Chapter Eighteen: Taken Hostage
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Song Tang watched Song Wei’s retreating figure with a faint smile. Madame Sun was not someone to be easily dealt with—neither soft nor hard tactics worked on her. She had never regarded Song Wei’s humble origins kindly, and with Song Wei’s petty schemes, there was no way she could hide them in front of Madame Sun.
Less than half an hour later, Song Wei staggered out, clutching her face, with Mu Ziyu following behind. It was clear that Madame Sun had not shown her any kindness.
A cold sneer rose in Song Tang’s heart; this outcome was hardly unexpected. She drew the curtain of the carriage open just a little more.
At that moment, Mu Changxiao returned from military drills, his cold gaze falling upon Song Wei and Mu Ziyu at the gate of the Mu residence.
Song Wei quickly wiped the tears from her face and, together with Mu Ziyu, approached Mu Changxiao.
Mu Ziyu respectfully cupped his fists and greeted, “Third Uncle.”
“Lord Mu,” Song Wei also followed with a graceful bow.
Mu Changxiao's expression remained unreadable as his eyes swept over the two of them, briefly glanced at the carriage, then turned and entered the residence without a word.
Inside the carriage, Song Tang felt a quiet satisfaction, though she sensed faintly that Mu Changxiao knew she was inside.
She gently lowered the curtain, and shortly after, Song Wei boarded the carriage, still sobbing softly, while Mu Ziyu did not follow.
“Sister, let’s go back,” Song Wei’s voice was thick with grievance.
On the way back, Song Wei continued to weep, which irritated Song Tang so much that she decided to get off the carriage.
It had been a long time since she had strolled through the market, and it seemed Cai Die hadn’t either.
Having Cai Die by her side unexpectedly lifted Song Tang’s spirits.
“Cai Die, is there anything you’d like to eat?” Song Tang asked with a smile.
Cai Die was overwhelmed by the attention, opening her mouth but unsure what to say.
Song Tang recalled how, in their childhood, the two little ones would often sneak off together to eat all kinds of treats. But as they grew older and with the governess’s admonitions, Cai Die no longer dared to overstep.
“Let’s start with two sticks of candied hawthorn,” Song Tang said as she approached a vendor’s stall and picked one up. Cai Die quickly handed over a few copper coins and chose a brightly colored stick herself.
Song Tang bit into the sweet-and-sour hawthorn.
Mmm! Just like the taste from childhood.
Cai Die, reluctant to eat, held her candied hawthorn in her hand happily as she followed alongside Song Tang.
The two wandered slowly until the sun was about to set. They found a teahouse to rest, intending to eat and drink their fill before returning.
“Song Tang?”
A familiar voice called from behind. She turned to see none other than Wang Mengqi.
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Today, Wang Mengqi wore a light blue dress, a delicate butterfly hairpin adorning her bun, though she appeared somewhat thinner.
Song Tang remembered that in the previous life, this noble lady Wang Mengqi had ultimately married her eldest brother, Song An.
How could Song An possibly favor Wang Mengqi, who weighed over two hundred pounds? He was unwilling to take her as his wife.
Even the most powerful Song Congzhi did not want his legitimate eldest son to marry the noblewoman from the Wang family, fearing it would damage their standing at court.
But Wang Mengqi was adamant about marrying Song An. Later, the Wang family petitioned the imperial court, and the emperor decreed the marriage.
Song An dared not defy the imperial command and was forced to marry Wang Mengqi.
Rumor had it that their relationship remained cold after marriage, and they had yet to consummate their union.
Wang Mengqi came straight to Song Tang and sat down without hesitation.
“Bring two more sets of chopsticks,” she said as if she were no stranger.
Seeing Wang Mengqi sit, Cai Die quickly stood behind Song Tang.
Song Tang glanced at Wang Mengqi coolly. “Mengqi, if you’re here to pick a fight, I’m afraid I won’t entertain you.”
Wang Mengqi had just taken a bite of fish and only after swallowing did she speak slowly, “Song Tang, this meal is on me.”
“Hmm?” Song Tang was unsure of Wang Mengqi’s temperament.
Wang Mengqi smiled brightly. “Song Tang, you called me fat in front of Song Wei before, embarrassing me publicly. Let’s call that a clean slate.”
“I never said you were fat,” Song Tang denied, but since Wang Mengqi seemed sincere, she decided to observe.
“Mengqi, you know Song Wei and I have never been close. This is clearly her trying to sow discord between us.”
Wang Mengqi took another bite before continuing, “My mother told me to keep my distance from Song Wei.”
Song Tang looked at her with some puzzlement but said nothing immediately.
Wang Mengqi then added, “I have something I want you to deliver to your eldest brother.”
Hearing it was about Song An, Song Tang felt somewhat reassured and asked, “What is it?”
Wang Mengqi beckoned, and her maid retrieved a letter from her sleeve and handed it to Song Tang.
The envelope bore elegant ink strokes inscribed with “To Song An, for your eyes only.”
“Please make sure it reaches your eldest brother,” Wang Mengqi said earnestly.
Song Tang smiled faintly. “Mengqi, do you like my eldest brother?”
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Wang Mengqi’s cheeks flushed red. She set down her chopsticks, a bit flustered. “Don’t call me ‘little sister’.”
“Understood. Have you told Song Wei about this?” Song Tang asked cautiously.
Wang Mengqi shook her head. “No. Isn’t Song Wei your cousin?”
Suddenly, Song Tang understood. Wang Mengqi wasn’t entirely naive about this matter.
“Miss, have mercy, please spare some alms,” a ragged old woman carrying a two- or three-year-old child knelt down at their table near the teahouse entrance.
Before Song Tang could respond, a waiter hurried over, waving them away. “Who let you in? Go, go, don’t disturb the noble guests.”
Wang Mengqi, sitting opposite, wore a look of disdain. “I’m not eating anymore.”
“We haven’t eaten for two days,” the old woman’s eyes pleaded with sorrow.
Song Tang’s heart softened. She was about to ask Cai Die to give some silver coins to the woman.
Wang Mengqi, however, tossed a plump little purse onto the table. It looked weighty.
The old woman gratefully accepted the silver and bowed several times, offering endless thanks before departing.
Song Tang withdrew her gaze and looked back at Wang Mengqi, her tone gentle. “It’s getting late; I should return to the residence.”
“You go ahead,” Wang Mengqi waved her hand. “Don’t forget my letter. Be sure to hand it to your eldest brother yourself.”
Song Tang smiled and nodded, then left the teahouse with Cai Die.
The night was pitch black, the moonlight faint. Song Tang’s steps felt heavy. That afternoon, Song Wei had returned crying; she wondered what gossip would be spread to their parents.
When the enemy advances, resist it; when water comes, use earth to block it. Adapt to the situation, she resolved, steadying her heart and quickening her pace.
Suddenly, a figure in black darted from the shadows, followed by a troop of soldiers.
Song Tang and Cai Die hurriedly pressed against the wall, but in an instant, the black-clad man recognized who the lady was.
He swiftly grabbed Song Tang’s arm and pressed a blade against her throat, whispering a warning, “Don’t move, or I’ll take your life.”
“Miss!” Cai Die cried out in alarm upon seeing Song Tang seized.