“You are very thoughtful, Miss Song. And the second matter?” Mu Changxiao’s gaze returned to Song Tang, and he instinctively glanced at her face.
Yesterday, Song Congzhi had struck with considerable force, leaving Song Tang’s cheek slightly red and swollen. A flash of killing intent passed through Mu Changxiao’s eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.
“The second matter is to discuss with the Marquis whether it is possible to cancel my engagement with the Heir. I know this may be inappropriate, but the Heir and I were Betrothed Before Birth and share no deep affection. This engagement is a constraint for both of us. I hope the Marquis will grant this request to avoid hindering each other’s futures.”
“You and the Heir share no deep affection?” Mu Changxiao’s eyes darkened slightly, his tone calm.
Song Tang was well aware of her previous deep feelings for Mu Ziyu—how she had almost thrown herself at him, only to end up abandoned and kicked to death in the end.
Thus, a forced marriage was better off released. It was far better to part amicably than to be despised and severely wounded by someone deeply loved, only to regret it when it was too late.
Song Tang replied somewhat awkwardly, “In the past, I was young and did not understand love. I thought being Childhood Sweethearts meant deep affection. Now that I am older, I realize our temperaments are incompatible. Forcing a union would only bring unnecessary trouble.”
Mu Changxiao’s eyes narrowed slightly. After a moment of silence, he spoke slowly, “Incompatible temperaments and a forced union are indeed unhelpful. But canceling an engagement is no trivial matter. Have you thought this through clearly?”
“I have given it careful consideration. If the Marquis can grant this, I would be immensely grateful.” Song Tang’s tone was firm, her gaze steady.
Mu Changxiao felt a slight stir in his heart. “Do you already have someone you favor, which is why you wish to cancel the engagement with the Heir?”
Song Tang was momentarily taken aback, then replied with a calm smile, “The Marquis misunderstands. At present, I have no one I favor.”
Mu Changxiao’s tone softened slightly. “What happened yesterday—the Heir indeed did not stand by your side. It is understandable that you are angry. Go back and rest for a few days to think it over clearly. Allow me some time to consider as well. If, after these few days, you wish to retract your request or still insist on canceling the engagement, come find me again. At that time, I will certainly grant your wish.”
Mu Changxiao worried that Song Tang was acting on impulse and might regret it later, so he gave her a few days to reflect carefully.
“Marquis, I came here with a firm resolve. There is no need for further consideration.” Song Tang’s gaze remained as resolute as ever.
Mu Changxiao stared at Song Tang, his tone slightly grave. “Yesterday, at your cousin’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony, such a major incident occurred. Today, you wish to cancel the engagement. Do you know that if I grant this, your future marriage arrangements will become much more difficult?”
“If marriage arrangements are difficult, then I simply won’t marry. I would rather choose to remain single for life than marry Mu Ziyu.” Song Tang spoke indifferently. After all, she had money. Even if she never married, she could live comfortably.
“Will your father agree?” Mu Changxiao asked softly.
Song Tang nodded. “I have already spoken with my father. He agreed to my canceling the engagement with the Heir on the condition that Song Wei marries the Heir instead.”
Mu Changxiao gently rubbed the jade thumb ring on his finger, his expression complex. “Then why did you only request to cancel the engagement earlier and not mention the matter of Song Wei?”
Song Tang replied candidly, “There is no need for me to bring up Song Wei’s matter with the Marquis. Mu Ziyu will come to plead for it himself.”
“He will not.” Mu Changxiao’s voice was cold and clear.
“He will not?” Song Tang asked in surprise. “Why does the Marquis say that?”
Mu Changxiao glanced once more at Song Tang’s bruised face and said slowly, “Never mind. Since you are so determined to cancel the engagement with the Heir, I grant it. However, I hope you will not regret it in the future.”
Song Tang was overjoyed and immediately stood up, bowing deeply to Mu Changxiao. “Thank you, Marquis, for your generosity. I am endlessly grateful.”
