Madam Song then noticed the yellow talisman on the table and glared at Duke Zhongyong in anger.
"Good for you, a court official, and you believe in those gods and ghost charlatans. With just this small piece of yellow paper, you've branded your own niece with a reputation of being a curse."
"Our family's affairs are none of your business as an outsider."
"Hmph, I'll tell my husband about this in detail when I get back and have him impeach you. This shameless act of yours, intending to drive out your own niece and seize her property, would make even a dog shake its head."
"Nonsense, what proof do you have? Shu'er, you are young and don't understand the complexities of this world. You've been deceived by a few honeyed words. Your uncle is your kin, how could he harm you? Think carefully."
"This Madam is the witness. Shu'er, don't be afraid of him; do as you wish. As long as you agree to this division of household, your aunt will manage it for you. Even if he disagrees, he'll have to, or the spit of the capital's common folk will drown him."
"Thank you, Aunt Song. Shu'er wishes to live separately."
Duke Zhongyong was furious, his face flushed red. "Shu'er, do you truly wish to be so distant from your uncle? Outsiders are always outsiders, but your uncle is your true support. Are you sure you won't regret this?"
"Shu'er does not regret it."
"Hmph, you've got a backbone, just like your father. Stubborn as can be. I'll see what kind of life you make for yourself in the future. Don't come crying to me when you regret it."
With that, he left. Madam Song comforted Jun Jiuli for a while, explained what was needed, and said she would come tomorrow to help Jun Jiuli with the procedures.
"You can stay in the manor for one more day. Don't be afraid; they won't dare to do anything to you."
"Thank you, Aunt Song. Please take care."
"Oh, my dear child, it's been hard on you."
Duke Song's Manor
"What? I asked you to check on Shu'er, and you ended up causing a division of the household? Shu'er just lost her parents; of course, she wants to be close to her family. You're being foolish. She's young and doesn't understand, but don't you? Aren't you afraid she'll resent you in the future?"
"I don't care. In any case, you must accompany me tomorrow to handle the household division. That girl is sharp; it was all her own volition."
"You, you, you! Now you remember me, but you didn't think of me when you were making the decisions before?"
"Oh, it's easier to get things done with you here. Alright, alright, Lord Song, please don't be angry. I apologize to you, but I've already made my promise. You must help me get this done."
"I truly can't do anything about you."
"Let me tell you, Shu'er can't stay in that manor anymore. Shu'er's room is dilapidated. If I had been any later today, her black-hearted uncle would have certainly forced her to be punished. How could I bear that? At that moment, only this thought was in my mind, and I just said it."
"Is it really that bad? You wouldn't be exaggerating, would you?"
"Why would I lie to you? As soon as she heard she could move out, that little girl's face lit up with joy."
"Alright, Duke Zhongyong must agree to this matter, or it cannot be done."
"Isn't that simple? That coward, a scare is all it takes to get him to cooperate. Let me tell you..."
The next day after the morning court, Lord Song went directly to the Duke's manor. The matter of the Duke's manor mistreating the child had already become the talk of the town, with several censors impeaching him for lacking virtue and being unmerciful to his kin.
The Emperor fined him one year's salary, admonished him, and ordered him to reflect in seclusion at home for a period.
The duration of this seclusion was indefinite, and the Duke endured much torment at home.
"Hmph, Lord Song, are you here to mock me?"
"Brother Zhao, what makes you say that? I've come to your manor today simply to discuss some matters."
"I will not agree to let that girl leave on her own."
"You're being too extreme. Do you want to stay in this manor as the Duke for the rest of your life?"
"You are despicable. Those censors are your close friends; you are deliberately plotting against me."
"Brother Zhao, put aside your prejudice and accompany me to the yamen."
"You're ruthless."
After the procedures were completed and the household registration was obtained, no one could silently swallow Zhao Jing Shu's wealth anymore.
Lord Song handed the documents to Jun Jiuli.
"This Duke's manor is still your home. You can return whenever you wish, but from now on, you will have more freedom. Keep these things safe. When you wish to move to a new residence, inform your aunt."
"Thank you, Uncle Song."
"Silly child, your father and I were old friends. You don't need to be so formal. Uncle will take his leave now."
Jun Jiuli saw him to the door.
Shui Wa: "The original host's father had a very upright vision. Their whole family is quite fun to be around."
"Fun? What kind of rotten adjective is that?"
"..."
Lü Zhu followed Jun Jiuli, her brow furrowing at times and relaxing at others.
"Miss, is moving out the right choice? Will we regret it later? You are still so young; how will you live in the future?"
"Of course, I'll live however I please. I don't need to go out onto the streets to earn money to support a family."
"That's true. With money, there's nothing to worry about. Miss, won't you miss them? The Duke's manor is full of your relatives!"
"No, if I miss them later, I can come back to visit. Distance makes the heart grow fonder."
"Mm-hmm."
"Pack everything up; we'll move tomorrow."
"So soon? The rooms over there aren't even cleaned yet. We can't take the little maids from the courtyard with us, and we'll need to buy a few from the matchmaker."
"Then hurry up and do it. Tell me when you're done."
"Yes, Miss."
The old Madam breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that Jun Jiuli was moving out, but then felt a pang of distress thinking about the cases of belongings.
The Duchess felt the same. Her sister-in-law, Madam Wu, was currently visiting Zhao Jing Yi's courtyard.
Zhao Jing Yi had been in low spirits lately and was confined to her bed. The Duchess had nearly cried herself blind, and Madam Wu, her aunt, had come to check on her.
The eldest daughter's father held a first-rank official position, and her brother had risen to the fourth rank, presenting a picture of prosperity.
Her father had only her and her brother as children, which was why the old Madam had chosen her so carefully.
Unfortunately, not long after her father's death, her brother's true nature was revealed. He spent his days indulging in debauchery and squandered much of the family fortune.
Eventually, he fell from his horse while drunk and died, leaving only his sister-in-law and the infant Su Wei.
Madam Wu had been married into the family due to her beauty. Her social standing was not high, and the remaining assets of the Su family were still substantial, overwhelming her.
Suddenly, she was the only one in charge of the household, and she lived a life of luxury for a time. If it weren't for the Duchess, her sister-in-law, keeping her in check, Madam Wu would have emptied the Su manor long ago.
The Wu family members were all vampires. Madam Wu lacked foresight and doted on Su Wei excessively, turning him into a good-for-nothing. By the time the Duchess discovered this, it was too late to correct him.