Princess, something terrible has happened! The prince consort has attempted suicide again!

Zheng felt a sudden chill run down her spine.

really.

She knew Zhang Xiaomeng couldn't possibly be so well-behaved.

Having his position as heir apparent and his engagement to the emperor both taken away, any prince or nobleman would have gone mad with rage long ago.

That previous act of gratitude and humbly offering was all a pretense!

He must be holding back a move, waiting to make his final move.

Madam Zheng frowned slightly, a cold glint flashing in her eyes, and she sneered inwardly.

I'd like to see what tricks you have up your sleeve.

Zhang Ling, who was standing to the side, also perked up and quietly clenched her fist.

coming!

This is the normal reaction a person should have!

The lines he had rehearsed countless times last night, the trump card that Zen Master Duming had prepared for him to turn the tide, could finally be put to use!

Whenever Zhang Xiaomeng caused trouble, he would unleash his ultimate move and completely crush him.

The atmosphere inside the hall instantly became tense, with undercurrents surging beneath the surface.

Madam Zheng raised her eyes, her tone indifferent yet subtly authoritative, and slowly spoke: "Then tell me, what's wrong with it?"

As soon as she finished speaking, she had been holding back for a long time, waiting for Zhang Xiaomeng to make his move.

Available in the next second.

The last trace of a smile vanished from Zhang Xiaomeng's face, replaced by an extremely serious expression. He suddenly raised his voice, his tone firm and resolute:

"Simply stripping me of my title as heir apparent and stealing my engagement is far from enough."

"If Grandmother is going to do it, then go all the way."

"Expel me from the Marquis's mansion, strip me of my clan status, cut off all my escape routes, and ensure I have no chance of ever turning my life around!"

boom!

Upon hearing this, the front hall fell into a deathly silence.

The wind suddenly stopped, and you could hear a pin drop.

Zheng was completely stunned, all the momentum she had just built up and the words she had been preparing for a long time stuck in her throat.

She had lived a life of intrigue and power struggles, and had seen those who were afraid of death, those who clung to power and position, and those who risked their lives to protect their status and wealth.

But I've never seen anyone eagerly be expelled from their family and ruin their future!

The Marquis of Yongwu was completely dumbfounded, utterly unable to fathom his son's scheme.

Zhang Ling was the most devastated.

His clenched fist suddenly loosened, all the strength in his body instantly drained away, and he stood there dumbfounded, his face full of confusion, astonishment, and disbelief.

He waited for a long time for the rage, for the standoff, and for the counterattack!

What awaits is the other party actively trying to kill them?

He says he doesn't want everything that others have fought so hard to protect?

Is this a normal person?

What normal person would do such a thing!

Seeing the utterly bewildered expressions on the three men's faces, Zhang Xiaomeng guessed that their minds must be completely blank right now.

He called softly twice, "Grandma, Grandma..."

Zheng then came to her senses and blurted out instinctively, "Huh? What did you just say?"

I must be getting old and misheard.

Correct!

It must be like this.

So she wants to hear it again.

Zhang Xiaomeng continued, "There's a saying that goes, 'If you don't cut the weeds at the root, they'll grow back in the spring breeze.' Since you're going to cut off my path, you might as well push me to the brink. Without me, you'll all feel more at ease, and you might even be able to eat a few more bowls of rice."

Mr. Zheng confirmed that he hadn't misheard; this guy really had actually asked to block his path completely.

What does he mean? Why did he do that?

What conspiracy is hidden within?

Zheng was filled with questions. She had been scheming all her life, but now she just couldn't figure it out.

"Grandmother, what do you think of my suggestion?" Zhang Xiaomeng asked with a smile.

"this……"

Zheng opened her mouth, but couldn't utter a word.

How am I supposed to answer that?

Never encountered it.

Nope!

When Zhang Ling saw his grandmother begin to hesitate, he suddenly realized what was going on.

