How could I possibly be confined in a cage?

The eldest daughter of Zheng, the comprador, and the second young master of the warlord's mansion—no one could have imagined that they would be a couple.

The moment the words of engagement were uttered, the room erupted in uproar.

Guo Ziyou stepped forward and said, "Everyone, please calm down. Pei Lan and I have long admired each other and it can be considered a love match. I fell in love with her at first sight when she returned to the state banquet, and now we have been dating for half a year. It is time to put the wedding on the agenda."

Zheng Peilan stepped forward with a flushed face, her movements graceful and elegant. "Although I have studied abroad, I am still old-fashioned and principled at heart. Since I am of the same mind as Ziyou, it is only right and proper for us to be together."

Then the two smiled at each other, their eyes filled with affection, and bowed to the crowd hand in hand.

Although it was unexpected, the good news was met with applause from everyone, who offered their blessings to the newlyweds.

The banquet finally began. Zheng Peilan had put a lot of thought into it, inviting not only the most popular stars but also a song and dance troupe to perform. Therefore, even those who didn't understand painting felt that the banquet was exceptionally lively.

Zheng Peilan was determined to avenge her previous defeat, so everything from the drinks and dishes to the decorations was exquisite and luxurious.

Not to mention the ladies and gentlemen from the foreign concessions who came to show their support, making it a truly lively and extraordinary event.

The young ladies gathered together chatting, while the young gentlemen drank in small groups, watched performances, or went out to admire architecture; none of them were idle.

Zheng Peilan went to great lengths to revive her status as the First Daughter.

Liu Xiang was also among those invited. She's a year older now and no longer revolves around Zheng Peilan like before.

Despite having many children, Liu Xiang still wore an ill-fitting dress and gracefully moved among the guests.

Zheng Peilan had her sights set on her, determined to use her as a stepping stone to once again become the envy of all the rich heiresses.

Holding Guo Ziyou's hand, she went around offering toasts, and soon arrived at Liu Xiang's side.

"Liu Xiang, it's been a long time!" Zheng Peilan was as warm and attentive as ever.

Liu Xiang felt a little embarrassed; she hadn't visited the Zheng family even once since their accident.

"Sister Peilan, you look so beautiful today."

Zheng Peilan has always loved wearing elaborate princess dresses, but this time she changed her usual jeweled look and instead wore a neatly tailored white dress that perfectly outlined her curves.

A huge sapphire necklace cinches the neck, the highlight being a long tassel hanging down the back, its light movement as it moves is quite beautiful.

Zheng Peilan smiled elegantly, "You are very beautiful too, but this yellow doesn't suit you. Why don't you go upstairs and choose a few more outfits?"

Liu Xiang awkwardly gripped her wine glass, forcing a smile. Zheng Peilan knew perfectly well that the gowns she wore never fit properly; they were always hand-me-downs from her sisters.

Zheng Peilan had given her a few pieces before, but Liu Xiang was too embarrassed to wear them to her home turf.

"No need, it's fine as it is."

Perhaps because she is in puberty, Liu Xiang, who was originally round and cute, has now developed pimples on her face. Although she tried to cover them with powder, they were still very noticeable.

The more embarrassed Liu Xiang was, the happier Zheng Peilan became.

"Why are you being so polite with me? It's not the first time. Let's go." Zheng Peilan tried to pull Liu Xiang away.

Unexpectedly, Liu Xiang forcefully shoved Zheng Peilan, almost causing her to fall to the ground.

"Sister Liu Xiang, I meant well, but you..."

Liu Xiang looked at her hand in surprise, seemingly in disbelief, "I...I didn't mean to."

Zheng Peilan struggled to her feet, her ankles bruised and purple, but she still endured the pain and said, "It's alright, I was too selfish. I only thought about your needs, but I didn't mean to hurt your pride. I should be the one apologizing to you."

Liu Xiang was speechless with embarrassment; she truly hadn't intentionally pushed Zheng Peilan. Moreover, although Zheng Peilan's words were meant to explain, they only made Liu Xiang feel more awkward.

Immediately, the hot-tempered heiress spoke up, "Liu Xiang, what's wrong with you? Don't push your luck."

Liu Xiang blushed with anger, "What do you mean I'm shameless? I didn't do it on purpose. Sister Pei Lan didn't do anything wrong."

The rich girl scoffed, "It's their business if they're generous; your problem is a matter of upbringing."

"What did you say?" Liu Xiang was furious and started arguing with the rich girl.

