As Shen Zhiyi was doing her hair, there was a knock on the door. After being granted permission to enter, Cui Lan came in carrying a bowl of medicine. "Young Madam, this servant has come to bring you medicine."

"Leave it there, I'll drink it later."

My mother-in-law's tonic was given to me without fail, not a single day was missed.

After Shen Zhiyi was reborn, she had someone investigate and found that it was just some ordinary medicine to replenish qi and blood. The Marquis's mansion was still relying on the support of the Shen family, and as long as she still had value, they would not poison her.

Cui Lan put the bowl down as instructed, but hesitated and did not leave.

"Is there anything else?" Shen Zhiyi looked at the person standing behind her through the bronze mirror.

Since her mother-in-law was caught cheating, and has been keeping it a secret from her father-in-law ever since, Chen felt resentful but had nowhere to vent her anger. Cui Lan was her accomplice at the time, so she took out her anger on her.

Cui Lan glanced at the other people in the room.

"You may all leave."

After Shen Zhiyi waved for everyone to leave, Cui Lan knelt down with a "plop," pleading, "Young Madam, please save me!"

"Miss Cui Lan, what are you doing?" Shen Zhiyi stood up to look at her.

“Since you entered the manor, I have been disrespectful to you. When I was locked in the woodshed, only you disregarded past grievances and lent a helping hand. I will always remember this kindness.”

Chen Zhi remained silent.

“After the incident with Madam, she always takes her anger out on me. If this continues, I will die in the manor sooner or later. I beg Madam to have mercy and let me leave the manor and give me a way out.”

"What?" Shen Zhiyi chuckled softly, as if she had heard a joke. "Why would I do that?"

"This servant has something to ask..."

Half an incense stick later, Shen Zhiyi had tidied her clothes and left the room. Song Yuxiu happened to enter the courtyard. Today, he was dressed in brocade robes, his hair tied up with a jade crown, and his dark green brocade robe with gold trim. He was exceptionally handsome. He smiled warmly at her and gently called her, "Zhiyi."

He was handsome and gentle.

As the couple went to greet the guests hand in hand, everyone who saw them couldn't help but sigh with envy.

"A perfect match, a handsome man and a beautiful woman."

But privately they were discussing it:

"A talented man and a beautiful woman, they are indeed a perfect match, it's just a pity that the Shen family's daughter cannot bear children."

Who said she can't have children?

"For the past two years, Madam Hou has been searching everywhere for various folk remedies to treat her infertility. Moreover... if she could give birth, why would she agree to adopt someone else's child into her own name? Isn't the reason obvious?"

"The young master Song is still the most affectionate. Even though the daughter of the Duke of Shen cannot have children, he did not take a concubine or keep a maid. He did not mind at all and they are still so loving."

...

The guests were all talking at once.

As the guests entered the mansion one after another, the Song family members all came out to greet them, all dressed in their finest attire, and even the old lady made an unusual effort to tidy herself up.

The two children were also brought out.

Seeing this, everyone naturally showered him with praise.

Ying Ge was a bad seed. After being lectured and instructed, he wore a red embroidered jacket and politely bowed to the guests. Everyone praised him for being well-mannered and said he would surely achieve great things in the future.

Some, however, were more perceptive and noticed something amiss.

Just like when Wen Qing arrived, after glancing at the child and giving her a gift, she pulled Shen Zhiyi aside and asked, "Are you sure this was found by the old lady of the Marquis's mansion?"

"Otherwise what?"

"He looks too much like Song Yuxiu. Is this really not someone he kept outside, pretending to be an orphan, trying to bring into the Marquis's mansion to confuse the legitimate and illegitimate bloodlines?"

Shen Zhiyi smiled and said, "Sister Wen, you're overthinking it."

"I hope so."

As the two were talking, a maid came to remind them: "Young Madam, the family reunion banquet is about to begin, it's time to take your seats."

Today, Shen Zhiyi is the main character. When she arrived at the hall, most of the guests had already arrived. Tea, pastries and other refreshments were all prepared, and everything used was of the highest quality. Even the tea utensils were of the finest red porcelain, which was both festive and elegant.

"Zhiyi, come here quickly." The old lady, holding her prayer beads in one hand, got up and pulled her to sit down.

With such warm welcome from her elders, everyone assumed she must be living a very good life in the Song family.

"The guests have all arrived, where have you been?" The mother-in-law frowned, her voice low, seemingly displeased.

"I went to the kitchen to check on the meal preparations. Today's guests are all high-ranking officials and dignitaries from the capital, and I was worried about neglecting them."

"Zhiyi is very thoughtful." The old lady said with a face full of satisfaction.

"Springtime is a good time for nourishing the body, so I specifically asked the kitchen to add some nourishing medicinal ingredients to the tea and pastry selections, which is why it took a little longer..."

Before Shen Zhiyi could finish speaking, Chen interrupted her: "Alright, stop dawdling and wasting this auspicious time, let's get started."

"Listen to your mother."

——

After everyone was seated, the family reunion banquet officially began.

First, the two children served tea and kowtowed. Sister Ru was too young, so her wet nurse carried her to complete the ceremony. Brother Ying knelt down in front of Shen Zhiyi, his expression showing extreme reluctance.

"Cough—" The old lady coughed twice, and he managed to cough three times.

She then took the tea from the maid and handed it to him. Being too young, she was trembling and accidentally spilled the tea, wetting Chen Zhiyi's dress.

"It's alright." Shen Zhiyi smiled as she handed over the tea. "Brother Ying is such a good boy."

The Song family members watched from the sidelines, feeling extremely smug.

Ying Ge then greeted each member of the Song family in turn, and everyone drank tea and gave gifts.

The Chen family was very generous, gifting her an exquisite longevity lock inlaid with jade, which was clearly very valuable.

"Thank you, Grandma." Yingge smiled as she looked at the gold lock hanging around her neck.

After everyone had given their gifts, Shen Zhiyi finally called Ying Ge to her side and gestured for Hong Rui to take out an exquisite gift box. Everyone eagerly awaited what she would give, as she was the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo.

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!