I understand! Zhang Xiaomeng knew that his objection was useless, so he deliberately used a tactic of retreating to advance.

Now that his grandmother has disrupted her rhythm, she may very well change her mind.

Thinking of this, Zhang Ling became anxious.

We must not let him succeed!

So he couldn't help but speak up, "Grandmother, my elder brother is, after all, a member of the Marquis's family. It would be inappropriate to kick him out. At worst, I will keep a close eye on him in the future and will never let him go out and cause trouble again, so as not to implicate the Marquis's family."

Upon hearing that she had caused trouble and was implicated, Zheng stopped thinking about it.

This boy is a potential threat if he stays in the Marquis's residence. Since he has offered to get rid of him, then we should grant his wish.

"If that's the case, then you..."

Zheng composed herself and was about to speak.

Marquis Yongwu suddenly interrupted, "Mother, I think this matter needs to be considered more carefully."

This boy is very different from before. Even without Princess Changning as his backer, he still has the appreciation of the Prince of Zhenbei. Staying in the Marquis's mansion might still be useful.

When Zheng heard her son say this, she knew he must have his own ideas, so she decided to go along with what he said for the time being.

So he nodded in agreement, "Since your father has pleaded for you, you may stay in the Marquis's mansion for now. If you cause trouble again in the future, I will not forgive you."

Zhang Xiaomeng frowned. What was this old man up to?

Zhang Ling, who was standing to the side, immediately became anxious.

If Zhang Xiaomeng were allowed to remain in the Marquis's residence, he would inevitably reveal his true identity.

Du Ming's father repeatedly instructed that Zhang Xiaomeng must be given no chance to recover and that he must be crushed today.

Now we can only resort to the backup plan that our father prepared for us.

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Ling stood up, bowed, and said, "Grandmother, Father, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should say it."

"What did you say? Speak."

When Madam Zheng looked at her grandson Zhang Ling, her gaze softened considerably.

"Yes, Grandmother. I accidentally saw my eldest brother secretly practicing witchcraft."

Upon hearing this, Marquis Yongwu abruptly stood up. "Are you serious?"

"I dare not lie; I saw it with my own eyes. I didn't want to say it, but this matter is of great importance. I never imagined that my elder brother would make one mistake after another, leading to such a disaster."

Marquis Yongwu flew into a rage, pointing at Zhang Xiaomeng and shouting, "You unfilial son! How dare you!"

Zhang Xiaomeng sneered inwardly.

I thought Zhang Ling would frame me in some way, but it turns out he used such a low-level tactic.

Based on his years of experience watching dramas, he must have already secretly buried evidence in his own yard.

I was just worrying about how to escape the Marquis's mansion, and now this help has come my way.

Since you want to harm me, I will cooperate with you.

Zhang Xiaomeng's face showed panic, and he vehemently denied it, saying, "I didn't, he's talking nonsense."

Zhang Ling immediately said, "Brother, stop being so stubborn. Just admit it, and maybe Grandmother and Father will show leniency."

"You're making baseless accusations! Show me the evidence!"

A sly glint flashed in Zhang Ling's eyes; that was exactly what she was waiting for.

"Since my elder brother refuses to admit it, then I have no choice but to uphold justice and eliminate my own kin today."

Zhang Ling adopted a righteous and awe-inspiring expression and said firmly, "The evidence is under a willow tree by the pond in your yard."

Zhang Xiaomeng's face changed in fright, and he shook his head repeatedly, "I...I didn't, you're framing me."

Zhang Ling said, "Whether you've been wronged or not, we'll find out by having someone investigate."

"I'll go myself."

Marquis Yongwu strode out of the hall.

"You two come with me too." Madam Zheng led Zhang Xiaomeng and Zhang Ling, following closely behind.

Before long, they arrived at Lingyun Courtyard.

Zhang Ling pointed to a willow tree, "The evidence is right below."

The Marquis of Valor commanded in a deep voice, "Dig!"