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As Rong Ze spoke, his expression turned complicated.

In Rong Ze's memory, Grandmother and Uncle had always treated him kindly, even better than Zhaozhao. Mother had sent him to the academy and then to the Imperial Academy, probably to keep him from being too attached to the Cheng'an Marquis Estate, fearing that he might resent her ruthlessness in the future.

But Mother could not have foreseen that Grandmother and Uncle would choose to give up their titles to protect the first and second branches of the family.

Twenty-two years ago, Grandfather had brought Father, Second Uncle, and Third Uncle to the capital with high aspirations, elevating the Rong family from an ordinary military household in Taiyuan Prefecture to a noble and wealthy clan.

Now, with the glory faded and the family's titles revoked, it would be a blessing if they could return to Taiyuan as military households.

"Should we return to Taiyuan, I could ride into battle like Father," Rong Ze said with a smile. "I am not a talented individual. Despite years of study, I've only achieved the rank of juren. At last, I won't have to toss and turn in bed over the imperial examinations."

After the Rong family surrenders to the Supreme Court tomorrow, Rong Ze's scholarly achievements will also be stripped, preventing him from participating in future civil service exams. Not just Rong Ze, but Second Brother, Third Brother, and Fourth Brother would also lose their eligibility for the exams.

Unless they distinguish themselves with great deeds or receive the emperor's favor.

Rong Shu was aware of this. Since the day she returned to the Cheng'an Marquis Estate, she had guessed the fate of the first and second branches. What she hadn't anticipated was that Grandmother and Father would rather give up their titles than divide the family.

"I initially advised Uncle Three to separate from the family, but he refused. He said that a 'Rong' can't be written with one stroke, so either we all stay in the capital or we all return to Taiyuan Prefecture together. He also mentioned that the title was earned by our grandfather and father, and it's only right to use it to ensure the safety of the First and Second Branches."

Indeed, the title was originally earned by their grandfather and father, but it would be understandable if Uncle Three was unwilling to give it up.

Rong Ze gazed at the fluttering snowfall against the dark sky and spoke softly, "I'll always remember what the First Branch owes the Third."

When a family falls, some will never recover and fade into obscurity, while others will strive to regain their standing, climbing back up from the depths.

The latter path is far more challenging.

In Rong Shu's memory, her brother was not one to vie for power. The spark in his eyes now was something she had never seen before, as if something had sprouted within him.

Rong Ze handed Rong Shu a heavy wooden box, saying, "This is from Mother; she asked me to give it to you. She wants to apologize to you and Aunt Three. After the incident with the Rong family, the Shen family will also be affected. You and Aunt Three are the most innocent ones in this."

Rong Shu's eyes welled up, but she hesitated to take it.

Rong Ze smiled again, "If you don't take this wooden box now, it'll be confiscated tomorrow anyway."

Only then did Rong Shu accept it, "Brother, don't worry. Even if the Shen family is implicated, Mother and I will be fine."

Rong Ze acknowledged with an "Mm-hmm." "My elder brother is aware."

After delivering the items, Rong Ze returned to the Cheng'an Marquis Estate.

The next day, before dawn, he accompanied Rong Xun to the Supreme Court.

Upon receiving Rong Xun's confession, Chief Justice Li Meng was utterly perplexed.

Well-informed as he was, Li Meng had heard about the Prince of Huai'an taking the heir of the Worldly Peace Estate to Minglu Mountain some days ago. Now, he didn't know how to proceed.

The Xing family had already shown weakness, and the First Prince was even preparing to request an assignment to the south as a feudal lord.

As a supporter of the First Prince, Li Meng was trying his best to establish good relations with the East Palace. Thus, he couldn't afford to mishandle the matter involving the Cheng'an Marquis Estate.

He discreetly sent someone to inquire at the East Palace, and upon hearing that justice would be impartially served, he knew that the Crown Prince was not willing to intervene.

In a hurry, he wrote a memorial to the imperial court, altering the sentence from being stripped of noble status to being sent back to Taiyuan Prefecture's military garrison. The memorial was swiftly returned to him with the emperor's approval.

Emperor Jia You had not only approved it but also revised the punishment, changing the demotion to a commoner to being reassigned to the Taiyuan Prefecture's military headquarters.

The Rong family had been military households in Taiyuan's Dai Prefecture before they came to the capital. Generations of their ancestors had served in the garrisons. Now, sending them back to Dai Prefecture was a lenient act, giving the Rong family a chance at survival.

Li Meng promptly led a large group of officials to Qilin East Street, where they removed the golden plaque from the Cheng'an Marquis Estate.

When the plaque shattered on the ground, Rong Shu stood at the entrance of the marquis estate.

Rong Xun carried the elderly Lady Rong out. Spotting Rong Shu, he paused, his entire body frozen in place.

Lady Rong's chin rested weakly on Rong Xun's shoulder. Sensing that he had stopped, she struggled to lift her eyelids and looked outside.

Standing there was the grandchild she disliked the most – the one who had forced the three branches of the Rong family to confront each other, exposing old grudges for all to see. She had even abandoned her father's surname, prioritizing her own happiness with her mother.

Lady Rong had expected herself to be furious upon seeing her again. But when she actually did, the spark of anger in her heart failed to ignite and quickly died out.

Ultimately, the Rong family's current plight was not her fault.

"Let...her...go," Lady Rong panted.

What could be so fascinating?

In no time, the entire capital would come to witness the spectacle. Even if she renounced her family name, she would still be seen as a member of the Rong family in others' eyes. At that time, she might face countless insults.

If she's determined to leave, then let her go decisively! Don't come back!

Rong Xun seemed not to have heard, his gaze passing over Rong Shu as he looked around. Not seeing Shen Yizhen, his heart felt empty.

The Emperor was merciful, stripping the Rong family of their titles but not their military status. They could always start anew in their ancestral lands in Taiyuan Prefecture.

Yet, today they were about to depart. Did Zhen Niang not even want to see him one last time?

Chapter 89

Rong Xun placed the elderly Lady Rong into the ox cart and was about to return to talk with Rong Shu when he saw her lift her skirt and walk straight inside without glancing aside.

The courtyard echoed with the cries of soldiers, while the snow-covered ground was marked with rows of black footprints.

Rong Ze supported Madam Zhu, walking slowly towards them. Following behind were Madam Zhong, Aunt Pei, and all the younger generations from the second and third branches of the family.