Fourth Master Xiao did not speak, but Xiqiu knew that he was also satisfied with Mr. Ji, just a little hesitant about Min’s education.

The next day, Xiqiu heard that the Emperor had flown into a towering rage, scolding Count Wujin in the courtroom. Count Wujin knelt outside the Imperial City for half a day and fainted near nightfall before being carried back to the mansion by his family. Madam Jiang came to find Xiqiu the next day, her face full of worry. No matter what, Tong Xiyang was a daughter who had married out from Tong Mansion; it was impossible for her family not to care at all about how she was faring.

Madam Jiang furrowed her brow and said, "Countess Wujin is clamoring for the family to be divided, saying she can’t endure the turmoil of the third household any longer." The whole Mansion erupted into arguments, and the Second Young Madam Ren also agreed that dividing the family would be better, to stop the Silver from Old Madam Ren’s side from disappearing without a trace, leaving others to think that the brothers had all benefited, when in fact it all went into the third household’s pockets.

Hasn’t the family been dragged down by the third household enough already!

It seemed there would be no rest until the family was split. Old Madam Ren fainted from anger, yet was powerless. Since Ren Jun left the city, she had fallen ill, bedridden for months, and now had no strength to discipline her son and daughter-in-law. As for Tong Xiyang, she only stood straight at the door, saying, "We can divide the family, but how we divide it must be up to Mother!"

But before the Wujin Bo Mansion could truly divide, an Imperial Decree descended, the sword hanging over Ren Mansion’s head finally striking them!

The Emperor revoked the red book and iron certificate of Wujin Bo Mansion, stripped Count Wujin of his title, and ordered the entire mansion to move out within a month... even the imperial bestowed residence was confiscated!

Ren Mansion was completely thrown into chaos; not only the masters, but even the servants had no backbone. Some secretly fled at midnight, some stole things to send out the second gate to family, some blatantly took possession of property. It was utter chaos.

Madam Ren was struck by a stroke from anger, lying on the bed with no one caring, while the family fought for property, each trying to gain as much as possible amidst their powerlessness.

First Master Ren ran around seeking help, hoping to at least keep the residence, but the Imperial Decree was indisputable; even Fourth Master Xiao could only watch First Master Ren sigh. Eventually, he used connections to plead with the Emperor for a two-month extension, at least allowing the Ren Mansion people to spend the New Year in the mansion.

Xiqiu seemed to understand why the Emperor had initially only punished Ren Jun without immediately revoking Count Wujin’s plaque... it dawned on her now. If the Emperor had stripped Count Wujin’s title when exiling Ren Jun, people would have thought he was taking the opportunity to act, making a mountain out of a molehill. But now, after Ren Jun repeatedly caused trouble, issuing such an Imperial Decree, the public would only think of the various misdeeds of Wujin Bo Mansion over the years and the Emperor’s endurance, recognizing His Majesty’s profound benevolence in holding back for so long.

For instance, now none of the meritorious families in the Capital stood up to say a word for Wujin Bo Mansion, nor did any hot-headed Imperial Censor speak on their behalf.

The Emperor’s intentions were indeed thoughtful.

Madam Jiang spoke with a sense of helplessness: "Third Aunt has a house in her name, but it’s only a courtyard house. Ren Mansion’s third household alone has seven or eight illegitimate sons and daughters. Those concubines who haven’t borne children can be sent away, but those who have must be kept. How could so many people live there? How is she supposed to manage with so many people?" She paused, looking at Xiqiu: "I vaguely discerned First Master’s intentions, thinking of exchanging for a larger house for Third Aunt... this matter has not yet been discussed with your eldest brother, Fourth Sister, and Seventh Brother..." seeking Xiqiu’s opinion.

Xiqiu did not speak, lowering her gaze as if contemplating something. Madam Jiang continued, "Third Aunt still has some dowry, but those things can’t be touched now. She will need to live in the future, and I was thinking she could sell the courtyard house, and we could pitch in some money to buy her a larger one..."

"Sister-in-law." Xiqiu looked up at her, "If it’s Father’s intention, then you and eldest brother, Fourth Sister, and Seventh Brother can handle it. If you lack funds, I still have some here." She did not express opposition.

Madam Jiang sighed with relief, too. She didn’t like Tong Xiyang, but with the Tong Family’s daughter fallen outside, it would cast a shadow on them too. If there’s capacity to help, help should be given, and to think more bitterly, if you are bitten by a dog, would you bite back!