Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1312

When Carissa returned to Hell Monarch Estate, she immediately heard the news—Silverstone Estate had been seized, and the Earl of Silverstone's family had been imprisoned.

In fact, she already knew. The word had reached her while she was still in the palace.

Or perhaps, she had suspected this even earlier, when news of Oliver's desertion reached her. She had known then that this would be the inevitable outcome.

The people sent to seize Silverstone Estate were not only carrying out the punishment for Oliver's crime, but also hoping that he would turn himself in voluntarily. The confiscation of the estate and the stripping of titles were routine measures in such cases.

It would be impossible for such a scandal to erupt and for the title to remain intact, allowing the family to continue in wealth and comfort.

But what would happen next?

Even Carissa couldn't predict Salvador's next move.

Isaac had already begun making his rounds, seeking assistance, but not from the powerful or the nobility—he was turning to the common folk.

Zoey had foreseen this, so she spent money to set up a food distribution stall outside the city, helping the poor and offering assistance to those who were seriously ill.

Luna had once mentioned in Skye Embroidery that both Evelyn and Viola had opposed Zoey doing this, thinking it was a waste of money for the sake of building her reputation. But now, the only way to assist the Earl of Silverstone's family was through two conditions—a great victory at the Southern Frontier, and the people's spontaneous support for Zoey.

Supporting Zoey was different from supporting Oliver.

So, Isaac had already ordered rumors to be spread—that Oliver had abandoned his wife, running off with his concubine and the child she had borne him. Oliver had not only neglected his military and political duties, but he had also betrayed the king, the court, and, worst of all, his wife and children.

Isaac wasn't just concerned with creating a reputation for Zoey as a virtuous woman—he was also building the narrative of a woman cruelly abandoned by her husband.

They claimed that Oliver had long intended to divorce Zoey. But being stationed at the Southern Frontier, he couldn't find the right excuse, so he delayed the decision.

Rumors from traders traveling to the Southern Frontier spoke of Oliver having a young, captivating wife at his marshal's residence—one who possessed an enchanting beauty so powerful that those who saw her were said to fall under her spell.

Jacob had no doubt been fanning the flames of these rumors. But he focused on how, despite being rejected by her husband, Zoey still had a loving heart. The food distribution stall at Silverstone Estate continued without fail, feeding the poor outside the city in all kinds of weather.

He found it odd—how could it continue operating when its benefactor had been imprisoned?

He immediately sent someone to inquire, learning that Zoey hired the people outside Silverstone Estate to run the food distribution stall. They were not part of the household staff. The people she hired were originally poor citizens who came to the stall for food.

The person in charge of the food distribution stall, Charlie, explained that Zoey trusted him and had given him one thousand silver coins to continue the charitable work. Even though Zoey had been imprisoned, the funds remained, and the overseer would continue to buy and provide food for as long as he could.

Irvin couldn't help but be deeply moved when he heard this.

Charlie was a man who had once known hunger and cold. He had lived a life of poverty and hardship, and he knew that he would never come close to earning one thousand silver coins in his lifetime. He could have taken the money and run.

Instead, he chose to honor Zoey's compassion and continue the work she had started.

Compassion—true compassion—had the power to touch hearts and inspire others.