Chapter 5: Greed for More After Gaining

Chapter 5: Greed for More After Gaining

By the time she left the ancestral hall, night had fallen, and a gust of wind rustled the leaves. It was deep autumn, and the air was chilly. Tang Shuyi shivered, and Cuiyun hurriedly draped a cloak over her shoulders.

"Let's go," she said.

Cuiyun carried a lantern, and the Yongning Marquis's residence was quiet at night. The rustling of their footsteps was clearly audible. However, Tang Shuyi’s heart was far from calm. The protagonist, Wu Jingyun, was about to be reborn soon, and shortly after her rebirth in the book, she denounced Xiao Yuxin for harboring the daughter of a criminal.

Liu Biqin must be dealt with swiftly.

However, the love of young people is stubborn—the more their parents oppose, the more resolute they become, and the deeper the entanglement grows. If not handled carefully, Liu Biqin could become the eternal love in Xiao Yuxin's heart, and he might even resent her for a lifetime.

"Madam," Cuiyun said, seeing the worried look on Tang Shuyi's face, "isn't it easy to deal with a lone girl bearing a criminal identity?"

She could be killed, sold, or silenced with a potion—there are myriad ways to make her disappear from the young master's sight.

Tang Shuyi let out a sigh, "Do you know what the most precious thing in this world is?"

Cuíyún shook her head, and Tang Shuyi said solemnly, "That which is unattainable is always the most desirable."

Cuíyún understood, "You're afraid the young master will always pine for her?"

"It's not just pining; he will also resent me," Tang Shuyi sighed again, feeling that this matter was more challenging than negotiating billion-dollar deals in her previous life.

In truth, whether Xiao Yuchen resented her or not was immaterial to Tang Shuyi; he wasn't her biological son after all. However, a harmonious household is the basis for prosperity, and if Xiao Yuchen harbored resentment towards her, it would disrupt her peaceful life as a wealthy, laid-back lady.

As they reached her residence, Shi'an Garden, Tang Shuyi instructed, "Help me change into something more understated."

"Are you going out?" Cuíyún asked softly.

"Better to act sooner rather than later, to avoid unexpected complications," Tang Shuyi said as she entered the inner room, then instructed Cui Zhu, "Go call Steward Zhao and Changming Changfeng, and tell them to follow me to Plum Blossom Alley through the back door."

"Understood." Cui Zhu turned on her heel and hurried off, while Cuíyún fetched a set of dark blue clothes with subtle patterns from the wardrobe, helping Tang Shuyi change while asking, "Are you planning to send her away?"

Tang Shuyi hummed in affirmation, "First, send her to the manor in Xishan."

The immediate crisis must be evaded.

"Why let Changming and Changfeng accompany us?" Cuíyún was perplexed.

Changming and Changfeng had grown up with the young master, and were his confidants. If they knew about the matter, the young master would undoubtedly find out. Wasn't this something that should be kept from the young master?

Although Tang Shuyi had only been acquainted with Cui Zhu and Cuíyún for a short time, she could tell that these maids were loyal and efficient—undoubtedly her future right-hand women. For trusted confidants, some things needed to be shared to ensure their commitment to the cause.

Therefore, she patiently explained to Cuíyún, "I want Yuchen to know that I've sent Liubi Qin away without harming her, so he doesn't suspect that I've been mistreating Liubi Qin behind his back."

"But that's not a long-term solution!" Cuíyún was worried. She had been waiting outside the ancestral hall earlier and heard the entire conversation between mother and son.

Liubi Qin was nothing but trouble.

"We'll take it one step at a time," Tang Shuyi said with a tone of helplessness. Sometimes relationships within a family are difficult to manage; it's a delicate balance, and both extremes can be problematic.

Xiao Yuchen had been sheltered too well and, at just seventeen, hadn't experienced much in life. With little experience, one has limited insight into human nature and the ability to discern right from wrong, especially with cunning characters like green tea manipulators.

Dressed appropriately, Tang Shuyi, accompanied by Cuiyun, stepped out. Cui Zhu, Zhao, the housekeeper, Chang Feng, Chang Ming, and several robust women were waiting in the courtyard. Tang Shuyi glanced at them and strode forward, with everyone following in a flurry, an impressive sight.

The housekeeper, Zhao, had arranged everything perfectly, and they didn’t encounter anyone on their way to the back door. Exiting through the back, they boarded the carriage and headed straight for Meihua Alley.

A quarter of an hour later, Tang Shuyi stood at the entrance of Liu Biqin's residence, surveying the surroundings. Meihua Alley was a tranquil spot amidst the bustle, a testament to Xiao Yuchen’s good taste.

"Knock on the door," commanded Tang Shuyi.

Chang Feng obeyed and knocked. After a while, the door opened, revealing a young maid. Surprised to see Chang Feng, she asked, "Brother Chang Feng, what brings you here so late? Did the young master send you with something for my mistress?"

Her words caused Chang Ming to break out in a cold sweat, while Tang Shuyi chuckled sardonically, thinking about how frequently her stepson must be sending gifts here.

Chang Feng, ignoring the maid’s comments, pushed past her and bowed to Tang Shuyi, "Madam."

