Chapter 23: Whose Young Master Is This?

“The Wang family holds a high status; mother must not offend them,” Song Tang reminded her.

“No matter how high their status, if your eldest brother doesn’t like it and refuses to marry, can their family really force him?” Madam He snorted coldly, displeased.

“That’s true,” Song Tang thought to herself. In the previous life, the Wang family had sought an official’s arranged marriage for the Royal King, and Song An had no choice but to accept.

Madam He furrowed her brows deeply—one troubling matter after another, as if there were no end to them.

That night, Song Tang went to bed early and slept soundly in the first half, but in the latter half of the night, she dreamt of Mu Changxiao.

In her dream, Mu Changxiao was clad in armor, imposing and majestic, leading hundreds of thousands of troops to the battlefield.

The scene shifted to a war-torn field engulfed in flames; Mu Changxiao was struck by several arrows and covered in blood.

Startled, Song Tang woke up abruptly, cold sweat soaking her back.

She recalled that in her past life, Mu Changxiao had died on the battlefield.

An uneasy feeling gripped her as she turned restlessly, unable to fall back asleep.

——

Good news arrived two days later, personally delivered by Mu Shuan to Song Tang.

Mu Changxiao had thrown a major tantrum at a banquet, even overturning a table.

Madam Sun was so frightened she sat on the ground wailing.

Mu Ziyu was caught in a dilemma, wanting both sides yet unable to have either.

Madam Mu did not intervene, merely watching the commotion unfold.

"Tang’er, when do you plan to tell your father about my brother and you?" Mu Shuan asked, gossiping as she looked at Song Tang.

She was eager to know how Song Congzhi and Madam He would react to the news that Song Tang was about to become the lady of the Hou residence.

“There’s no rush. It depends on when my father decides to visit Marquis Mu. I’ve already told my mother that Marquis Mu will arrange my marriage. They probably want to wait until Song Wei’s marriage is completely settled before asking,” Song Tang replied.

“You’re really good at keeping your cool. I’d love to see your cousin’s face when she finds out you’re her third aunt!” Mu Shuan laughed.

“That would definitely be a shock,” Song Tang smiled.

Mu Shuan joined in laughing. “But you still need to watch out for her and my eldest sister-in-law. That household is not to be underestimated.”

“Mm, don’t worry,” Song Tang assured.

---

After lunch, Mu Shuan stayed for a while before leaving.

As dusk approached, Song Si stood hesitating at the entrance of Tianlin Garden.

Coincidentally, Caidie came out to fetch something and saw Song Si standing there.

“Third Miss, what are you doing here?”

“I... I embroidered a sachet. Could you please give it to Eldest Sister? Thank you, Sister Caidie.” Song Si handed over the sachet and quickly left.

“Hey, Third Miss, come in and say it yourself,” Caidie called after her.

Once Song Si was out of sight, Caidie looked down at the sachet in her hand. It was delicately embroidered with lotus flowers, clearly made with care.

Just as she was about to take it inside to give to Song Tang, she heard Qiuling’s sarcastic voice: “Caidie, you’re really going to show our lady that rough cloth sachet Third Miss made? Are you trying to hurt her eyes?”

“What rough cloth sachet? Qiuling, if you keep gossiping, I’ll tell Lady and have her fix your bad habit!” With Song Tang’s backing, Caidie wasn’t afraid at all.

Qiuling was thoroughly frustrated. She had told Song Wei many times she wanted to leave Song Tang’s place. It was freezing cold, and she was constantly busy in the courtyard, her hands chapped and cracked. She couldn’t even approach the room or hear any news.

But Song Wei refused and gave her more things, telling her to endure a bit longer, promising to deliver any news she heard.

Qiuling found a chance to tell Song Wei about Third Miss giving Song Tang the sachet after dark.

Song Wei was equally frustrated these days. She couldn’t understand why Song Tang had suddenly become “clever.”

She hated Song Tang and everything about the Song family. If only her mother had chosen the top scholar’s father instead of Count Song, she wouldn’t be living this dependent life.

Madam He was merely a concubine’s daughter listed below the main lady, yet she had married into the Song household—how was that fair?

The more Song Wei thought about it, the more resentful she became. Everything in the Song family belonged to her, including the heir!

Why did Madam Sun look down on her because of her status?

Especially when she imagined everyone whispering that she and the heir had an “early illicit affair,” her fists clenched tightly, a ruthless gleam flashing in her eyes.

If she couldn’t live well, neither could Song Tang!

---

In the following days, heavy snow fell continuously. Song Tang stayed indoors, refusing to go out.

Song Wei had no immediate chance to act but was preparing nonetheless.

With the New Year approaching, Song Congzhi wanted to arrange Song Wei’s marriage after the holidays to avoid complications. But before Song Wei could marry, Song Tang had to be married off first.

Originally, Song Congzhi had considered sending Song Tang into the palace, but the emperor had decreed no selection of palace maids or concubines for the next two years.

---

Therefore, he set his sights on Zhao Mingxuan, the legitimate second son of Grand Tutor Zhao, among the sons of prominent families.

Though not the eldest, this young man was favored by the Grand Tutor, steady in character, and outstanding in talent—a suitable match for Song Tang.

However, he first needed to visit the Mu residence and coordinate with Mu Changxiao. If Mu Changxiao also agreed to Zhao Mingxuan, with Marquis Mu’s endorsement, it would be a beautiful tale.

Song Congzhi calculated all this as his carriage soon arrived at the gates of the Mu residence.

Mu Changxiao was currently in his study attending to official duties when Wan Xing came to announce Song Congzhi’s arrival.

“Please invite the Count to the main hall,” Mu Changxiao said, setting down his book.

“Yes,” Wan Xing acknowledged and left.

Mu Changxiao stood, straightened his robes, and walked steadily to the main hall.

Song Congzhi entered; Mu Changxiao was already seated in the main seat, his expression serious.

Although Song Congzhi was more than twenty years older than Mu Changxiao, he felt quite restrained in the young man’s presence.

Before becoming Marquis, Mu Changxiao was known as a notorious rogue who had caused many troubles in youthful recklessness, all resolved by the old Marquis.

Song Congzhi recalled that since Mu Changxiao returned from the frontier wars, he had become much more composed; his prestige had only increased after inheriting the title.

As the saying goes, a higher rank crushes all beneath it. Mu Changxiao was still the emperor’s favored son, so this former count had to show proper respect.

Song Congzhi bowed slightly, respectfully saying, “Marquis Mu, I apologize for this sudden visit.”

The Marquis looked up. “Count Song, please sit and speak.”

Song Congzhi felt Mu Changxiao was polite and relaxed somewhat.

“What brings you here unannounced, Count?”

“My daughter told me recently that you have arranged a marriage for her. As her father, I wish to know which family’s son you have chosen.”

Seeing Mu Changxiao hesitate to reply, Song Congzhi inwardly rejoiced and quickly added, “If you haven’t found a suitable match yet, I happen to have one.”

“A suitable candidate?” Mu Changxiao raised an eyebrow, his voice low and steady. “Count Song, who is this young man you have in mind?”