Ye Rou instantly went from tears to laughter, leaning softly against Shen Feng's chest with a triumphant smile on her lips. "My lord is my everything, so of course I trust you."
Shen Feng was very pleased with Ye Rou's words, and his gaze towards her was so tender it could melt hearts.
The two lingered for a while longer. Seeing that Shen Feng was in a good mood and his expression had softened, Ye Rou raised her hand to massage his shoulder and said softly, "The chrysanthemum appreciation banquet organized by the Prime Minister's wife will be held in a few days, and I have been invited."
Upon hearing this, Shen Feng suddenly opened his eyes, which had been closed, and asked in surprise, "Are you telling the truth? How do you know the Prime Minister's wife?"
"A few days ago, I went to Mingyin Temple to pray for the Marquis's well-being. I happened to run into the Prime Minister's wife and her daughter-in-law's carriage. I helped them with a small favor, and that's how I got to know the Prime Minister's wife. Does the Marquis think I should attend this chrysanthemum appreciation banquet?" Ye Rou asked tentatively.
In the past, in order to avoid exposing their relationship, she could not appear wherever Shen's mother was.
But now that the Prime Minister's wife has personally invited her, wouldn't it be too disrespectful of her not to go?
However, she was more interested in knowing what Shen Feng was thinking.
As expected, Shen Feng did not disappoint her. He grabbed her hand with a big smile and said repeatedly, "Go, of course you have to go! This is a great opportunity to make connections with the Prime Minister's Mansion. Rou'er, whether Rushan's marriage can go through depends on you."
With this favor in place, it's not entirely impossible for Rushan and the Prime Minister's daughter to have a happy ending.
A surge of hope suddenly rose in Shen Feng's heart, and he could hardly suppress the smile on his lips.
"I understand, and I will certainly not disappoint you, my lord. However, I have never attended a banquet for nobles before. If I were to go wearing these clothes, I fear I would embarrass you greatly." The joy on Ye Rou's face gradually faded, and a trace of sorrow appeared between her delicate brows, which made Shen Feng feel very distressed.
This is indeed a problem. Shen Feng frowned slightly and stroked his chin in thought.
Seeing that Shen Feng's expression wavered, Ye Rou pressed on, saying, "I have heard that the Treasure Pavilion is holding an auction soon, and all invited guests are welcome to attend."
The clothes and jewelry at the auction were exquisite and luxurious, personally designed by the owner of the Treasure Pavilion, and their value was extraordinary. If I could wear a garment from the Treasure Pavilion, I would surely make Rushan proud at the banquet.”
“This…” Shen Feng looked troubled. He had just given several shops to Song Zhiyu and didn’t have much money left.
Ye Rou's eyes flashed, and her tone became a little lower, but she still looked understanding. "It is I who have made things difficult for you, my lord, but I am not greedy for vanity."
I know the difficulties Rushan faces in the court, and I don't want others to know that he has a mother who is not respectable, nor do I want others to gossip about his background.
"I understand Rou'er's thoughts. Rushan is also my son, and I naturally want the best for him. Don't worry, I will definitely get you an invitation from the Treasure Pavilion." Shen Feng was somewhat moved. He patted Ye Rou's hand tenderly and gritted his teeth to agree to her request.
He was going all out for Chen Rushan.
It's just silver, he doesn't believe the Marquis's mansion can't come up with this much silver.
*
Songxiyuan.
"Miss, Mount Li is remote and sparsely populated. Why do you want a land deed for Mount Li?" Lu Bai poured Song Zhiyu a cup of tea and asked the question that had been bothering her.
Given her young mistress's personality, it would be strange if the Marquis hadn't suffered a major financial loss. Instead, he only asked for a piece of Lishan that seemed to have little value, which really surprised her.
Song Zhiyu winked at her, giving her a cryptic look, "You'll find out later."
Lu Bai's interest was piqued, but knowing Song Zhiyu's personality, she didn't ask any more questions, figuring she would see him eventually.
The young lady has her reasons for doing things; she just needs to follow her instructions.
Seeing that Lu Bai had taken her words to heart with a serious expression, Song Zhiyu couldn't help but chuckle. She reached out and ruffled Lu Bai's hair, her tone softening slightly, "You'll see when I take you to Mount Li in a few days."
The hot spring water has good effects, especially for people with sores and wounds. It's a good opportunity to take Lu Bai to experience it.
"Okay." Lu Bai nodded emphatically, letting Song Zhiyu's hands mess around on her head, and even rubbed her palms happily, her big, bright, dark eyes shining amazingly.
"Have you made any progress on the matter I asked you to investigate a few days ago?" Song Zhiyu took a sip of tea and asked casually.
Upon hearing this, Lu Bai became excited and relayed the information she had gathered to Song Zhiyu without missing a single word: "Miss, you guessed right. The Marquis is indeed keeping a woman outside. He has been going out to see that woman these past few days."
"Did you get a good look at that woman's face?" Song Zhiyu smiled, but the smile didn't reach her eyes.
If she wasn't mistaken, that woman should be Shen Jinshu's biological mother.
Shen Feng had hidden her so well, yet she still managed to find out. But Song Zhiyu didn't intend to reveal the truth now; she wanted to slowly torment them to death.
"This servant saw her, she is indeed a beauty, no wonder the Marquis has kept her outside for so long." Lu Bai never expected that the Marquis of Chengen, who claimed to be deeply devoted to his wife, had actually kept a mistress for more than ten years.
"I've also heard that Madam Ye is the birth mother of Young Master Shen Rushan. The people of Mingfu Lane all praise her for being so lucky to have such a capable and talented son."
As heavy as a mountain?
Song Zhiyu took another sip of tea, her tightly furrowed brows relaxing slightly, and the question in her heart was answered.
No wonder Shen Feng treats an outsider better than his own son; no wonder she thinks the two look somewhat alike—they are father and son after all.
"It seems I need to find an opportunity to meet this Mrs. Ye." Song Zhiyu put down her teacup and tapped her fingers lightly on the table, seemingly pondering how to reveal this shocking secret discreetly.
She wanted to tear off Shen Feng's hypocritical mask and expose him to everyone, making him watch helplessly as his long-planned fame and status slipped away from him.
But how will she create this chance encounter?
Song Zhiyu lowered his eyes and pondered.
At this moment, Lu Bai suddenly slapped the back of her head and pulled out a gold invitation from her sleeve. "Oh right, I almost forgot. The Treasure Pavilion sent an invitation, inviting you to their auction. It is said that there are many rare treasures at the auction, and I think you will be interested."
"An auction?" Song Zhiyu became somewhat interested.
The invitations from the Treasure Pavilion were exceptionally exquisite, with a layer of fine gold foil inlaid on the cover. They were made of the finest Xuan paper, and the names of the invitees were engraved on them, with vermilion outlines for the borders, showcasing the pavilion's wealth and power.
"The Treasure Pavilion Auction invites nobles from prominent families in the capital. It's a symbol of status, since only they can afford to spend so much money."
"This is quite interesting." Song Zhiyu saw many things on the invitation that piqued her interest and readily accepted the invitation.
Perfect timing! Having just extorted money from Shen Feng, she has plenty of money to spare right now.
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