Song Chaoyu had not expected Princess Tiele to do such a thing.
In Song Chaoyu's heart, Princess Tiele was considered a considerate person.
However, things were far from over.
Prince Wen could no longer bear it and sought out Princess Tiele regarding Ashiu, wanting an explanation.
In the past, Princess Tiele might have offered an explanation.
But that day, Princess Tiele did not explain anything to Prince Wen.
She said dismissively, "She is merely a servant. Is she worth you coming to me like this?"
For a moment, Prince Wen felt a chill run down his spine.
Was this the same Tiele he knew, who was always smiling and innocent?
He didn't understand why Tiele had become this way.
At that time, Prince Wen thought that perhaps the people from the Southern Kingdom had influenced Tiele so much.
But in Princess Tiele's heart, it seemed nothing mattered anymore. She sneered at Prince Wen, "It's not that I have become this way, but that I have always been this way. It's just that you didn't know, and I didn't want you to. Now I don't want to pretend anymore. This is who I am. What can you do? If you are unwilling, you can tell your Emperor to revoke the arranged marriage. That would be for the best!"
At this, Prince Wen gave a bitter smile, "It was only at this moment that I understood Tiele's intentions. She wants me to report to my father and break off the engagement. But you know my father's mind. He is the Emperor; how can he go back on his word? I told Tiele that this marriage cannot be called off. Unless I die, or she dies."
That day, Prince Wen saw clear disappointment in Tiele's eyes.
He realized that something must have happened.
Otherwise, why would Tiele suddenly change her mind? She had clearly no longer held any feelings for Mu Changxi at the beginning.
This worry left Prince Wen restless.
So Prince Wen thought of Mu Changxi and Song Chaoyu.
Sitting before the two of them, Prince Wen's eyes held only a bitter smile, "Brother, Sister-in-law, I truly don't know what to do. I know Tiele probably doesn't want to marry me and become the Princess of Wen. But this is not something I can control or decide. I just want to live a good life. Is that so difficult?"
He shook his head and took another drink, "I don't expect to live as you two do, but we should at least be respectful of each other, shouldn't we? If it continues like this, what will happen in the future?"
Yes, the future was the most important thing.
Actually, after hearing Prince Wen say this, Song Chaoyu understood.
Princess Tiele had not changed because the envoys from the Southern Kingdom had arrived, but because of Qianshan.
Before, she had considered Mu Changxi to be the one who had spent many years with her in the Southern Kingdom. Therefore, seeing Mu Changxi living a stable life, she naturally had no lingering attachments and was willing to try to accept Prince Wen, everything appearing peaceful and tranquil.
But later, after the envoys from the Southern Kingdom arrived, she also learned the truth: Mu Changxi was not Qianshan, and the "Prince Chang" who had accompanied her for many years in the Southern Kingdom was not the person before her.
Therefore, her heart naturally developed other feelings.
She began to hope for Qianshan, making this unforgettable person occupy an even larger place in her heart.
Naturally, Princess Tiele wanted to escape her marriage to Prince Wen and "return" to Qianshan's side.
Thus, her attitude towards Prince Wen naturally became increasingly different.
But Prince Wen did not know about the matter between Mu Changxi and Qianshan. Song Chaoyu felt that although Prince Wen was not involved in the political struggles, it was better not to let him know about this.
Mu Changxi clearly shared Song Chaoyu's thought.
He looked up at Prince Wen and sighed, "Many things are not for us to understand. I suppose Tiele has her own reasons for acting this way. You two are destined to marry, and you cannot defy your father's will. Now you should think carefully about what to do in the future."
"Alas—"
Prince Wen lowered his head, staring at his wine cup, sighing incessantly, "A woman's heart is truly unfathomable. I thought Brother and Sister-in-law could help me understand what Tiele is thinking. Now it seems it's all in vain. It appears that only by drinking with Brother and Sister-in-law can I slightly alleviate my sorrow?"
Prince Wen seemed even more dejected.
Mu Changxi glanced at Song Chaoyu, then poured himself more wine, and naturally poured a cup of tea for Song Chaoyu, saying, "Your sister-in-law has just recovered from childbirth and likely cannot drink. I will drink with you. Since you are troubled, let's drink more today. But remember, you cannot show any dissatisfaction regarding your matters with Tiele in front of your father."
"Thank you, Brother."
Prince Wen kept his gaze lowered, his voice filled with great disappointment, "Everyone seems to have secrets. So many secrets in this world have nothing to do with me."
For some reason, Song Chaoyu felt that Prince Wen was hinting at something.
But when he looked up again, raising his wine glass to Song Chaoyu and Mu Changxi, he seemed to have come to terms with it.
With a smile on his face, he said, "Brother, although we didn't grow up together, I still like you very much. In my heart, Prince Chang has always been a person of composure. Since your return to the capital, I've also seen that you and Prince Ning are not on good terms. But I have always supported you, haven't I?"
"Yes."
Mu Changxi had to admit this.
He swallowed and said, "Many things were thanks to you and His Highness the Crown Prince that I was able to escape danger. Since you are facing difficulties today, if there is anything I can do to help, I will not hesitate. However, I think Tiele is probably just temporarily unhappy. Your lives together will surely improve in the future, and she will understand this."
"Yes, we will all understand."
Prince Wen reached out and gently touched his wine glass against Mu Changxi's, "I hope Prince Chang understands Tiele as you say. I also hope that my marriage with Tiele will go smoothly!"
After speaking, he drained his wine and then, clearly intoxicated, held his forehead, "Prince Chang, I am tired. I think if I go back and sleep well today, everything will be better."
"Yes, everything will get better. All things will get better!"
Mu Changxi gently took the wine cup from Prince Wen's hand and then patted Prince Wen's arm.
As an elder brother, he was exceptionally gentle with Prince Wen, "If you are tired, just stop and rest for a while. Many things will only trouble you for this period. Once it passes, it will be a vast expanse."
Song Chaoyu seemed to notice tears falling from Prince Wen's eyes.
He truly cared for Tiele in his heart!