Chapter Eight: Tears the Size of Beans

“Miss Song, have you reserved a private room for a certain date?”

“No reservation. Are there any private rooms available now?”

The waiter hurriedly replied, “Yes, yes, there is still a slightly secluded Tian-shaped private room. Will that do?”

Song Tang nodded slightly. The waiter respectfully led the way ahead, while Caidie supported Song Tang as they ascended the wooden stairs to the second floor.

Once seated, Song Tang signaled to Caidie, who immediately took out a silver ingot from her pouch and handed it to the waiter. “Please arrange for some fine fruits and fragrant tea for us.”

The waiter beamed with delight, repeatedly acknowledging the request. As he exited the room, he carefully closed the door behind him.

Leaning casually against the window of the private room, Song Tang’s gaze pierced through the sheer curtains, settling on the bustling hall below.

At that moment, Yu Yan was dancing gracefully in the center of the hall, her movements light and dreamlike, drawing continuous applause from the onlookers.

Yet Song Tang’s eyes did not linger on her. Instead, she spotted Mu Ziyu in the middle private room diagonally opposite, surrounded by two coquettish women.

However, he paid no attention to the women beside him. His gaze was fixed on Yu Yan dancing below, a look of satisfaction gracing his face.

Song Tang let out a cold smile. Turning to Caidie, she said, “Give the waiter another silver ingot and have him call Mu Ziyu here to see me.”

“Understood,” Caidie replied promptly and left.

Shortly after, the door to the private room was pushed open, and Mu Ziyu entered, an expression of impatience on his face.

“Song Tang, what do you want with me?” Mu Ziyu’s tone was sharp. Being summoned by his betrothed in such a public setting was somewhat humiliating.

Song Tang looked at Mu Ziyu, a faint smile playing at the corner of her lips. “Sit down and talk.”

Mu Ziyu was puzzled by her intentions. Though reluctant, he still took a seat patiently.

“Speak. I’m listening.”

Taking a slow sip of tea, Song Tang finally spoke, “I just visited your third uncle, Lord Mu.”

Mu Ziyu was stunned. “You went to him to cancel the engagement? What did he say?”

“What would you want him to say?” Song Tang lifted her eyes, a serene smile on her face.

“Song Tang, what do you mean by this? You’re the one who wants to cancel the engagement, you approached my uncle, and now you come ask me? What exactly do you want?” Mu Ziyu’s tone was displeased.

Song Tang’s voice was soft but resolute. “I just want to confirm if you’re willing to cancel the engagement as well.”

Mu Ziyu replied coldly, “I don’t care if it’s canceled or not. I admit, I once truly liked you and wanted to marry you. But you changed—you became willful and unreasonable. Where is the gentle, sweet girl I knew as a child? How did you become like this?”

Song Tang sneered. “People change, Mu Ziyu. You’re no exception. You know about Song Wei entering the Song household and how she framed me the first time. You knew.”

“At that time, even our parents didn’t believe me. I told you, but you didn’t believe me either. After it happened so many times, I grew numb.”

“My willfulness and recklessness were all forced out by your neglect. You didn’t protect me, so I had to protect myself.”

Mu Ziyu frowned, wanting to argue but ultimately remained silent.

Song Tang’s words were like a sharp blade, silently wounding him.

He clearly remembered that moment—Song Wei was so young. The tea in Song Tang’s hand was scalding hot; if it had truly spilled on her face, it would surely have left scars. How could Song Wei have bumped into it herself?

Song Wei was a fragile little girl, dependent on others, and certainly not scheming.

But Song Tang was different. As the legitimate daughter, jealous of the affection Song Wei received from Lady He and Song Congzhi, it was only natural she would angrily splash tea on Song Wei.

Thus, Mu Ziyu never chose to believe Song Tang’s account.

He vividly recalled the scene—Song Tang’s helplessness, her large tears, and his own hesitation.

His expression became complicated as he lowered his eyes, hiding the turmoil within.

“I didn’t completely disbelieve you, but at that time...”

“Let’s not dwell on the past. We’ve cleared things up today. The engagement is canceled because you never once firmly stood by my side. After much disappointment, the childhood bond has long since faded, and I no longer harbor any expectations.”

“I’ve already spoken to your third uncle, and he agreed to cancel the engagement. However, your father requires you to be the one to propose it. You know my father—he values reputation and family alliances. He insists I marry you, unless...”

“Unless what?” Mu Ziyu suddenly lifted his head, waiting intently for Song Tang’s next words.

Song Tang sighed. “I haven’t thought that far yet. But I saw how you defended Song Wei so publicly yesterday. Perhaps if you tell my father you want to marry Song Wei, he might agree.”

“But Song Wei is not your mother’s biological child,” Mu Ziyu hesitated before continuing, “Even if your father agrees, my mother might not consent.”

A cold smile flickered in Song Tang’s heart, though her face remained composed. “Then I was mistaken. This morning, I heard you sent her a jade bracelet with excellent craftsmanship. I thought you had genuine feelings for her.”

“How did you know that?” Mu Ziyu’s expression stiffened slightly.

Song Tang smiled faintly. “If you want to keep a secret, you shouldn’t do it in plain sight. Besides, it was one of her maids who let it slip. Surely that’s not fabricated.”

After receiving the bracelet from Mu Ziyu, Song Wei was eager for Song Tang to find out. So she had Qiuling carelessly mention it in front of Song Tang, hoping to stir jealousy.

“The maid by Wei’er’s side likes to gossip. She ought to be replaced,” Mu Ziyu said coldly.

“Are you worried not about my anger, but about Song Wei being poorly served?”

Song Tang paused. “Enough. None of this matters anymore. The engagement cancellation with your uncle is settled. The rest depends on you. Mu Ziyu, if you cannot convince my father and your mother, then we will continue to be entangled.”

With that, Song Tang stood and left the private room. She had said enough for one day and was weary.

—

“My lord, Miss Song stayed at the Moonwatch Pavilion for an hour and went straight back to the Song residence after leaving,” Wan Xing reported quietly.

Mu Changxiao nodded slightly. “Go to the Moonwatch Pavilion and bring Mu Ziyu to see me.”

Within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Mu Ziyu appeared at the study door of Mu Changxiao.

Mu Changxiao’s piercing gaze fixed on Mu Ziyu. “Kneel.”

Startled, Mu Ziyu fell to his knees. “Third uncle, it wasn’t me who wanted to cancel the engagement. Song Tang brought it up herself.”

“Had you not mentioned it before?” Mu Changxiao’s voice was icy cold.