Chapter Seventeen: Take Care of Yourself

Song Tang gave a dry laugh. “Father, how many times can one call in a life-saving favor? Even the kindest Marquis Mu would grow impatient sooner or later, especially since the Marquis’s temper isn’t good. I’m afraid of him myself.”

“It’s all your reckless boldness and willful misconduct! You caused this mess by canceling the engagement, and now the family has to clean up your mess!” Song Congzhi’s temper flared again.

Song Tang feigned grievance. “Father, I know I was wrong. But Madam Sun hasn’t opposed my breaking off the engagement with the heir; she just doesn’t want my cousin to enter the household. Perhaps Madam Sun doesn’t truly understand my cousin.”

“So you mean there’s still room to maneuver?” Song Congzhi pondered briefly.

Song Wei suddenly looked up, her eyes fixed nervously on Song Tang, a flicker of unease crossing her face.

Song Tang’s expression turned sincerely earnest. “Yes, Mother. You know Madam Sun has never liked me because of my stubborn temper.”

“But if my cousin takes the initiative to meet Madam Sun in person, behaves properly and courteously, Madam Sun might see that Song Wei is different from me and perhaps change her mind.”

Song Wei’s face instantly paled; she hadn’t expected such a suggestion from Song Tang. She had hoped Song Tang would petition Marquis Mu on her behalf. She was reluctant to meet Madam Sun directly; it felt humiliating to be so forward. She was about to speak when Song Congzhi interrupted.

“That’s not a bad idea, but will Madam Sun fall for it?”

Song Tang nodded. “Madam Sun always favors refined, well-mannered women. If Song Wei visits in person, it will show our family’s magnanimity and allow Madam Sun to judge her character firsthand. It’s a win-win.”

“I’ll accompany Wei’er,” Madam He said worriedly, concern etched deeply on her face.

Song Tang shook her head. “Mother, if you’re there, how can Madam Sun speak freely with my cousin? And my cousin would be embarrassed to behave naturally with you present. So you going together might upset Madam Sun.”

“I’m uneasy leaving Wei’er alone,” Madam He frowned, worry clear on her face.

Song Tang sighed softly. “I trust my cousin knows her limits. Besides, this is her chance to show herself. If she can handle this on her own, Madam Sun might even look at her in a new light and deem her worthy of the heir.”

Those words carried weight: if Song Wei refused, it would mark her as petty and unfit to be the heir’s wife.

Song Wei’s lips moved but she said nothing in protest.

“Wei’er, are you willing to meet Madam Sun?” Madam He looked at her pitifully, her heart aching.

Song Wei bit her lip and nodded slightly. Though she deeply resisted, she found no excuse to refuse.

These past days had left her puzzled by Song Tang’s sudden change. Before, it was easy to provoke Song Tang into losing composure in public, making her disliked. Now, it felt like a chess game where Song Tang always had the upper hand, even making her suffer unseen losses.

Even Qiuling, who had been placed near Song Tang, now found it hard to enter her room, reduced from a first-class maid to sweeping the courtyard.

Song Tang naturally gave Song Wei no chance to back out, urging, “Cousin, you should go now. Sister Shuan brought news this morning that Madam Sun is ill; this is the perfect time to visit.”

Song Congzhi quickly agreed, “Yes, Wei’er should go now, bring some nourishing herbs as a token of our family’s goodwill.” Whether Song Tang or Song Wei, one must marry Mu Ziyu!

Cornered, Song Wei reluctantly agreed.

“Yes, Father, I’ll go now. Mother isn’t well enough to come; sister, could you accompany me to see Madam Sun?” Song Wei tried to rope in Song Tang.

Song Tang smiled faintly. “Cousin, you jest. Madam Sun already dislikes me. If I go with you, she might take it out on you instead. That would only make things worse.”

Song Wei clenched her teeth silently but kept a compliant face.

She rose slowly. “If that’s the case, I won’t trouble sister. Father, Mother, I’ll go change my clothes first.”

“No need to change. What you’re wearing is just right—both dignified and proper. I can’t accompany you inside, but as your elder sister, I’ll accompany you to the Mu mansion’s gate.” Song Tang wouldn’t let Song Wei cause any more trouble.

Madam He shared the concern, “I’ll accompany you to the gate as well.”

Song Wei, ever obedient, said, “No need, Mother. If the Mu family sees you sitting in the carriage and not coming down, it might look bad. Sister’s company is enough. If she’s busy, I can go alone.”

“I’m free; I will be free,” Song Tang smiled at Song Wei.

That smile unsettled Song Wei deeply.

Song Congzhi, rarely showing satisfaction, said, “Good. You may go now.”

Song Tang turned to the steward Lu at the door. “Lu, please have the coachman thoroughly inspect the carriage. We can’t have it break down just after setting off. This engagement is important—no mistakes.”

“Yes, sir.” Lu was an old servant, having served the late master and watched Song Tang grow up. Seeing her no longer fall victim to disputes pleased him deeply, and he hurried to make arrangements.

Song Wei felt stifled and uncomfortable. Forcing a smile, she followed Song Tang out.

In the carriage, Song Wei sat quietly in a corner, palms slightly sweaty. She glanced at Song Tang opposite her and choked up, “Sister, do you think Madam Sun will dislike me?”

“Hm, yes,” Song Tang answered without hesitation, her tone so calm it left Song Wei speechless.

“Song Wei, don’t pretend with me. I’ve suffered because of you all these years, and I know how you feel—you know it too. Want to marry Mu Ziyu? Do it on your own. I won’t help.”

Song Wei’s face flickered before quickly returning to a pitiful expression.

“Sister, you misunderstand me. I never wanted you to suffer because of me. I—”

“Stop!” Song Tang cut her off coldly. “No more acting, Song Wei. You’d better take care of yourself.”

Seeing Song Wei’s eyes redden again, Song Tang calmly pulled back a corner of the curtain and gazed out at the street, lost in thought.

The Song and Mu mansions weren’t far apart, and soon the carriage reached the Mu estate’s gate.

Feeling confident she could handle Madam Sun, Song Wei got out without even saying goodbye to Song Tang.