Chapter 29: Coaxing and Coercing

Before Qiuling could leave the courtyard to tip off Song Wei, Zishuang knocked her unconscious.

"Song Tang, what brings you to call for me today?" Mu Ziyu’s tone was clearly impatient, but since Song Tang was soon to become his third aunt, he felt he had to show some respect to his third uncle.

Song Tang smiled faintly and gestured for him to take a seat. Mu Ziyu frowned, wondering what game she was playing.

"Ziyu," Song Tang said gently, "it has been a long time since we shared a meal. I remember you used to say you loved the flavor of my personal kitchen. In a few days, I will be marrying your third uncle, and I thought I might not have this chance again. So, I specifically invited you today to taste the flavors of the past."

Mu Ziyu did not believe for a second that Song Tang had such good intentions. "You never beat around the bush, Song Tang. Is this meal a trap?"

Song Tang smiled indifferently. "Think what you will. The Marquis spoke to me, and since we will be family, I thought I would try to ease the tension between us for the sake of our mutual peace of mind."

Hearing this, Mu Ziyu sighed. "I see. If it is my third uncle’s wish, then I am relieved." He glanced at her; today, Song Tang’s makeup was exquisite, her expression soft and gentle, appearing incredibly graceful and charming. He recalled how he used to boast to everyone that his Song Tang was the most beautiful woman in the capital, and how no one had ever dared to refute him. He had been so proud back then.

His thoughts returned to the present. He looked into her eyes, full of tenderness. "Tang'er, you have changed. If you had been this gentle and understanding before, we would never have ended up like this." His tone was tinged with regret.

At that moment, Caidie brought in the soup that Qiuling had tampered with. Song Tang stood up and personally ladled a bowl for Mu Ziyu, placing it before him. "Indeed, I was too immature in the past. Try it and see if it tastes the same as it used to."

Mu Ziyu looked gloomy for a fleeting moment, then drank a large gulp of the soup as if it were wine. "Hmm, the same taste, but..."

Before he could finish, he suddenly felt dizzy, and a dry heat began to spread through his body. As a young man who lived a dissolute life, he naturally knew what this feeling meant. "Song Tang, what... what did you put in this soup? Are you... trying to get me to take you?" He had misread the situation, assuming Song Tang wanted to offer herself to him—a temptation he saw no reason to refuse.

Song Tang feigned confusion and said softly, "I didn't put anything in it. Ziyu, what is wrong?"

Seeing Song Tang’s innocent expression, Mu Ziyu assumed she was just being coy. He needed relief immediately, so he said directly, "Tang'er, no need for words. I understand. Since we were not meant to be together in this life, let us not be bound by these social formalities. Indulging in the moment is not such a bad thing."

As he spoke, he stood up to embrace her. Song Tang dodged him immediately, looking shocked. "Ziyu, what are you blathering about? What 'indulging in the moment'?"

"Tang'er, don't be like this. You know better than I do what is in that soup. Since you added it, weren't you waiting for me to make the first move? I’m here, Tang'er." He reached out again to grab her.

Song Tang stepped back. "Mu Ziyu, show some self-respect. I don't know what you are talking about. This soup was made in my kitchen; I drink it every day and have never had a problem. If you don't believe me, I will drink some to show you." She took a sip of the soup in front of him. After a moment, she showed no reaction.

Mu Ziyu was stunned. He hadn't eaten anything else besides the soup. If the soup were poisoned, why was she fine? Regardless, his physical discomfort was growing rapidly.

Song Tang looked at him coldly. "Ziyu, I call you that not because I used to, but because I will have to in the future. You should realize that in a few days, I will be your elder. Your third uncle is a man of great stature and elegance; why would I ever debase myself by doing what you are suggesting? Am I blind?"

"Song Tang! You!" Mu Ziyu stared at her in disbelief; he had never been insulted like this before.

Song Tang continued, "I wanted to make peace with you, but it seems you don't care for it. I won't tell your third uncle about today's events, but from now on, stay away from me. Do not appear before me again."

Mu Ziyu was speechless, but his body was betraying him, and he was nearing his limit. He could not walk out of the courtyard in this state, and he could not let Song Tang summon a physician—he couldn't afford the humiliation. He couldn't go to Song Wei either, as he couldn't explain the situation and feared her misunderstanding.

Gritting his teeth, he said, "Get me a tub of cold water. I need to bathe."

Song Tang remained expressionless, neither agreeing nor refusing. Mu Ziyu couldn't wait any longer. His tone turned desperate. "I beg you."

"Go to the east side room to bathe. Do not soil my quarters," Song Tang said coldly.

Relieved, Mu Ziyu stumbled toward the east room. Next to it was the maids' quarters. The other maids were out working, but one remained inside, sleeping with the door open. Consumed by lust and after a brief internal struggle, Mu Ziyu entered. He locked the door behind him and approached the sleeping maid. He realized with a start that it was Qiuling.

His physical urges had completely overtaken his reason. Qiuling woke up to the sudden touch and, seeing the young master unbuttoning her clothes, struggled in terror. "Young Master, what are you doing?"

Mu Ziyu, burning with desire, gasped, "Give it to me!"

Qiuling realized instantly that the soup she had spiked for Song Tang must have been consumed by the young master. Terrified, she pushed him away—the young master was Song Wei’s intended!

But Mu Ziyu had lost his sanity. He ignored her resistance, coaxing her while using force. "Behave. Don't worry, I will surely grant you a position."

Hearing the word "position," Qiuling’s heart faltered despite her panic. If she could become the young master's concubine, her status would skyrocket. This was the Marquis's estate, and he was the heir. If she could bear him sons... But then she thought of Song Wei’s face, and she sobered up instantly. She was Song Wei’s servant; if Song Wei found out, she would never be spared.

With a tearful voice, she pleaded, "Young Master, please, let me go! If Miss Wei finds out you have favored me, she will never forgive me!"