"But Tangxue is really unwilling. I haven't even enjoyed my sister's respect since I came to the manor. How can I give it to her like this..." Song Tangxue would not let them have their way so easily. She lowered her head and wiped away her tears with a handkerchief.

There were no tears in her eyes, only reddened rims from wiping them with a handkerchief.

Since you've gained something, you have to exchange it for something, even if it's something you don't want!

Her lowered eyelashes trembled, as if recalling the humiliation she had suffered, and she bit her upper lip slightly.

Madam Song naturally knew what kind of life Song Tangxue had lived before. Now, this matter was of great importance. If Song Tangxue did not cooperate, all the previous efforts would be in vain.

“Ali has been pampered by the Song family for more than ten years. She did make mistakes in these matters. How about Grandmother asks Ali to apologize to you?” Mother Song was in a good mood: “We are all family. All the past misunderstandings are just that.”

It's just an apology; compared to a future meteoric rise in rank, anyone would know which to choose.

A glint of light flashed in Song Tangxue's eyes, but she lowered her head and remained noncommittal.

"Ah Li, you've talked things out with your sister, come out now." Old Madam Song called out to the screen. Song Tangxue feigned surprise: "My sister is here too?"

The screen that had been swaying the whole time was finally removed. Song Tangli's steps were a little unsteady, and she seemed to be in disbelief that what was happening before her eyes was real.

The fact that the position of Crown Princess was so easily obtained made her previous struggles seem like a joke.

Madam Song held her hand affectionately: "Apologize to your sister. The two sisters should get along well in the future and support each other when you arrive at the East Palace."

Although Song Tangli was unwilling, she was already dizzy from the huge windfall of becoming the Crown Princess.

"Sister, I'm sorry. I was very offensive before." Song Tangli's eyebrows and eyes were filled with an involuntary smile. It was more like issuing a challenge than an apology.

The Crown Princess was already hers for the taking.

Song Tangxue lowered her head, concealing the sarcasm at the corner of her mouth, lost in her fantasies.

“My sister’s apology is too lenient.” Song Tangxue did not accept it: “I think it would be better for the Song family to make amends with some real material things.”

"Anyway, my sister won't treat me sincerely."

Song Tangli was a little embarrassed, but Old Madam Song smoothed things over, saying, "Then how does Tangxue plan to apologize?"

It was impossible for her to pay; the Song family had given away a thousand taels of silver for nothing.

As long as the proposals made today can be implemented, any cost is acceptable; the future prosperity of the Song family hinges on this one move.

Hearing Madam Song speak, Song Tangli had no choice but to swallow her words, no matter how unwilling she was. She looked at Song Tangxue warily.

"Why don't you kneel down and apologize to me, little sister?" Song Tangxue's lips curled into a wicked smile. With this look of being on high alert, even Song Tangli was afraid.

Song Tangli's face turned pale, and she looked at Old Madam Song for help.

Madam Song lowered her eyes and thought for a moment: "Ali, you should sincerely apologize to your sister."

Song Tangli swayed slightly. Old Madam Song advised her, "You will be the Crown Princess in the future. Your sister is giving you some pointers on how to conduct yourself. If you do something wrong, you must take responsibility for it."

Having understood the meaning behind Madam Song's words, Song Tangli slowly knelt down, controlling her knees: "Sister, I was wrong about everything before. I hope you will forgive me for my petty mistakes."

Her ruthlessness intensified; she thought, "Just wait, I'll remember this humiliation."

When she becomes the Crown Princess in the future, she will definitely make the ungrateful Song Tangxue pay for everything.

"Get up, little sister." Song Tangxue gently raised her hand, but did not mention forgiving her.

How can one easily forgive what was encountered in this life and the next?

Song Tangxue stood up and said, "I'm a little tired today, so I won't stay any longer." Without waiting for the old lady's reply, she left on her own.

Clearly, they didn't take Old Madam Song and Song Tangli seriously, and were extremely arrogant.

This was the first time in so many days that Old Mrs. Song found her so agreeable. This time, she was almost certain of success, and she eagerly rolled the Buddhist prayer beads in her hand.

Song Tangli choked back tears and threw herself into her grandmother's arms: "Grandmother!"

Old Madam Song stroked her hair and comforted her, "Once you're married, you'll be a head taller than her, and punishing her won't be difficult. For now, just hold back and don't do anything, understand?"

Back in her courtyard, the doctor was shaking his head and walking outside when Song Tangxue's heart jumped. She stopped him and asked, "How is he?"

The doctor sighed, "It's hard to say. I'm afraid we won't make it through tonight."

Song Tangxue tensed up and went inside. Haitang stared blankly at the ceiling with a pale face. The light of the setting sun shone into the room through the small window.

With the last vestiges of warmth and longing for the world, the light shone on the face of the crabapple tree, as if it were draped in gold leaf.

Song Tangxue slowed her pace, walked over softly, and took Haitang's hand: "Haitang..."

She rolled her eyes, her gaze finally settling on Song Tangxue's face: "Miss...am I about to die?"

"Don't say such things. May you live to be a hundred years old, healthy and safe." Song Tangxue's voice trembled without her even realizing it. Her fingers gripped Haitang, pulling her back to prove that she was still there.

"You promised to stay with me for the rest of your life."

"Miss, I'm afraid I'll break my promise. If I'm gone, please take good care of yourself..." Haitang had no worries, but she was worried about her mistress. Her mistress was so good and kind.

Treat her like family, and give her a second home.

"It'll be alright, I promise you!"

Song Tangxue changed a few of the doctor's prescriptions, keeping Haitang alive. All the pharmacies in the city were closed, and the only way to find a good doctor was to wait until tomorrow.

Haitang woke up several times during the night, then cried and fainted again. Her fingers were pale, and her face was bloodless after all the ordeal.

Song Tangxue stood guard by her bedside. The room was filled with the smell of medicine and silence. She stood there like a still stone sculpture.

The moonlight, as clear as water, added a touch of coolness.

Standing by Haitang's bedside, Song Tangxue thought about many things, about the past, about her previous life.

Tears fell unintentionally. Haitang struggled to sit up, her hands trembling as she wiped away Song Tangxue's tears. Her eyes were red and filled with longing: "Miss..."

"Lie down quickly, why are you sitting up?" Song Tangxue supported her, her arms weak and powerless. She hurriedly wiped away the tears on her face, not wanting Haitang to see.

I am Haitang's anchor. If I am so fragile, how can Haitang hold on?

"I want to see you again, Miss, and remember what you look like. I want to follow you again in my next life..." Haitang's nose tingled with tears, her heart filled with a thousand regrets: "I have never regretted being able to follow you, Miss."

Haitang seemed to have guessed what Song Tangxue was thinking, and she never resented Song Tangxue for dragging her down.