Upon hearing this, Song An’s expression shifted slightly. Just as he was about to continue defending himself, Song Tang spoke up again.
“You all care about our cousin, but have any of you ever cared about me, your own sister? When I fell ill the other day, did any of you show concern? When I returned late tonight, did any of you worry even a little about me?”
Song Tang’s voice trembled slightly with emotion. “Neither of you, my own brothers, have ever shown me any care. Why should I be expected to comfort and console our cousin?”
Song Chao immediately retorted, “How can you say we didn’t care? Earlier, when I wanted to criticize you, Big Brother stopped me and reminded me that you were sick, telling me to hold back. Didn’t I keep quiet then?”
Song An chimed in, “You and Wei’er are both our sisters. Wei’er has already been registered under Mother’s name—there’s no distinction between close and distant relatives. We treat you both the same.”
“Treat us the same?” Song Tang let out a cold laugh. “No matter how she’s registered under Mother’s name, she’s still your cousin. You’d better remember that clearly and not overstep your boundaries!”
“Enough!” Song Congzhi shouted angrily, casting a dark glare at Song Tang.
Madam He quickly stepped in to mediate. “We’re all family, Song Tang. Your eldest brother and second brother do care about you—they just show it in different ways.”
Song Tang raised her head slightly, forcing back the tears that threatened to fall.
“Alright, since you’ve all finished reprimanding me, it’s time for me to go back and rest.” Song Tang tried to force a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
Song Congzhi glared furiously. “What reprimand? What rest? You must handle Wei’er’s marriage properly!”
“Father, please don’t make things difficult for Sister.” Song Wei appeared at the doorway just in time, her voice weak and frail.
Madam He hurried over to support Song Wei, her eyes filled with tenderness. “Wei’er, why have you gotten out of bed? Go back and rest properly. Don’t worry about anything.”
“Wei’er, listen to your mother and go back for now.” Song Congzhi’s tone softened.
Song An added, “Yes, Wei’er, you’re frail. Don’t stay here.”
“Yingxue, quickly help your young lady back to her room.” Song Chao instructed the maidservant beside Song Wei.
Song Tang’s gaze swept over everyone present, and a sense of desolation welled up in her heart—not a single person in this family truly cared for her.
After Song Wei left, everyone’s attention returned to Song Tang.
“Song Tang, as you can see, Wei’er is pure-hearted and kind, always defending you. As her elder sister, can’t you help her just this once?” Having just seen Song Wei, Song Congzhi’s tone was much gentler now.
Song Tang pursed her lips and spoke slowly. “Yes, Father is right. Cousin’s marriage concerns the Song family’s reputation and honor. I understand the importance, so I’ve been thinking hard and finally came up with a solution. It’s just… a little difficult.”
“What solution?” Song Congzhi’s tone shifted.
A faint smile curled at the corner of Song Tang’s lips as she said seriously, “Father knows that Marquis Mu has been fighting wars for years and is often short on military funds. He frequently uses his own money to cover military expenses.”
“Are you suggesting we send him money?” Song Congzhi looked astonished.
Song Tang shook her head. “We can’t just send money directly. But we could use a visit to Old Lady Mu as an excuse to gift some valuable antiques.”
“I remember the priceless jade Buddha Father received a few days ago and the jade vase Second Brother acquired a year ago—both are excellent treasures and would be perfect for Old Lady Mu.”
“Sending these treasures over might put Marquis Mu in such a good mood that he directly facilitates this marriage arrangement.”
“My jade vase?” Song Chao pointed at himself in surprise, clearly not expecting Song Tang to mention his treasure. He couldn’t bear to part with it—it had cost him a fortune.
Song Tang glanced coolly at Song Chao. “If Second Brother is unwilling, then we can use Eldest Brother’s Pine Inkstone from three years ago. That’s also a rare treasure with excellent symbolism.”
“No!” Song An immediately protested. He had always loved literary pursuits, and that Pine Inkstone was his most cherished possession—usually, he wouldn’t even let anyone touch it.
Song Chao glared at Song Tang, fuming. “Song Tang, what do you mean by this? We don’t even know Marquis Mu’s preferences. How can you casually give away family treasures?”
“Second Brother, that’s not the right way to think. Giving gifts is about showing sincerity—the more valuable, the better. You can’t catch a wolf without sacrificing a lamb. Cousin’s happiness rests in your hands. You must choose between those playthings and Cousin’s future.”
Silence fell over the group. Song Tang smiled faintly, waiting for their response.
After a moment of contemplation, Song Congzhi finally spoke. “Song An, Song Chao, prepare both the Pine Inkstone and the jade vase properly. Tomorrow, have Song Tang deliver them to Marquis Mu.”
“Father!” Song An and Song Chao cried out simultaneously, their faces showing reluctance.
Song Tang continued thoughtfully, “Without that priceless jade Buddha, these two items might be a bit insufficient. Ah, but it’s fine. If it doesn’t work the first time, we can send more gifts later. Perhaps after several attempts, it will succeed.”
Song Tang’s words instantly darkened Song Congzhi’s expression—he truly couldn’t bear to part with it either.
But thinking of Song Wei’s marriage prospects, Song Congzhi could only grit his teeth and make the painful sacrifice.
“Take all three tomorrow! Make sure Marquis Mu finalizes Wei’er’s marriage arrangement with the Heir!”
Seeing their father include the jade Buddha as well, Song An and Song Chao knew further argument was futile.
“Understood. Father is truly generous. Your daughter will go first thing tomorrow morning!” Song Tang agreed readily—the three treasures were now hers!
Madam He reminded her, “Tang’er, be careful on the road tomorrow. Don’t drop and break anything. Mind your manners when speaking with Marquis Mu. If it doesn’t work, mention the life-saving favor again.”
“Don’t worry, Mother. Your daughter knows her limits.” Song Tang nodded obediently.
The next day, Song Tang set out early, bringing the three great treasures to Mu Fu.
As before, she waited a while before Mu Changxiao returned from the palace.
Upon seeing Song Tang, Mu Changxiao’s stern expression softened slightly.
However, noticing the three objects Song Tang had brought, a flicker of confusion passed through his eyes—particularly at the half-person-tall wooden chest on the ground.
“What are these?” Mu Changxiao pointed at the items on the floor.
Song Tang gave a slight bow, a smile playing on her lips. “Marquis, these are tokens of sincerity from my father and two elder brothers. We hope you will accept them graciously.”
Looking at Song Tang’s slightly triumphant little face, Mu Changxiao couldn’t help but reveal a faint smile.
This was the first time Song Tang had seen Mu Changxiao smile like this. It turned out this stern-faced Marquis could look like a gentle, refined young man when he smiled.
But the smile vanished as quickly as it appeared. Mu Changxiao soon composed himself, clearing his throat lightly. “What is the purpose of these gifts?”
Song Tang replied cheerfully, “So that you can facilitate the marriage arrangement between Song Wei and the Heir.”
“Is that all? Nothing else?” Mu Changxiao stroked his jade thumb ring, waiting for Song Tang to continue speaking.