Once everything was ready, the prepared torches were thrown in, and flames instantly leaped up.

In an instant, a raging fire suddenly rose up, the orange-red flames leaping and dancing merrily, as if trying to break free from the iron pot and rush into the sky.

The firelight shone on everyone's faces, flickering and changing, making their expressions unpredictable.

Some people looked terrified, seemingly stunned by the scene before them;

Some people, however, frowned and fell into deep thought;

Some people's eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation.

The sun had completely set in the west, and night fell slowly like a giant black curtain, enveloping the entire world.

Yet, within this darkness, it seemed as if an invisible force was quietly taking root and sprouting in everyone's hearts, gradually growing stronger.

The way things unfolded was completely unexpected for Rong Ning, but it also satisfied her.

As the family rules were gradually consumed by the raging flames, he finally spoke slowly, "Since Young Master Xie has already decided to burn these family rules to ashes, then you all no longer need to learn anything."

Everyone go back to your respective courtyards and do whatever you need to do..."

Upon hearing this, everyone present felt as if they had been granted a pardon, and their faces instantly showed relief and joy.

They bowed and took their leave quickly and hastily. Before long, only a few people remained in the once bustling courtyard.

"Uncle Cheng...you should go back too..." Xie Chong turned to Uncle Cheng beside him and whispered.

"Yes, young master!"

Uncle Cheng has always been efficient and decisive, never dragging things out.

He respectfully cupped his hands to Xie Chong, then turned and strode away, quickly disappearing around the corner in the distance.

Suddenly, only Xie Chong, Xie Xizhu, and Rong Ning remained in the courtyard.

With a calm expression, Xie Xizhu instructed everyone in the courtyard, "Hurry up and clean up this mess!"

After the servants responded and moved, she turned around, looked at Rong Ning apologetically, and asked softly, "Your Highness... I am so sorry. Because of these tedious matters in the manor, I have delayed Your Highness's dinner time. I apologize to you."

"I wonder if Your Highness intends to return to your secluded mountain retreat at this moment, or would you be so kind as to stay and have dinner with me?"

If you think about it carefully, her words might be an invitation to leave, but Rong Ning didn't understand. She smiled slightly and said, "Then stay..."

Actually, I came here specifically to visit you this afternoon, but who would have thought such a big change would happen on the way? Please don't think I'm meddling!

Xie Xizhu quickly shook her head and replied sincerely, "Your Highness, what are you saying!"

You did this entirely out of concern and care for us; we are extremely grateful!

After saying that, she couldn't help but sigh softly to herself, and then she continued, "Alright, let's not just stand here any longer, let's go to the inner courtyard and sit down!"

After a whole day of running around, Xie Xizhu looked utterly exhausted.

Rong Ning took in all of this. Seeing her tired face, she didn't linger any longer and left after having dinner.

Unexpectedly, Xie Chong came out with her and offered to see her off.

Honestly, this is completely unnecessary.

Thinking this to herself, Rong Ning naturally said it directly without any politeness, "There's no need to trouble you to see me off, I can go back by myself."

However, Xie Chong didn't care at all. He smiled slightly and said in a calm tone, "I just happen to be passing by here. It's just on my way. I hope Your Highness will not refuse."

decline?

This isn't a refusal at all; it's a blatant rejection!

Unfortunately, Xie Chong seemed not to understand her meaning at all and insisted on seeing her off.

Rong Ning felt that this was extremely troublesome, and she really didn't want to have too much contact with Xie Chong!