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  The imperial physician was practically dragged in by the Shen family's chief steward, Uncle Tian. He was still panting from the hurried journey when Shen Xiaohai immediately grabbed him and hauled him into the room, urging him to check on the old dy.

  "The elderly can't withstand too much strain—Imperial Physician Liang, you must take extra care..."

  Imperial Physician Liang cast a gnce at Shen Xiaohai’s gaping teeth and couldn't help but wonder what kind of misfortune had recently befallen the Shen family. It seemed as if camity had taken up permanent residence here, with the family summoning imperial physicians every other day, wearing down the threshold of the imperial medical bureau.

  He stroked his beard, but upon hearing that the old dy had injured her head, his expression grew serious. Gone was his previous x demeanor as he promptly ordered the maidservants, "Quick, lift the curtain first. Let me take a look at how severe the injury is."

  The young maids lifted the curtains from both sides, revealing a wound the size of a fingertip on Old Lady Shen’s forehead. The moment the injury was exposed to everyone’s sight, Imperial Physician Liang gasped sharply. The ghastly sight of the wound made his scalp tingle. Turning to the others, he demanded, “How did she fall like this?! A head injury is no minor matter, and she’s taken quite a heavy fall. I cannot treat this alone—we must summon Physician Hu. He specializes in treating contusions and external injuries. Hurry and fetch him!”

  Shen Xiaohai inwardly cursed their misfortune, not daring to dey for even a moment. He rushed outside to instruct Steward Tian to send another summons for Physician Hu. At the same time, his anger burned furiously—this was too much. If things continued this way, Duke Ying’s household would surely be driven to ruin by the Tong family.

  Just as he thought of the Tong family, a noisy commotion erupted outside. Seeing Imperial Physician Liang frowning at the disturbance, Shen Xiaohai could no longer hold back his rage. He strode to the door and bellowed, “What’s all this racket?! This is the Old Lady’s courtyard—how dare you act so outrageously here?!”

  The maids hesitated, pushing each other forward until one finally stepped out, trembling as she reported, “The Marchioness of Wuning is here… She’s arguing with the Heir’s wife… The Heir’s wife was so enraged that she nearly fainted…”

  Their daughter had caused such a scandal, and yet they still had the audacity to come knocking at their door? Shen Xiaohai’s teeth ached even more from sheer frustration. Clutching his left cheek, he let out a cold ugh, seething with anger at the absurdity of it all. He stomped toward the entrance, then hesitated at the threshold—Marchioness Wuning was a brazen troublemaker, just like her reckless husband, completely unreasonable.

  But if he simply tolerated the Marchioness’ outrageous behavior in their home, he would not be able to endure it. Pausing for a moment, he changed direction and headed for the front courtyard study, calling for several houseguards.

  At this point, things had already escated beyond repair. Ever since their st dispute, the two families had practically torn all pretense of civility. If they could no longer continue this marriage, then so be it.

  Keeping a trouble-making wife who only brought disaster was more harm than good. Before, they had endured out of necessity and for the sake of reputation, but now that Tong Shao had committed such an unforgivable act, he had reached his limit.

  Inside, Marchioness of Wuning was nearly jabbing a finger into Lady He’s face. Forced into retreat, Lady He was drenched in cold sweat, struggling to fend off the verbal assault.

  Pointing at Marchioness of Wuning, she choked back tears and scolded, “Madam, you hold an official title, yet you completely disregard dignity and decorum. It wasn’t even our family’s wrongdoing this time, yet you still storm in here hurling insults. Are you truly bullying us because you think Duke Ying’s household has no one to stand up for it?”

  If Marchioness Wuning had any concern for dignity, she wouldn’t be making a scene at their estate every other day, turning their household into a ughingstock throughout the capital.

  Shen Qingrang let out a cold ugh, csping his hands behind his back as he entered. His face still bore bruises from the altercation, yet his gaze was locked onto Marchioness Wuning.

  “Did Miss Tong not tell you what she did at my home today?” he asked, his voice low and steady.

  Marchioness of Wuning’s shrill yelling came to an abrupt halt. Her eyes widened in an expression of sheer incredulity, and she took two steps forward aggressively, demanding, “What did she do?! What could she possibly have done?! She was merely disciplining a servant girl who seduced her master, yet your Old Lady interfered and forbade her. What, are you trying to protect the servant so she can bear a bastard heir?!”

  The sheer audacity of turning the bme around!

  Lady He was fuming. Seeing her husband, she finally felt a sliver of confidence. Letting out a cold chuckle, she countered, “Madam, your words are vile. What ‘seducing her master’? That girl has been serving at the Old Lady’s side for years. She’s already betrothed and was supposed to be married off early next year. She suffered an unjust attack for no reason, and now you want to twist the story?”

  Marchioness of Wuning had no patience for reasoning. Waving her hand dismissively, she snapped, “It doesn’t matter—my daughter came home crying! And your Seventh Young Master, instead of comforting her, actually scolded her in favor of a mere servant—”

  “Enough!” Shen Xiaohai roared.

  Both Lady He and Marchioness of Wuning were startled into silence, turning their heads toward him.

  “Not scold her? I wish I could kill her!” Shen Xiaohai’s face was grim, his expression darkening as he watched Marchioness of Wuning’s face shift.

  “She pushed my mother down the steps, causing her to hit her head. Now she’s lying in bed, unable to move!”

  His lips curled into a disdainful sneer. “Your household has always had a terrible reputation, and now I finally understand why. You lot are masters of distorting the truth, always shirking responsibility. Your family is full of rotten, bck-hearted people! Anyone who becomes your in-ws must have the worst luck imaginable!”

  Marchioness of Wuning was stunned by his furious outburst. She hesitated for a long moment before murmuring, “What… pushed the Old Lady? Who pushed her? Ah Shao?”

  Lady He scoffed and interjected, “Who else in your family would dare to do such a thing?”

  Marchioness of Wuning’s face turned as dark as the bottom of a scorched pot. “You’re spouting nonsense! My Ah Shao would never do such a thing—”

  Shen Qingrang impatiently waved his hand, cutting her off with a mocking sneer. “I’ve always wanted to ask you something, Marchioness. I hope you won’t take offense. Why is it that you’re always the one stepping in for Miss Tong? Are her parents dead? Was she never taught properly?”

  His words were deliberately sharp and cruel. Marchioness of Wuning’s face twisted with fury, her mouth opening to unleash a tirade.

  But Lady He beat her to it, refusing to give her the chance to retaliate. “I’ve been wanting to ask the same thing. A well-bred nobledy should at least have some measure of restraint. Even if her parents are gone, it’s rare to see a girl as vicious as Miss Tong!”