Song Ci quietly watched Song Qianqian, her gaze cold.
Her stare gave Song Qianqian goosebumps, a chill running down her spine.
"Sister, why are you looking at me?"
"I have good news to share with my little sister..."
Song Ci cast a sidelong glance at Amber.
Understanding, Amber leaned in and whispered a few words in Song Qianqian's ear.
Song Qianqian's pupils abruptly contracted.
"Are you telling the truth? Stop!"
Amber ignored her and went straight back behind Song Ci.
Amber was in a great mood; the Second Young Lady must be 'thrilled to death.'
The little gestures between the two enraged Old Madam Chang.
"What secrets are you sisters whispering that we elders cannot hear?"
"I..."
Song Qianqian tried to explain, but her throat felt blocked, unable to squeeze out a single word.
Song Ci smiled brightly. "Grandmother, please calm down. Second Sister and I were just joking around."
Madam Chang stared at Song Qianqian. "Qian'er girl, is what Song Ci said true?"
Song Qianqian's gaze unconsciously drifted toward Song Ci.
Song Ci's smile was gentle, but the depths of her eyes were cold as knives.
They pierced Song Qianqian's heart.
Song Qianqian gritted her teeth. "I've caused Grandmother to worry."
Madam Fang keenly sensed something was wrong and asked worriedly, "Qianqian, has something happened?"
"Mother, it's nothing. Today Eldest Brother has a rare day off, and we're having a family reunion. Let's have Eldest Brother pick some interesting stories from outside to tell everyone, so we can liven things up."
Song Qianqian forced a smile, but inside she was burning with anxiety, wishing she could rush out immediately to check on Zhao Cheng's whereabouts.
He was her younger brother.
The siblings had grown up together and shared a deep bond.
She didn't believe what Song Ci said; Zhao Cheng had always been alert, how could he possibly go to jail?
It must be Song Ci deliberately provoking her.
Song Jingwen's smile was warm.
"Little sister is indeed considerate. Having you as a thoughtful little cotton-padded jacket is Mother's blessing and also our mansion's blessing."
Song Jingwen spoke eloquently, from roadside anecdotes to street jokes, talking with animated charm.
Marquis Yong'an lightly stroked his beard, listening intently. Song Jingwen was his eldest son, skilled in both civil and martial arts, steady and proper, the future hope of the Marquis's Mansion. He was very satisfied.
Madam Fang felt honored; her eldest son was a role model for all the younger generation and her pride.
Although Old Madam Chang did not favor the Eldest Branch, she could find no fault with her grandson Song Jingwen, who was talented and good-looking.
Madam Li and Madam Liu mainly played a supporting role, occasionally echoing a few words. Song Jingwen was the future of the Marquis's Mansion; it was best not to offend him.
To avoid trouble later.
Song Qianqian's mind was in a tangle, worrying about her younger brother's safety, wishing she could grow wings and fly to find out the truth.
What if what Song Ci said was true?
The more Song Qianqian thought, the more panicked she became, but she still had to support Song Jingwen on the surface, feeling like she was about to crack.
Song Ci quietly watched Song Qianqian, seeing her like an ant on a hot pan, spinning around anxiously.
She couldn't help adding fuel to the fire.
"Eldest Brother, Second Sister loves to hear it, tell us more."
"Alright."
Song Jingwen agreed readily and began to talk endlessly.
Song Qianqian was burning with anxiety. That's enough already, he even got addicted to talking.
Her gaze toward Song Jingwen gradually changed from admiration to hostility.
Are you done yet!
So annoying...
Song Qianqian couldn't take it anymore and slapped the table.
With a bang, she interrupted Song Jingwen.
The table instantly fell silent as a cicada.
Everyone turned to look at Song Qianqian.
Song Qianqian...
She looked embarrassed, forcing a smile.
"It's getting late, the dishes will get cold."
"Qianqian, your eldest brother rarely returns home, why rush through a meal?"
Marquis Yong'an, Song Boming, immediately put on a cold face.
Song Qianqian felt wronged and murmured.
"I... I just afraid the food will get cold. Mother has a weak spleen and stomach; eating cold food will harm her health."
"That's enough. Qianqian is also thinking of me. Jingwen, don't misunderstand."
"Mother, how could I be angry with Second Sister?" Song Jingwen's smile was open and honest. "Second Sister's reminder is right, everyone eat."
