Chapter 10: Confiscation of Property

“What on earth is going on?”

“Waaaah... Mother, I'm scared...”

“Everything was fine, why are we suddenly being raided?”

“Master, what are we going to do now?”

“Waaaah...”

Everyone from the Wei family, including the servants, was driven out. The surroundings were densely packed with Imperial Guards. Those who were once glamorous and dignified were now in a state of utter disarray. They were not fools and had already guessed that a house seizure was underway; the men all had faces as pale as vegetables, while most of the women covered their faces, weeping and sobbing intermittently.

Most of the people from the second and third branches gathered around the Old Madam. Shen Xiangwan did not join Zhao Yuping and the others, but instead found a quiet corner to stay in.

“General, everyone from the Prince's Mansion is here.”

The soldiers responsible for driving Shen Xiangwan and the others out jogged forward. After communicating with the others to ensure everyone had arrived, they reported upward.

“Mhm.”

Tian Yi, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards in charge of the seizure, nodded with authority. His expression suddenly darkened: “Silence!”

“...”

A voice infused with internal strength suddenly exploded, instantly silencing the scene. Everyone's attention unconsciously converged on Tian Yi as he took the imperial decree presented with both hands by the soldiers: “By the Grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Prince of Weiyang's Mansion has conspired in rebellion, the evidence is conclusive, and the criminals deserve death. However, in consideration of the late Prince and the Heir Apparent's loyalty to the Emperor and the country, both having died on the battlefield, the death penalty for the members of the Mansion is waived. Effective immediately, their titles are stripped, they are demoted to commoners, and all family assets are to be confiscated. The entire Wei clan is to be exiled to Chenzhou, and their descendants shall be barred from participating in politics or the military. This is decreed!”

“No...”

“General Tian, the Wei family has been loyal to the Imperial Family for generations, how could they conspire in rebellion?”

“There must be some misunderstanding, we must see the Emperor...”

“Waaaah...”

As soon as the words fell, everyone felt as if the sky were collapsing. Led by the Old Madam, the men of the second and third branches all stepped forward in an attempt to turn the tide, while the women broke down into wailing sobs. Even though they had long suspected a seizure was coming, they still could not accept it—let alone being exiled to a desolate wasteland like Chenzhou.

“Shut up!”

Seeing that they were making more and more of a scene, Tian Yi barked suddenly. The scene fell silent once more. After his fierce gaze swept over them one by one, Tian Yi said in a heavy voice, “The imperial decree is here; how dare you argue willfully? If anyone continues to cause trouble, do not blame this General for showing no mercy.”

“...”

The other party's attitude was very clear. No matter how unwilling they were, the men of the second and third branches led by the Old Madam did not dare to cause any more trouble. Consequently, the women of the Mansion undoubtedly cried even more bitterly, as if they had lost their parents.

“Search for me! All assets must be collected.”

Seeing this, Tian Yi gave a light sneer and stopped paying them any attention, waving his hand to let the soldiers begin searching the Prince's Mansion for property.

“Yes!”

At the command, the soldiers moved, rushing into the mansion once more. Tian Yi nodded with satisfaction: “The members of the Wei family stand on the left; all servants stand on the right.”

“...”

Realizing that there was no possibility of a turnaround, the people of the Mansion did not dare to defy orders and began to move accordingly.

“It's you! You're the one who ruined us!”

Suddenly, a woman who looked to be in her thirties pointed angrily at Shen Xiangwan, who was standing in the corner: “You calamity, you home-wrecker! Just after marrying into the Mansion, you caused Chengyi to cough up blood and fall into a coma, and now you've caused our house to be seized and exiled!”

The woman gnashed her teeth in hatred, her eyes glaring as if she wanted to eat her alive, blaming everything on her.

[End of Chapter]