Chapter Five: She Wants to Break Off the Engagement!

Before Song Congzhi could speak, Mu Changxiao continued, “Lord Song, Song Tang has saved my life. As long as I am here, I will never allow her to be wronged!”

Suddenly, Song Tang felt a warmth at the corner of her eye, as if something had slipped out. Song Congzhi’s face darkened unpleasantly; he had not expected Mu Changxiao to stand up for Song Tang.

Beside Lady He, Song Wei wore a look of shock. She hadn’t anticipated the matter escalating like this—such a trivial issue, yet Lord Mu actually stepped forward to defend Song Tang.

Mu Changxiao was currently a favorite at the emperor’s court, and Song Congzhi dared not offend him.

After a brief pause to collect himself, Song Congzhi forced a smile and said, “It’s all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding. Both Song Tang and Song Wei are precious daughters of our family. Let’s not make a joke of this. Please take your seats; my daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony is about to begin.”

Song Tang saw no reason to stay any longer. She returned directly to Tianlin Garden, closed the door, and leaned against it, unable to calm her restless heart.

She silently vowed never to be so passive again. She must learn from Song Wei and take back everything that belonged to her.

Outside, the wind howled bitterly, but it was nothing compared to the chill in Song Tang’s heart.

She walked to the window, lifted her gaze at the swirling snowflakes.

“Miss, the Young Master is here to see you,” Cai Die’s voice came from outside the door.

Judging by the time, Song Wei’s coming-of-age ceremony was likely wrapping up.

Only after that would the Young Master seek her out—truly a case of “deep feelings and earnest intentions.”

Song Tang sneered inwardly and told Cai Die to lead the Young Master to the side hall.

She composed herself and asked in a calm tone, “Young Master, what brings you here?”

Mu Ziyu didn’t understand what madness Song Tang was up to again, but he patiently said, “Shen Tang, you overstepped today. After all, it’s your sister’s coming-of-age ceremony. You should at least spare her some face.”

“Are you here to question me on behalf of Song Wei?” Song Tang’s expression betrayed her emotion.

Mu Ziyu was momentarily taken aback and quickly denied, “No, I just think you’re being overly sensitive. Don’t always act on impulse. It’s just a bracelet. If you want, I can buy you ten; there’s no need to make everyone unhappy.”

“Hmm, understood. Then buy me ten identical ones,” Song Tang said flatly.

Mu Ziyu frowned. “You’re still speaking out of anger. There are no two identical bracelets in the world.”

“Exactly. You know there’s no such thing as identical bracelets. This one was left to me by my grandmother, a cherished heirloom. No ten other bracelets can compare. Even if you bought ones a hundred times more expensive, they could never replace it.”

“Song Tang, I didn’t come here to argue about the bracelet. It’s yours—I never asked for it. I just mean you shouldn’t make things difficult for your sister, especially today with so many guests present…”

“Enough, I’m tired. If you have nothing else, you may leave,” Song Tang interrupted, unwilling to waste words on Mu Ziyu.

He stared at her silently for a moment, sighed, and was about to turn away.

“By the way, Young Master, let’s cancel the engagement,” Song Tang said suddenly.

Mu Ziyu froze and turned back.

“Cancel the engagement?” His body stiffened.

Song Tang nodded. “Yes, you heard me right. I said cancel the engagement.”

Mu Ziyu’s expression grew complicated. He hadn’t expected her to bring it up herself.

However, even if both agreed, breaking an engagement was no simple matter.

He hesitated. “Song Tang, don’t act on impulse.”

“Young Master, I heard you once mentioned canceling the engagement to Lord Hou, but for some reason, it was dropped. Now that I’m the one proposing it, you should be glad.”

Song Tang’s words left Mu Ziyu speechless. It must have been Mu Shuan who told her—his own younger aunt—yet there was nothing he could do.

“Song Tang, that’s in the past. I will marry you. Don’t worry.”

“I’m not worried. I just don’t want to marry you anymore. Marry whoever you want,” Song Tang said coolly, with no trace of lingering affection.

Mu Ziyu’s face darkened. Previously, Song Tang had always clung to him; she had never been so cold and distant.

He refused to believe she suddenly disliked him. He was sure she was just throwing a tantrum and would come around in a few days.

“Song Tang, don’t be so willful. I know you’re upset today. Think carefully tonight about why everyone thinks you’re wrong and sides with Song Wei. Once you understand, everything will be fine.”

Song Tang lifted her chin slightly: “Mu Ziyu, in your eyes, I can never do right. Fine, if I’m wrong, so be it, but I will not reflect on it. The person I marry must believe in me and protect me. You clearly are not that person.”

Mu Ziyu grew impatient. Song Tang was never a delicate girl. As the legitimate daughter of the Song family with a fiery temper, did she really need protection? If she didn’t bully others, that was already a blessing.

“Anyway, about our engagement—my third uncle has spoken. If you really want to cancel, go see him.”

“Fine, Young Master, you may leave now,” Song Tang’s voice grew even colder.

No sooner had Mu Ziyu left than Lady He hurried in with quick, small steps.

“Song Tang, did you just tell the Young Master to cancel the engagement?” Lady He’s tone was grave. Though Song Tang was her flesh and blood, having been raised by their grandmother, they were not close.

“Yes. Since Mu Ziyu no longer wants to marry me, I’ll comply with his wishes,” Song Tang replied casually.

“Fool! Mu Ziyu is the Young Master and heir to the title. How can you just refuse to marry him!” Song Congzhi arrived upon hearing the news. He had wanted to intervene physically but recalled Mu Changxiao’s words from earlier and restrained himself.

Song Tang sneered inwardly. News traveled fast indeed—she had barely spoken to Mu Ziyu when everyone in the courtyard already knew.

“Father, Mother, I won’t say much else, but today the Young Master openly sided with Song Wei. Since that’s the case, I’ll let them be.”

“Let them be? How can you let them be? What if Lord Hou cancels the engagement outright? What about Song Wei? What about the Song family?” Song Congzhi’s concern was for the family’s interests. The Hou residence outranked the Earl’s in status. If this marriage fell through, it would seriously damage the Song family.

If Song Wei could marry in, then fine. But if Lord Hou disapproved, the Song family would lose on both ends. Song Congzhi was unwilling to take that risk.

“Shen Tang, your engagement to the Young Master was arranged since childhood. No one can cancel it without your consent. Can’t you endure a little for the sake of the family?”