhou Shiyuan's mention of Bai Mianmian was solid evidence, then Rong Ruo's words completely tore away all the pretense of propriety.

Everyone started whispering among themselves.

"The son's mistress, but the father..."

"Tsk tsk, the Yongning Marquis's mansion claims to be a scholarly family, but it's even more sordid than a brothel."

"Who can argue with that? First it was the Lady of Yongning Marquis who cheated on her husband, and now this father and son are doing it too..."

"Tsk tsk..."

"..."

Upon hearing these words, Zhou's father's legs went weak. He subconsciously looked at the woman on the ground, her face flushed, and then his pupils suddenly contracted.

It really is Bai Mianmian!

How could it be him?

He subconsciously looked at his son, only to see Zhou Shiyuan looking in his direction, his eyes no longer showing the usual respect and deference, but only disgust and revulsion.

But at this very moment, Rong Ruo was fanning the flames from the sidelines:

"The Marquis of Yongning is indeed as imposing as ever!"

Everyone: "..."

Yuan Zhao had never found Rong Ruo so pleasing to the eye before; his timing and words were both impeccably chosen.

Zhou's father's face was quite a sight, turning white then green, then green then white again, extremely handsome.

The thought that I was actually with Bai Mianmian...

With Rong Ruo present today, such a significant matter will surely reach the Emperor's ears.

Thinking of the future of the Yongning Marquis's mansion, the Yongning Marquis couldn't hold back and spat out a mouthful of blood before fainting.

With such a major incident today, both the old lady of the Yongning Marquis's mansion and the Yongning Marquis have fainted, so the banquet naturally cannot continue.

Yuan Zhao methodically instructed his servants to summon a doctor and prepared a small gift for each guest, doing everything perfectly.

Many people witnessed Yuan Zhao's performance today and felt that this Crown Prince's wife was dignified and poised, possessing the demeanor of a matriarch.

Unfortunately, the Yongning Marquis's residence is becoming increasingly outrageous.

Rong Ruo had long since disappeared without a trace, and Yuan Zhao saw his father, brothers, and sister-in-law off.

Yuan's father couldn't think that far ahead; he just felt that today's events were utterly disgusting.

"Zhaozhao, why don't you come home with your father? We're not going to stay in this awful place."

"Father, I have my own plans."

Yuan Zhao comforted his father.

Yuan Lin lagged behind them by a step and lowered his voice to speak to Yuan Zhao:

"Zhaozhao, were you responsible for what happened today?"

He felt that even if Zhou's father was absurd, he wouldn't do such a thing today.

He wasn't sympathizing with Zhou's father; he was just curious who had helped Yuan Zhao orchestrate such a massive scheme. He hadn't heard a thing, and Yuan Zhao couldn't possibly have done so much on his own.

Most importantly, why would Rong Ruo, that wicked star, say those words?

Thinking of this, Yuan Lin's expression changed slightly, and he couldn't help but say:

"Zhaozhao, tell your elder brother honestly, what exactly is going on between you and Rong Ruo?"