Chapter 1296: Chapter 1294: Family Ruin
Yet, while Wufu was contemplating the meaning behind Master Gui sending such a pile of compensatory gifts, the Marquis Yonganâs Mansion was in utter chaos.
Ever since the scandal of Wang Hao privately hoarding the Silver Mine was exposed, the Marquis Yonganâs Mansion seemed cursed with misfortune, constantly embroiled in and accused of various scandals. No, it wasnât just scandals, but rather judgments being settled.
Indeed, the Shuntian Prefecture repeatedly received cases of Marquis Yonganâs Mansion bullying citizens and driving innocent girls to their deathsâone after another as if conspiring together, with such consistency one would believe there was a conspiracy to ruin the mansion.
These cases were all solid and proven, with undeniable evidence, revealing numerous wrongdoings committed within the past half-year, bringing even long-buried deeds to light.
Upon investigating, the Prefect of Shuntian presented the conclusive evidence before the throne, laying it on the Emperorâs dragon desk.
The Emperor of Nanyue, seeing that he had merely favored one consort and elevated her status for a few days, was furious at the audacity of her maiden family to run rampant. Further indulgence would surely lead them to try and dominate him.
Truthfully, the Emperor of Nanyue was overthinking it. Such a minor noble dared not stand on his head, merely acting a little arrogantly based on his favor, which was not unusual within the royal city.
However, the trouble started with Wang Haoâs private hoarding of the Silver Mine, a crime that warranted death; after all, seizing a Silver Mine was akin to stealing his wealth. The most vexing part was all these issues disturbing his alchemical pursuits.
The Emperor of Nanyue was deeply annoyed, feeling that the Marquis Yonganâs Mansion was disobedient. Anyone who interrupted his path to immortality was deemed egregiously guilty.
With the initial crime of the private hoarded Silver Mine, followed by cases of bullying and market manipulation, the Emperor of Nanyue was utterly incensed, first ordering Consort Rong to be banished to the Cold Palace, then decreeing Wang Haoâs execution for his crime of hoarding the Silver Mine. He revoked the Marquis Yonganâs title, demoted him to commoner status, confiscated the mansion, and confiscated properties to compensate for the Silver Mine losses.
When Madam Wang arrived at the Marquis Yonganâs Mansion, she found it surrounded by layers of onlookers, her carriage unable to pass through, and she felt a blackout looming, her legs weak upon disembarking.
Pushing through the crowd, she saw two guards removing the plaque from the Marquis Yonganâs Mansion, throwing it onto the ground. Her knees went weak again, nearly collapsing to the earth.
"Madam!" Nanny Wei supported her, her eyes red with tears.
Madam Wang tasted blood in her throat, swallowing it down with difficulty, gripping Nanny Weiâs arm tightly as she stumbled and rushed into the mansion.
Upon bursting into the mansion, there were officials everywhere, moving and seizing belongings, servants scrambling around, some clutching unknown objects in their arms.
Madam Wangâs heart pounded like a drum, her gaze sweeping the frantic disarray, her mind buzzing.
She stood there, momentarily stunned, struggling to believe her eyesâhow could this have happened?
This must be a dream, a terrible nightmare.
"Madam, Madam."
"Auntie, Auntie."
Madam Wang only felt a sharp pain at her waist, snapping her back to reality. She saw Nanny Wei looking at her with concern: "Madam, whatâs wrong with you?"
What was wrong with her?
Madam Wang looked around, the chaos and cries filling the air, sharp and piercing.
This wasnât a dreamâeverything was real; the mansion had truly been confiscated, the household ruined and annihilated.
With this realization, Madam Wangâs legs gave out, and she knelt to the ground, all strength drained from her body.
"Auntie, youâve arrived; you canât collapse now. The Old Madam, sheâs fainted. Auntie, quickly, call for a doctor."
Madam Wang raised her head, seeing the nanny beside her legitimate mother, tear-streaked and pleading. Hearing this made the taste in her throat unbearable, and she spat out a mouthful of blood.