The next morning, Mother Shen began to handle the division of the family’s affairs.

As Shen Meng’s husband, Liang Jue naturally accompanied her throughout the process.

From time to time, he glanced at Shen Meng, a bit worried that she might feel upset or lost because of this. “We can still live well outside. No matter what happens, I won’t leave you willingly.”

Shen Meng appreciated his concern and whispered, “I’m not upset.”

Filial piety comes first. In this era, as a junior member of the family, Shen Meng didn’t have the qualification to initiate the division of the family’s property. Even if she did, she would be accused of being unfilial.

If it were commoners, being accused of being unfilial might not matter much, but as a member of the literati, faithfulness and filial piety were most important for her career. So, even though she didn’t want to stay in this family, she endured it. In this life, her patience with her mother-in-law was even worse than in the previous one.

Moreover, memories from her past life told her that her mother didn’t live for long. After her mother’s death, her half-sister caused numerous troubles. Thinking about this, the division of the family’s property didn’t make her feel upset at all.

Liang Jue didn’t fully understand her thoughts, but he was extremely sensitive to his wife’s mood changes. When she said she was fine, she wasn’t just placating him; she genuinely didn’t care about it. He felt a slight relief in his heart. Then, the elder from the Shen family who was in charge of this matter called for her again.

Perhaps because he respected the young, or perhaps because he thought Shen was confused, the elder’s attitude towards Shen Meng was still very gentle and polite. Standing at the entrance of the ancestral hall, she waved to Liu Jing to come over.

After tidying her clothes, Shen Meng turned to Liang Jue and said, “You wait here for me. It won’t take long.”

As Shen Meng spoke, Liang Jue’s eyes, filled with shimmering light, only reflected her figure, never blinking as he gazed at her.

He nodded heavily, indicating that he would obediently wait for her there. “I’ll be here, I won’t go anywhere. You can rest assured.”

If it weren’t for the restriction that men were not allowed to enter the ancestral hall of the Shen family, he would definitely accompany Shen Meng inside, facing this challenge together with her.

After giving her instructions, Shen Meng walked straight towards the ancestral hall without looking back.

When the door of the ancestral hall closed, the previously kind-hearted fourth elder’s demeanor changed. “Undutiful granddaughter Shen Meng, why haven’t you knelt before our ancestor’s tablet yet!”

Shen Meng retorted, “I don’t know what mistake Shen Meng has made that requires me to kneel and apologize?”

During ancestor worship, they often needed to kneel, which wasn’t too uncomfortable for her. But the premise was worshipping the ancestors, not like now, where she was forced to repent and apologize to the ancestors for her supposed wrongdoing.

Shen now had the authority of a mother: “I’ve advised you repeatedly to be modest in all things and not to stand out. You didn’t listen to these teachings, which is regrettable. However, even if you have studied for so many years, loyalty and filial piety are paramount. Even if the ruler demands the death of a subject, the subject must comply. How dare you refuse the Empress’s arranged marriage and openly oppose the Empress?!”

Mother Shen looked heartbroken, feeling that her eldest daughter’s behavior was like smearing dung on her brain, which was completely unlike something their Shen family would do.

Even though she was somewhat reluctant, once words were spoken, they were like spilled water. Encouraged by Shen Li, she decided to remove her capable daughter to avoid implicating the Shen family in future troubles.

Shen Meng remained calm: “Mother, what do you mean?”

The patriarch of the Shen family cleared her throat: “Last night, your mother and I, along with several elders, discussed it. Meng’er, your character is too proud and unsuitable for the Shen family. Today, the Shen family will expel you. From now on, we will not bear your wrongdoings, nor will we shamelessly claim any glory you may achieve.”

Though worded diplomatically, it amounted to her expulsion from the family. This would be officially documented and publicly displayed for at least a month, ensuring that neighbors, officials, and even the Empress would know.

Shen Meng calmly accepted the decision, showing no intention of causing a scene or any attachment, as if the Shen family held no value to her.

Initially wanting to discipline her daughter, Mother Shen felt frustrated by her stubborn attitude.

Once the expulsion was settled, Shen Meng respectfully kowtowed to the ancestors. After leaving the ancestral hall, without a chance to speak to Liang Jue, she was escorted to the government office by the crowd.

There are no secrets under the sky, especially in the Shen family, whose secrets had long been exposed by Shen Li.

The news of Shen Meng’s expulsion quickly spread, mostly due to the negative influence of Shen Li. The Shen family didn’t openly criticize Shen Meng to avoid tarnishing the family’s reputation.

Liang Jue, who had already moved out of the Shen family with Shen Meng, was worried, especially after hearing the malicious rumors. However, he didn’t dare to show any negativity at home, fearing it would affect Shen Meng’s mood further.

Shen Meng, who was carefully protected, put down her books and stretched lazily: “Alright, I’m not as fragile as my husband thinks. I’m not enduring it because of any affection for the Shen family; it’s just not the right time yet.”

“And now?”

Shen Meng smirked: “From now on, the entire capital, including the palace, will be our battlefield.”