zen into small cubes. It’s convenient for when you're on the go and can't cook or hunt."She crumbled some meat into it, and finally sprinkled on some freeze-dried chopped scallions. Paired with the s..."What Lady Nanyanghou said is most agreeable."

Fang Jinxiu suddenly stood up.

The moment she opened her mouth to speak, for some reason, the somewhat noisy atmosphere in the room fell silent.

After all, this woman is now quite a remarkable figure in the capital. Since her arrival, she has accomplished several earth-shattering feats.

First, she made headlines with rumors of a romantic entanglement with the son of the Minister's household. Then, thanks to the excellent fruits and vegetables and various specialty tea snacks from Jinxiu Orchard, she shone brightly at the Emperor's birthday banquet, becoming a renowned imperial merchant in one fell swoop.

And at the celebration banquet, she explicitly defined her relationship with Prince Jing, becoming his concubine recognized by His Majesty.

Now it's even involved with the Zong Shilang family.

When everyone thought of Fang Jinshu's brilliance, their heads felt dizzy.

Wait, she called that Mu family member her mother-in-law, and this young man named Zong Bai called her sister-in-law.

Therefore, wouldn't Fang Jinshu become the daughter-in-law of Lord Zong

Haha, this is too funny! My own daughter-in-law is about to become a consort of the Prince of Jing, and my son might even be the top scholar in the upcoming exam.

The discarded wife also appeared in the capital with a rich and oily brocade manor.

Many smart people have already started to stifle their laughter.

This Zongpingchuan, what does he think he is He thinks that by marrying into the family of a high official he will have a smooth life, but look at his children, one worse than the next.

And look at the ones born to his ex-wife, each one more outstanding than the last. Just thinking about it makes you want to spit blood in anger, doesn't it

If he hadn't married Yuan Xiangli back then and had brought his wife and children from the countryside, he would certainly have a high status now, and his family would be prosperous.

After all, the rise and fall of a family can't be determined by one person alone. If their descendants are not capable, the rise will be short-lived, and the decline will be just as swift.

In this regard, Sōhei's choice was not wise. Now that his ex-wife has come to him, and his reputation is ruined, it's an understatement to say he got nothing but a loss for his effort.

"Master Zong said that Zong Bai didn't pass the exam. Oh, I remember you were one of the examiners too, weren't you"

"Logically, one should have an impression of the students participating in the Hall Examination."

"Who's lying We could just ask everyone else and find out."

A flash of panic crossed Zongpingchuan's eyes.

"Presumptuous! How dare a woman like you interrupt this official."

This official is not only a third-rank official of the imperial court, but also his biological father. This unfilial son dares to slander me like this.

He hardened his heart and said, "Today, whether or not you bring someone to confront me, the damage to my reputation has already been immense."

"If you want to confront him, it's possible. Zong Bai must first receive fifty lashes from the Jingzhao Mansion. As long as he endures these fifty lashes, I will let you confront him."

Fang Jinxiu's face immediately turned ugly. "Master Zong, you can actually say such things!"

"With fifty big boards from the Jingzhao Mansion coming down, can Zong Bai still come back alive to confront them"

He was just claiming to be Zong Bai's father, acting all warm and loving, trying to get him to go home for a heart-to-heart talk. But as soon as he turned around, he wanted to take him to receive a beating.

He didn't care about this son's life at all.

"He is the son of this official. Of course, this official doesn't want his life."

Zong Pingchuan didn't bother to speak with Fang Jinxiu, a mere woman. He turned his gaze to Zong Bai.

"Berl, go back with your father."

Zong Bai pursed his lips, "Please don't ignore my sister-in-law's words, Lord Zong."

"And besides, if I have to prove my identity by enduring this ordeal, I'm willing to go to the Jingzhao Mansion."

Upon hearing this, Fang Jinshi was greatly alarmed.

"Zong Bai, no!"

This time, Zong Bai was determined to insist. For the first time, he shook his head at Fang Jinshi.

"Sister-in-law, you always say that Zongbei has grown up. I can't rely on you for everything. When I encounter problems, I can't just hide under your and my brother's wings and let you solve them for me."

"Let me face it alone."

Fang Jinxiu's brow furrowed tightly, and Mu Shi was on the verge of tearing her clothes apart from anxiety. She endured until now without saying a word.

As her children grew up, she knew there were things they had to do on their own, and she couldn't hold them back.

Yulian was also very worried about her second brother. Her sister-in-law had said that the fifty taels of silver would be life-threatening, how could he agree to go to Jingzhao Mansion

This man in front of me no longer cares about these children because he prioritizes his career. How could the second brother be so foolish He truly has caused harm to the second brother!

"Good." Before Fang Jinshu could speak, Zong Yu, who was beside her, suddenly nodded.

Zong Pingchuan had noticed it from the very beginning, his eldest son's presence was simply too overwhelming. Even an accidental glance could leave him feeling flustered.

So he could only try his best to ignore his existence.

"So you'd rather take a beating than back down from me"

"Damn it!" Zong Pingchuan was furious.

Zong Bai walked in front of him. Compared to Zong Pingchuan's anger and anxiety, Zong Bai, who was supposed to be the one receiving the punishment, remained unusually calm, as if he had everything under control.

If Zong Pingchuan wasn't guilty, why would he bring out all the boards from the Jingzhao Mansion, thinking that this would scare him off

"Come on, Master Zong, I'll go get the board with you."

"As long as I am alive, I will definitely seek justice for myself!"'t go back on his word."Words are wind, let's put it in writing."Fang, Xiaoczai, and Jinxiu have fully entered "sheep-shearing" mode.Not until she saw Gu Liusheng sign and seal the written document wi...