Chapter Twenty-Four: Which Young Lady Has Caught His Eye?

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Song Congzhi smiled and replied, “How does Your Lordship feel about Zhao Mingxuan, the second legitimate son of Grand Tutor Zhao’s family?”

“Zhao Mingxuan,” Mu Changxiao repeated thoughtfully.

“Yes, that’s him,” Song Congzhi said with great satisfaction over the choice. He hadn’t yet mentioned this matter to Grand Tutor Zhao. With Mu Changxiao’s endorsement, Grand Tutor Zhao would surely not object.

Mu Changxiao touched his jade ring and asked, “What kind of son-in-law does Lord Song desire most?”

“What kind?” Song Congzhi answered immediately, “Naturally, someone accomplished in both civil and military affairs, holding high rank and power, steady and reliable.”

“How does my lord find me?” Mu Changxiao’s words caught Song Congzhi off guard, and it took him a moment to realize the implication.

“Are you saying... you fancy my youngest daughter?” Song Congzhi asked hesitantly.

“Is Lord Song dissatisfied?” Mu Changxiao’s gaze was intense and commanding.

Song Congzhi quickly waved his hand with a forced smile, “How dare I! To receive Your Lordship’s favor would be my daughter’s greatest honor.”

Inside, he was in turmoil, never expecting that Mu Changxiao was proposing himself as a match for Song Tang. He had been thinking only of suitable sons from prominent families and had forgotten about Mu Changxiao.

A faint smile curved Mu Changxiao’s lips. “Then please prepare, Lord Song. After the New Year, I shall send someone to formally propose.”

Though surprised, Song Congzhi realized that if Song Tang married Mu Changxiao, it would be a great boon for the Song family, a double blessing. His smile deepened, “Very well.”

Mu Changxiao added, “This matter should remain between us for now, no need to announce it prematurely to avoid complications.”

“Understood, Your Lordship,” Song Congzhi hurried to agree.

In high spirits, Song Congzhi prepared a far more lavish New Year’s feast than usual. He found Song Tang more pleasing to his eyes as well, personally serving her dishes at the family banquet and instructing the kitchen to prepare her favorite desserts.

Song Tang feigned ignorance, watching Song Congzhi’s joyous expression with cool detachment.

Madam He and Song An had no idea what had transpired; they merely thought Song Tang had successfully arranged Song Wei’s marriage, which had softened Song Congzhi’s attitude toward Song Tang.

Shortly after the New Year, Mu Changxiao brought Song Tang to a suburban villa near the capital.

They had barely sat down when Wan Xing led in a fair-featured young woman dressed in plain blue.

“The servant pays respects to Miss, and thanks you for your kindness in saving me,” the woman said, bowing deeply to Song Tang.

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Song Tang found the blue-clad woman somewhat familiar, guessing she was the black-clad figure from before the New Year. She glanced at Mu Changxiao.

“Her name is Zishuang. She will stay with you from now on.”

Song Tang nodded slightly. “Get up now. Are your wounds fully healed?”

“All healed,” Zishuang lifted her head, gratitude shining in her eyes. “I had no choice but to abduct you that day. Please forgive me.”

Song Tang nodded calmly. “It’s all past. No need to dwell on it.”

Tears glimmered in Zishuang’s eyes. “I am willing to risk everything to repay your great kindness.” She bowed once more.

“You may all leave now. I have matters to discuss with Your Lordship,” Song Tang said, dismissing all the maids and servants until only she and Mu Changxiao remained.

“Your Lordship, would you please explain Zishuang’s background and grievances?” Song Tang asked. She did not wish to accept a servant of unknown origin without clarity, even with Mu Changxiao’s guarantee.

“Zishuang was a spy trained under Grand Tutor Zhao. After her cover was blown, she was pursued. You saved her and asked me to avenge her; thus, I intervened,” Mu Changxiao explained. He paused. “After spring begins, Grand Tutor Zhao will lose his position. At best, his family will be exiled from the capital; at worst, his head will fall.”

“A spy? Is she truly innocent?” Song Tang worried.

Mu Changxiao’s voice was cold. “She only has an elderly mother, once held by Grand Tutor Zhao, now placed in a country estate arranged by me.”

“I see. There is little to fear then,” Song Tang sighed with relief.

Mu Changxiao continued, “In three days, I will send someone to formally propose. I called you here not just to accept a maid but to ask you once more, sincerely: do you truly wish to marry me?”

Song Tang was momentarily stunned. Why did he ask again?

“I have no objections,” she answered earnestly, meeting his eyes.

Mu Changxiao gazed deeply, a flicker of tenderness crossing his expression. “That is good. I promise I will never betray you in this life.”

Moved, Song Tang pledged, “Your Lordship, rest assured, I will fulfill the duties of your wife and will never be jealous or interfere with your taking concubines.”

“You...” Mu Changxiao’s face darkened instantly. Without another word, he stood and left the room.

Song Tang was baffled, unsure what she had said wrong.

“Miss, did you anger Your Lordship?” the maid Caidie asked nervously, having noticed Mu Changxiao’s sullen expression.

Song Tang shook her head, puzzled. “I don’t know. His temper is indeed strange. We should be cautious from now on.”

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“Yes, Miss,” Caidie and Zishuang replied in unison.

Uneasy, Song Tang had never seen Mu Changxiao like this before.

She reconsidered what she had said but found nothing amiss.

She worried that if Mu Changxiao remained angry, he might not come to propose in three days. Living with such a mercurial lord would be like living with a tiger; she was beginning to dread the marriage.

However, the next day, Mu Changxiao sent Wan Xing to the Song residence with a gift for Song Tang.

Opening the brocade box, Song Tang found a jade pendant engraved with Mu Changxiao’s name.

She understood the meaning immediately—it was a token and a promise.

“Miss Song, His Lordship instructed me to inform you that he will personally come to propose the day after tomorrow. Please rest at ease,” Wan Xing respectfully conveyed.

Song Tang nodded slightly. “I understand.”

“Is there anything else?” Seeing Wan Xing hesitate, Song Tang asked.

Embarrassed, Wan Xing said, “Won’t you send something back to His Lordship?”

Song Tang glanced at the jade pendant in her hand, then said, “Take this to him.” She untied the scented sachet at her waist and gave it to Wan Xing.

The sixteenth day of the first lunar month was an auspicious day, with clear skies and gentle winds.

Mu Changxiao rose early, dressed carefully, and, accompanied by his retinue and abundant betrothal gifts, set off in grand procession for the Song residence.

Mu Ziyu was kept in the dark, unaware which young lady Mu Changxiao intended to propose to.

Just as he prepared to catch up and inquire, Wan Xing stepped before him.

“Young Lord, why are you here?”

“These must be the betrothal gifts. Which young lady has Third Uncle chosen?”