The West Courtyard was located in the western part of Lingyang Prefecture City. It had been a birthday gift from Song Nianyun’s father to the original owner of the body last year.
On the surface, it was a birthday present—but in truth, it was prepared as a wedding residence for her and Chen Yunli.
After their engagement, Chen’s entire family had been brought to live here…
The intention was to leave a good impression on her future in-laws and also allow Chen Yunli to live comfortably while preparing for his examinations.
But the Chen family did not appreciate her thoughtfulness. Instead, they took it for granted.
Madam Liu, in particular, acted like she was already the future matriarch of a scholar-official household. She barked orders at the servants in the courtyard, scolding and even beating them at the slightest dissatisfaction.
When Song Nianyun arrived with her maidservant, Madam Liu was sitting leisurely on a stone bench in the courtyard. Two young maids stood behind her—one massaging her legs, the other her shoulders—while she slowly ate a pastry.
Seeing Song Nianyun enter, she merely lifted her eyelids and said coolly:
“So, Yibai has come. Are you here to admit your mistake and apologize to our Chen family?”
Song Nianyun paused slightly at her words, then the corners of her lips curved into a faint, mocking smile.
“Chen family?”
When did her Song residence become the Chen family’s property?
She was too lazy to waste words with this unreasonable old woman and walked straight past her, her gaze sweeping over the two maids.
“From today onward, you do not need to serve the Chen family anymore. They are no longer your masters. All of you, step aside.”
The two maids exchanged a glance, their eyes flashing with relief.
They had long been exhausted by Madam Liu’s harshness and nitpicking.
Only because the young lady valued the engagement had they endured it.
Now, hearing Song Nianyun’s order, they felt as if they had been granted amnesty and quickly stepped back.
Madam Liu froze.
Then anger instantly replaced her shock.
She shot up from the stone bench so violently that she nearly knocked over the plate of pastries.
Her narrow eyes widened as she pointed at Song Nianyun and screeched:
“Song Yibai, what do you mean by this? Weren’t you here to apologize?”
Song Nianyun didn’t even look at her and walked straight toward the main hall.
Madam Liu trembled with rage and chased after her.
“Stop! Explain yourself clearly! What do you mean we are no longer their masters?”
Song Nianyun ignored her completely and entered the main hall, sitting calmly in the main seat. A clever maid immediately brought her hot tea.
She took a slow sip, lightly stirring the floating leaves, composed and indifferent.
Madam Liu nearly exploded.
Soon after, Chen Yunli, Old Man Chen, and Chen Chunhua were all brought over.
Chen Yunli wore a moon-white robe, still appearing refined and elegant like bamboo.
Madam Liu immediately grabbed her son’s arm as if she had found her backbone.
“My son! You’re finally here! Look at her! She hasn’t even married in yet and already dares to drive away my maids and say we are no longer masters here!”
“You must teach her a lesson! If she’s this domineering now, how am I supposed to live in peace after she enters our family?”
Chen Yunli glanced at Song Nianyun. Though he said nothing, his brows were deeply furrowed.
Old Man Chen’s expression darkened instantly.
“Miss Song, what exactly do you mean? Weren’t you here to apologize?”
At the same time, Chen Chunhua quickly stepped forward with a forced sweet smile.
“Sister Yibai, I already heard about what happened this morning. My parents were indeed abrupt.”
“After we went home, my brother and I already scolded them. They know they were wrong now. Please don’t take it to heart…”
She reached out as if to hold Song Nianyun’s arm, but was lightly avoided.
“Miss Chen,” Song Nianyun said calmly, “you and I are not related. I cannot accept this ‘sister’ title.”
Chen Chunhua’s smile froze.
Before she could continue, Song Nianyun’s gaze landed on Chen Yunli, who had been silent all this time.
“Chen Yunli.”
“I came today to inform you: this engagement ends here.”
“Leave my residence today. Not a single item from the Song family is to be taken with you.”
Chen Yunli’s hand hidden in his sleeve tightened slightly, the fabric wrinkling under his grip.
He had assumed her “breaking off the engagement” was merely anger over his parents’ behavior.
He thought that once her father explained the benefits, she would come around.
He never expected her to actually end it.
“Yibai,” he took a deep breath and softened his tone, “are you angry because of what happened this morning?”
“If so, I apologize on behalf of my parents.”
He stepped forward, looking directly into her eyes.
“Blame me if you must. Don’t say such impulsive words about breaking off the engagement.”
Song Nianyun looked up at him, her gaze calm and filled with faint ridicule.
“If it were the old me, I might have believed your performance.”
“But now…”
She slowly stood, her sleeves brushing the chair.
“I’m just curious—do you ever get tired?”
“You look down on merchants in your heart, yet still pretend to be patient and refined in front of me.”
“You calculate the Song family’s wealth, yet insist on maintaining your so-called dignity.”
Her voice turned colder.
“You must be exhausted living like this.”
Chen Yunli’s expression finally cracked.
“Yibai, what are you talking about? My feelings for you—”
“Enough.”
Song Nianyun interrupted him sharply.
“I didn’t come here to listen to your fake affection.”
“I came to take back what belongs to me.”
Madam Liu’s bracelet.
Chen Chunhua’s hairpin.
Old Man Chen’s jade pendant.
And everything Chen Yunli wore on his body—all gifts originally from the Song family.
One by one, they were to be returned.
Madam Liu immediately screamed and struggled as servants moved to remove her bracelet.
“Thieves! You’re robbing us! The Chen family will not let this go!”
Her shrill voice filled the courtyard as she clawed and kicked like a madwoman.
But no one paid her any attention.
The servants moved efficiently.
Soon, all the Song family items were returned.
Chen Chunhua paled, desperately trying to remove her jade hairpin, but it was stuck in her hair.
Old Man Chen’s face darkened as his jade pendant was taken.
Chen Yunli stood rigid, his face unreadable.
Finally, Song Nianyun’s gaze landed on him again.
Then she smiled faintly.
“And as for you…”
She tilted her head slightly.
“Do you take them off yourself?”
“Or do you want my servants to strip them off you?”