Everyone picked up their chopsticks. Song Qianqian sat down awkwardly, but the food had no taste.
Song Ci gave Song Jingwen a glance.
Oh!
Playing the good guy here?
His thoughts probably aren't so kind.
This eldest brother of hers was just an embroidered pillow, good-looking but useless. He had no skill for strategy, but possessed all the bad habits of noble scions: drinking, whoring, gambling, all proficient.
He traveled all year round. To put it nicely, it was study tours; to put it bluntly, it was just a gimmick, spending his days in debauchery, squandering money like dirt, and loving to be flattered.
In the previous life, Song Qianqian valued Song Jingwen's status as a legitimate son, so she flattered and coaxed him.
Song Jingwen, pleased, introduced Song Qianqian to the Third Prince, allowing her to climb onto a high branch and leap over the dragon gate from then on.
In this life, Song Qianqian was in a bad mood and had no time to flatter Song Jingwen's stinky feet.
Would Song Jingwen still give her resources?
Would he still spend money to pave the way for her?
Don't even think about it.
A pair of plastic siblings, just taking what they need.
Song Jingwen certainly didn't lack people to flatter him; if Song Qianqian didn't seize the opportunity, her path upward in this life would probably be rough.
The more Song Ci thought about it, the happier she became, and her appetite increased.
After the meal, Old Madam Chang returned to her own courtyard, followed by the Second Branch and Third Branch. Only the Eldest Branch family remained in the room.
Marquis Yong'an gave Song Jingwen a few instructions and then went to the Front Courtyard.
Song Jingwen chatted with Madam Fang for a while, then also got up and left.
Madam Fang was also tired and left, leaning on the maid's hand.
In the spacious dining room, only Song Ci and Song Qianqian remained.
Song Qianqian could no longer pretend; she abruptly stood up.
"Song Ci, is what you said true?"
Song Ci raised an eyebrow slightly, savoring her tea leisurely, pretending not to hear.
Song Qianqian's gentle demeanor finally couldn't be maintained; she shouted angrily.
"Song Ci! I'm asking you a question."
"Second Sister, I don't understand what you mean. I'm tired; I'll take my leave now."
"Stop right there! Don't play dumb."
Song Qianqian spoke harshly and blocked Song Ci's path.
Amber, like a little bomb protecting her calf, rushed in front of Song Ci, her face furious.
"Second Young Lady, the Eldest Miss said she's tired. Don't you understand? Is there something that can't wait until tomorrow?"
"Wretched maid! Who gave you the right to speak here?"
Song Qianqian was burning with rage and slapped down.
Seeing that Amber was about to be hit, Song Ci's expression instantly changed, and she grabbed Song Qianqian's arm.
Her gaze was cold.
"Dare to touch my person? Try it."
"Ah! Let go..."
Song Qianqian was furious and humiliated.
"Song Ci, you fake! I am the legitimate daughter of the Marquis's Mansion. What right do you have to be arrogant in front of me? If not for the swapping, you'd be a lowly merchant's daughter. What right do you have to enjoy the glory of the Marquis's Mansion?"
"Right back at you. The Zhao family has been merchants for generations, and you enjoyed their sixteen years of nurturing grace, yet you look down on merchants as lowly?
Everything on you, what you eat, what you use, which item wasn't provided by merchants?
If you have the ability, don't use them!
You pick up the bowl to eat and put it down to curse your mother."
Song Qianqian... was trembling with rage.
Song Ci turned and walked away.
Amber quickly followed.
Song Qianqian was about to go mad. "Rebellious! Rebellious! I am the Marquis's daughter!" Song Qianqian shouted.
"Song Ci! If anything happens to my brother, I'll make you pay."
Song Ci rolled her eyes. "Fine, make me pay."
Song Qianqian hated her to the bone. Even if she let Zhao Cheng off, Song Qianqian wouldn't let her off.
So why should she whitewash the peace?
Pretend to be friendly?
Sorry, she couldn't do it.
Song Ci looked back and gave a brilliant smile.
"The Zhao family father and son are suffering in the Jingzhao Yin prison, and you still have time to chatter with me here? If I were you, I would have rushed to find reinforcements. Aren't you afraid they can't hold out and will betray you?
When that time comes, it will be you who goes to jail, Second Miss Song..."
"Despicable! They won't."
Song Ci sneered. "You don't need to convince me. I hope you get what you wish for..."
Ah...
Song Qianqian collapsed...
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