The grievances of Song Jue were minor compared to the current state of the Shen family; they were hardly worth mentioning. Shen Xiaohai had never imagined there could be a family as shameless as the Marquis of Wuning's. Tong Shao, meeting a man alone and drunk without a chaperone, was already a disgraceful matter. But instead of feeling ashamed, they seemed proud and caused a scene, bringing people to Duke Ying's residence right on that very day.

  Shen Xiaohai had originally taken Shen Qingrang away, hoping both families could calm down and that this disgraceful matter could be quietly covered up. Although the Marquis of Wuning was indeed a good match, it couldn't compare to the Marquis of Changning. However, the wife of the Marquis of Wuning was no match for Old Lady Song, who managed to suppress the situation, only for the Marquise to escate it further by bringing Tong Shao directly to Duke Ying's estate, demanding justice.

  Justice?! He wanted to demand justice himself. Had the world turned upside down? Chasing after someone so desperately, as if afraid others wouldn't know what disgraceful things she'd done—how was Duke Ying's family to hold its head high in the future?

  As night fell, a rare moment of quiet settled over Duke Ying's mansion, cloaked in gloom. Even the servants walked on tiptoe, afraid to make any noise. Even the Duke and Duchess, who had long since retreated from household matters, were furious enough to throw things, showing just how severe this incident had become.

  Lady He's face and neck bore red scratches from the Marquise of Wuning, and some spots on her neck had broken skin. Shen Huizhi, with reddened eyes, instructed someone to fetch ointment, only to hear that her eldest daughter, Shen Huixin, had returned.

  Shen Huixin had hurried back upon hearing the news, bending the rules in doing so. But she was beloved by both her mother-in-w and husband, so despite her mother-in-w's displeasure, she was ultimately permitted back.

  Upon entering, she saw Shen Qingrang kneeling with his head hung low and her mother, leaning on the couch, sobbing. Shen Huixin's eyebrows twitched as she asked, "Where's Father?" Given the severity of the situation, there was no way Shen Xiaohai would let Shen Qingrang off easily, yet he was still here, kneeling in reflection.

  Seeing her, Lady He clung to her, tearfully menting, "What did I do to deserve this? A lifetime of respect was lost in a single day. How can I show my face again?"

  Lady He's sobbing was relentless, but she made little sense. Shen Huixin patiently comforted her, then instructed her nanny, "Go check the study and see if Father is there. If he isn't, check the ancestral hall and with Grandfather."

  The words sent shivers through the room—going to the ancestral hall and the Duke himself meant this was truly a major incident.

  Sighing, Shen Huixin turned to her brother, kneeling on the ground, and couldn't help but scoff, "You've really outdone yourself. Drinking, gambling, and carousing are one thing—every young lord in the capital indulges now and then. But who do you think the Marquis of Wuning's granddaughter is? Did you think you could get away with treating her like a mere actress? You know her feelings for you, yet you've strung her along. And now this? You've humiliated the entire family!"

  Lady He, trying to defend her son, gently tugged at her daughter's sleeve, sniffling, "This misfortune is unbearable. Who could have expected such behavior from a young dy..."

  "Mother, watch your words!" Shen Huixin rubbed her temples in frustration. "He's borrowed money from me many times. Did you think I didn't know where it went? I turned a blind eye, hoping he wouldn't take things too far. Who could've imagined he'd go this far? Father has always been lenient with him, and you spoiled him. Now look at the mess he's made! Bming others now is pointless—this wouldn't have happened if he'd stayed away from Miss Tong. Don't you realize the situation? The Marquis of Wuning's family won't let this go; they're set on getting what they want."

  Shen Huixin's words made Lady He freeze, then dissolve into tears. "Yes, yes, it's all my fault. I raised a son who doesn't know better. If you think so little of him, then strike him down."

  As Shen Huizhi seemed about to say something, Shen Huixin quickly cut her off, "Quiet down. I haven't even started on you. When Father finds out, there'll be serious consequences." Her words silenced Shen Huizhi, and Shen Huixin then turned, politely inviting Lady Yang and her entourage to leave. "I'm terribly sorry to trouble you, Sister-in-w. Mother is in my care now, so you may rest. If you could, please also attend to Grandfather and Grandmother—they've seen how things are here."

  Once the spectators had left, Shen Huixin sighed, weary, and sat beside her mother. "If I truly didn't care, why would I risk my reputation and come back? I know you fear Father and that my younger sister can't handle this alone. It's time to face reality, Mother. Miss Tong... may have her fws and a limp, but she's the daughter of the Vice Minister of Justice and the granddaughter of the Marquis of Wuning. She's well-matched for our family. Stop saying bad things about her to my brother—they have a lifetime together ahead."

  The Marquis of Wuning's family would never let go of this matter. Firstly, they were bold enough to act solely on Miss Tong's whims. Secondly, Miss Tong had no other choice but to marry in light of the scandal.

  But Shen Qingrang suddenly straightened and cried, "I won't marry her! I thought... I thought she was Hongxiu."

  Though he had always been kind to Miss Tong, he actually found her utterly repulsive. She wasn't attractive, had a horrible temper—who could possibly like her? Compared to her, Song Chuyi was practically a goddess. If he had to spend his life with Tong Shao, he'd rather obey his father and settle down with Song Chuyi.