Chapter 19: Father

Chapter 19: Father

Tang Shuyi hadn't expected the matter to escalate to the imperial court, but she wasn't one to shy away from trouble. Now that things had escalated, she was ready to face them head-on.

Placing her chess piece on the board, she blocked the Duke's intended offensive move. The Duke picked up another piece, looking up at his daughter opposite him. She still bore the same visage, yet he sensed something different about her.

"You handled Yuchen's matter very well, methodically and decisively," the Duke commented, his gaze scrutinizing yet appreciative, "You weren't like this before in your dealings."

Tang Shuyi's heart tightened, but she didn't show it on her face. She looked squarely into Tang Guogong's eyes and said, "Some things become clear after giving them thought, and besides, when pushed to the brink, one has no choice but to act."

Her words filled Tang Guogong with a pang of heartache. He had doted on his daughter since she was a child, and even in choosing her husband, he had picked the best in every aspect, hoping for her lifetime of smooth sailing and happiness. Yet, he never imagined that, after all the careful selection, her husband would have such a short life.

He lifted his aged hand and patted his daughter’s shoulder, "It's good that you've come to understand. To stand strong in this world, one must be self-reliant. I won't be able to protect you for many more years, and your brothers have their own families now, they can't always put you first. With Zian gone and your three children still young, you must stand firm."

Zian was Xiao Huai's courtesy name.

Tang Shuyi looked at the white hair and the wrinkles on Tang Guogong’s face, feeling a surge of emotion inside her. Here was a father who truly cared for his children. She replied respectfully with a smile, "I understand, don't worry."

Tang Guogong’s face showed a mixture of relief and affection, "Though I say this, as long as I live, I won't let anyone bully you. And even when I'm gone, your brothers will take care of you."

Tang Shuyi felt a twinge in her nose. She was reminded of her grandparents in her previous life, who also promised to protect her as long as they were alive.

Wiping the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, she said, "I understand. You don’t need to worry about me constantly; I can manage the affairs of the Marquis’s mansion."

Tang Guogong felt reassured once again. The two played a few moves in silence before he spoke again, "The Emperor, regardless of what he does in secret, will always present himself as a wise ruler. As long as you and the three children avoid major mistakes, it’s only a matter of time before Yuchen inherits the title. Don’t rush."

Tang Shuyi pursed her lips and responded, "I understand, don't worry."

However, in the book she read, although the title of Marquis of Yongning was not revoked, the one who inherited it was not Xiao Yuchen. Nobody in the capital could have foreseen such a twist in the Marquis’s household.

But now, she was the Marquise of Yongning. If anyone wanted to snatch the title of Marquis from her, they would have to see if they were capable enough.

Tang Guogong let out a heavy sigh, "The Emperor has been increasingly autocratic over the years, and his princes are mediocre. There will be chaos!"

Tang Shuyi placed a chess piece on the board, then looked up earnestly at Tang Guogong and said, "It doesn’t matter who becomes the Emperor, but the Second Prince absolutely cannot."

The Second Prince and the Liang family held grudges against them. If the Second Prince became the Emperor, there would be no good days ahead for them.

Tang Guogong naturally understood this reasoning. He smiled and said, "Don’t worry, he doesn’t stand a chance."

Tang Shuyi smiled in return. Indeed, in the novel, it wasn’t the Second Prince who became the Emperor, but the eldest. However, a novel was just a novel, and reality was reality; one couldn’t rely entirely on the plot of a book.

She would take it one step at a time.

After having lunch at Tang Guogong’s residence, Tang Shuyi returned home. Just as she sat down, the steward came to report that the Liang family had sent an invitation card. The Second Master Liang, Old Madam Liang, and the Second Madam Liang wished to visit the next morning.

Holding the exquisite invitation card, Tang Shuyi pondered over the Liang family’s intentions. The two families had fallen out, and the conflict had escalated to the imperial court. What was the purpose of the Liang family’s visit now—to stir up more trouble, or to seek peace?

Given the modus operandi of the Liang family, had they been looking for trouble, they wouldn’t have sent a formal visiting card before arriving; they would have barged in directly. It seems more likely they're seeking peace. However, this truce probably isn't sincere, likely prompted by the emperor or the imperial concubine.

After all, the matter has escalated to the imperial court, and since the Liang family hasn’t found any leverage against them, with Duke Tang making a scene at the court, the emperor will surely seek to placate them.

Understanding the crux of the matter, Tang Shuyi instructed the butler, "Tell the messenger from the Liang family that we will welcome them with open arms tomorrow."

After receiving her instructions, the butler bowed and turned to leave, only to hear her add, “Keep a close watch on the Liang household as before.”

"Yes," the butler replied respectfully before departing. Tang Shuyi reclined on the brocaded couch, closing her eyes to rest.

Although the incident seems to have passed, it isn't truly over as long as Liu Biqin and Pan Shan remain in the capital. Now, they can only wait for the Liang family to lower their guard and send them away.

Sending Pan Shan away is feasible, but Liu Biqin is the real challenge. She has a six-month promise with the lovestruck eldest son. Should they really wait six months? Could problems arise during this period?

With this thought, she turned to Cu Yun beside her and said, “Go tell Steward Zhao to ensure the staff at Xi Shan Villa keep a close eye on Liu Biqin. The moment she makes a move, they must report immediately.”

“Understood.”

Cu Yun stood up and left, and Cu Zhu came over with a pot of hot tea, pouring it into a celadon cup while saying, “I’ve brewed some ginseng tea for you. Please give it a taste.”

Tang Shuyi sat up to receive it, her gaze falling upon the pale yellow tea in the celadon cup, steaming gently. It was clean and elegantly pale, a beautiful sight indeed.

She brought the cup to her lips and took a delicate sip. The tea, fragrant and subtly sweet, warmed her heart and soul. After finishing her tea, Tang Shuyi handed the cup back to Cu Zhu, asking, “How is this tea made?”

Seeing her approval, Cu Zhu poured her another cup before explaining, “You always found the ginseng tea too bitter. When Doctor Hu came to check your pulse last time, I asked him how to make it less bitter. He told me to add longan and goji berries and boil it for a little over a quarter of an hour. He also mentioned that this tea nourishes the spleen, benefits the lungs, and calms the mind, which is very good for your health.”

After hearing her words, Tang Shuyi felt comforted. Cu Zhu and Cu Yun were not only loyal but also meticulous in their duties. Such employees deserved rewards, though she needed to find the right moment and reason.

She made a mental note of this matter.