Chapter 182

The old Marquis's expression changed slightly: "But—"

The Ministry of Rites official raised a hand to stop him and said indifferently: "Old Marquis, logically speaking, this is a private matter of your Shen Family, and this official should not intervene. But today, I have come under the Emperor's decree. Since this severance agreement has already been presented before me, you cannot expect me to pretend I didn't see it and knowingly break the law, can you?"

The Ministry of Rites is responsible for managing all matters of etiquette.

Strictly speaking, this kind of severance agreement to end a relationship also falls within the scope of the Ministry of Rites' responsibilities.

Naturally, he could not pretend not to see it, otherwise, there would be suspicion of dereliction of duty.

The words the old Marquis wanted to say to ask him to turn a blind eye were instantly choked back.

At the same time, the old Marquis also realized that this Ministry of Rites official intended to favor "Shen Wan" and seemed quite happy to see "Shen Wan" sever ties with the Shen Family, which was why he showed no mercy and insisted on handling things strictly by the rules.

The eunuch proclaiming the decree watched coldly from the sidelines and spoke up at this moment: "These are all minor matters; Old Marquis, do not continue to entangle and waste time. The Emperor's imperial decree is the real business."

The old Marquis: "..."

The Ministry of Rites official handed the severance agreement to Xiao Lingyue: "Remember to go to the government office to file a record and have your name removed from the genealogy; only then will it be considered a clean break."

Xiao Lingyue said gratefully: "Many thanks for the reminder, My Lord." She took the severance agreement and stepped aside.

Seeing that the matter was a foregone conclusion, it was hard to change.

The old Marquis only felt a surge of blood rush to his throat, his heart pricked with pain, and his complexion was extremely unsightly.

The Ministry of Rites official and the eunuch proclaiming the decree on the steps acted as if they had seen nothing.

"The Emperor has a decree, proclaim—"

The eunuch proclaiming the decree had a solemn expression, dragged out his voice, and unfolded the bright yellow imperial decree in his hands.

The Shen Family members kneeling below lowered their heads in unison, while the guards, eunuchs, and yamen runners inside and outside the mansion gate all knelt on the ground in a row.

The atmosphere was solemn and grave.

Although Xiao Lingyue did not need to kneel to receive the decree, she also lowered her head to show respect for the imperial decree.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Now, the descendant of a founding meritorious official, Nanyang Marquis Shen Zhijiang, has failed to maintain his household and failed to teach his daughter well. The secondary daughter Shen Yuting has shown disrespect to the late Empress and acted recklessly; her crimes are unforgivable.

Effective immediately, the Nanyang Marquis title is revoked, never to be restored. The secondary daughter Shen Yuting is to be thrown into prison and executed after autumn!

Shen Zhijiang is demoted by three ranks and fined one year's salary as a warning to others!

The Emperor grants a special pardon, considering that Shen Wu is elderly and has rendered meritorious service to the country; for the rest of his life, he shall still enjoy the Nanyang Marquis title and spend his remaining years in peace.

Respect this—"

The shrill, loud voice of the eunuch proclaiming the decree resounded over the Nanyang Marquis Mansion.

Immediately, he closed the imperial decree with both hands, held it high, and said from a position of superiority: "Shen Mansion, receive the decree!"

The surroundings were deathly silent.

The excited and expectant smile on Concubine Hua's face froze, and she looked up in disbelief.

Shen Zhijiang's face turned deathly pale, his whole body trembled uncontrollably, and he collapsed, kneeling on the ground.

The surrounding Shen Family servants were all stunned and rigid, as if struck by lightning, completely unable to recover their senses.

The Nanyang Marquis Mansion had its title stripped?

The Second Young Lady was sentenced to death?

The Master's official rank was demoted by three levels?

How could this be?! Wasn't it said that the Second Young Lady was with His Highness Prince Xiang and that the imperial decree was to grant a marriage?

The old Marquis's head was buzzing, his throat full of a fishy taste. Although he had prepared himself mentally, the moment he actually heard the decree, his heart felt as if it had been fiercely pierced by a sword, and the heart-wrenching pain spread throughout his body.

The Shen Family has collapsed!!