Madam Zhou had only just learned that Yuan Zhao was not dead and that the Marquis's title would no longer be hereditary. She hadn't even finished processing the news when people from the second and third branches of the family came knocking on her door.

"An explanation? What kind of explanation do you want?"

She said it in an annoyed tone.

"Mother, you're too biased towards the eldest son's family. Look at the mess they've gotten into lately. They've lost their noble title. What are we going to do now?"

The second wife said unwillingly.

Zhou Shiyuan was already annoyed, and upon hearing this, he couldn't help but retort sarcastically:

"Second Aunt, even if the title of Marquis is passed down, it will have nothing to do with your second branch of the family."

He's the one who should be the most angry, okay?

He had no idea how things had turned out this way.

After enduring three long years of hardship, his family was finally able to rebuild. He returned home full of vigor and ambition, ready to make a name for himself.

Who knew that in just over a month, everything would change.

He lost his position as heir apparent, lost his supreme glory, and was no longer the elegant young nobleman he once was in the capital.

He didn't even know who to turn to for comfort, but after hearing what the second wife said, he could no longer hold back.

“Now when you walk outside, you are respected, but it’s all because of the Yongning Marquis’s mansion. What do you think you are without the Yongning Marquis’s mansion?”

The second and third wives were already angry, and when they heard Zhou Shiyuan's words, they immediately started arguing.

Old Madam Zhou was getting on in years, and after being so upset a few days ago, she felt dizzy and lightheaded, extremely irritable. She stopped chanting from her prayer beads, and the compassionate expression on her face vanished. She slammed her hand on the table and said:

"Enough!"

Old Madam Zhou had long held considerable power, and when she became angry, no one dared to speak up anymore.

After calming her anger, Madam Zhou finally spoke and asked:

"How is the Marquis?"

The maidservant beside her reported:

"The doctor just came to see you and said that the Marquis was so angry that he suffered a heart attack. He has been stimulated several times and his health is not as good as before. He can't be stimulated again in the future."

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Zhou's face grew even more unpleasant.

Even though she didn't want to admit it, she now understood that the Marquis's mansion was doomed.

If titles cannot be inherited, then there is no hope left.

If Zhou's father and Zhou Shiyuan could live up to expectations, that would be fine, but judging from the current situation, I'm afraid that won't work.

Thinking of this, she opened her mouth to say something, but the butler rushed in to report.

"Madam, something terrible has happened! The Yuan family has come to attack again."

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhou's eyelids twitched, but she managed to stay upright and not faint.

Without asking, she knew why the Yuan family had come; they must have found out about yesterday's assassination attempt.

She composed herself and said:

"Go and tell your father-in-law that the Marquis is ill and that you will visit him another day."

As soon as she finished speaking, a series of clattering sounds came from behind, followed by Yuan's father's loud voice:

"You all get out here right now."

Knowing that this matter could not be resolved peacefully, Old Madam Zhou could only look at Zhou Shiyuan:

"Shiyuan, your father-in-law may have misunderstood something. Go and talk to him about it."

Zhou Shiyuan was burning with anger. This was not a decision he made alone, but now that the matter had been exposed, he was left to bear the consequences alone. He wasn't stupid; going to see Yuan's father at this critical juncture would be suicide.

Thinking of this, he spoke:

"My father-in-law is furious, and I'm afraid Shiyuan is powerless to help. I beg my grandmother to intervene."

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhou choked and gave Zhou Shiyuan a deep look, which Zhou Shiyuan pretended not to see.

At this point, they had no time to think further, as Yuan's father had already caused a scene in the inner quarters.

Old Madam Zhou had no choice but to bite the bullet and say:

"Hurry up and invite General Yuan in."