Before Song Congzhi could speak, Mu Changxiao continued, “Lord Song, Song Tang saved my life. As long as I am here, I will not allow her to be wronged!”
Song Tang suddenly felt a warmth at the corner of her eye, as if something was flowing out.
Song Congzhi’s face turned extremely unpleasant. He hadn’t expected Mu Changxiao to step forward and speak up for Song Tang.
Song Wei, standing beside Madam He, was also stunned. She hadn’t anticipated things would develop this way. Over such a trivial matter, Marquis Mu would actually stand up for Song Tang.
Mu Changxiao was currently a favorite in His Majesty’s eyes, and Song Congzhi dared not offend him.
Song Congzhi took a moment to compose himself, suppressing his emotions and forcing a smile. “It’s all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding. Song Tang and Song Wei are both our precious daughters. We’ve made a spectacle of ourselves. Please, everyone, take your seats. My Wei’er’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony is about to begin.”
There was no need for Song Tang to stay any longer. She returned directly to Tianlin Yuan, closed the door, and leaned against it for a long time, unable to calm down.
She silently vowed to herself that from now on, she could not remain so passive. She had to learn from Song Wei’s example and reclaim everything that belonged to her.
Outside the window, the cold wind howled, but it was no match for the chill in Song Tang’s heart.
She walked to the window and looked out at the swirling snowflakes.
“Miss, the Heir is here to see you,” Caidie’s voice came from outside the door.
Song Tang estimated the time. By now, Song Wei’s hair-pinning ceremony was likely over.
Only after it ended did the Heir come to see her. How truly “deep and sincere” his feelings were.
A cold laugh echoed in Song Tang’s heart as she instructed Caidie to lead the Heir to the side hall.
After composing herself, she asked calmly, “What brings the Heir here in person?”
Mu Ziyu didn’t know what madness had taken hold of Song Tang again. He patiently replied, “Song Tang, what you did today was a bit excessive. After all, it was your sister’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony. You should have left her some dignity.”
“Is the Heir here to question me on Song Wei’s behalf?” Song Tang let her emotions show on her face.
Mu Ziyu was taken aback and immediately denied it. “No, I just think you’re being overly sensitive. Don’t always act on impulse. It’s just a bracelet. If you want one, I’ll buy you ten. Why make everyone unhappy?”
“Hmm, understood. Then buy me ten identical ones,” Song Tang said with an expressionless face.
Mu Ziyu frowned. “You’re still speaking in anger. How can there be ten identical bracelets in the world?”
“Yes, you also know there are no identical bracelets in this world. This bracelet was left to me by Grandmother—it’s her keepsake. How can ten other bracelets compare? Even if the bracelets you buy are a hundred times more expensive, they cannot replace it.”
“Song Tang, I didn’t come today to argue about the bracelet. The bracelet is yours; I’m not trying to take it from you. My point is that you shouldn’t make things difficult for your sister, especially today, with so many guests present…”
“Enough, I’m tired. If the Heir has nothing else, please return,” Song Tang interrupted Mu Ziyu, unwilling to waste any more words on him.
Mu Ziyu stared fixedly at Song Tang for a moment before sighing and turning to leave.
“By the way, Heir, let’s cancel our engagement,” Song Tang said just as Mu Ziyu’s figure paused. He turned back around.
“Cancel the engagement?” Mu Ziyu’s body stiffened abruptly.
Song Tang nodded. “Yes, you heard correctly. I said cancel the engagement.”
Mu Ziyu’s expression turned complicated; he clearly hadn’t anticipated that Song Tang would take the initiative to propose canceling the engagement.
However, even if both he and Song Tang agreed, canceling the engagement would be difficult.
Mu Ziyu hesitated slightly: “Song Tang, don’t act on impulse.”
“Heir, I heard that some time ago, you brought up canceling the engagement with the Marquis. For some unknown reason, the matter was dropped later. Now that I’m the one bringing it up, you should be pleased.”
Song Tang’s words left Mu Ziyu speechless. This matter must have been told to Song Tang by Mu Shu’an, but since Mu Shu’an was her aunt, there was nothing he could do about it.
“Song Tang, that matter is in the past. I will marry you; you don’t need to worry.”
“I’m not worried. I just don’t want to marry you anymore. You can marry whomever you love.” Song Tang’s voice was indifferent, showing not a hint of attachment.
Mu Ziyu’s face darkened. Previously, Song Tang had always clung to him whenever she saw him, never as cold and rigid as she was today.
He didn’t believe that Song Tang had suddenly stopped liking him. He knew she was just throwing a tantrum and would be fine in a couple of days.
“Song Tang, don’t be so willful. I know you’re upset today. Think it over carefully tonight—why everyone thinks you’re in the wrong and sides with Song Wei. Once you understand, you’ll be fine.”
Song Tang slightly raised her chin. “Mu Ziyu, in your eyes, everything I do is wrong. Since that’s the case, you can say I’m wrong all you want, but I won’t reflect on it. The person I want to marry must be someone who believes in me and can protect me. You are clearly not that person.”
Mu Ziyu grew somewhat impatient. Song Tang had never been a delicate girl. As the legitimate daughter of the Song family, she had a fiery temper. Did she really need someone to protect her? It would be a blessing if she didn’t bully others.
“Anyway, regarding our engagement, my third uncle has spoken. If you really want to cancel it, go talk to my third uncle.”
“Fine, Heir, you may leave.” Song Tang’s voice grew even colder.
Shortly after Mu Ziyu left, Madam He hurried over with quick, small steps.
“Song Tang, did you just tell the Heir you want to cancel the engagement?” Madam He’s tone was heavy. Although Song Tang was born from her womb, she had been raised by Grandmother since childhood and wasn’t particularly close to her.
“Yes. Since Mu Ziyu doesn’t want to marry me, I’ll grant his wish.” Song Tang spoke carelessly.
“Fool! Mu Ziyu is the Heir and will inherit the title in the future. How can you say you won’t marry him just like that?” Song Congzhi also rushed over upon hearing the news. He wanted to strike her but held back, remembering what Mu Changxiao had said earlier that day.
Song Tang sneered inwardly. Qiu Ling was indeed quick at spreading news. She had only just finished speaking with Mu Ziyu, and now everyone in the courtyard knew.
“Father, Mother, I won’t say much else. But today, the Heir publicly defended Song Wei in front of everyone, clearly siding with her. Since that’s the case, I’ll let them have their way.”
“Let them have their way? How can you do that? What if Marquis Mu directly cancels the engagement? What will happen to Song Wei? What will happen to our entire Song family?” Song Congzhi was now thinking about the family’s interests. The Marquis’s mansion was already of higher status than the Earl’s mansion. If this marriage fell through, the impact on the Song family would be significant.
If they could marry Song Wei off instead, that would be one thing. But if Marquis Mu didn’t allow it, wouldn’t the Song family end up with nothing? Song Congzhi didn’t want to take that risk.
“Song Tang, your engagement to the Heir was arranged since childhood. As long as you do not agree, no one can cancel it. Can you not endure this for the sake of the entire family?”