Chapter 40: A Moment of Spring Night Is Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold

Bright, clear eyes met his gaze. As her eyes flickered, Mu Changxiao’s Adam’s apple involuntarily bobbed twice. He curled his lips slightly and leaned forward, his scorching gaze concealing an unfathomable undercurrent.

The warm breath brushing against her cheek made Song Tang feel a wave of dizziness; her mind went blank. Her heart raced, and she subconsciously leaned back.

For just an instant, Mu Changxiao’s hand froze in mid-air, a trace of disappointment flashing through his eyes. He knew Song Tang did not love him; she had married him only to have a protector. He did not mind being used—he was willing to be that protector—but the thought pained him. He had initially believed that having her by his side would be enough, but her instinctive recoil just now clearly signaled repulsion. Was she truly disgusted by him? Did she still harbor feelings for Mu Ziyu? Did she regret her decision now?

Mu Changxiao withdrew his hand, his expression cooling. He understood that a decade-long attachment could not be discarded overnight, and he was willing to give her time. If she truly did not want this, he would not force her.

Mu Changxiao sighed softly. "The war on the frontier is intensifying. I must leave for the front lines next month."

"Ah?" Song Tang’s heart tightened sharply. She suddenly remembered that in her previous life, Mu Changxiao had departed for the frontier shortly after her wedding to Mu Ziyu, and news of his death in battle had arrived not long after. Following that, Mu Ziyu had successfully inherited the title, and eventually, she had been kicked to death.

"You need not worry; I will be careful. Nothing will happen," Mu Changxiao said, as if speaking to himself. Song Tang opened her mouth, wanting to beg him not to go, but the words died on her lips.

Mu Changxiao stood up and turned toward the door. "Marquis, where are you going?" Song Tang asked hurriedly as she watched him leave. This was their wedding night; was he not intending to consummate the marriage?

Mu Changxiao paused, looked back at her, and said gently, "I am going to the study to attend to some official business. Rest easy."

Song Tang was stunned. *No way, in this life as well, no one wants to consummate the marriage with me? Am I that ugly?* She looked blankly into the bronze mirror by the bed. The woman in the mirror had exquisite features and eyes full of allure. She wasn't ugly! Was there such a vast difference between the aesthetics of men and women? Did men only consider the three beauties of Wangyue Pavilion to be the standard? Or was Mu Changxiao perhaps impotent, hence his attempt to change the subject?

Just then, Caidie knocked and entered. "Miss, why did the Marquis leave?" Caidie asked, her face full of confusion.

Song Tang felt a bit helpless. "Official business must be urgent."

"No matter how urgent, he shouldn't have left! Tonight is your wedding night!" Caidie was indignant on her mistress's behalf.

Song Tang pondered this. She was right; if Mu Changxiao truly slept in the study tonight, what would the rest of the household think? She did not want to be mocked by the staff for failing to consummate the marriage, just like in her past life. If Mu Changxiao really died on the battlefield, Mu Ziyu would inherit the title. If she remained childless, she might be cast out of the Mu household. Wouldn't that mean she had married for nothing?

Although she didn't care for the Marquis's estate, she had no intention of remarrying. She had married Mu Changxiao to secure a powerful backer and to trample Song Wei and Mu Ziyu underfoot. But now that she had just arrived, was Mu Changxiao going to die on the battlefield? No! She had to either stop him from going or conceive a child to secure her position and preserve his bloodline.

Having decided, Song Tang resolved to take the initiative. Zishuang had indeed been a spy; in just a short time, she had familiarized herself with the layout of the Marquis’s residence. Song Tang changed her clothes and headed toward the study, following the directions Zishuang had provided.

The lanterns along the way illuminated her figure. The Marquis’s residence seemed much larger than the Earl’s; the long corridors felt endless. It was her first day here, and many did not recognize her; the servants assumed she was a guest or a maid belonging to the new mistress.

The study stood at the end of the corridor, but no lights were on inside. Unsure if Mu Changxiao was within, she approached the door and heard his deep voice. "Who is outside?"

Song Tang hesitated, then said softly, "Marquis, it is I."

Silence followed. A moment later, the door creaked open. Mu Changxiao appeared, looking rather unwell. He had consumed some wine, and now that it was taking effect, his eyes were slightly bloodshot and hazy. "Why have you come?" His tone was much softer than before.

Song Tang suddenly felt shy; her face flushed, and the words she had prepared stuck in her throat. Seeing her silence, Mu Changxiao said calmly, "It is late. You should return to rest."

"What about you, Marquis? Do you intend to sleep in the study tonight?" Song Tang’s voice was strained, her heart pounding.

Mu Changxiao looked at her, understanding her intent. "Do not worry, my lady. No one in the household will know that I did not spend the night in your quarters."

*How could they not know?* The truth couldn't be hidden forever! Even if the Marquis lacked experience, surely he had heard of the custom of "calling for water"?

Song Tang gathered her courage and took a step forward. Unsure of her intentions, Mu Changxiao stepped back, clearing some space. Song Tang took another step, crossed the threshold, turned, and gently closed the study door.

The study had not been lit; with the door shut, the light from the red lanterns outside could not penetrate the darkness. The room was pitch black, their heavy breathing audible. Two voices fought in Song Tang’s mind: one urged her to throw herself at him and conceive a child immediately, as this was their wedding night; the other cautioned her not to be so forward, to emulate Song Wei, and to use a soft voice to persuade him to return to the bridal chamber. The two voices battled, neither yielding.

After a long silence, Mu Changxiao’s voice pierced the darkness. "My lady, what is the meaning of this?"

Song Tang prepared to speak, but the words that came out were different. "I wanted to... you... weren't you going to speak to me about Song Wei?"

"..." *As expected, she still cares about Mu Ziyu.* Mu Changxiao’s mind cleared slightly from the wine. For a fleeting moment, he had actually hoped she had come to call him back to the bridal chamber.

"Is that the only reason you came to find me?" Mu Changxiao’s voice paused. "It is so late; are you not tired?"

Song Tang felt deflated. "No."

Mu Changxiao sighed softly and turned to light the candle on the table. "Then sit, and we shall talk."

Song Tang sat as instructed. The candlelight reflected off her face, her flushed cheeks resembling peach blossoms stained by the sunset, exceptionally moving. Mu Changxiao lingered on her face for a moment before looking away. Song Tang, however, could not focus on anyone else; her mind was entirely preoccupied with how to bring up the subject of their wedding night. It was so late—every moment of this bridal night was worth a thousand gold pieces!