Only then did the little maid notice Tang Shuyi and her entourage. Realizing who Chang Feng had addressed, she gasped in shock and turned to run inside.

Cui Zhu snorted, "No manners at all."

Tang Shuyi didn’t mind; she stepped through the doorway, followed by her retinue, resembling a group poised to cause trouble. Indeed, her intentions were far from benign today.

Inside, illuminated by moonlight, Tang Shuyi assessed the residence. Though not large, it was exquisitely laid out with rockeries, flower beds, and a pond, all delicately crafted. A swing set beneath an osmanthus tree in the west corner added a playful elegance to the setting.

In Tang Shuyi's experience, anything that caught her eye was invariably valuable, and this courtyard was no exception. Clearly, Xiao Yuchen wasn't short of money.

Meanwhile, the young maid was now frantically knocking on Liu Biqin's bedroom door, "Miss, miss, the... the Marquise, the Marquise is here."

Tang Shuyi was speechless, feeling as if she were being portrayed as a monstrous threat.

Inside the bedroom, Liu Biqin was reading by the bed. Startled by the maid's cries, she quickly tidied herself and opened the door, only to find the Marquise of Yongning, whom she hadn't seen in a long time, standing at the threshold.

They say beauty is best appreciated under lamplight, and the Marquise, bathed in the glow of the lanterns in the corridor, looked even more dignified and elegant.

"Aunt..." Liu Biqin managed a stiff smile.

Tang Shuyi's face, bearing a resemblance to Xiao Yuchen's, was impassive, yet Liu Biqin felt an invisible pressure.

Tang Shuyi maintained an aura of noble detachment, merely glancing indifferently at Liu Biqin before stepping past her into the room, with Cui Zhu and Cuiyun following closely.

Such disregard left Liu Biqin feeling both humiliated and resentful. Clenching her fists, her face betrayed a mix of panic and innocence. Her gaze "frantically" sought Chang Feng, who often accompanied Xiao Yuchen here, and with whom she was relatively familiar.

Dressed appropriately, Tang Shuyi, accompanied by Cuiyun, set out. Cuizhu, Steward Zhao, Changfeng, Changming, and a few stout maids were all waiting in the courtyard. Tang Shuyi glanced at them, strode towards the exit, and the entourage followed with a bustling momentum.

Steward Zhao had arranged everything, and they didn't encounter anyone on the way to the back door. After exiting, they boarded the carriage and headed straight for Plum Blossom Alley.

A little over a quarter of an hour later, Tang Shuyi stood at the entrance of Liu Biqin's residence, surveying the surroundings. Plum Blossom Alley was a quiet haven amidst the hustle and bustle, revealing Xiao Yuxchen's knack for selecting locations.

"Knock on the door," Tang Shuyi instructed.

Changfeng stepped forward to knock. After a short wait, the door opened, revealing the same maid. Seeing Changfeng, she asked in surprise, "Brother Changfeng, what brings you here so late? Is the young master sending something to our miss?"

Changming broke out in a cold sweat upon hearing this, while Tang Shuyi let out a sarcastic chuckle, musing about her eldest son often sending gifts here.

Changfeng, braving through, pushed the maid aside and bowed to Tang Shuyi, addressing her as "Madam."

Only then did the maid notice Tang Shuyi and the others behind her. Recalling Changfeng's address, she let out a gasp and dashed inside.

Cuizhu snorted upon witnessing this, "No manners whatsoever."

Tang Shuyi didn't mind; she stepped inside, followed by a bustling entourage, resembling a scene of troublemakers. But indeed, her visit today bore no good tidings.

Once inside, she observed the residence under the moonlight. It was small, yet exquisitely adorned with rockeries, flower beds, and ponds, all meticulously crafted. Under a sweet osmanthus tree in the west corner, there was even a swing, both lively and elegant.

With Tang Shuyi's discerning eye, anything that caught her attention was undeniably valuable, including the items in this courtyard. It seemed Xiao Yuxchen wasn't short on money.

Meanwhile, the maid was frantically knocking on Liu Biqin's bedroom door, "Miss, Miss, the... the Marchioness, the Marchioness has come."

Tang Shuyi was rendered speechless, as if she were some sort of calamity.

Inside the bedroom, Liu Biqin was leaning against the bed, reading. The maid's shout startled her, and she quickly tidied herself up and opened the door, only to find the Marchioness of Yongning, whom she hadn't seen for a long time, standing at the threshold.

They say beauty is best appreciated under the lamplight, and indeed, the Marchioness, under the candlelight filtering through the lanterns in the corridor, looked even more majestic and graceful.

"Aunt..." Liu Biqin managed a stiff smile.

Tang Shuyi's face, which bore a resemblance to Xiao Yuxchen's, was calm, yet Liu Biqin felt an intangible pressure emanating from her.

Tang Shuyi, embodying the epitome of noble and icy elegance, merely glanced indifferently at Liu Biqin before stepping past her into the room, with Cuizhu and Cuiyun following closely.

Such disregard left Liu Biqin feeling both humiliated and resentful. She clenched her fists, but her expression revealed panic and innocence. Her gaze "frantically" turned to Changfeng, who often visited with Xiao Yuxchen, hoping for a semblance of familiarity.

