y one, they all rush over.Iron pillar was surrounded by enthusiastic villagers, who bombarded him with questions, leaving him unsure which one to answer first.Fang Jinshu's lips were pursed tightly, b...He was very unhappy that this kid was closer to Jinxiu than him. He also wished someone could separate the two.

But this doesn't mean Zongyu can treat his son so violently!

Donner quickly grabbed his father's arm, reddening his face to plead for Zongyu.

"Father, my stepfather didn't mean to."

"Don't be angry, son, it's alright."

He had seen before in Xizhou how strong his stepfather's possessiveness over his mother was. Although his stepfather didn't say it out loud, he actually disliked other異性 getting close to his mother.

When he was only three or four years old, whenever his mother held him, his stepfather would get jealous.

Not to mention, he's so grown up now; it wouldn't be right for him to hug his mother like they did just a moment ago.

He was just too worried about his mother's safety and couldn't help himself for a moment.

"You little brat, you're still speaking up for him"

Fu Shangyuan was speechless.

Zong Yu walked back to Fang Jinxiu's side with a cold face, he was still considerate.

Dong'er tightly held onto her father, afraid that if she let go, he would rush up and fight her godfather.

The key is that even Father couldn't beat his father-in-law.

"Dong'er is no longer a child, and it is indeed not right for him to be so close with his mother."

After finishing his words, he bowed and apologized to Fang Jinshi.

"Mother, I was out of line just now."

How could Fang Jinshi care about such trivial matters with Dong'er In her eyes, Dong'er was just a child.

These two men are truly childish one worse than the other.

"Alright, everyone, settle down."

"East'er, don't mind them. I am your mother; is there anything wrong with your own child being close to their mother"

"No apology needed."

After finishing her words, her gaze shifted to Jing Wang's face.

"My lord, let's get down to business."

Fu Shangyuan let out a cold snort, following Fang Jinshi's steps and ceasing his argument.

"In normal circumstances, this King would certainly punish him for such a grave disrespect."

"Today, for the sake of the concubine, I will not hold a grudge against him."

Fu Shangyuan intentionally emphasized the word "side concubine" to deliberately anger Zong Yu. Zong Yu's face indeed darkened, and Fang Jinyu, feeling a headache coming on, stood between the two men.

"My lord, please do not jest."

"This time, thank you, Lord Wang, for agreeing to help us through Dong'er's birthday banquet."

Fu Shangyuan waved his hand, "Since Huaizhi called Mu Lao Fuzi 'grandmother,' he should seek justice for her."

"If it's something Huai wants to do, this king is willing to help him achieve it."

All of this is what he owes his son.

East'er raised her smiling face towards Fu Shangyuan, revealing a bashful smile. This shy smile vanished in an instant, but it instantly healed the heart of King Jing, this old father!

Even if his son asked him to die right now, he would unhesitatingly give up his life for him.

He already owed the thatch, so he could only make up for everything in their son.

There’s one more thing.

"Pan Zhi'an and Gong Yu found evidence that Zong Bai's achievements had been erased."

Upon hearing this news, everyone in the clan was invigorated. Zong Bai clenched his fist instantly.

When the academy reported the list of successful scholars, it briefly stayed at the Imperial Academy for half a day.

"The one who played the daily screening script was none other than Gong Yu."

As for why the list in His Majesty's hands was missing Zong Bai's name, one needn't think too hard to know it had been tampered with.

"Speaking of which, your family really has good luck. With so many officials in Beijing, it just so happened that the person who saved the two children that day was Gong Yu."

If you have never met Gong Yu, this copied list of students' names would probably never reach your hands.

Pan Zhi'an caught the official who destroyed Zong Bai's exam papers, and this person was almost silenced by Zong Pingchuan.

"Fortunately, he had also left himself an escape route, narrowly avoiding disaster. He promised to come forward and point out Zong Pingchuan for you, but he had one condition."

He wanted money, a considerable amount.

Yulian didn't understand.

"Since this man is an official, he doesn't want to clear his name and return to office. He only cares about money."

Fang Jinshu answered Yulian's question faintly.

"Destroying the top scorer's answer sheet is a serious crime, he can't possibly return to his previous position, even if he was coerced by Zong Pingchuan, he can't clear his name."

"Taking the money and running away with your family is the wisest choice."

Zhong Bo nervously looked at his sister-in-law. All the money in their family was earned by his sister-in-law.

Fāng Jǐnxiù nodded without a word.

"I promised him."

Fu Shangyuan raised an eyebrow. "You agreed without even asking how much he wanted"

"When I heard this number, I was astonished. He certainly has a big appetite."

Zong Bai hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and stood up.

"Sister-in-law, it's alright that there are no witnesses. With Grand Tutor Gong's list, my position as the top scholar can still be proven."

For such a person, it's not worth sacrificing his sister-in-law's hard-earned money.

Fang Jinshu expressed her stance with unusual firmness.

"What foolish talk! That list only proves you're the top scorer in the autumn exams, but it won't bring down Zong Pingchuan."

"Since we've decided to seek justice from him and make sure he can never recover, we need to be fully prepared."

"Money can be earned again, but your grievances, sister-in-law will never stand idly by."

Zong Yu tilted his head, his gaze fixed intently on Fang Jinxiu's face. This moment, his heart beat with a sudden, powerful thump.

His wife, as she spoke, seemed to radiate a captivating glow that held everyone's gaze.

He also pulled out something, which was a key.ng something to eat."This gang of animals has taken over the town mayor's house, making it their den, and they've brought the entire town under their control."Many young and middle-aged people in the...