They named him by name, practically pointing their finger at him and cursing him. Song Qing couldn't save face.
Several uncles and elders were also shocked by Song Tangxue's unwavering stance; the once docile and easily manipulated girl seemed to have grown thorns all over her body.
The crowd's gazes turned somber, and the first thing that came to mind was Song Tangxue's substantial family fortune.
"Tang Xue, we're doing this for your own good. Uncle will invest this money, and we'll make up the difference to you when we make a profit, okay?"
Song Qing's eyes darted around, and she smiled as if trying to cover it up.
They're all old foxes, what are they talking about? Song Tangxue knew exactly what he was up to: "What if we lose money?"
Unexpectedly, Song Tangxue was so perceptive. Song Qing's smile was somewhat forced: "How could your uncle harm you? We are all family. Why do we have to be so particular about these money and make things so ugly?"
"The reason why the Song family has stood the test of time and become a prominent family is because everyone worked together." Uncle Song also chimed in, trying to appeal to family ties.
"When you were just born, your uncle held you. In the blink of an eye, you've grown up so much. As people grow up, their minds need to grow too."
"Whenever Uncle needs to do something in the future, he will definitely not refuse."
The two men's earnest words were actually an attempt to morally blackmail Song Tangxue.
Song Tangxue didn't care about any of that: "I would be extremely grateful if my uncles and elders would not bother me in the future, and I don't need their help."
"Who's bothering whom now? Don't your uncles understand?"
Even close brothers need to keep clear accounts. We'll talk about it later when the uncles have paid back the money.
Song Tangxue's cold and hard tone dashed any hopes for the group.
Uncle Song was so angry that he almost cursed, but Song Qing grabbed his sleeve and looked at Song's father, who was huddled in the corner like a quail.
Then, turning their fire on the silent Song father, they exclaimed, "This is the fine daughter you've raised! I've certainly learned something new today!"
Song Qing's face was also ashen; "Born without teaching, letting outsiders develop such a vulgar nature, don't let them bring shame to the Song family in the future! Don't let the Song family lose face."
The two exchanged some sarcastic remarks, then led the rest of the Song family away.
Once the crowd had dispersed, Song's father suddenly stood up, strode over angrily, and raised his hand to strike Song Tangxue's face.
The palm strike, carrying a biting cold wind, hurtled straight towards Song Tangxue's cheek.
"Father, have you thought this through?" Song Tangxue stared directly at her father without flinching. "I am the future Crown Princess, a woman of high status. If word gets out, what will the outside world think of you, Father?"
Mr. Song's hand froze in mid-air. He glared at her fiercely, his breathing rapid, but he dared not bring himself to slap her.
Mr. Song was always timid, and he didn't dare to say a word during the heated argument.
No one dares to offend them.
Song Tangxue snorted coldly, "What a coward."
"Song Tangxue, do you really think you're all grown up now, that the Song family can't even accommodate you in this small place?" Song's mother scolded, clutching her heart.
Song Tangxue remained unmoved and instructed Haitang to tidy up the bills on the table: "Put them away carefully, we'll get them back later."
Mother Song was so angry that she took a few steps back and sat down in a chair: "Today's events were all caused by you. You've made such a mess of things. I really regret giving birth to you!"
Song Tangxue ignored it like the wind was blowing past her ear.
Outside the Song residence, Song Tangli arrived at the gate in a bright yellow golden carriage. Li Zhaoxian reluctantly held her hand and saw her off at the gate.
"Thank you, Crown Prince, for taking me home." She suddenly frowned, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "I wonder if my sister will mind..."
Thinking of Song Tangxue's changes, Li Zhaoxian felt a little irritated: "I don't care, so what if your sister does? I am the Crown Prince, protecting all people. When did I have to be mindful of others' feelings even when sending people back?"
Song Tangli lowered her eyes slightly, a smile playing on her lips: "It was I who implicated my brother, the Crown Prince."
Li Zhaoxian took her hand and held it in his palm: "Ali, don't say that. We grew up together since we were little, and we've never cared about these formalities."
Thinking about it, Li Zhaoxian frowned and asked, "Why are you saying these things today? Did Song Tangxue bully you?"
Song Tangli bit her lip: "No, it's just... it's just..." Song Tangli's hesitation made Li Zhaoxian believe that Song Tangli had been bullied when no one was around.
His brows furrowed, and he gripped Song Tangli's hand tightly with heartache: "Come on, I'll personally escort you inside!"
A hint of excitement flickered across Song Tangli's eyebrows, but she lowered her head again: "This...this is not quite proper etiquette."
Li Zhaoxian led her forward a step: "I am the Crown Prince, and I have the final say."
A blush rose to Song Tangxue's cheeks as she grasped the Crown Prince's palm. The two smiled at each other, and Song Tangli quickly lowered her head.
Just as Song Tangxue was getting anxious, the steward came in with a happy expression: "Master and Madam, the Second Miss is back, she came back with the Crown Prince."
Madam Song stood up abruptly, her eyes gleaming: "Really? Ali and His Highness the Crown Prince came back together?"
The steward smiled and flattered, "Yes, the Crown Prince escorted the Second Miss back to her residence and is accompanying her here now."
Song's mother was immediately overjoyed. She glanced at Song Tangxue, who was still standing there, and her eyebrows furrowed almost imperceptibly: "Ali is such a sensible child, unlike some people."
The unspoken words are left unsaid.
Song Tangli also walked to the door and naturally saw Song Tangxue. She hesitated for a moment.
Li Zhaoxian gripped her hand tightly, his thumb gently scraping across her palm as if to comfort her, and with heavy steps, he led Song Tangli step by step into the room.
Song's father and mother hurriedly bowed and said, "Your subject/wife greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Song Tangxue gave a perfunctory bow, then stood by the window as if it were none of her business. Watching the family's tender moments, she found them rather irritating after a while, so she opened the window and stopped looking inside.
"How could Ah Li trouble His Highness the Crown Prince?" Song's mother said, seemingly scolding, but actually playfully tapping Song Tang Li's nose.
“It was my insistence to send Ali back, so there’s no need to blame Ali.” Li Zhaoxian’s gaze fell gently on Song Tangli.
Song Tangli shook her clenched hand, and as if she had just noticed Song Tangxue standing by the window getting some fresh air, she pursed her lips and asked, "Sister, you don't mind, do you?"
"Hmph!" Mother Song snorted lightly, and said sarcastically, "Your sister has a lot of ideas now, and we can't control her."
“Unlike our Ah Li, who is well-behaved, sensible, and obedient.” Song’s mother smiled and gently pinched Song Tangli’s cheek.
Song Tangli's eyes flickered, and she frowned as she asked, "What did you do to make Mother so angry? I apologize on your behalf. Mother, please don't upset yourself."
Comforted, Song's mother smiled and shook her head: "As long as Ali has the intention, that's enough."
The girl by the window seemed completely unconcerned, watching the butterflies fluttering outside with great interest.
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