"You've really brought honor to the Marquis's family this time. Not only did you win the championship at the lake excursion banquet, but you also received a promise from the Empress Dowager. Everyone in the capital is praising our Chengen Marquis's family for raising such a wonderful daughter."
Grandma knows you've suffered a lot. In the past, my health wasn't good, and even though I wanted to take good care of you, I couldn't. But Grandma has always thought of you, and from now on, I will definitely protect you and never let you suffer the slightest injustice.
Madam Shen adopted a conciliatory approach; her kind smile and sincere words were truly touching.
She could tell that Song Zhiyu longed for family and kinship. In order to achieve her goal, she didn't mind saying some nice things to coax Song Zhiyu.
Unfortunately, she only guessed half of it correctly.
If the old Song Zhiyu had heard her heartfelt words of concern, she would have done as they wished, continuing to pour her heart out to them and give them everything.
But now standing before them is Song Zhiyu, who has already died once, and she will not be easily fooled by their sweet words.
She has a brother, a lover, and friends, but she doesn't have any of these so-called "family members."
Song Zhiyu noticed that Madam Shen emphasized the Empress Dowager's promise when she mentioned it, and she knew exactly what was going on.
As expected, old ginger is spicier. Madam Shen's methods are much more sophisticated than Shen Feng's. She made her neglect and indifference towards her sound so grand and dignified.
"Thank you for your concern, Madam." Song Zhiyu pretended not to understand Madam Shen's implied meaning and continued to laugh it off.
Seeing that Song Zhiyu was unmoved by reason, Shen Feng became impatient and said, "For the sake of my mother, I will not pursue the matter of the Prince's heir."
But because of your willfulness, the Marquis's mansion has offended the Prince, and will surely suffer his retaliation. Since this matter arose because of you, you should also bear the responsibility.”
He raised his chin high, looking at Song Zhiyu with an arrogant expression, his eyes revealing a clear meaning, as if not pursuing the matter was a great favor to her.
Song Zhiyu chuckled, wanting to see just how shameless they could be, and continued along with Shen Feng's words, "What does the Marquis mean?"
Shen Feng turned his head to look at Shen Rushan standing beside him, his eyes filled with undisguised affection and pride. "Rushan is my only disciple, and a child I have watched grow up. I regard him as my own son and have taught him with great care."
Now the Marquis's mansion is declining day by day, and none of the younger generation has made any achievements in the court, thus failing to bring glory to the family of the Marquis of Chengen.
Only Rushan, having repeatedly rendered great service, was deeply valued by the Emperor. He never forgot the kindness shown to him by the Marquis, and remained devoted to the Marquis's household; naturally, the Marquis's household would not mistreat him.
Song Zhiyu didn't respond. She thought she should already know what Shen Feng was planning.
They simply wanted to use this promise to pave the way for Shen Rushan; they really went to great lengths.
"Rushan and the daughter of the Left Prime Minister fell in love, but because of Rushan's status, they could not get married, which is a real pity." As he said this, a faint sense of guilt rose in Shen Feng's heart.
If Rushan were the heir of a marquis's family, how could he be criticized by others because of his background?
This is all something the Marquis's mansion owes him.
Now it's just a matter of getting a promise from Song Zhiyu; she has no choice but to give it to her.
Shen Feng knew perfectly well that Song Zhiyu harbored deep resentment towards Shu'er, and their initial plan was unlikely to work.
They could only settle for second best and try to find as many benefits as possible for Chen Rushan.
When the time is right, he can rightfully adopt Shen Rushan into his own name and let him inherit the title.
"As a member of the Marquis's household, having enjoyed everything the Marquis's household has given you, you should repay it." The Empress Dowager's words were law, and she personally made this promise.
"I hope you can consider the bigger picture and plead for a favor for Rushan and the Prime Minister's daughter. If the Marquis's family could form a marriage alliance with the Prime Minister's family, it would be quite beneficial for you; you should know what to do."
Shen Feng said a lot of things beforehand, clearly wanting to take advantage of Song Zhiyu, but he still pretended to be doing it all for her own good, carrying his shamelessness to the extreme.
His calculations were meticulous; whether it was a marriage alliance with the Prince Li's mansion or the Prime Minister's mansion, it would be a huge advantage for the Marquis's family.
"The kind of bliss that the Marquis speaks of is deadly; I can't afford it."
Before Shen Feng could react, Song Zhiyu turned her gaze to Shen Rushan, her smile meaningful. "The Marquis treats Young Master Shen better than his own son. Anyone who doesn't know the situation would think that Young Master Shen is your biological son."
Song Zhiyu's seemingly unintentional remark caused Shen Feng's expression to change drastically, fearing that Song Zhiyu had discovered some secret she shouldn't know.
Unnoticed by anyone, Shen's mother's pale lips were pressed into a straight line. She felt somewhat uncomfortable, and her gaze towards Shen Rushan underwent a subtle change.
"Nonsense! Rushan is my disciple. I treat him like my own son, and he treats me with utmost respect. We are not father and son, but our relationship is better than that of father and son." Shen Feng denied it outright, but his exasperated appearance only made his mother more suspicious.
Once the seed of doubt is planted, a crack appears in the heart, waiting to take root and sprout.
Mother Shen felt her mind was much clearer, and details she had never noticed before slowly flashed through her mind.
The Marquis treated Shen Rushan too well, even better than her sons.
All of this happened after Shen Yuzhou's accident.
Chen's thoughts were in disarray; the more she recalled, the more horrified she became.
Compared to Shen Feng's outburst, Song Zhiyu was clearly much calmer. "Is Young Master Shen's father dead? How come I've never heard him mention him?"
"My father left home when I was very young, and I don't know where he went. My mother raised me with great difficulty. When I was in trouble, it was my teacher who came to my rescue and helped me escape my suffering."
"I will forever remember the teacher's great kindness. In my heart, the teacher is like my father." Shen Rushan smiled coldly, his eyes dark and unfathomable, yet every word he uttered struck a chord with Shen Feng.
Even Chen's mother was somewhat moved, feeling regret for her earlier doubts.
Shen Feng waved his hand impatiently, "Alright, let's not mention this again. I've decided to register Ru Shan under my name. From now on, Ru Shan will be your elder brother, and you should respect and honor him."
In two days, have your mother deliver a letter to the palace, and you yourself will go to the Empress Dowager to request a favor.
Before anyone could recover from the big announcement, Song Zhiyu's cold voice rang out, her tone firm and leaving no room for negotiation: "I didn't agree."
The Marquis's family wanted to use her to achieve their own goals, but they didn't want to incur the wrath of the Right Chancellor. They got all the benefits, and they really had a clever plan.
She must be crazy to agree to their demands.
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