Chapter Ten: How Is My Brother Doing?

Thus, Changming Mu decided to pass his title to Changxiao Mu but insisted that his son, Ziyu Mu, be named heir apparent.

Changxiao Mu had been raised by Changming Mu, and their bond was deep; naturally, he consented to his elder brother’s request.

Later, to avenge Changming Mu, Changxiao Mu secretly dealt with their second brother, Changye Mu, as well as two uncles within the clan. Since then, the Marquisate had enjoyed peace and stability for several years.

However, Madam Sun, Changming Mu’s wife, harbored resentment toward Changxiao Mu, fearing he might marry and have children, and she persistently wished for Ziyu Mu to inherit the title swiftly.

In particular, over the past year or two, the rift between them had only deepened.

Everyone knew the accident two years ago was orchestrated by Madam Sun, aiming to harm Changxiao Mu.

Out of respect for his elder brother Changming Mu, Changxiao Mu never pursued the matter, but that barrier remained insurmountable.

“My lord, you should consider yourself. Do you really intend never to marry? You’re still in your prime…” Wanxing began.

Changxiao Mu waved him off, interrupting, “The time has not come.”

“The time has not come?” Wanxing scratched his head in puzzlement.

Changxiao Mu cast Wanxing a faint glance. “Wanxing, find a moment to relay every detail of today’s events to Shu’an Mu, and tell him it comes from me.”

“Yes, my lord.” Wanxing did not understand the meaning behind Changxiao Mu’s words but sensed his master’s decision was weighty, so he asked no further and went about his duties.

Changxiao Mu lifted his cup and sipped his tea.

Song Tang’s unexpected visit today, requesting to cancel her engagement, was beyond his expectations—but perhaps it was fate.

Since fate had spoken, he must comply and ensure Song Tang leaves Ziyu Mu promptly.

It was better for Song Tang to see early that Ziyu Mu was a notorious playboy, sparing her future suffering.

By facilitating Ziyu Mu’s union with Song Wei, Song Tang would be freed entirely from this matrimonial farce, with no chance of turning back.

The next morning, Shu’an Mu took Song Tang to see the plum blossoms.

Shu’an Mu was the youngest daughter of the Mu family’s matriarch and also the younger sister-in-law of the heir, Ziyu Mu.

They had been classmates since childhood, and in the previous life, Shu’an Mu had steadfastly stood by Song Tang’s side until she was wed and entered the palace as a consort.

But barely a year later, news spread within the palace that Consort Shu was frail and had passed away.

How could Shu’an Mu, born into a martial family of the Marquisate, be weak?

In this life, Song Tang must find a way to protect her dear sister Shu’an Mu.

Shu’an Mu led Song Tang to a suburban villa where plum blossoms were in full bloom, their crisp fragrance filling the air.

Song Tang gazed at the blossoms, her mind drifting. Today, Ziyu Mu would surely go seek her father.

The villa was warmed early with charcoal fires, cozy and inviting.

Song Tang removed her white brocade fox fur cloak and settled down slowly.

“Tang’er, why did you attend Song Wei’s coming-of-age ceremony yesterday?” Shu’an Mu asked with a tender look. As far as Shu’an Mu knew, Song Tang had never mentioned the event in the past six months.

Shu’an Mu couldn’t fathom how Madam He could wrong her own child by favoring her sister’s daughter. What kind of mother could be so heartless?

Song Tang’s fingers traced a number five. “Madam He gave me five thousand taels and returned Caidie to me.”

“Your mother really went all out this time. I recognized your maid and was going to ask you about her,” Shu’an Mu’s voice was tinged with bitterness and sarcasm.

Caidie, Song Tang’s childhood maid, had been fiercely loyal. Because she offended Song Wei, she was expelled from the Earl’s mansion.

Song Tang had cried countless tears over Caidie’s expulsion in front of Shu’an Mu.

Madam He knew Song Tang’s wet nurse had died but still drove away the only maid who had been close to her.

What kind of mother could be so ruthless?

Even Song Tang’s father and brothers, for some unfathomable reason, sided with Madam He, favoring Song Wei and completely sidelining Song Tang.

If Song Tang’s heart were not strong, she would have hanged herself in despair, like the noble daughters in the stories.

“Yes, she really went all out,” Song Tang smiled bitterly. “Good thing you didn’t come yesterday, so we didn’t have to be upset together.”

“Of course, I wouldn’t go. Why should I attend Song Wei’s coming-of-age? I have no intention of giving her face.”

Shu’an Mu paused, then continued, “I thought you’d be heartbroken after canceling the engagement and wanted to persuade you, but I didn’t expect you to be so calm.”

“Neither did I. I wasn’t sad at all. Instead, I felt a sense of relief,” Song Tang smiled faintly.

Shu’an Mu stared intently into Song Tang’s eyes. “Have you truly let go? No regrets?”

“No regrets, truly,” Song Tang replied earnestly. “Since Ziyu Mu wishes to marry Song Wei, I’ll comply with his wishes.”

Shu’an Mu was indignant on Song Tang’s behalf. “What right does Song Wei have? You and Ziyu Mu grew up as childhood sweethearts. Since she entered your home, she has opposed you at every turn. Now she wants to take your engagement. How can you bear it?”

“People change. Rather than force the matter, it’s better to let go. I don’t want to force anything anymore,” Song Tang sighed.

Ever since he saved Changxiao Mu that year, she sensed Ziyu Mu’s attitude toward her growing cold, his eyes increasingly distant.

Madam Sun, especially, refused to see her anymore. Even when they met, she mocked her sharply, accusing her of being temperamental and undisciplined.

At first, Song Tang thought Madam Sun bore a grudge against her, but later realized she had saved the wrong person.

Though Song Tang couldn’t be entirely sure if Madam Sun had harmed Changxiao Mu, she had indeed saved his life.

The title that should have been hers became a barrier between her and Ziyu Mu.

These truths became clear only after her marriage to Ziyu Mu in her previous life, by then she had been broken by Madam Sun, her mother-in-law.

Ziyu Mu never defended her; instead, he claimed Madam Sun acted for her own good and urged her to obey Madam Sun’s teachings.

Shu’an Mu gently patted the back of Song Tang’s hand. “Tang’er, do you want to trample Song Wei underfoot?”

“Of course I do,” Song Tang answered without hesitation.

Shu’an Mu smiled faintly. “What do you think of my brother?”

“Lord Mu?” Song Tang was momentarily taken aback, then said, “Lord Mu is undeniably exceptional.”

Shu’an Mu shook her head. “No, I mean how do you think my brother treats you?”

“Very well. After all, I saved his life. Naturally, he is courteous to me.” Song Tang recalled how Changxiao Mu had stopped Song Congzhiluo’s slap at Song Wei’s coming-of-age ceremony and felt a sudden warmth.

Shu’an Mu said with meaning, “Didn’t my brother promise you something? He said anything you ask for will be granted.”

“Yes.” Song Tang nodded.

“Then use that promise to marry my brother!” Shu’an Mu said excitedly.