Song Congzhi smiled and replied, “Zhao Mingxuan, the second legitimate son of Zhao Taifu. What does the Marquis think?”
“Zhao Mingxuan,” Mu Changxiao repeated.
“Yes, Zhao Mingxuan.” Song Congzhi was extremely satisfied with his chosen candidate. He had not yet mentioned this matter to Zhao Taifu.
With Mu Changxiao as a guarantor, Zhao Taifu would certainly not refuse.
Mu Changxiao stroked his jade thumb ring and said, “What kind of man does Lord Song most desire as your son-in-law?”
“What kind of man?” Song Congzhi blurted out, “Naturally, one who excels in both civil and military affairs, holds a high position and great authority, and is steady and reliable.”
“How does Lord Song find this Marquis?”
As soon as Mu Changxiao said this, Song Congzhi was stunned and only reacted after a long moment.
Song Congzhi feared he had misheard, “Does the Marquis mean… you have taken a liking to my daughter?”
“Is Lord Song dissatisfied?” Mu Changxiao looked directly into Song Congzhi’s eyes, his imposing pressure immense.
Song Congzhi hurriedly waved his hands, his face breaking into a smile, “How could I dare? It is my daughter’s honor to have gained the Marquis’s favor.”
His mind was in turmoil, completely unprepared for Mu Changxiao to name himself as the man he intended for Song Tang.
Previously, when considering eligible young men from noble families, he had actually overlooked Mu Changxiao.
A slight curve appeared at the corner of Mu Changxiao’s mouth, “Then I ask Lord Song to return and make preparations. After the New Year, this Marquis will send someone to formally propose marriage.”
Though surprised, Song Congzhi thought to himself that if Song Tang could marry Mu Changxiao, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous boost for the Song family—a double blessing. The smile on his face deepened.
“Very well.”
Mu Changxiao continued, “Only Lord Song need know of this matter for now. There is no need to announce it prematurely to avoid complications.”
“Understood, understood. The Marquis can rest assured.” Song Congzhi eagerly agreed.
Due to Song Congzhi’s excellent mood, the New Year provisions prepared for the Song residence this year were far more abundant than in previous years.
Song Congzhi also viewed Song Tang much more favorably. Not only did he personally serve her dishes at the New Year’s Eve banquet, but he also specifically instructed the household chefs to prepare her favorite desserts.
Song Tang deliberately pretended not to know, coldly watching Song Congzhi’s beaming face.
Madam He, Song An, and the others had no idea what had happened, merely assuming that Song Tang had handled Song Wei’s marriage well, which had changed Song Congzhi’s attitude toward her.
Shortly after the New Year, Mu Changxiao took Song Tang to Jingjiao Bieyuan.
Shortly after they were seated, Wan Xing led in a clear-eyed, delicate young woman dressed in green.
“This servant greets the young lady. Thank you for your life-saving grace.” The green-clad woman knelt and kowtowed to Song Tang.
Song Tang found the green-clad woman somewhat familiar and guessed she was the woman in black from before the New Year. She turned to look at Mu Changxiao.
“Her name is Zi Shuang. From now on, she will follow you.”
Song Tang nodded slightly, “Please rise quickly. Have your injuries healed completely?”
“They have all healed.” Zi Shuang lifted her head, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes, “That day, taking the young lady hostage was an act of desperation. I beg for your forgiveness.”
Song Tang gave a slight nod, her tone calm, “It is all in the past. There is no need to dwell on it.”
Tears shimmered in Zi Shuang’s eyes, “This servant is willing to devote her life to the young lady, to repay your great kindness.” She kowtowed once more.
“You may all withdraw now. I have matters to discuss with the Marquis.”
Song Tang dismissed all the maidservants and servants. Only she and Mu Changxiao remained in the room.
“Marquis, regarding Zi Shuang’s background and grievances, could you please inform me in detail?”
Song Tang did not wish to take in a maidservant of unknown origin without reason. Even with Mu Changxiao’s guarantee, she needed to be certain.
