"Lord Ling, what brings you here?" Shen Feng hurriedly stepped forward to greet him, somewhat bewildered.
He had never had any dealings with the Duke of Ling's mansion, so why would they come to the Marquis's family reunion banquet?
As Shen Feng pondered this, his eyes kept glancing at the boxes behind them.
Could this also be a box full of gold and silver jewelry?
Duke Ling stroked his beard, his sharp, eagle-like gaze sweeping over the guests before softening instantly when it landed on Song Zhiyu.
Immediately afterwards, a deep and powerful voice rang out, striking heavily on their hearts, "The Duke of Ling's mansion has come today for two reasons: first, to present Miss Song with a gift to celebrate her recognition of her family; and second, to personally thank her for curing my son's legs."
From this day forward, Miss Song is the benefactor of our Lingguo Duke's Mansion. Anyone who dares to bully or humiliate her is opposing our Lingguo Duke's Mansion.
That's right, they're here today to support Song Zhiyu.
The scene erupted in an uproar, with everyone turning their gaze to Song Zhiyu, some in amazement, others in jealousy.
But their gazes did not affect Song Zhiyu. She remained upright, standing in place with neither arrogance nor servility, her smile unchanged, but noticeably warmer.
The Duke of Ling's words carried immense weight; they were tantamount to bringing Song Zhiyu under their protection.
With the Duke of Ling's mansion as his backer, Song Zhiyu's rise to power can be described as instantaneous.
Many people's minds started to wander again, and they looked at Song Zhiyu as if she were a hot commodity.
Although Song Zhiyu is a noblewoman in name only, she has two powerful backers: the Eldest Princess and the Duke of Ling's Mansion. If they could get help from either of them, they would surely rise to prominence.
The family that benefits the most is the Marquis of Chengen's mansion. With Song Zhiyu as their daughter, the Duke of Ling's mansion will also give more support to the children of the Marquis's family because of her.
It seems that the Marquis of Chengen's mansion will soon regain its former glory.
Clearly, Shen Feng thought the same way.
Song Zhiyu is a member of the Marquis's household and has enjoyed the benefits brought to her by the Marquis's household, so she should give back in return.
But the next moment, he was slapped in the face.
Ling Wushuang lifted the lid of the box, revealing its contents. "Zhiyu, these are various precious medicinal herbs that the Ling State Duke's Mansion has searched all over the world for. I hope they will be of use to you."
Song Zhiyu looked at the herbs in the box with some surprise. She could tell how precious these herbs were at a glance.
The fact that they were able to gather all of these things shows the care and attention the Duke of Ling's family has for her.
"Very useful." Song Zhiyu nodded, feeling a warmth in her heart.
She never expected that the Duke of Ling's mansion would be so considerate; this congratulatory gift was exactly what she wanted.
The eldest princess stood quietly to the side, a gentle smile on her face. She knew that Song Zhiyu would not disappoint her.
Ling Wushuang then opened several other boxes, and to everyone's surprise, they were filled with all kinds of medical books and classics, some of which were rare and unique copies, all of which were selected according to Song Zhiyu's preferences.
Those who don't understand medicine naturally don't realize the value of these medical books and classics, but those few boxes of precious medicinal herbs were enough to make them envious.
Shen Muxun stared intently at those rare medical books, his eyes filled with fascination—a tremendous temptation for a physician.
Moreover, he also found Master Fulan's notes inside, who was highly skilled in treating leg ailments.
If he could see Master Fulan's notes, perhaps he could find a way to cure his elder brother's legs.
More importantly, he can use this opportunity to improve his medical skills.
Thinking of this, Shen Muxun's eyes reddened with emotion.
"You guys carry these boxes to Songxi Courtyard, be careful." Ling Wushuang smiled and, under the intense gazes of the crowd, waved her hand to have the boxes carried away.
Shen Feng watched with reluctance as the boxes full of precious medicinal herbs were carried away, feeling displeased.
They came to the Marquis's residence to deliver congratulatory gifts, so these gifts rightfully belong to the Marquis's residence.
Now they're carrying them all into Song Zhiyu's yard, which is a slap in his face and shows they don't take him seriously at all.
Shen Jinshu's fingers clenched so tightly they turned white as she looked at Song Zhiyu, who was being fawned over by everyone, that she pinched her palms until they bled.
First it was the Princess's Mansion, and now it's the Duke of Ling's Mansion. Why does Song Zhiyu have so many people's favor?
And those dozen or so boxes of precious books and treasures were priceless. They really went to great lengths to support Song Zhiyu.
Shen Jinshu's heart was bleeding with hatred.
How could she be so lucky, saving the eldest princess and then saving Young Master Ling?
So who's next? Who will be next?
Before she could calm down, there was another noise outside the door.
"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"
Everyone was shocked to hear this, never expecting that even the Crown Prince would be invited to a small family reunion banquet held at the Marquis's residence. They all stood up and bowed.
Their gazes involuntarily fell on Song Zhiyu, and a bold guess formed in their minds.
Could it be that this gentleman is also here for Song Zhiyu?
Just like the previous two scenes, His Highness the Crown Prince was followed by more than a dozen guards carrying boxes, instantly filling the Marquis's residence.
"Your Highness..." Shen Feng stepped forward with a fawning smile and a bow, but before he could finish speaking, the Crown Prince abruptly stopped him with a gesture.
Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, Zhou Xingzhi walked step by step towards Song Zhiyu, stood before her, his eyes burning, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, and his tone extremely gentle, "I have also come to congratulate Miss Song on finally reclaiming what is rightfully hers."
He knew that Song Zhiyu didn't care about her status as the daughter of a marquis, and even loathed it.
However, what belongs to her is not for others to touch, even if she doesn't want it.
These words were undoubtedly a direct insult to Shen Jinshu, thoroughly crushing his pride.
"Your Highness, I thank you." Song Zhiyu looked away, not daring to meet Zhou Xingzhi's gaze.
The fire in his eyes was so intense that one could easily get burned if one wasn't careful.
Zhou Xingzhi's eyes dimmed slightly. "Miss Song saved my life. It is said that a life-saving grace should be repaid with one's body..."
Song Zhiyu suddenly looked up, her clear, autumn-water-like eyes widening in disbelief, only to be met with Zhou Xingzhi's gentle smile, tinged with the satisfaction of a cunning scheme.
Seeing that the little girl had finally come out of the tortoise shell, a barely perceptible smile flashed across Zhou Xingzhi's eyes. "It seems that offering yourself in marriage is out of the question, and I imagine Miss Song wouldn't agree either."
However, my life still has some value; consider these things as my token of gratitude and congratulations.
The guests present gasped in shock as they watched the congratulatory gifts being carried into the Marquis's residence by the guards; their hearts sank into a daze.
They had witnessed this scene three times in just one day, and each time the scale of the event had grown larger.
Another savior! Just how many people has Song Zhiyu saved?
Now, even if more benefactors emerge claiming Song Zhiyu as their savior, they wouldn't be surprised.
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