Song Tang gave a bitter laugh. “Father, how many times do you think a life-saving favor can be used? Even if Marquis Mu had the best temper, he would grow impatient—and his temper is far from good. Your daughter is terrified of him too.”
“It’s all because of your recklessness and willfulness! You stirred up this mess of canceling the engagement, and now the family has to clean up after you!” Song Congzhi’s temper flared again.
Song Tang feigned a pitiful expression. “Father, I know I was wrong. But right now, Madam Sun hasn’t opposed canceling the engagement between me and the Heir. She just doesn’t want my cousin to enter the household. Madam Sun’s reluctance probably stems from not knowing my cousin well enough.”
“You mean there’s still room for negotiation?” Song Congzhi pondered briefly.
Song Wei suddenly looked up, her eyes fixed nervously on Song Tang, a flicker of unease passing through them.
Song Tang put on an utterly sincere expression. “Yes, Mother. You know Madam Sun has never liked me because of my stubborn temper.”
“But if Cousin could take the initiative to visit Madam Sun, behave properly in front of her, and show impeccable manners, Madam Sun might realize that Song Wei is different from me and change her mind.”
Song Wei’s face instantly turned pale. She hadn’t expected Song Tang to suggest this. What she had in mind was for Song Tang to plead her case with Marquis Mu. She had no desire to meet Madam Sun directly—it felt too forward and humiliating. She was about to speak when Song Congzhi cut in first.
“Not bad, that’s a possible approach. But will Madam Sun respond to this?”
Song Tang nodded and continued, “Madam Sun has always favored well-mannered, educated women. If Song Wei visits in person, it would not only show the magnanimity of our Song family but also allow Madam Sun to personally assess Song Wei’s character. It’s a win-win situation.”
“Then I’ll accompany Wei’er,” Madam He said, worried about Song Wei.
Song Tang shook her head. “Mother, if you’re present, how can Madam Sun have a private conversation with Cousin? And Cousin might feel too restrained to act naturally in front of you. If both of you go, it might even displease Madam Sun.”
“I’m uneasy about Wei’er going alone,” Madam He said, her brows furrowed with visible concern.
Song Tang sighed softly and added, “I believe Cousin knows how to handle herself. Besides, this is her chance to shine. If she can manage on her own, she might even impress Madam Sun and prove herself worthy of being the Heir’s wife in the Marquis’s Mansion.”
Her words carried weight. If Song Wei refused to go, it would make her seem petty and unfit to be the Heir’s wife.
Song Wei parted her lips but ultimately said nothing in rebuttal.
“Wei’er, are you willing to meet Madam Sun?” Madam He asked, her heart aching at Song Wei’s pitiful appearance.
Song Wei bit her lower lip and gave a slight nod. Though she was utterly unwilling, she couldn’t think of a reason to refuse at the moment.
For the past few days, Song Wei had been troubled by one question: why had Song Tang suddenly changed so much?
Before, she could easily provoke Song Tang into losing her composure in front of others, making everyone dislike her. But now, it felt like she was always one step behind, constantly being outmaneuvered by Song Tang. This time, she had even suffered a hidden loss!
Moreover, Qiuling, whom she had planted by Song Tang’s side, could hardly even enter Song Tang’s room now—demoted from a first-class maid to sweeping the courtyard.
Song Tang naturally would not give Song Wei any chance to find an excuse to escape. She continued, “Cousin, it’s best you go now. This morning, Sister Shu An sent word that Madam Sun has fallen ill. This is the perfect time to visit.”
Song Congzhi hurriedly added, “Yes, Wei’er should go now. Bring plenty of nourishing herbs as a token of our Song family’s goodwill.” Whether it was Song Tang or Song Wei, one of them must marry Mu Ziyu!
Song Wei found herself in a difficult position and had no choice but to reluctantly agree.
“Yes, Father. Wei’er will go now. Since Mother cannot accompany me, would Sister be willing to join me in meeting Madam Sun?” Song Wei wanted to drag Song Tang down with her.
Song Tang smiled faintly. “Cousin, you jest. Madam Sun finds me irritating. If I go with you, she might take her anger out on you, and that would only make things worse.”
Song Wei gritted her teeth inwardly but maintained a compliant expression on the surface.
She rose slowly. “In that case, I won’t trouble Sister. Father, Mother, I will go change my clothes first.”
“No need to change. What you’re wearing now is perfectly suitable—both dignified and appropriate. How about this: although I, as your elder sister, cannot accompany you inside, I’ll make the effort to escort you to the gates of Mu Fu.” Song Tang was not about to give Song Wei any opportunity to cause trouble.
Madam He remained concerned and chimed in, “I’ll do the same as your sister and accompany you to the gates of Mu Fu.”
Song Wei replied obediently, “No need, Mother. If the Mu family finds out you’re sitting in the carriage but not getting out, it might look bad. Having Sister accompany me is enough. If Sister is unavailable, I can go alone.”
“I’m available. I have time,” Song Tang said, smiling at Song Wei.
That smile sent a chill down Song Wei’s spine.
Song Congzhi rarely showed a pleased expression. “Good, you two should go now.”
Song Tang turned to Steward Lu, who was standing at the door, and instructed, “Steward Lu, please make a trip and have the coachman thoroughly inspect the carriage. We wouldn’t want it to break down as soon as we leave. Cousin’s marriage is a significant matter, and we must avoid any mishaps.”
“Yes,” Steward Lu replied. As a longtime servant of the household, he had previously served under the late Master Song and had watched Song Tang grow up.
Seeing Song Tang not being taken advantage of, making a scene, or suffering grievances this time, he was genuinely delighted and hurried off to make the arrangements.
Song Wei felt a knot of discomfort in her chest. Forcing a smile, she followed Song Tang out the door.
Inside the carriage, Song Wei sat silently in the corner, her palms slightly sweaty. She glanced at Song Tang sitting opposite her and said tearfully, “Sister, do you think Madam Sun will dislike me?”
“Yes, she will,” Song Tang replied without hesitation, her tone so calm that Song Wei was momentarily speechless.
“Song Wei, there’s no need to pretend in front of me. I know how many times I’ve suffered because of you over the years, and you should know even better. Want to marry Mu Ziyu? Rely on your own abilities. I won’t help you.”
Upon hearing this, Song Wei’s expression shifted slightly, but she quickly resumed her pitiable demeanor.
“Sister, you misunderstand me. I never intended for you to suffer. I—”
“Stop!” Song Tang coldly interrupted. “No more acting, Song Wei. You’d better watch your step.”
Seeing Song Wei’s eyes redden again, Song Tang calmly lifted a corner of the curtain and gazed at the street scene outside, lost in thought.
The Song Residence and Mu Fu were not far apart, and the carriage soon arrived at the entrance of Mu Fu.
Song Wei likely believed she could handle Madam Sun on her own, so without even bidding farewell to Song Tang, she directly stepped out of the carriage.