Mr. Zhou couldn’t stop the cold sweat from dripping down.

The Prince Shou spoke in a cold voice from above, "You should know about my granddaughter, she was abducted on her way out of the palace, and now she was found at the Zhou Mansion’s estate. Zhou Kang, can you explain why?"

Mr. Zhou’s heart sank, but he knew he could not admit to this crime, "Your Highness, please understand, I have always been at the mansion and have heard nothing of this matter. Now Your Highness says people found her at my estate; everyone in the Capital knows where my estate is. If someone placed her there to frame me, it would be impossible for me to argue against it. Even if I had more courage, I would never dare to commit such an act."

"Hmph, Zhou Kang, I have not been in the court for years, do you really think the Prince is as easily fooled as a naive child? Since she was found at your mansion, you must understand why. I merely want you to have a clear understanding before you face your end. I’ve said everything, you can wait until the court session to further defend yourself." Prince Shou stood up, glanced at his son beside him, and walked away.

Zhao Housheng strode to Zhou Kang’s front, "Mr. Zhou, I, Zhao Housheng, have no grievances against you, yet you extend your hands to my daughter. You should know, after serving as an official for so many years, not only the Zhou Mansion can act against others. Be careful not to offend people arbitrarily, or you might find yourself implicated."

Mr. Zhou kneeled down, with his head lowered, but said nothing. Zhao Housheng strode away, and the Imperial Army came in and carried Mr. Zhou away. Mrs. Zhou received the news and rushed over, but was blocked by the Imperial Army, unable to get close to Mr. Zhou, and could only watch as he was taken away.

The moment Mr. Zhou was in trouble, the Zhou Mansion was thrown into chaos. Mrs. Zhou Sr., who was already elderly, fainted the moment she heard her son was taken. She was revived only by someone pressing her philtrum.

Mrs. Zhou Sr. exhaled a long breath, "Quick, prepare things, I need to enter the palace to see Her Highness."

Mrs. Zhou, wiping her tears, called for the maid to bring the ceremonial clothes. Now that the Master was in trouble, only Her Highness could save him.

Mrs. Zhou understood the reason for the incident in her heart. After sending Mrs. Zhou Sr. onto the carriage, Zhou Furen coldly said, "Call Miss Dong from Dong Mansion, just say there’s a major issue in the mansion."

The little maid responded promptly and went away.

When Dong Boyun heard from the Zhou Mansion’s people that Mr. Zhou had been taken away by Prince Shou, she was stunned. Before she decided whether to return, Mrs. Wang Sr. had already arrived at the second household upon hearing that people from Zhou Mansion were visiting.

The matter of her son resigning had already been troubling her, but even if her son didn’t resign voluntarily, Mrs. Wang Sr. wouldn’t let him continue. For the Wang Family, character outweighed official positions.

When Mrs. Wang Sr. entered, Dong Boyun quickly rose and let her take the seat. Mrs. Wang Sr. sat down without beating around the bush, directly addressing the situation. Hearing from the maid of Zhou Mansion that Mr. Zhou was taken by Prince Shou, she was momentarily stunned, but then her brows furrowed deeply.

"This matter belongs to the Zhou Mansion and has no connection with Dong Mansion. You should not meddle in it." Mrs. Wang Sr. issued a direct command.

Dong Boyun dared not oppose it, bowed her head in compliance. The maid from Zhou Mansion, hearing this, didn’t linger any longer, and Dong Boyun asked her own maid to see the visitor out.

With no outsiders present, Mrs. Wang Sr. spoke, "Do you blame me for not saving face for you by letting you refuse in front of guests? Now everyone can see what’s happening. This matter involves the Royal Family, and our Wang Family is just ordinary; we don’t have the capability to get involved. You hail from a prominent family, there’s no need for me to elaborate further. Erlang could abandon his official career for you, and you’ve already done much for Dong Mansion. You are a married daughter, you’ve fulfilled your duty to them. I’ve spoken my words today; I won’t say more. You handle it yourself."

Mrs. Wang Sr. gradually came to understand and naturally felt dissatisfied with this daughter-in-law. But considering her son liked her, she let it go, especially since her son was now only a small-time scholar.

However, with Zhou Mansion’s trouble today, she couldn’t help but stop this daughter-in-law; such matters weren’t suitable for a family like theirs.

Mrs. Wang Sr. left, and Wang Wen dismissed the servants in the room before approaching his wife, "Mother’s also looking out for us, don’t take it to heart." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Dong Boyun shook her head, "I’m already satisfied. Twice I’ve shamelessly sought Sister Ning’s help, only to be refused at the gate both times. Mother must know, yet she hasn’t reproached me. I’m lucky to have such understanding mother-in-law."

Wang Wen didn’t quite know what to say, wanting to help his wife. But considering what her father’s family had done, it wouldn’t be easy for anyone to assist.

Dong Boyun forced a smile, "Don’t worry, I’m fine. I’ve done all I can do; these matters aren’t for a woman like me to handle."

Mrs. Zhou didn’t receive Dong Boyun but smirked inwardly, writing a letter and handing it to the maid, "Go to the Wang Family once more and deliver this to Miss Dong."

When Dong Boyun saw the letter, she couldn’t stop trembling, and Wang Wen noticed her frightened expression, hurriedly approached, but Dong Boyun like she was startled, quickly tucked the letter away.

"What’s wrong with you?" Wang Wen was somewhat displeased with her actions.

Normally, there were no secrets between husband and wife, but clearly, the wife didn’t want him to know the contents of the letter. Wang Wen, being a scholar, naturally was too embarrassed to snatch it.

"I’m fine, but I need to return to my family to deliver this letter to my father." Dong Boyun’s eyes reddened.

She couldn’t understand why she was burdened by such family; they were trying to force her to a dead end.

Wang Wen knitted his brow, "Zhou Mansion sends a letter to you, mother would certainly know. If you leave just like that..."

Wang Wen didn’t continue, trusting the wife would understand, knowing mother might be displeased.

Dong Boyun, eyes red, "As your wife, I can’t just stand by and watch Dong Mansion fall into hardship. Blame it on me, if you must."

Wang Wen sighed, "Forget it, forget it, I’ll accompany you back. If mother is angry, I’ll bear it with you."

After hearing these words, Dong Boyun felt more sorrowful; she had been guarding against her husband, yet now he was accompanying her back.

But thinking about the letter’s contents, Dong Boyun couldn’t help but tremble all over, realizing only Sister Ning could possibly help now.