“That’s right. Earlier, when your maidservant Qiuling served us tea, she didn’t mention it either. When we asked her, she said you were inside getting dressed and made up,” Song Chao hurriedly added.
“Eldest Brother, Second Brother, would anyone care if Tang’er fell ill? If someone did care, then Tang’er wouldn’t want to worry those who care about me.”
Song Tang paused, then suppressed her voice and coughed twice: “Moreover, Eldest Brother and Second Brother clearly don’t believe Tang’er is sick judging by your expressions. In that case, what difference does it make whether I say it or not? Just pretend Tang’er isn’t sick.”
“Besides, I only felt a little unwell, and I’m much better now. Eldest Brother, Second Brother… cough… there’s no need to worry.”
Song Chao, being straightforward, said bluntly: “Song Tang, never mind about you being sick today. We came to ask you, what exactly is going on with canceling the marriage contract? Marriage is a major life event, yet you keep changing your mind. How do you expect Wei’er to handle this?”
“What do you mean, keep changing my mind?” Song Tang asked innocently in return: “Didn’t I already ask Father and Marquis Mu to cancel the marriage contract? The matter is settled. Hasn’t Father told you?”
“Now, Father is worried that Cousin’s reputation might be damaged and is hesitating about whether to marry her off. He says he needs to think it over again. Where did you get the news that I’m unwilling to cancel the marriage contract again?”
After Song Tang finished speaking, she coughed a few more times. Song An and Song Chao’s expressions changed slightly upon hearing this. Song Chao stepped forward, wanting to say more, but was stopped by Song An.
“Since Younger Sister isn’t feeling well, we won’t disturb you any further. Rest well.” Song An pulled Song Chao away from Song Tang’s room.
Song Tang closed her eyes slightly, as if she didn’t even have the strength to speak, and only heard her say softly: “Take care, Eldest Brother, Second Brother.”
In her previous life, these two elder brothers not only never cared for her but also, at Song Wei’s instigation, took advantage of her misfortune.
While drinking with Mu Ziyu, they told him to discipline Song Tang properly, saying she had been willful since childhood and, if not properly disciplined, would be unfit to be the mistress of the Marquis’s Mansion in the future.
As a result, Mu Ziyu often told her later that her mother-in-law’s constant harassment was meant to temper her character. She truly suffered endless grievances.
In this life, these two elder brothers are still the same, only good to Song Wei. Even when she is sick, they still turn a blind eye to her.
A bitter smile rose in Song Tang’s heart, the bitterness inside her like the falling snow outside the window.
She sighed softly. Having already suffered the losses of one lifetime, there’s no need to place hope in them.
Mu Ziyu’s mother, Madam Sun, is very domineering. Since Song Wei is so adept at scheming and envied her for marrying into the Marquis’s Mansion in her previous life, then in this life, let her have her wish and marry her off. Let the wicked be tormented by the wicked~
Mu Ziyu was currently like an ant on a hot pan, his heart in turmoil.
Because the servant boy by his side had just told him that Song Tang had gone to see Marquis Mu again.
Mu Ziyu was worried that Song Tang might change her mind and refuse to cancel the marriage contract again.
However, Mu Changxiao hadn’t returned from the palace yet. Unable to sit still, he simply headed towards Mu Changxiao’s courtyard.
The Emperor had only been on the throne for five years. The veteran ministers around him had been using their assistance to the new emperor to control the court affairs, and in recent years, it had become increasingly outrageous.
Mu Changxiao was the Emperor’s study companion from his youth, and the Emperor relied on him heavily.
Especially three years ago, Mu Changxiao, for the sake of the Emperor, braved immense pressure to lead troops into battle. Swift and decisive, he quelled the border rebellion in one fell swoop, achieving illustrious military merits and finally securing a firm foothold in the imperial court.
The Emperor was greatly pleased, and his trust in Mu Changxiao deepened even further.
Yet now, although he enjoyed the Emperor’s deep favor, he found himself caught in a dilemma due to the power struggles within the court. The Emperor wished to swiftly eliminate these old factions to stabilize the court.
However, these old factions were deeply entrenched, with intertwined interests that would affect the whole if one part were disturbed. They could not be shaken overnight, and the Emperor had few reliable people around him.
Moreover, Mu Changxiao himself actually belonged to the old factions, so he had to tread carefully with this move, fearing that a single misstep could bring disaster upon himself.
Upon leaving the palace, a servant from his residence immediately reported to him that Song Tang was waiting for him at the mansion.
Mu Changxiao abandoned his carriage, saddled a horse, and galloped all the way back to his residence in haste.
Song Tang had already drunk two cups of tea. She was determined to wait for Mu Changxiao today.
However, when she actually saw Mu Changxiao walk in, covered in dust and looking weary, her heart involuntarily tightened.
She stood up somewhat stiffly and bowed to Mu Changxiao. “Marquis Mu.”
Mu Changxiao gave a slight nod. “Sit.”
Song Tang sat down as instructed, her posture slightly rigid, her hands nervously clasped together, the handkerchief in her grip already somewhat wrinkled.
Noticing Song Tang’s unease, Mu Changxiao said to Wan Xing, “Everyone else may withdraw.”
As soon as Mu Changxiao finished speaking, Wan Xing lowered his head and obediently retreated.
Caidie glanced at Song Tang and, receiving a confirming nod, quietly followed Wan Xing out.
Now, only Mu Changxiao and Song Tang remained in the hall.
“Miss Song, have you changed your mind?” Mu Changxiao’s voice was low, as emotionless as winter snow settling.
Song Tang forced down the panic in her heart and gently bit her lip. “I haven’t changed my mind.”
“Oh?” Mu Changxiao deliberately drew out the word, unconsciously rubbing the jade thumb ring on his thumb.
“Then why have you come today?”
Song Tang’s heart rose to her throat, a faint blush spreading across her fair face. She slightly averted her gaze from Mu Changxiao, took a deep breath, and mustered her courage. “Marquis Mu, what do you think of me becoming your wife?”
After saying this, Song Tang clearly felt the atmosphere in the room freeze instantly, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
Mu Shu’an was right—Mu Changxiao was her best choice. If she didn’t want to be manipulated by others, she had to plan for herself.
Since Mu Changxiao had promised her a commitment, she would shamelessly use it. But if Mu Changxiao truly was unwilling, she wouldn’t force it—a forced relationship would not be sweet.
She had prepared for the worst. If Mu Changxiao refused, she would say that Mu Shu’an had told her to ask. Otherwise, it would be too embarrassing—after all, the two siblings were close.
Moreover, she had prepared another request: for Mu Changxiao to intervene in her life’s major decisions, helping her choose a husband or even arrange a separation from the family. In this lifetime, she had to take control of her own future.
Mu Changxiao’s gaze remained fixed on Song Tang. The jade thumb ring gleamed under his touch, and his eyes were complex and inscrutable, as if weighing his options.
Song Tang couldn’t discern Mu Changxiao’s attitude. Her palms were already sweating, and she dared not meet his eyes directly.
Was he unwilling?