Chapter Twenty: What Is the Significance of This Gift?
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After hearing this, Song An’s expression shifted slightly. Just as he was about to continue defending himself, Song Tang spoke up again.
“You all care so much about our cousin, but have you ever cared for me, your own sister? Recently, I was ill—did any of you show concern? Tonight, I came home late; did any of you worry even a little about me?”
Song Tang’s voice quivered faintly. “You, my two brothers, never cared for me as your sister. So why do you blame me for not comforting and caring for our cousin?”
Song Chao immediately retorted, “How could we not care? I wanted to say something to you earlier, but our eldest brother stopped me, telling me you were sick and to hold back. So I didn’t say anything!”
Song An chimed in, “Both you and Wei’er are our sisters. Wei’er is already under Mother’s care, so there’s no difference in closeness. We treat you both the same.”
“Treat us the same?” Song Tang sneered coldly. “No matter how much Cousin is under Mother’s care, she is still your cousin. You must remember that clearly and not cross the line!”
“Enough!” Song Congzhi shouted sternly, casting a dark glance at Song Tang.
Madam He quickly intervened, smoothing the tension. “We are all family. Song Tang, your eldest and second brothers do care about you; they just show it differently.”
Song Tang lifted her head slightly, forcing back tears that threatened to spill.
“All right, since you’ve already scolded me, I should be allowed to rest now,” she said, forcing a smile that never reached her eyes.
Song Congzhi glared furiously. “What scolding? What rest? You must handle Wei’er’s marriage properly!”
“Father, please don’t trouble Sister,” Song Wei’s weak voice came from the doorway just then.
Madam He hurried forward to support Song Wei, her eyes full of pity. “Wei’er, why are you up? Go back and rest properly. Don’t worry about anything.”
“Wei’er, listen to your mother and go back first,” Song Congzhi’s tone softened.
Song An nodded in agreement. “Yes, little sister Wei’er, you’re weak. Don’t stay here.”
“Yingxue, help your lady back quickly,” Song Chao ordered the maid beside Song Wei.
Song Tang scanned everyone present, a wave of desolation washing over her. None of this family truly cared for her.
After Song Wei left, all eyes again turned to Song Tang.
“Song Tang, you see for yourself—Wei’er is pure and kind, always defending you. As her elder sister, can’t you help her just this once?” Song Congzhi’s tone had softened after just seeing Song Wei.
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Song Tang pressed her lips together and slowly said, “Yes, Father, you are right. Cousin’s marriage concerns the Song family’s honor and reputation. I understand the gravity of this, so I just thought hard and finally came up with a plan, though it is a bit troublesome.”
“What plan?” Song Congzhi’s tone shifted.
Song Tang smiled faintly and spoke seriously, “Father, you know Lord Mu has been fighting wars for years, and the military funds are tight. He often pays out of his own pocket to support the troops.”
“You mean we should send silver?” Song Congzhi looked surprised.
Song Tang shook her head. “We can’t just send silver directly, but we could use the excuse of visiting Lady Mu to send some precious antiques.”
“I remember the jade Buddha you received recently, worth a fortune, and the jade vase our second brother got a year ago—both are treasures, perfect for Lady Mu.”
“Sending these gifts might put Lord Mu in a good mood and help seal this marriage proposal.”
“My jade vase?” Song Chao pointed at himself, clearly surprised Song Tang mentioned his treasure. He was reluctant to part with it, having paid a high price.
Song Tang cast him a cool glance. “If our second brother is unwilling, then use the green pine inkstone that eldest brother received three years ago. It’s also a rare treasure with a good meaning.”
“No!” Song An immediately objected. He loved calligraphy and prized that green pine inkstone dearly, never even letting others touch it.
Song Chao glared at Song Tang angrily. “What do you mean by this? We don’t even know Lord Mu’s preferences. How can you casually send family treasures away?”
“Second brother, that’s not true. Gift-giving is a gesture of sincerity, and the more valuable the better. You can’t catch a wolf without sacrificing the lamb. Cousin’s happiness is in your hands—do you want these trinkets, or her happiness? The choice is yours!”
Her words silenced everyone. Song Tang smiled faintly, waiting for their reply.
Song Congzhi pondered briefly, then said, “Song An, Song Chao, prepare the green pine inkstone and jade vase. Tomorrow, have Song Tang deliver them to Lord Mu.”
“Father!” Song An and Song Chao exclaimed simultaneously, showing reluctance.
Song Tang continued thoughtfully, “Without the priceless jade Buddha, these two might seem insufficient. But it’s fine; if one gift doesn’t work, we’ll send another. Maybe after several gifts, it will succeed.”
Song Congzhi’s face darkened instantly. He was indeed reluctant.
But thinking of Song Wei’s marriage, he gritted his teeth and made the painful decision.
“Take all three tomorrow! Make sure Lord Mu finalizes Wei’er’s marriage to the heir!”
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Seeing that their father included the jade Buddha, Song An and Song Chao knew arguing was futile.
“Understood. Father is truly generous. I’ll go first thing in the morning!” Song Tang replied decisively. The three treasures were hers now!
Madam He warned, “Tang’er, be careful on the road tomorrow. Don’t let anything break. Mind your manners when speaking to Lord Mu. If it doesn’t work, remind him of the lifesaving debt.”
“Mother, rest assured. I know my limits,” Song Tang nodded obediently.
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The next day, Song Tang set out early, carrying the three precious items to the Mu residence.
Once again, they waited for a while before Mu Changxiao returned from the palace.
Seeing Song Tang, Mu Changxiao’s stern face softened somewhat.
But when he saw the three items she brought, a flicker of surprise passed in his eyes, especially at the half-man-high wooden box on the ground.
“What are these?” Mu Changxiao pointed to the items.
Song Tang bowed slightly, a smile playing on her lips. “Lord, these are tokens of goodwill from my father and brothers. I hope you will graciously accept them.”
Mu Changxiao looked at Song Tang’s subtly triumphant expression and couldn’t help but smile faintly.
It was the first time Song Tang had seen Mu Changxiao smile like this—the cold-faced lord transformed into a refined young gentleman.
However, the smile quickly faded. Mu Changxiao cleared his throat. “What is the purpose of these gifts?”
Song Tang’s voice was light and cheerful. “Lord, this is to help finalize the marriage between Song Wei and the heir.”
“Is that all? Nothing else?” Mu Changxiao rubbed the jade finger ring, waiting for her to continue.