"You grew up with Yu Chen from a young age, and whenever there was something good, he always thought of you first. When your family met with disaster, he risked punishment to save you from the fire pit. That's no light bond, is it?" Tang Shuyi asked, looking down at Liu Biqin.

"Yes, I know the depth of Chen Gege's feelings for me, and I could spend my whole life without being able to fully repay him," Liu Biqin sobbed, as if she had been wronged.

Tang Shuyi sneered, then asked, "Then why would you repay kindness with ingratitude?"

This question left Liu Biqin dumbfounded. She looked shocked and confused. "I...I haven't. How could I harm Chen Gege? He's the kindest person to me in this whole world."

"You are the daughter of a convicted official; you should have been sold off. You've always been clever; you should know the great risk Yu Chen took in saving you and hiding you here. I advised you to flee far away from the capital to avoid bringing trouble to Yu Chen. But you chose to stay glued by his side, even attempting to enter the Marquis's estate, constantly putting him at risk. Isn't this repaying kindness with ingratitude?"

Tang Shuyi couldn't be bothered to talk to Liu Biqin any longer. She turned to leave, but Liu Biqin clung desperately to her clothes. Cui Zhu and Cui Yun hurriedly came over to pull her away. As Tang Shuyi walked out, she instructed, "They are only allowed to take some clothes and ordinary jewelry. Everything else in this courtyard... catalog it and store it in the treasury."

She was given face but refused to take it; then she shall have nothing at all.

Upon hearing these words, Liu Biqin collapsed to the ground, forgetting even to cry. Bearing the stigma of her father's crimes, she could only rely on Xiao Yu Chen. Now, the Marquis's wife was driving her away, even taking all her possessions. How was she supposed to live after this?

The Marquis's wife was pushing her towards death!

She ran to the doorway, looking at Tang Shuyi standing in the courtyard, pleading, "I want to see Chen Gege, I want to see Chen Gege."

Only Xiao Yu Chen could save her now. She believed that as long as she could see Xiao Yu Chen, she could stay. The Marquis's wife couldn't oppose Xiao Yu Chen.

Tang Shuyi knew what she was thinking, but she wasn't Xiao Yu Chen's birth mother, and wouldn't go easy on him. With a cold snort, she replied, "You will have your meeting."

Then she instructed the steward Zhao, "Take her to the Xishan Villa. She's to be treated like any ordinary household there. As for the items in this mansion, they must be cleared out by tonight, leaving not a trace of her presence."

Hearing this, Liu Biqin's face turned deathly pale, her body leaning against the door frame, ready to collapse. What kind of life was it for an ordinary household on the estate? Eating coarse food and doing all the chores by oneself.

She was a young lady from a distinguished family; how could she live like that?

Tang Shuyi didn't care about such matters. To provide shelter and food to a girl bearing her father's crimes was already an act of supreme benevolence. What more did she want? Some people are never satisfied with what they have.

After a long day of turmoil, Tang Shuyi was exhausted. She returned to the Marquis's estate with Cui Zhu and Cui Yun, with Chang Ming quickly following behind.

Seeing Tang Shuyi leave, Liu Biqin staggered out, grabbing onto Chang Feng's arm and crying out, "Chang Feng, please let me see Chen Gege."

Chang Feng was startled by her gesture, quickly pushing her away and stepping back. The favored person of the young master, he dared not even touch her robe, "Miss Liu, I'm just a servant; I can't help you."

"You can. Chen Gege trusts you the most; you can definitely let me see him."

Chang Feng: "...You're giving me too much credit."

"Miss Liu," Steward Zhao spoke up, "no one can defy the lady's orders, and besides, she hasn't wronged you. Without the young master, without the Marquis's mansion, who knows where you would have been sold off by now. Don't overreach yourself. Go and pack your things."

These words stripped Liu Biqin of her last shred of dignity. She was angry and humiliated, but utterly powerless. Was it really all over? She couldn't accept this.

At that moment, she noticed several maids packing her belongings into boxes, and she hurried over—those were valuable items!

………

Tang Shuyi sat in the carriage, eyes closed in meditation, but her brain cells were still working furiously. Moving Liu Biqin wasn't enough. When Xiao Yuchen had rescued her, he must have left traces. Those traces had to be dealt with thoroughly, or else they'd become a latent threat...

"Madam, we've arrived."

Hearing Cuiyun's voice, Tang Shuyi opened her eyes and got out of the carriage with Cuizhu's assistance. "To the ancestral hall," she said.

She walked towards the ancestral hall, followed closely by Cuizhu, Cuiyun, and Changming. When the maids at the hall heard the commotion, they got up, greeted her respectfully, and opened the door.

Tang Shuyi instructed Cuizhu and Cuiyun to guard the outside while she and Changming entered the hall. Under the dim light, Xiao Yuchen was still kneeling in front of the spirit tablets, his eyes vacant. Seeing her, he had no particular reaction, as if he were in a daze.

"I've just returned from Plum Blossom Lane," Tang Shuyi announced, standing before Xiao Yuchen.