"It’s indeed necessary to handle this well. Since the other party has said so, it means we can let it go this time, but there won’t be a next time," pondered the Old Madam.

"That’s right, which is why I’ve directly dealt with Madam Zhang; at least the attitude must be clear, otherwise there will surely be more people waiting to kick us when we’re down," said the Prince of the State, who wasn’t foolish. The Duke’s Mansion held many profitable shops, not just because of its own decades of legacy but also due to the influence from the palace’s Dowager Empress, and the silver offered to the Emperor over the years. In the favor of imperial grace, no one dared to trouble the Duke’s Mansion.

Now, suddenly reprimanded by the Emperor and having offended the Chu family, if it is not handled properly, who knows who might strike from behind, so stabilizing the Chu family and earning Emperor Xuanming’s forgiveness is most crucial.

"You’re right, fostering a good relationship with the Chu family, as long as there’s no further objection from the Emperor, this crisis will pass; the attitude must be positive. As for Madam Zhang, send someone to explain the reason to the Zhang Residence and let them decide for themselves."

The Old Madam didn’t wish to offend the Zhang family, but she couldn’t allow the Senior Lady to continue making mistakes.

It’s not terrifying to be foolish; the scary thing is being foolish with courage, that’s pushing oneself toward ruin.

When the Duke’s Mansion sent a message to the Zhang Residence, the Imperial Decree had just arrived at the Duke’s Mansion.

Li Lingren had already been summoned back from the school by the servants.

Kneeling on the ground, listening to the content of the Imperial Decree, his face turned pale as if he had lost his soul.

The Prince of the State looked dejected, trying to maintain his composure, and made a good impression with the Eunuch delivering the decree: "You must be weary from the long journey, Eunuch."

"If possible, please inform the Emperor that I have rectified the situation in the household, and such mistakes will never happen again."

"Prince of the State, no need for courtesy." The Eunuch accepted the silver and returned to the palace from the Duke’s Mansion. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Kneeling on the ground, Li Lingren finally raised his head, his smile uglier than crying: "Father, isn’t this really true?"

"Lingren, this matter is your mother’s fault; I’ve tried my best. Rest assured, I’ll give you fifty thousand taels in banknotes for you to handle yourself."

"Your grandmother has also agreed to provide funds for your marriage. Once the daughter-in-law is married into the family, your grandmother will teach her to manage the household," said the Prince of the State, his love for his son overshadowed by his anger towards the Senior Lady.

Li Lingren stood up dazedly: "Father, I want to see Mother."

"Go ahead, the decision to confine your mother was made jointly by your grandmother and me."

Li Lingren said nothing, silently turned around, and left the room, heading to the backyard.

Seeing his eldest son like this, the Prince of the State could only sigh inwardly before turning away.

Li Lingren walked into the main courtyard, and was immediately surrounded by the servants inside.

The old nanny saw him and, full of delight, immediately complained: "Young Master, you’re finally back, quickly say some good words to the lady and the Prince of the State; the lady did this all for your sake, she meant well but it turned out poorly; she wasn’t intentional."

"Young Master, the lady is your mother; how could she harm you? This, I, the old servant, can swear my life on it. You should’ve felt this over the years, right?"

Li Lingren’s crushed emotions were slightly stabilized by these words. He looked at the old nanny and said, "I’ll go see Mother first."

"Alright, alright, I’ll lead the way for you; the lady wishes to see you, but the Prince of the State won’t allow it, and even forbids the servant girls from looking for you."