Chapter Thirty-Three: There Are No "What Ifs" in This World

"Where did those two hundred thousand taels go?" Song Congzhi was stunned. How could such a massive sum vanish into thin air in an instant?

Song Tang curved her lips into a faint smile, yet her expression remained one of profound sorrow. "Father, why do you think the Marquis was willing to marry me?"

"You mean you used the two hundred thousand taels to buy him?" Song Congzhi’s eyes widened, his face filled with shock.

Song Tang’s voice was hollow. "In a manner of speaking, yes."

Song Congzhi was speechless.

Song Tang continued her explanation, "The Marquis originally said that because I saved his life, he wanted to help me find a good match, but I was terrified he would choose poorly for me, yet I dared not refuse him. Thinking that the two hundred thousand taels were also obtained through his help, I decided to hand over all my silver—totaling two hundred fifteen thousand and one hundred taels—to him. It was a gesture of bribery, hoping to persuade him to pick the best possible husband for me."

"The Marquis was quite decent; he took the lion's share and left me with one hundred taels. As for what happened afterward, Father, you already know. I never expected the Marquis would end up selling himself to me."

Song Congzhi was stunned again. "What do you mean he sold himself to you? You cannot speak such nonsense!" He finally understood why Mu Changxiao had sent thirty-six chests of betrothal gifts; so, that was the reason behind it. "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?"

Song Tang lowered her eyes and said softly, "I didn't dare. I was afraid you would scold me. Father, do you think I did something wrong?"

"If you weren't marrying Marquis Mu, I would certainly reprimand you. But since it is Mu Changxiao, what more can I say?" Song Congzhi sighed helplessly.

Song Tang played a game of retreat to advance. "Father, it was only for the sake of the Song family's reputation that I had the gall to bring up the dowry with you. If you truly are unwilling to give me even Grandmother's share, then I shall have no choice but to bite the bullet and marry into the Marquis's estate."

"Enough. Go back for now; I will discuss it with your mother," Song Congzhi said, waving his hand with a tone of compromise.

In truth, Song Tang had been brewing this conversation about the dowry for days, waiting for the perfect opportunity. She had originally wanted to speak to her mother, but Lady He was easily swayed. She might seem firm, but she had no real backbone; a few tears from Song Wei would make her waver and retract her promises. Thus, after much deliberation, Song Tang decided to approach her father, who cared most about the family's reputation.

***

That very evening, Lady He summoned Song Tang.

"Tang'er, your father has already spoken with me. This is your dowry list; see if there is anything else that needs to be added," Lady He said in a lukewarm tone.

In reality, she was quite angry. Song Tang had gone directly to Song Congzhi instead of consulting her. Did she think her mother was just a figurehead? Song Wei was so much more obedient and considerate, always discussing everything with her. By comparison, she felt even more pity for Song Wei.

Song Tang took the list. While she remained composed on the outside, she felt a surge of joy inside. Her father had not only given her Grandmother's portion intact but had also added an extra ten thousand taels.

"Mother, I remember you telling me when I was young that a dowry is a woman's security for the rest of her life, and that it should be prepared from birth. I would like to know, where is the dowry you prepared for me?"

Lady He’s face fell instantly. "Tang'er, how many times must I tell you to understand me? Wei'er lost her biological parents early; she is truly to be pitied. The dowry given to Wei'er was indeed originally prepared for you, but Wei'er’s circumstances are special. As her older sister, you should be more understanding."

"Besides, given the grand scale of the Marquis's betrothal gifts, he surely won't care about these things. Wei'er does not have your good fortune, so please do not bicker with your sister over such worldly possessions."

Song Tang let out a cold laugh. "Mother, you say this every time. Anyone who didn't know better would think I was the one who killed Song Wei's parents. Their deaths were not my fault; why must I be the one to always yield?"

"What have I done wrong that I must be held responsible for her misfortune? Mother, your favoritism should have a limit! Since you believe Song Wei needs that dowry more than I do, then I have nothing left to say."

With that, Song Tang turned and left. She knew that arguing was useless. The love of her parents was no longer hers; they would never truly have her best interests at heart. As she walked out, her eyes welled up with tears she couldn't suppress. She had told herself countless times that if her parents and brothers did not love her, she should simply sever the family ties. But they had once loved her; perhaps if she had never known that warmth, she wouldn't be in so much pain now.

As she passed Song Wei's courtyard, she could clearly hear the laughter of her eldest and second brothers. In her memory, ever since Song Wei entered the household, her brothers rarely visited her, and even when they did, it was mostly to find fault. A wave of bitterness surged in Song Tang’s heart.

Song Wei had not been idle these days. She was truly green with envy that Song Tang was marrying Mu Changxiao. If she had been given the choice, she would have chosen Mu Changxiao too, so she could immediately become the Lady of the Marquis's estate.

***

However, there were no "ifs" in this world!

Especially when she thought about how Mu Changxiao had sent thirty-six chests of betrothal gifts, while Mu Ziyu had only sent twenty-four, nearly half of which were empty, Song Wei felt even more resentful.

She was unwilling to accept this. She did not want to become Song Tang's junior. She absolutely could not let Song Tang marry him as planned!

Song Wei's mind raced, and she finally hit upon a plan. Since Song Tang could pull a "substitution" trick to make the heir drink an aphrodisiac and end up with Qiu Ling, she could do the same. She would swap places on the wedding day—she would marry Mu Changxiao, and Song Tang would marry Mu Ziyu. Once she had performed the wedding rites with the Marquis, it would be a done deal. Whether he was willing to consummate the marriage or not, she would be the Lady of the Marquis's estate.

A triumphant smile curled on Song Wei's lips. She was certain she would succeed, convinced that if she could just complete the wedding ceremony, the outcome would be set in stone. With Song Congzhi there, she did not fear that Mu Changxiao would divorce her.

The first step was to have an identical wedding dress made. She begged Lady He, claiming she wanted to look "decent" and just like her sister, and Lady He, naturally, could not refuse such a small wish.

The second step was to bribe the servants responsible for the bridal sedan chairs on the wedding day. She spent two hundred taels of silver to ensure they would swap the routes.

The third step was to have her own maids find a way to stay close to Song Tang's sedan chair. Yuanguo had been punished and was still bedridden, so she only had Xue'er and Chunhan at her disposal. Money could move mountains, and Song Wei knew exactly what these maids wanted. With heavy rewards, Xue'er and Chunhan would surely see the task through perfectly.

Song Wei had orchestrated everything flawlessly, considering every detail. She believed that as long as the plan proceeded, everything would go as she wished. She was full of confidence, waiting only for the arrival of the wedding day.