The commotion quickly attracted the attention of others, and Zheng Peilan hurriedly tried to persuade both sides, saying to one side that she really didn't care, and to the other side that she thanked them for their righteousness.

They were so busy they were sweating profusely, and they didn't want to offend anyone.

Unaware of the truth, onlookers even began to sympathize with Zheng Peilan.

"You know, Miss Zheng has had a tough time. She was wrongfully imprisoned without complaint, and she made a comeback so quickly. She has a good heart."

"That's right, look at how well she handles everyone. It's just that these two girls are so inconsiderate, causing trouble on someone else's turf."

"Yes, this is a joyous day."

……

There were different opinions for a while.

The Zheng family's reputation, on the contrary, has improved once again, especially since Guo Ziyou personally announced his engagement to Zheng Peilan in public. Seeing that even Marshal Guo doesn't mind what happened back then, it seems the Zheng family's good fortune hasn't run out yet.

After the banquet, the Zheng family gained a good reputation, the Guo family made substantial gains, and the guests enjoyed a good show.

Only two young ladies lost their reputation.

With such great reputations, it's hard to tell who's good and who's bad.

But only one person secretly gritting their teeth over this marriage.

Song Fujin did not go to the gallery; he did not receive an invitation.

Unexpectedly, while he was still making his plans in the shadows, Zheng Peilan had already quickly found a new partner.

Is it because of one's background that one is always just one step away?

Song Fu had never been so eager to know his origins. Just because of his humble background, he was destined to be a servant. Just because he was born into a wealthy family, he was destined to be looked down upon by a young lady like Zheng Peilan.

Why!

Song Fu clenched his fist and pounded on the wall, wishing he could smash it to pieces.

A strong sense of resentment surged within him, fueling his hatred. Remembering Lao Hei's reaction when he saw his birthmark last time, Song Fu immediately turned back to the Lü family.

He needed to figure out his own name, whether his parents were dead or had abandoned him.

He stormed back to the Lü family home in a rage. It was evening, and the house was quiet.

The students hadn't returned from school yet, and it wasn't time for meals, so it was very quiet.

Hatred surged within Song Fu; he was determined to find Lao Hei and get to the bottom of things.

"...Haha, how did you come up with this idea? No, wait a minute, let me think about the next step."

A soft female voice came from behind: "Don't cheat. Even if I give you a three-piece handicap, you still can't beat me."

It was Yan Ru, and the other voice was Song Yuanliang.

Song Fu hesitated, peering into the courtyard from the entrance.

As the sun set, its golden rays spilled into the courtyard and onto Yan Ru and Song Yuanliang.

The years are peaceful and serene, as beautiful as a painting.

But Song Fu felt that such a scene stung his eyes.

He grew up alone. Although Uncle Ren raised him, Uncle Ren also had his own family and children. Uncle Ren's wife and children were very jealous of how good Uncle Ren was to them.

When Uncle Ren wasn't home, Song Fu often went hungry, but he had always known how to compromise. He was good at reading people's expressions and knew that she wasn't his biological mother, so he never argued.

Because of the argument, Uncle Ren will be upset. If Uncle Ren is upset, he will harbor resentment towards me, and if he harbors resentment, he will not be as kind to me as before.

So Song Fu never mentioned it, but would always "inadvertently" reveal his wound when Uncle Ren came home. When asked, he would always say that he had bumped into something, so Uncle Ren loved him even more, more than his own child.

But…but…

The more you suppress your desires, the more you want them. Why is it that everyone else has a happy and fulfilling family life, while I've always been a subservient child since childhood?

He understood from a very young age that a servant's child is still a servant, and a master's child will still be a master in the future.

To get ahead, being an honest and upright person is definitely not enough.

The dream resurfaced in Song Fu's mind, in which he and Yan Ru were just as happy.

But now the dream is over, and nothing belongs to him anymore, neither does Yan Rushi, nor does Zheng Peilan.

Perhaps it was because her gaze was too intense that Yan Ruxin sensed something.

"Song Fu?"

Song Fu walked toward Yan Ru in a daze. Seeing that his expression was strange, Song Yuanliang immediately stood up and blocked his way.

Song Fu snapped out of his daze, his subconscious actions outpacing his thought process.

"Young Master."

"Ah."

It was a perfectly normal conversation, so normal it couldn't be more so. Song Fu instinctively bowed and greeted him, and Song Yuanliang accepted the greeting as a matter of course.

Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny?

Song Fu kept his head down, his eyes burning with determination; he couldn't afford to miss this opportunity again.