Mu Changxiao gave a slight nod. “There is no need for such formalities. You saved my life, and I owe you a debt of gratitude. Canceling the marriage arrangement is only a small repayment. However, exchanging a life for merely canceling an engagement would make me appear too stingy. If you have any other requests, feel free to voice them. I will fulfill them all, as long as they do not involve arson, murder, or plunder.”
Song Tang was momentarily stunned. Aside from canceling the engagement, she could not think of any other needs at the moment.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Song Tang spoke slowly, “Marquis, I cannot think of anything right now.”
Mu Changxiao chuckled softly. “That is fine. I give you my word: if you ever have a need in the future, do not hesitate to seek me out. I will not hesitate to lend a hand.”
Warmth blossomed in Song Tang’s heart, and she bowed once more in gratitude. “Thank you, Marquis.”
Leaving the Mu residence, Song Tang felt a sense of relief. Her steps were light, and even the cold wind brushing against her face felt as warm as spring.
As she stepped out of the mansion gates, Song Tang glanced back at the plaque hanging high above, inscribed with the words “Mu Residence.” A mix of emotions welled up within her.
She no longer had to marry Mu Ziyu. From now on, she had nothing to do with the Mu family.
Mu Changxiao’s guard, Wan Xing, escorted Song Tang to the entrance. Before she boarded the carriage, Wan Xing suddenly spoke up, “Miss Song, this is Funing Ointment, used in the military. It is highly effective for reducing swelling. The Marquis specifically instructed me to give it to you.”
Song Tang accepted the ointment, a wave of warmth washing over her heart. She thanked him softly.
Wan Xing added, “The Marquis is only six years older than the Heir. He has spent years fighting on the battlefield and has never had someone warm-hearted by his side.”
Song Tang was slightly taken aback but quickly understood the implication behind Wan Xing’s words. “I understand. If I come across someone suitable, I will keep the Marquis in mind.”
Wan Xing: “…”
After leaving the Marquis’s Mansion, Song Tang did not return home immediately. Instead, she went to Wangyue Lou, where Mu Ziyu had been frequenting lately.
Half a year ago, Wangyue Lou had invited three exceptionally beautiful women from the outer city to grace its halls.
Qinji Xingyue, whose mastery of the qin was so profound that her melodies could heal a wounded heart;
Wuji Yuyan, whose dancing was as graceful as a fairy treading on waves, enchanting and mesmerizing;
Geji Ziyan, whose singing voice was so melodious that a single song could make one forget all worldly worries.
Countless young nobles in the capital vied for a glimpse of their charm, and Mu Ziyu was no exception.
Since then, Wangyue Lou had become a gathering place for the capital’s fashionable young elites. Song Tang arrived just as the lanterns were being lit. The sound of strings and flutes drifted melodiously from within the building. Gazing at the noble young men laughing and chatting merrily, Song Tang felt a profound sense of detachment.
She knew Mu Ziyu was here, undoubtedly seated in one of the private rooms, surrounded by beautiful women.
In her memories from her past life, there was an unsavory incident—one of the reasons Mu Ziyu later heartlessly kicked her to death.
That year, Mu Ziyu spent his days lingering at Wangyue Lou. She often went to look for him, only to find him drinking and laughing with a group of dubious friends and the three women of Wangyue Lou—Xingyue, Yuyan, and Ziyan.
Back then, she had loved Mu Ziyu too much. Coupled with her mother-in-law’s constant remarks about her failure to bear children, she had disregarded her dignity and pestered him repeatedly. Once, she even caused a scene at Wangyue Lou, smashing several items and thoroughly embarrassing Mu Ziyu.
Humiliated and furious, Mu Ziyu stormed off on the spot. After that, whenever he returned to Wangyue Lou, people would mock him, saying he had a shrew at home…
In this life, Song Tang would not bother with his sordid affairs. He could indulge in whatever he pleased—it had nothing to do with her.
Song Tang’s carriage had just arrived at the entrance of Wangyue Lou when a sharp-eyed attendant promptly came forward to greet him, his face beaming with an ingratiating smile.