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She nodded gently and performed a proper curtsy.

The following morning, a carriage with a green canopy left Kirin East Street for Obeying Heaven Mansion.

The office had opened early, and a few bailiffs were seated on the veranda, yawned indolently with their shoulders hunched. Spotting a slender and elegant maiden with picturesque features approaching, they quickly straightened up and asked, "Is that Miss Rong Shu?"

Rong Shu was slightly surprised and responded instinctively, "Yes, do you gentlemen know me?"

The leading bailiff respectfully said, "Miss Rong Shu's noble deed in Yang State Prefecture is known to everyone in the capital. How could I not recognize you?"

With that, he vigorously waved his hand, calling out to those around him, "Quickly, prepare tea!"

After giving the proper instructions, he bowed again and told Rong Shu, "Miss Rong, please follow me to the main hall. It's quiet today, and the vice-magistrate has some free time."

The vice-magistrate in charge of handling their divorce and property settlement was even more attentive than the bailiffs. In less than a quarter of an hour, he stamped the divorce certificate with a smile, saying, "Miss Rong, your father and mother's divorce has been officially recorded by the government today. Their future marriages will be unrelated."

"Thank you very much, Your Excellency," Rong Shu replied sincerely, feeling a heavy burden lifted from her heart.

Ying Que and Ying Yue were waiting by the two stone beasts in Obeying Heaven Mansion when they saw Rong Shu emerge. They rushed over with bright smiles on their faces and said, "Miss, you've become famous in the capital!"

Rong Shu couldn't help but recall the "noble deed" that the officer had mentioned earlier. After pondering for a moment, she asked, "Could it be that news of me opening Shen Family's granary in Yang State Prefecture has spread?"

"Not just that!" Ying Que lifted her chin proudly. "It's also about how you borrowed grain and medicine to help Lord Liang and the people of Yang State Prefecture. Everyone in the capital knows about it! They all say that Miss, you have the backbone of Elder Mister Shen!"

Rong Shu's eyes flickered.

How could her actions in Yang State Prefecture have caused such a stir at this very moment?

Was someone deliberately building momentum for her?

Chapter 84

After entrusting the letter she wrote to Shen Yizhen to the courier agency to send to Yang State Prefecture, Rong Shu returned to Minglu Yard.

The day before, Chang Ji had discreetly protected her with a few of the Imperial Guards from the Jinyuwei while she was back at Cheng'an Marquis Estate. Today, he still followed her back to Minglu Yard.

"I have Lan Yan and Liu Ping here, so there's no need for you to protect me anymore. Sir Gu trusts only a few people by his side, so you should return and report to him," Rong Shu said.

Chang Ji, however, remained silent, merely smiling and saying, "It's precisely because the Master can only rely on a few of us that I cannot leave. I'll be guarding the outer courtyard of Minglu Yard, treating me as if I'm invisible is fine." He gave the impression that no matter how much she tried to chase him away, he wouldn't budge.

Rong Shu was helpless and had no choice but to say, "I need someone to keep an eye on the Cheng'an Marquis Estate. If you have a suitable person, please give them my instructions."

As she spoke, she handed over a purse filled with gold leaves through Ying Que as a reward for all the guards.

Chang Ji understood Rong Shu's character quite well and didn't refuse. With a thick skin, he accepted the gift.

Two days later, he returned to the Eastern Palace to report.

Gu Changjin had just finished reading the documents regarding Chen Mei's case when he noticed a delicate purse hanging from Chang Ji's waist. "Where did this come from?"

Chang Ji had already distributed the gold leaves inside and deliberately hung the purse to show off his treasure to Gu Changjin. Hearing the question, he promptly took it off and said, "A gift from the Young Lady, I brought it especially for the Master."

Gu Changjin glanced at the purse again before looking at Chang Ji indifferently. "Keep it for yourself." It wasn't embroidered by her.

Chang Ji was somewhat puzzled, thinking that the Master would secretly hide the purse upon seeing it.

In the next moment, Gu Changjin asked, "What is she busy with?"

"Madam Rong has been occupied with account books at Minglu Yard for the past two days. Madam Shen had to rush to Yangzhou, leaving many matters to be dealt with. Madam Rong has taken them over," Chang Ji paused before adding, "I've heard that Madam Rong is planning to transfer some businesses to Datong Prefecture."

Gu Changjin acknowledged with an "mm-hmm," maintaining his composed expression as he picked up his teacup and sipped. He then asked, "Any progress at the Cheng'an Marquis Estate?"

"Old Madam Rong is still in a coma. The medicine Madam Rong administered promptly alleviated her stroke symptoms, but due to her age, it will take at least another ten days or so for her to awaken. According to the imperial physicians, Old Madam Rong's heart fire is raging. Even if she wakes up, there's a high chance she could suffer another stroke. Marquis Cheng'an visits Ho'an Hall daily to oversee the serving of medicinal soups. Lady Pei also accompanies him. The two of them are attending to Old Madam Rong diligently, almost like a harmonious couple."

Upon noticing Gu Changjin's dark gaze, Chang Ji hurriedly continued, "Yesterday, Marquis Cheng'an even personally went to the ancestral hall to retrieve the imperial edict and the original imperial decree granting the marquis title."

Gu Changjin set down his teacup and tapped the table lightly. "He wants to use these documents to secure the Rong family's acquittal in exchange for the title and edict."

If the Rong family split, the first and second branches would be held accountable for any crimes, sparing the third branch. Thus, Rong Xun could maintain his position as Marquis Cheng'an. However, if they remained united, the third branch would inevitably be implicated by the first and second. In that case, the imperial edict and title would be their only hope to ensure the safety of the entire Rong family.

"For all these years, he's been living in a daze. If Marquis Cheng'an truly intends to sacrifice everything for the family's survival, he's finally showing some backbone."

Chang Ji, protective of Rong Shu, despised both Old Madam Rong and Rong Xun due to her connection with Rong Shu. Seeing Rong Xun finally taking responsibility, although not to the extent of admiration, did alleviate some of his disdain.

But Gu Changjin countered, "Rong Xun is likely waiting for Old Madam Rong to awaken before making the final decision."

If he were truly determined, he would have already presented the edict and imperial decree at the Board of Justice to confess.

Hearing this, Chang Ji spat out fiercely, "I really overestimated him."

Then, remembering something, he added, "Oh yes, my lord, Lady asked me yesterday when those rumors in the capital started spreading."

Gu Changjin lifted his gaze. "How did you respond?"

Chang Ji spoke guiltily, "I truthfully told her it began when you took control of the Eastern Palace. My lord, don't worry, Lady didn't seem angry at all."