“Miss Song, which private room did you reserve?”
“I didn’t make a reservation. Are there any available private rooms now?”
The waiter quickly replied, “Yes, yes, there is one slightly out-of-the-way Celestial private room left. Will that do?”
Song Tang gave a slight nod. The waiter respectfully led the way, while Caidie supported Song Tang as they ascended the wooden stairs to the second floor.
After taking their seats, Song Tang signaled to Caidie, who immediately took a silver ingot from her purse and handed it to the waiter. “Arrange some premium fruits and fragrant tea for us.”
The waiter beamed with delight, repeatedly agreeing, and when he exited the private room, he carefully closed the door behind him.
Song Tang leaned against the window of the private room, her gaze passing through the light gauze curtains to the bustling hall below.
At this moment, Yuyan was dancing gracefully in the center of the hall. Her movements were as light and dreamlike as a fantasy, drawing continuous applause from the surrounding spectators.
However, Song Tang’s gaze did not linger on her for long. She spotted Mu Ziyu in the central private room diagonally opposite. He was surrounded by two flirtatious women.
Yet, he paid no attention to the women beside him. Instead, he was watching Yuyan dancing in the center of the hall below, a satisfied smile on his face.
Song Tang sneered coldly. She turned to Caidie and said, “Later, give the waiter another silver ingot and have him ask Mu Ziyu to come and see me.”
“Yes,” Caidie replied and went out.
Shortly after, the door to the private room was pushed open, and Mu Ziyu walked in, his face showing a hint of impatience.
“Song Tang, what do you want with me?” Mu Ziyu’s tone was cold and stiff. He felt that being sought out by his betrothed in such a setting was somewhat embarrassing for him.
Song Tang looked at Mu Ziyu, a slight smile curling at the corner of her mouth. “Sit down and talk.”
Mu Ziyu couldn’t figure out what Song Tang was up to. Reluctantly, he sat down with forced patience.
“Speak. I’m listening.”
Song Tang leisurely took a sip of tea before slowly beginning. “I just went to see your third uncle, Marquis Mu.”
Mu Ziyu was taken aback. “You went to see Third Uncle to cancel the engagement? What did he say?”
“What do you hope he said?” Song Tang raised her eyes, a faint smile hanging at the corner of her mouth.
“Song Tang, what do you mean by this? You’re the one who wanted to cancel the engagement, and you’re the one who went to see Third Uncle. Now you’re asking me? What exactly do you want?” Mu Ziyu’s tone was displeased.
Song Tang said quietly, “I just wanted to confirm whether you are also willing to cancel the engagement.”
Mu Ziyu replied indifferently, “Whether it’s canceled or not makes no difference to me. Song Tang, I admit, I really liked you before and wanted to marry you. But you changed later. You became willful, unreasonable. Where did the gentle, lovely girl from our childhood go? How did you become like this?”
Upon hearing this, Song Tang sneered. “People always change, Mu Ziyu, and you are no exception. You knew about Song Wei entering the Song Residence back then. You also knew when Song Wei first framed me.”
“At that time, neither Father nor Mother believed me. I told you, and you didn’t believe me either. After such incidents happened many times, I became numb.” Song Tang’s voice grew slightly hoarse.
“My willfulness and unreasonableness were forced out by all of you. Since none of you protected me, I had to protect myself.”
Mu Ziyu frowned, wanting to retort, but ultimately remained silent.
Song Tang’s words were like a sharp knife, silently piercing him.
Back then, Song Wei was so young, and the tea in Song Tang’s hands was scalding hot. If it had accidentally splashed on her face, it would have left a scar. How could Song Wei possibly have thrown herself into it?
Song Wei was such a delicate little girl, living under someone else’s roof was already difficult enough—she couldn’t have been so scheming.
Song Tang, on the other hand, was different. As the legitimate daughter, she was jealous of the affection Madam He and Song Congzhi showered on Song Wei. In a moment of anger, it was only natural for her to pour the tea on Song Wei.
That was why Mu Ziyu chose not to believe Song Tang’s words.
He remembered that scene clearly—Song Tang’s helplessness, her teardrops as large as beans, and his own hesitation.
Mu Ziyu’s gaze grew complicated. He lowered his eyelids, hiding the struggle in his eyes.
“I didn’t completely disbelieve you either, but given the circumstances at the time…”
“There’s no need to bring up the past anymore. Today, I’m laying everything out clearly. The reason for canceling the engagement is that you never once stood firmly by my side. After so much disappointment, the childhood affection has long been exhausted, and I no longer hold any expectations.”
“I’ve already spoken to your third uncle earlier today, and he has agreed to cancel the engagement. However, my father’s side requires you to bring it up. You know how he is—he values reputation and family alliances. He insists I marry you, unless…”
“Unless what?” Mu Ziyu suddenly looked up, waiting for Song Tang to continue.
Song Tang sighed. “I haven’t quite figured out the ‘unless’ part yet. But seeing how you defended Song Wei so publicly yesterday, perhaps if you tell my father you wish to marry Song Wei, he might agree.”
“But Song Wei isn’t your mother’s biological daughter.” Mu Ziyu paused before continuing, “Even if your father agrees, my mother might not consent.”
Song Tang inwardly sneered but kept her expression neutral. “Then I must have misunderstood. This morning, I heard you sent her a jade bracelet of exceptional quality, and I thought you had developed genuine feelings for her.”
“How did you know?” Mu Ziyu’s expression stiffened slightly.
Song Tang smiled faintly. “If you don’t want others to know, don’t do it in the first place. Besides, it was her maidservant who spoke of it—it’s unlikely to be false.”
Having received something precious from Mu Ziyu, Song Wei couldn’t wait to let Song Tang know. So, after getting the bracelet, she immediately had Qiu Ling “accidentally” let it slip in front of Song Tang, hoping to provoke her jealousy.
“Your younger sister Wei’s maidservants enjoy gossiping a bit too much—they ought to be replaced,” Mu Ziyu said coldly.
“You’re not worried about me being angry, only concerned that Song Wei isn’t being served by the right people?”
Song Tang paused. “Never mind, none of this matters anymore. Regarding the cancellation of the engagement, I’ve already settled it with your third uncle. The rest is up to you, Mu Ziyu. If you can’t convince my father and your mother, then we’ll have no choice but to remain entangled.”
With those words, Shen Tang stood up and walked straight out of the private room. She had said a lot today and was exhausted.
“Marquis, the eldest Miss Song stayed at Wangyue Lou for an hour. After leaving, she returned directly to Song Residence,” Wan Xing reported in a low voice.
Mu Changxiao nodded slightly. “Go to Wangyue Lou and bring Mu Ziyu back to see me.”
In the time it takes for one incense stick to burn, Mu Ziyu appeared at the door of Mu Changxiao’s study.
Mu Changxiao fixed a sharp gaze on Mu Ziyu. “Kneel.”
Mu Ziyu was so frightened that he immediately knelt on the ground. “Third Uncle, it wasn’t me who wanted to cancel the engagement—it was Song Tang who proposed it herself.”
“Did you not bring it up before?” Mu Changxiao’s voice was icy.