The conflict between the Ministry of War and the Imperial Guards had not yet subsided, when Xing Fu, the powerful eunuch who controlled the Imperial Household Department, suddenly fell from power and was punished with confiscation of his property, providing endless gossip for the streets and alleys.

  However, the homes of several cabinet elders, which were originally bustling with people, suddenly became deserted ----- At this time, whoever comes to visit would think that it's because they have a guilty conscience and are coming to plead for mercy, but now with the wind blowing and the cranes wailing, it's exactly the time when the Imperial Guards are going door-to-door to search houses, who would want to invite trouble upon themselves.

  Mrs. He was as anxious as an ant on a hot pot, worried and didn't know what to do, but she didn't dare to take the risk of offending her husband by inquiring about the news, so she could only stay at home anxiously.

  Just as the Tianyuan family had brought over the silver for the autumn clothes, she couldn't help but think of Shen Xiaohai's frequent requests for Tianyuan to go out recently. She looked at her with a forced smile: "How come this year's autumn clothes require 120 taels of silver? In previous years, even when making winter clothes, they didn't ask for so much silver."

  She looked at the Tianyuan family with eyes that were not eyes and a nose that was not a nose. It was because when she was young, this Tianyuan family's big girl was by Shen Xiaohai's side, and it was clear that she had been taken in as a servant. After He Shi married over and let her go to do errands, who knew that Shen Xiaohai still didn't care about his reputation and rewarded her with some fabric and jewelry from time to time, and they had some private dealings. The Tianyuan family's tail gradually rose to the sky, and in their daily lives, they couldn't be ordered around, and she was also deeply familiar with Shen Xiaohai's temperament. As long as He Shi made any move, she would rush to Shen Xiaohai to cry injustice, and He Shi was afraid of her husband's temper, so for many years, she had no way to deal with her.

  At this moment, the lady of the Tianyuan family also smiled slightly, with a hint of elegance still on her face. She stretched out her hand, adorned with rings and jade bangles, to cover her bright red lips, and chuckled: "Madam seems to have forgotten that our eldest young miss is getting married this year. There are over a dozen maids in her chambers, each of whom needs several new sets of clothes. This is a matter of the young lady's face, and cannot be skimped on."

  He was left speechless by her words, and it wasn't until half a day later that he awkwardly lowered his head and coughed: "That won't take so much, make me a list and I'll take a look before handing it over."

  Tianyuan's family smiled slightly and responded with a crisp "yes". He got up and was about to go out, but was called back by Mrs. He.

  "These past few days, Tianyuan has been running around outside, has he heard any news? Didn't he go to Uncle Taigong's house before, did he bring back any messages from Uncle Laoye?"

  The Tianyuan family's eyes widened in surprise, and they shook their head vaguely: "He hasn't been home for several days, and when he comes back, he goes to the Shizi study room. It's a man's business, how would I know? If the lady wants to ask something, why not go ask Shizi?"

  Although Tianyuan's wife in name is the mistress of the house, who in this mansion doesn't know that she is Shen Xiaohai? Whenever Tianyuan has something to discuss, he always consults with her.

  He's family rubbed his head, feeling a bit annoyed, just about to get angry when Chunmei came in with a pale face. Originally sensitive at this time, Chunmei's appearance made He's family unbearable, pointing at her and asking: "What's the matter with you being so flustered?!"

  "Madam! Uncle's house has been surrounded by the Imperial Guards today!" Chunmei tried her best to remain calm, but her lips couldn't help trembling violently: "Auntie had someone bring over Eldest Sister and Eldest Brother, they're currently at the west corner gate. Eldest Brother and several of the sisters are all crying terribly."

  Even Lian Tianyuan's family couldn't help but be shocked, stuttering: "This uncle's family is fine"

  "Get out!" Madam He stood up immediately and ordered Chunmei: "Quickly follow me to the study."

  This matter has unexpectedly affected such a wide range, even Shen Xiaohai's maternal family is involved. She was in a flurry of confusion, couldn't make up her mind, and hastily ran to the study in the front yard, telling Shen Xiaohai this news in a panic.

  Shen Xiaohai obviously didn't expect that even his mother's maiden home would be implicated, and he suddenly lost the momentum to show off in front of He Shi. He asked in a shocked tone: "What?!" and then fell back into his chair.

  At that time when the situation was favorable, he also did smuggling business with his uncle, after all, it was his mother's hometown, although it was only a distant relative but had a lot of money.

  Now Uncle Taigong's family has been searched, who is next?

  He didn't dare to think about it anymore, clenching his fists in anxiety ----- The British Consulate had been implicated in the national humiliation of that year, otherwise it wouldn't have taken so many years to recover. Now, with Xingfu involved again, it was truly impossible for them to stand up again.

  "Hurry up and call Tianyuan over!" He touched his somewhat feverish forehead, feeling that everything was troublesome, and these things only came to a head when he realized he didn't have a single reliable backer.

  He looked at He Shi, who was standing stupidly and didn't know what to do, and impatiently shouted: "What are you guarding me for?! In the capital city, there are dozens of families related to Xingfu, can they all be destroyed?! Don't scare yourself to death, quickly bring the children in!"

  He was flustered and busy responding when Shen Qing suddenly rushed in.

  "Father! Mother!" He asked breathlessly without even standing firmly: "What's this about Brother and Sister having arrived?"

  Shen Xiaohai was already annoyed, and hearing him yell made her even more irritated: "You little kid, just take care of your own business and stop meddling in others' affairs! Go call your older brother over!"

  When something big happens, it's still better for the older son to say a few more words, and he's already an adult, so it's good for him to go out and move around.

  Shen Qing let out a quick glance and sensed that his father's mood was off, so he didn't dare to argue anymore. He hastily ran out the door, but He Shi couldn't catch up to him. All she could do was sigh and lead Chunmei towards the west gate.

  She was still very nervous in her heart, and quietly reminded Chunmei: "Later you go to Tianyuan's place to explore the situation, see what Shizi asked him to do with the young master."

  Shen Xiaohai doesn't make things clear when doing something with her, she's really scared.

  Spring Plum nodded and then saw Spring Petal hurrying over: "Madam, the old lady on the other side has heard the rumors and sent someone to ask what's going on."

  He's heart was somewhat angry, as if only she in this house had to bear the burden of worry and fear. She hummed angrily: "Just tell her that Uncle Taigong's house has been surrounded by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and Auntie sent over her grandchildren to take refuge here!"