"According to Madam Shen, it was right for Shen Yanxi to strangle me, and my self-rescue was a heinous crime?"

"Madam Shen, you can't be so hypocritical. Is your son's life worth more than mine?" Song Zhiyu retorted without any hesitation.

Seemingly intimidated by Song Zhiyu's imposing aura, Shen's mother subconsciously took two steps back and murmured, "That's not what I meant."

"You rebellious daughter, not only did you murder your elder sister and injure your brother, but now you even dare to talk back to your mother. You've forgotten all the proper etiquette."

"Guards, bring out the family rules. Today, I, the Marquis, will teach you a lesson in manners." Shen Feng's eyes turned cold, and a murderous intent rose in his heart. He didn't need a daughter he couldn't control.

Looking at the whip covered in spikes, the crowd had different expressions, some mocking, some showing pity, but no one spoke up to plead for her.

Song Zhiyu took in their expressions and smiled gently. Shen Feng had no right to lecture her.

“My upbringing varies from person to person. Lu Bai, go to the Princess’s residence for me and tell her that I’m about to be beaten to death by Lord Shen, and that I’m afraid I won’t be able to treat her anymore. Tell her to find someone else.”

"Yes." Lu Bai was quick-witted. Seeing that the situation was not good for her young lady, her round eyes rolled around, she answered loudly, and ran out the door.

"Stop her." Shen Feng's face turned ashen. He had really underestimated his daughter; she dared to use the Princess as leverage against him.

His punishment of a vicious and rebellious daughter was a family matter, and even the eldest princess had no right to interfere.

However, the eldest princess is His Majesty's elder sister. She even took a knife for His Majesty during the palace coup, which left her with a chronic illness. Her position in His Majesty's heart is extraordinary.

If the princess's treatment is delayed as a result, the entire Chengen Marquis's mansion will suffer as a result.

It seems that he will be unable to teach this rebellious daughter a lesson today, no matter what.

Shen Feng angrily threw down the whip in his hand, his eyes wide with rage. "You worthless wretch! The Princess can protect you for a while, but she can't protect you forever. You'd better watch yourself."

Song Zhiyu raised her eyes and met Shen Feng's fierce gaze directly, saying each word clearly, "Then you just watch and see. We have a long future ahead of us."

Watch as she drags the Shen family into hell, watch as Shen Feng is disgraced and loses everything.

The two men were at loggerheads, their oppressive aura making everyone present feel suffocated, as if an invisible hand was gripping their necks, making it hard to breathe.

For a moment, you could hear a pin drop.

Suddenly, a soft and melodious female voice rang out from outside the door, breaking the stalemate.

"Father, please don't blame your sister."

As soon as she finished speaking, a beautiful woman, dressed in a pale yellow brocade dress, walked gracefully towards them, supported by her maid.

"If it weren't for my poor health and my parents' excessive worry about me, my sister wouldn't have suffered so much."

Please, Father, don't pursue this matter any further. Don't let my actions damage the relationship between you and my sister.

After all, she is your blood relative.

Shen Jinshu held her mother's hand, speaking with heartfelt sincerity. However, when she mentioned blood ties, her expression dimmed considerably, and a faint sorrow lingered between her delicate brows, making her extremely pitiful.

Sure enough, Shen Yanxi was the first to jump out and gently comforted her, "Shu'er, blood ties are not important to your brother."

You are the only sister among us brothers; no one can surpass you.

After saying that, Shen Yanxi glanced at Song Zhiyu out of the corner of his eye. Seeing that she was unmoved, Shen Yanxi felt as if he had punched a cotton ball, feeling a tightness in his chest, neither able to calm down nor feel any relief.

Shen Feng nodded in agreement, his expression softening considerably, and accepted the offer from Shen Jinshu.

"Yan Xi is right. Blood ties don't represent everything, and not just anyone can be the daughter of a marquis. For Shu'er's sake, I will not pursue this matter further."

"Song Zhiyu, why don't you kowtow to Shu'er and thank her?" Shen Yanxi raised his head arrogantly, his tone condescending.

He looked down on Song Zhiyu from the bottom of his heart and never acknowledged her identity. His only sister was Shu'er.

Shen Jinshu bit her lower lip until it turned white, and glared at Shen Yanxi. "Sister, don't listen to your fourth brother's nonsense. I have enjoyed the love of our parents and brothers for so many years, while you have suffered for so many years. It is understandable that you have resentment towards me. I will not blame you."

Upon hearing this, everyone present couldn't help but admire Shen Jinshu's kindness and magnanimity, while their gazes toward Song Zhiyu grew increasingly disgusted.

Shen Jinshu's words undoubtedly condemned her directly.

"Don't rush, it'll be your turn soon." Song Zhiyu laughed angrily, stepped forward and patted Shen Jinshu's shoulder, but the smile didn't reach her eyes.

After saying that, Song Zhiyu walked past her and kicked Shen Yanxi, who looked down on her, hard in the back of the knee. "Kneel down to thank me? Why don't you kowtow to me first and see?"

With a "crack," Shen Yanxi fell to his knees, his kneecaps hitting the ground with a crisp sound. The smug smile on his face instantly twisted, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

Before anyone could recover from her actions, Song Zhiyu grabbed Shen Yanxi by the back of his head and slammed his head hard onto the ground.

Enraged, Shen Feng shouted, "Stop! Song Zhiyu, are you trying to rebel?"

"I will not offend others unless they offend me; if they offend me, I will repay them tenfold. I did not agree to let this matter rest. After throwing mud at me, you expect me to be grateful to you? Have some shame."

Song Zhiyu released his grip, tossing Shen Yanxi to the ground like a rag doll, dusted off the dirt on his clothes, and slowly straightened up.

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