“Zi Shuang was a spy trained under Zhao Taifu. She was pursued after her cover was blown. You saved her and pleaded with me to avenge her, so I agreed to assist as you requested.”
Mu Changxiao paused. “After the start of spring, Zhao Taifu will lose his position. At best, his family will be confiscated and expelled from the capital; at worst, he will lose his head.”
“She was a spy? Is that considered innocent?” Song Tang was somewhat concerned.
Mu Changxiao’s voice remained calm. “She only has an elderly mother, who was originally in Zhao Taifu’s hands. I have already arranged for her to stay at a manor in the outskirts.”
“So that’s how it is. Then there is indeed little to worry about.” Song Tang felt slightly relieved.
Mu Changxiao continued, “Three days from now, I will send someone to the Song Residence to propose marriage. Today, I called you here not only to have you take in a maidservant but also to ask you one final time with utmost seriousness: Are you truly willing to marry me?”
Song Tang was slightly taken aback. Why was he asking her this again?
“I am not unwilling.” Song Tang looked into Mu Changxiao’s eyes and spoke earnestly.
Mu Changxiao gazed deeply at Song Tang, a flicker of tenderness passing through his eyes. “That is good. In this lifetime, I will never betray you.”
Hearing Mu Changxiao’s words, Song Tang was deeply moved.
She assured him, “Marquis, rest assured, I will also fulfill my duties as Houye Furen and will never be jealous or interfere with you taking concubines or such matters.”
“You…” Mu Changxiao’s face instantly darkened. He stood up and walked straight out.
Song Tang was bewildered, unsure what she had said wrong.
“Young lady, have you angered the Marquis?” Caidie entered the room, looking at Song Tang with some alarm. Just moments ago, Mu Changxiao’s face had been as dark as the bottom of a pot.
Song Tang shook her head, her expression confused. “I don’t know either. Marquis Mu indeed has a peculiar temper. We must be more careful in the future.”
“Yes, young lady.” Caidie and Zi Shuang replied in unison.
Song Tang felt uneasy inside. She had never seen Mu Changxiao with such an expression before.
She couldn’t help but recall her earlier words, turning them over in her mind but finding nothing wrong~
Song Tang was a bit worried that if Mu Changxiao got angry, he might not come to the Song Residence to propose in three days.
Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger. If Mu Changxiao was so unpredictable, life in the future might not be easy. She began to feel reluctant to marry~
However, the very next day, Mu Changxiao sent Wan Xing to the Song Residence to deliver something to Song Tang.
Song Tang opened the brocade box to find a jade pendant inside, engraved with Mu Changxiao’s name.
She naturally understood the meaning behind Mu Changxiao sending the pendant—it was a token of faith, a promise to her.
“Young Lady Song, the Marquis instructed me to inform you that the day after tomorrow, he will personally come to the Song Residence to propose marriage. He hopes you can be at ease.” Wan Xing spoke respectfully to Song Tang.
Song Tang nodded slightly. “I understand.”
“Is there anything else?” Seeing Wan Xing standing there without leaving, Song Tang asked curiously.
Wan Xing looked somewhat awkward. “Will you not send something back to our Marquis?”
Song Tang: “…”
She glanced at the jade pendant in her hand and then said, “Take this to the Marquis.”
Song Tang untied the sachet from her waist and gave it to Wan Xing to take back.
The sixteenth day of the first lunar month was a fine day, with clear skies, gentle winds, and warm sunshine.
Mu Changxiao rose early, dressed meticulously, and then led his entourage with generous betrothal gifts, marching grandly toward the Song Residence.
Mu Ziyu had been kept completely in the dark, with no idea which young lady Mu Changxiao intended to propose to.
Just as he was about to catch up with the procession to ask someone, Wan Xing took the initiative to approach Mu Ziyu.
“Heir, what brings you here?”
“These are all betrothal gifts, right? Which young lady has Third Uncle taken a liking to?”