She had been favored for many years, and although she was a concubine, she had always been very powerful in the Prime Minister's mansion. When had she ever been so humiliated like this?

Song Lan respected her; she was the elder, and it would be impolite for her to accept a bow from her.

But if Song Lan sees her as just someone serving in front of Prime Minister Song, then she is nothing more than a servant. What does it matter if she receives a bow from her now?

Aren't servants born to kneel and speak to their masters?!

"Eldest, eldest daughter..." Aunt Rou took a step back timidly, her eyes already glistening with tears.

She vaguely sensed that Song Lan was somewhat different, but upon closer reflection, it seemed that nothing was different.

"You'll learn some manners in the future. Your father has been kind to you, but don't forget your place." Shen Wangshu said slowly, her face grim. "I've always given you some face, is it so you'll become arrogant and conceited? You spoiled brat." She slightly raised her chin and said unhappily under Aunt Rou's indignant gaze, "It's one thing for a concubine to enter and exit through the side gate, but I, the Lady of the Township, have just received rewards from the Empress Dowager and His Majesty, and you still won't open the main gate? Do you not even respect His Majesty and the Empress Dowager?!"

Her voice was neither shrill nor harsh, yet it made Aunt Rou tremble all over.

The King of Wei slowly walked to Shen Wangshu's side, a slight smile in his eyes, and said, "This humble servant has been extremely disrespectful. I wonder if it is due to my ignorance or if Prime Minister Song is intentionally being disrespectful to Your Majesty and Her Highness."

"What do you think?" Shen Wangshu asked Aunt Rou.

Aunt Rou's tears immediately flowed down her cheeks. Naturally, she dared not cause trouble for Prime Minister Song. Although she did not know who this noble young man who was defending Song Lan was, she could tell from his imposing presence that he was not to be trifled with. She could only lower her head and apologize, "It was this humble servant... who was ignorant..."

She was so ashamed that, although she reluctantly admitted her sins, she couldn't help but cover her mouth and cry weakly.

Compared to the imposing figure who stood before the Prime Minister's mansion with countless maids and servants just now, it was a world of difference.

Even the old women and maids, seeing that the young lady who used to be not very talkative had changed, all remained silent and dared not speak.

"The Lady of the Township has just returned home from the palace and is already being mourned; it's quite unlucky." Prince Wei has been very concerned about Song Lan's family affairs lately, and naturally knows what the situation is like in Prime Minister Song's residence. Moreover, the day Song Lan frankly admitted that he had been pushed by someone, it made Prince Wei secretly investigate.

Although there were many daughters of noble and official families in the palace that day, none of them had any conflict with Song Lan. Only Song Lan's half-sister, Song Wan'er, was somewhat suspicious. King Wei was well aware of the power struggles between legitimate and illegitimate children among the nobles and already harbored suspicions. Seeing this concubine, Rou, secretly trying to ruin Song Lan's reputation, he developed a dislike for Song Wan'er.

He remembered that Song Wan'er was the daughter of this concubine Rou.

If the mother is like this, I'm afraid the daughter won't be much better.

I heard that Prime Minister Song now dotes on this concubine and pities his illegitimate daughter. With this mother and daughter slandering each other day and night, how much love can Prime Minister Song have for Song Lan?

King Wei felt a pang of sympathy for Song Lan, who was straightforward and frank yet also somewhat scheming.

He used to worry that she would be eaten by someone.

But now, seeing her going to great lengths to resist the malice from her family, I wish she were just a simple girl.

It wasn't that he disliked scheming women, but rather that he believed only by suffering hardship and being schemed against could one lose their innocence.

How many assassinations has she suffered?

"Why aren't you opening the main gate yet?! Do you think a mere concubine like you can order around a dignified lady of the village?!" King Wei raised his head and said coldly.

"This is the King of Wei." Shen Wangshu sensed the King of Wei's protection. Normally, she wouldn't mind using his power, but the King of Wei's attitude towards her was too warm. She was willing to take this person as her backer, but she didn't want the King of Wei to have any extra feelings for her.

Born into royalty, possessing unparalleled handsomeness, and even wielding considerable power in the court, how could such a member of the royal family be a suitable match? She wouldn't even have the slightest connection with the beasts of the Marquis's mansion, let alone a member of the royal family? Did she expect her to go to the backyard of the royal mansion to compete for favor with countless women?

The title of "County Lord" might fool ordinary people, but it's nothing compared to the imperial family.

She scoffed inwardly, but her expression turned cold.

King Wei didn't understand why her expression had become somewhat cold, but his heart couldn't help but tighten.

"Yes." When Aunt Rou heard that this was actually a prince, she immediately showed some fear and got up to ask someone to open the middle gate.

Seeing how the King of Wei subtly protected Song Lan behind him, she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

Her daughter, Song Wan'er, was beautiful and charming, but she couldn't even get a son of a marquis. Meanwhile, Song Lan had already impressed a prince.

How unfair!

She felt Song Lan's cold gaze sweep over her, and hurriedly lowered her head to stand respectfully to the side, waiting for Song Lan to enter. But when she saw Song Lan walk to her side, he paused slightly.

"Is Song Wan'er in the manor?" Song Lan's cold voice rang out, causing Aunt Rou's heart to explode.

When Song Wan'er returned to the manor, she confessed to her that she had pushed Song Lan. She knew that Song Lan would not let it go after returning to the manor.

Just thinking that Song Cheng had already softened her heart by crying, Aunt Rou felt relieved. She looked up at the girl in front of her and said softly, "Wan'er was frightened in the palace and is still recuperating."

"Scared?" Song Lan seemed to chuckle.

"She's timid and weak, so naturally she's afraid of such a big thing happening in the palace," Aunt Rou said softly, pursing her lips. "Master also feels sorry for Wan'er and knows that Wan'er has suffered, so he doesn't let her come out." After saying this, even though she knew it was inappropriate, she still gave Song Lan a defiant look.

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