Madam Zhan looked toward the entrance. A loud banging echoed from the main gate of the Xiang family estate, and the clamor outside instantly died down.

"Madam, Madam Zhan," the steward said, asking for their instructions.

Liu-shi twisted her handkerchief, looking nervously at Madam Zhan.

Madam Zhan was silent for a few moments before saying, "Go open the gate."

After receiving the order, the steward led two young servants toward the main gate. The two servants took up positions on either side, ready to prevent the commoners from rushing in once the gate was opened.

The gate slowly opened a crack. The steward poked his head out to look, and upon seeing who it was, he hastily opened the gate wide.

Several elderly men, accompanied by four or five middle-aged men, walked through the gate.

"Old Clan Leader, what brings you here?"

The leader of the group was an old man with a full head of white hair. He was slightly hunched, leaning on a cane, and his expression was grim. "If I hadn’t come, would the entire Xiang clan’s reputation have been ruined by a vicious woman?"

The steward bowed obsequiously, not daring to speak.

Madam Zhan led Liu-shi forward to greet them.

"Madam, Madam Zhan, this is the Old Clan Leader of the Xiang family," the steward introduced.

"Old Clan Leader."

Madam Zhan and Liu-shi curtsied.

The Old Clan Leader looked up. "And you two are?"

"This is the General’s wife, and this is the senior madam of the Zhan family."

The Old Clan Leader’s gaze swept past Madam Zhan and landed on Liu-shi, his brow furrowed in confusion. "The General’s wife?"

"Yes. Greetings, Clan Leader," Liu-shi said, her head lowered nervously.

The Old Clan Leader harrumphed. He seemed very displeased. "If you are not married, you should not be addressed as ’Madam.’ The Xiang family’s traditions are being corrupted by that vicious woman."

Liu-shi was taken aback. ’Not married?’

’But I am married!’

The steward was also completely baffled.

Madam Zhan, however, understood the implication. It seemed the Xiang clan was unaware that Xiang Minghou had married. She had heard something about it a few years ago—apparently, the old matriarch had bought a bride for him to ward off ill fortune.

"How is the General now?" the Old Clan Leader asked.

"The General’s life is no longer in danger. You can rest assured, Old Clan Leader," Madam Zhan replied.

"That’s good. And the vicious woman?"

’The vicious woman?’

"You mean Madam Xiang? She is in the West Garden."

"Have someone bring that vicious woman and the entire second household to the main gate," the Old Clan Leader ordered. He then turned to the steward. "Open the main gate and station all the estate guards at the entrance to prevent the crowd from causing chaos."

"Yes, yes." 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Also, have someone bring a table and a few chairs to the main gate," the Old Clan Leader added, stroking his beard. His expression had been grim ever since he entered the estate.

"Old Clan Leader, what is this for?" Madam Zhan asked, puzzled.

"You will know soon enough," the Old Clan Leader said, not elaborating.

The steward turned to leave, then seemed to remember something and turned back. "Old Clan Leader, the Second Master is still unconscious."

"Even if he’s dead, carry him to the main gate," the Old Clan Leader commanded.

Upon hearing this, the steward immediately ordered the servants to go and carry the man.

The Old Clan Leader turned and instructed the men behind him, "You all wait here. I’m going to see the General first."

"Yes, Clan Leader."

"I will lead the way for you, Old Clan Leader," Liu-shi offered, stepping forward.

The Old Clan Leader shot her a look, seemed about to speak, but then held his tongue. With a mournful sigh, he started walking on ahead.

Liu-shi followed, wondering why the Old Clan Leader seemed to dislike her so much.

Madam Zhan shook her head and sighed, then turned to attend to the group of men who had come with the Old Clan Leader.

"There’s no need to trouble yourself, Madam Zhan. We will leave as soon as our business is concluded," one of the elderly men politely declined. The group then walked toward the main gate.

Watching the young servants carry a table and chairs past her, Madam Zhan began to guess what was about to happen.

’I’m a little worried things will get chaotic when the gates are opened to the crowd,’ she thought. ’The Xiang family doesn’t have many guards. I should have my husband send some over from the Zhan family.’

Ye Qianning was also quite surprised to hear the identity of the visitors. She had overheard her father and Luo Wen talking about inviting the Clan Leader the other day, but Luo Wen had never gone.