Song Chaoyu merely followed behind the old madam, standing in her designated spot.
As the Lin family entered, the First Madam rushed forward with delight, "Oh my, the in-laws have finally arrived? Please, come inside quickly!"
Song Yuan was also dressed impeccably today, smiling as he watched the Lin family enter.
The Lin family had not brought many people, but those present were all influential.
Minister Lin and Madam Lin walked at the front, with Lin Muyang following behind them.
However, the Lin family's second young master was not present today. It was likely that the Lin family felt his previous affair with Song Chaoyu had brought too much shame upon them, which was why he was not allowed to appear at the Song residence this time.
They had not arrived too late, so they had to wait a little while, chatting amongst themselves before taking their seats for the meal.
Song Chaoyu had also paid special attention to Lin Muyang. She noticed that from the moment he entered the Song residence, his gaze had almost entirely been fixed on Song Yanjiao.
She had initially thought he was a well-reputed young master, but she never expected him to not even glance at Song Xiuxiu.
Song Chaoyu listened as the Lin family generously stated the amount of betrothal gifts they intended to give.
The Lin family, after all, was rooted in the capital, possessed considerable wealth, and was the family of the Prime Minister.
She recalled that in her previous life, the Lin family had prepared the betrothal gifts with all their might. Which young lady in the capital did not envy Song Yanjiao for finding such a generous family?
However, in this life...
As Song Chaoyu listened to the details of the betrothal gifts, she felt a sense of surprise.
Although the Lin family was giving many betrothal gifts in this life, they were truly not as valuable as they had been in her previous life.
She remembered clearly that in her previous life, the Lin family had included three East Sea luminous pearls and two exotic Hu barbarian fragrant flowers in the betrothal gifts. These were priceless, and no other family could have afforded them.
Yet, in this life's betrothal gifts, such rare and precious items were absent.
She didn't know what considerations the Lin family had made, but Song Yuan and the others did not know as much as Song Chaoyu did.
Therefore, seeing the Lin family's rather substantial gift list and thinking that Song Yanjiao was marrying into a higher social standing, they all smiled from ear to ear.
Just as someone called out "Dinner is served," Song Yuan was about to hand the name card with Song Yanjiao's birth details to Prime Minister Lin.
Suddenly, Song Xiuxiu walked out from behind: "Congratulations, second sister, congratulations, Song family, congratulations, Lin family!"
Song Xiuxiu's sudden appearance stunned everyone.
The Lin family members were even more bewildered as to who Song Xiuxiu was. Prime Minister Lin looked at Song Yuan in surprise.
The First Madam quickly explained, "This is our cousin from Jiangzhou, named Song Xiuxiu."
She winked at Song Xiuxiu, "You're here to bless your second sister, aren't you? We all know you're a good child!"
Unexpectedly, Song Xiuxiu took a step forward and knelt directly before everyone.
Her action stunned everyone.
Song Yuan frowned and stepped forward, "What are you doing?"
Song Xiuxiu smiled slightly, cast a firm glance at Song Yuan, and then looked at Prime Minister Lin, "On this auspicious day, I also have something to say to my cousin-uncle and Minister Lin!"
The First Madam's expression tightened. Although she didn't know what Song Xiuxiu was going to say, she felt uneasy. She stepped forward, trying to pull Song Xiuxiu up, "On a day like today, whatever it is, let's wait!"
Song Xiuxiu refused to get up, instead kowtowing three times to Prime Minister Lin.
Prime Minister Lin was startled by her demeanor, "What is this? Please get up quickly."
Song Xiuxiu's eyes reddened, "Uncle Lin, I am now carrying the Lin family's flesh and blood. I beg Uncle Lin to preside over this matter!"
Her words caused a profound silence in the grand main hall of the Song residence.
"You... what did you say?"
It was the First Madam who reacted first. She walked towards Song Xiuxiu, her voice filled with a tearing astonishment, "What is going on?! When did this happen? Don't speak nonsense!"
Song Xiuxiu, however, raised her head and looked at Lin Muyang, who was standing by, equally at a loss, "Lin Lang, you tell them! Is this matter only mine?"
At this point, there was no need for Song Xiuxiu to explain further; everyone knew whose child Song Xiuxiu was carrying.
Prime Minister Lin turned his head and glared at Lin Muyang, "What is going on? Is it true?"
In fact, Lin Muyang had not expected Song Xiuxiu to suddenly bring this up at this time. He didn't even know that Song Xiuxiu was pregnant!
He opened his mouth to say something to Song Xiuxiu, but ultimately, no words came out.
At this moment, everyone was at a loss. Song Yuan also walked to Song Xiuxiu with a frown, "What is going on with you all? Why has such a situation arisen?"
Song Xiuxiu's eyes reddened, "Cousin-uncle, I apologize! I know this has disgraced the Song family's reputation. If it weren't for this child, I would have kept this matter buried and hanged myself, only then would I have been worthy of the Song family and the care you and Auntie have given me for so long!"
With tears streaming down her face like pear blossoms, she looked again at Song Yanjiao, whose face was as dark as ink, "Second sister, I know I have wronged you! I'm sorry, please rest assured, I only want this child to be born safely! Once the child is born, whether second sister and Lin Lang want to send me to a nunnery, or even drown me, I will willingly accept it. I beg second sister for your fulfillment!"
Song Xiuxiu's words had placed Lin Muyang in another difficult position.
It was clearly a matter between two people, and it was not appropriate to let Song Xiuxiu bear it alone.
Moreover, with Song Xiuxiu having spoken to this extent, could he escape responsibility?
Lin Muyang also knew that he could not escape responsibility. Furthermore, he was a gentle and refined person, and he had never intended to abandon Song Xiuxiu. He had only planned to address Song Xiuxiu's situation after marrying Song Yanjiao, but since Song Xiuxiu had spoken today, he could not possibly stand idly by.
Thus, he knelt beside Song Xiuxiu and looked apologetically at Prime Minister Lin and Song Yuan, "I apologize. Junior cannot believe this matter has reached this point. It is junior's fault. Please punish me, Father and Cousin-uncle!"
"You scoundrel!"
Prime Minister Lin closed his eyes and slapped Lin Muyang fiercely across the face, "How could you have done such a thing? Are you worthy of the Song family, worthy of the Lin family?!"
This slap, delivered in front of everyone, showed no regard for Lin Muyang's dignity.
But Lin Muyang could only lower his head and remain silent, allowing Prime Minister Lin's anger to be directed at him.
It wasn't that they weren't angry with Song Xiuxiu, but Song Xiuxiu was now pregnant. What could anyone do to her?
It was only Lin Muyang who could bear the brunt of it.