Chapter Twenty-One: The Stage Is Set

“Is there anything else?” Song Tang was slightly taken aback, somewhat puzzled.

Mu Changxiao gave Song Tang a penetrating look. “Postpone the marriage between the heir and Song Wei for two more days. Let them clear everything on your side first.”

Song Tang waved her hand. “Marquis, actually, there’s nothing much on my end. People have mouths, let them talk if they want. I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear.”

To live again and not marry Mu Ziyu was already a blessing from heaven; the gossip was truly insignificant to Song Tang.

Mu Changxiao looked into Song Tang’s eyes and said solemnly, “Soon, you will be my wife. I will not allow anyone to slander you in the slightest.”

Hearing the word “wife,” Song Tang’s face flushed crimson, her heart racing, a sudden shyness washing over her.

Mu Changxiao caught her reaction and couldn’t help but smile faintly. He then turned to Wan Xing and said, “Bring Mu Ziyu here.”

“Since the heir is coming, Marquis, I shall take my leave first.” Seeing Mu Changxiao summon Mu Ziyu, Song Tang stood up to bid farewell.

“Wait.” Mu Changxiao called out. “You can’t just leave like that. How will you explain to your father and the others?”

Song Tang thought for a moment. “I’ll say Marquis Rong is taking a few days to consider.”

“Will that convince your father? Wait here a moment.”

Song Tang, somewhat puzzled, sat down again. In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Mu Ziyu appeared before them.

“Third Uncle, you’re finally willing to see me.” Mu Ziyu was a bit excited and bowed deeply to Mu Changxiao.

Mu Changxiao glanced at him coldly. “Kneel.”

Mu Ziyu hesitated but, spotting Song Tang sitting there, steeled himself and knelt down.

“Third Uncle, what do you mean by this?” Mu Ziyu sounded aggrieved.

Mu Changxiao’s voice was stern. “When do you plan to announce your secret relationship with Song Wei to the outside world?”

“A secret relationship?” Mu Ziyu was taken aback. “Wasn’t it said before that it would be announced as an early affection? ‘Secret relationship’ sounds too serious…”

Mu Changxiao narrowed his eyes, his expression darkening. Mu Ziyu’s scalp tingled and, sensing his uncle’s anger, quickly corrected himself, “Fine, as you say, a secret relationship it is.”

He then sneakily glanced at Song Tang, who looked calm and indifferent, as if it didn’t concern her.

Song Wei was not truly of the Song family bloodline, and her poor conduct did not affect her sisters.

Mu Changxiao, seeing Mu Ziyu was somewhat sensible, continued, “Have you prepared the two hundred thousand silver taels?”

At this moment, Song Tang was unaware that the twenty thousand silver taels Mu Changxiao mentioned were for her. She was a little puzzled, not understanding why he brought up money, especially such a large sum.

“It’s been prepared.” Mu Ziyu said as he pulled out a bundle of silver notes from his waistband and handed them to Wan Xing.

Mu Ziyu gave a subtle signal, and Wan Xing immediately understood.

Taking the silver notes, Wan Xing turned to Song Tang with a solemn expression. “Miss Song, this is the compensation the heir has arranged for you at the marquis’s request.”

Song Tang was stunned. She hadn’t expected the silver notes to be for her. Her heart swelled with surprise and delight. Was she about to become a little wealthy? She looked up at Mu Changxiao, her eyes filled with joy.

Mu Ziyu, still kneeling nearby, saw Song Tang smiling warmly at his uncle and felt rather displeased. Those silver notes were clearly his gift.

Mu Changxiao then ordered Mu Ziyu, “Tomorrow night your grandmother is hosting a banquet. You and your mother must attend.”

“My mother is still ill,” Mu Ziyu said with some difficulty.

Mu Changxiao’s voice was cold. “Whether truly ill or not, she must appear. This is an order!”

Mu Ziyu sighed. “Third Uncle, if she really refuses, I can’t exactly drag her out of bed.”

“See for yourself. If you still want to marry Song Wei, find a way.” Mu Changxiao’s tone was indifferent.

Mu Ziyu finally understood that his uncle intended to pressure his mother. He had to get her to appear.

“Understood, Third Uncle. I’ll figure something out.” Mu Ziyu’s face also showed a trace of satisfaction.

Mu Changxiao waved his hand. “You may leave.”

After glancing at Song Tang, Mu Ziyu obeyed and withdrew.

He was eager to see Song Tang’s expression fall apart, imagining that his uncle had agreed to help him marry Song Wei right in front of her. Surely, she must be very upset.

But Mu Ziyu found no trace of the expected sorrow on Song Tang’s face—not even a little!

He consoled himself, thinking Song Tang was just pretending not to care and must be hurt inside.

Once Mu Ziyu had left, Mu Changxiao turned to Song Tang and brought up another matter.

“The black-clad woman who kidnapped you last night was not killed. She has grievances.”

“Oh.” Song Tang was indifferent. She hadn’t been hurt, and it would have been too severe to kill her just for the kidnapping.

“What grievances?” Song Tang asked, thinking that since Mu Changxiao mentioned “grievances,” he obviously did not intend to hide anything from her.

“It involves a high-ranking official in the court. I’ve already sent people to take her to a safe place. In your name, if you have time, I will accompany you to see her in a few days.”

Song Tang was a little bewildered. “In my name?”

“You lack a capable maid. This woman is skilled and honest. She could stay by your side in the future.”

When Mu Changxiao said someone was skilled, it was undoubtedly true.

Song Tang nodded slightly. Currently, she only had Cai Die, who was loyal and reliable. She was short on help. If she could have a skilled and trustworthy attendant, that would be excellent.

“Tang’er, why didn’t you tell me beforehand you were coming to the Mu residence to see my little brother?” Mu Shuan entered, looking at Mu Changxiao and Song Tang with a mischievous gleam.

Mu Changxiao cleared his throat. “Miss Song came to discuss serious matters.”

“Oh, I haven’t even said anything and my little brother is already being defended?” Mu Shuan teased.

A blush rose on Song Tang’s face. “Sister Shuan, please don’t tease me.”

“All right, all right, little one is shy. I won’t say more.” Mu Shuan smiled and asked, “What serious matters were you discussing just now?”

“My father was furious last night and instructed me to come here today to settle the marriage between the heir and Song Wei,” Song Tang said quietly.

Mu Shuan’s expression darkened. “Your father really! How could he make you beg my little brother over Song Wei’s matter?”

“Shuan, be careful with your words.” Mu Changxiao shot Mu Shuan a warning glance.

Song Tang felt it was no big deal. “It’s nothing. Sister Shuan and I often complain about them together in private.”

“Yes, little brother, you don’t know how badly Tang’er has been bullied by them all these years. We can at least vent behind their backs.” Mu Shuan sympathized with Song Tang.

Mu Changxiao asked, “Shuan, have you arranged everything for mother’s banquet tomorrow?”

“All preparations are done. The stage is set, ready for the performance!”