Chapter Fifteen: Expressions Flickering Like Shadows

Just moments ago, overwhelmed by nervousness, she had boldly volunteered herself, instantly placing herself in a passive position.

But now that the words were out, regardless of the outcome, at least she had given herself an answer.

Seeing Mu Changxiao remain silent, Song Tang spoke again, her voice noticeably lacking confidence, “Lord Mu, I was just saying…”

“Very well.” Mu Changxiao abruptly interrupted her.

“Ah?” Song Tang looked up in surprise.

A faint smile curved Mu Changxiao’s lips as he met her gaze and repeated, “Very well.”

His eyes burned with intensity, and Song Tang felt a flush of embarrassment, instinctively lowering her eyelids.

“But—did you marry me just to spite His Royal Highness?” Mu Changxiao asked, locking eyes with her.

Song Tang was taken aback. She had never thought of marrying Mu Ziyu to spite him; she merely wished to have the upper hand over him.

“No,” she lifted her head to meet his fervent stare. “His heart belongs entirely to Song Wei. I cannot affect him.”

Mu Changxiao pressed on, “Then why marry me?”

In the capital, everyone knew Song Tang favored Mu Ziyu, so he feared she was only setting herself up for hardship.

Song Tang had no desire to lie; she had always regarded Mu Changxiao as an elder, so there was no need to conceal the truth.

“It’s partly because of Sister Shu An, but mostly because I want to marry you.”

“You know my family’s situation well—the favoritism of my father, mother, and two elder brothers towards Song Wei. I have no one to rely on. I need someone to shield me from the storm, even if only superficially; someone who can let me assume power by proxy.”

Her candor caused Mu Changxiao to frown, a trace of bitterness stirring within him.

This young woman, barely twenty, bore in her eyes the weariness of a harsh world. What immense grievances must she have suffered to harbor such a heart?

He had long known the hardship she endured, yet his status forbade him from intervening directly.

Seeing Mu Changxiao silent, Song Tang smiled faintly. “If, Lord Mu, your heart is unwilling, you need not force yourself out of gratitude for saving your life. You may refuse me—I could find someone else.”

Mu Changxiao narrowed his eyes, his gaze deepening. “If I had just refused, what would you have chosen instead?”

Song Tang bit her lip; clearly, Mu Changxiao was reluctant to marry her.

“I want Lord Mu to use your immense power to suppress my parents and brothers, so I may choose my own marriage freely—or even live separately from them. As long as I am no longer controlled by them.”

Though she never doubted Song Congzhi, Madam He, or her brothers would harbor ill will, Song Wei’s constant schemes and traps against her made vigilance imperative.

Mu Changxiao slipped off the jade ring from his finger and set it aside.

“No need for all that. I will marry you! The position of Lady Mu is yours. From now on, you will be senior to Mu Ziyu. When you speak, he will not dare to contradict. If he disrespects you, I will stand up for you.”

Song Tang was stunned. She hadn’t expected Mu Changxiao to agree so readily, let alone grant her dominance over Mu Ziyu.

Could this feeling of wielding power by proxy return?

As a child, she had once enjoyed being cherished.

But everything changed after Song Wei entered the household. Everyone praised Song Wei as gentle, poised, and understanding, while she became the one accused of bullying and unreasonable conduct.

Her parents and brothers’ gazes turned cold and even resentful. She was no longer the beloved gem of the family, but a dispensable, despised presence.

Yet now, Mu Changxiao’s words were a beam of light illuminating the dark corners of her heart.

Disbelieving, she asked again, “Is it true, Lord Mu? Are you truly willing to marry me?”

Mu Changxiao looked at Song Tang with profound sincerity and nodded solemnly.

“My word is my bond. After you marry me, I will protect you completely. You need not worry.”

Song Tang had been afraid of Mu Changxiao. Were it not for her two brothers also coming to inquire and request the marriage on her behalf, she might have hesitated for days longer.

Mu Changxiao’s ruthlessness was legendary. It was said that his uncle was driven mad by him. To insiders, he showed no familial tenderness; to outsiders, no mercy. This was the highest praise from the civil officials.

He held great power, cold and merciless. The lives he had taken were beyond counting, and even esteemed ministers and grand elders dared not provoke him lightly.

Just as she reached the gates of the Mu residence, Song Tang saw Mu Ziyu pacing impatiently, his expression clearly displeased.

She had no intention of engaging him, lifting her foot to board the carriage.

Mu Ziyu quickened his pace and blocked her path, his face darkened. “Song Tang, what did you say to my third uncle?”

“Prince, please show respect. Miss Song is Lord Mu's honored guest,” Wan Xing stepped forward quietly to remind him.

“Get out of the way!” Mu Ziyu shouted at Wan Xing.

As Mu Changxiao’s attendant, Wan Xing knew how important Song Tang was to his lord. For the first time in years, he witnessed his master breaking routine: not even boarding the carriage but riding back on horseback.

Therefore, Wan Xing did not back down from Mu Ziyu’s outburst but stood his ground firmly.

“Prince, Lord Mu has expressly ordered that Miss Song, my lord’s lifesaver, be treated with utmost respect. If you insist on offending her, do not blame me for taking offense in return.”

Mu Ziyu still cared about his face. With people coming and going at the Mu gates, and his indulgent lifestyle leaving no time for martial arts, he was no match for Wan Xing.

Unwilling to lose face publicly, he stepped back, softening his tone. “Song Tang, I have some things I’d like to discuss with you in private. May we step aside?”

“Say what you want right here,” Song Tang replied coldly.

After being turned away from Mu Changxiao’s courtyard, Mu Ziyu was already simmering with anger. Now, Song Tang had the audacity to humiliate him before the servants—he had had enough!

But with Wan Xing beside him, he took a deep breath, suppressing his fury. “Miss Song, did you come to my third uncle today regret canceling the engagement? Are you reconsidering?”

Song Tang looked at Mu Ziyu with a hint of puzzlement. “Who told you I want to reconsider? The cancellation is final. I neither regret it nor would I stoop to regret it. I've told you before—if you want to marry someone else, go ahead. It has nothing to do with me!”

With that, she boarded the carriage. Mu Ziyu stood frozen, his expression flickering.

He hadn’t expected such decisiveness from Song Tang. Panic stirred within him. She was not one to let go easily—could she truly have no feelings for him?

Impossible! She had once loved him so deeply; how could she just sever ties so simply?

He watched the carriage fade into the distance, a storm of emotions roiling inside.

“Wan Xing, tell me, what was Song Tang’s purpose in seeking out my third uncle just now?” Mu Changxiao called after Wan Xing, who was about to leave.