Chapter 20: When Naughty Children Behave, They Can Be Quite Endearing

Chapter 20: When Naughty Children Behave, They Can Be Quite Endearing

With nothing pressing that afternoon, Tang Shuyi enjoyed a brief respite, chatting and laughing with Cu Zhu and Cu Yun until the three naughty children arrived, having been punished to copy the Standards for Students.

Tang Shuyi sat on the brocaded couch, first examining Xiao Yuzhu's work, clearly showing three different handwriting styles over five copies of the Standards for Students. Instead of scolding, she looked at her and said, “Remember what I always say, relationships are reciprocal. Your brothers dote on you, and you should treat them well in return, understand?”

Xiao Yuzhu nodded obediently, "I understand, mother."

Tang Shuyi hummed in approval, set Xiao Yuzhu's work aside, and then examined Xiao Yuming's. It’s said that handwriting reflects one’s character, and indeed it does. Xiao Yuming’s impatient nature was evident in his slightly erratic writing.

Considering his restless nature, the fact that he managed to write the "Disciple's Rules" five times in an orderly manner is commendable. Therefore, Tang Shuyi did not criticize his poor handwriting but instead said, "Yuming, your writing has improved significantly. Keep up the good work."

Tang Shuyi had never raised children, but she had managed employees and knew that constant criticism could erode their confidence. Presumably, the same principle applied to educating children.

Xiaoyu Ming, having never received praise before, was caught off guard by Tang Shuyi's unexpected compliment. He awkwardly scratched his head, clearly embarrassed. Tang Shuyi couldn't help but smile with her eyes curved in amusement.

Setting aside Xiaoyu Ming's work, she picked up the "Disciple's Rules" written by Xiaoyu Chen. His script was strong and fluid, clearly the result of diligent effort.

Tang Shuyi examined each page carefully before commenting, "Excellent. As the eldest, you should lead by example. You've done well in caring for and guiding your younger siblings."

Xiaoyu Chen straightened up, responding earnestly, "I understand. I will continue to be a good role model for my younger siblings."

His attempt to appear grown-up amused Tang Shuyi. She stacked the three sets of "Disciple's Rules" and told them, "Now, recite it ten times."

The siblings exchanged awkward glances, having been punished by their tutor to write but never to recite. Xiaoyu Chen cleared his throat stiffly and asked, "Do we recite it here?"

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Yes, right here. All three of you, together. Begin."

They looked at each other hesitantly, unsure of how to start. Finding the situation amusing, Tang Shuyi began, "The Disciple's Rules, the sage's teachings. Begin with filial piety and brotherly respect… Start now."

Startled again, Xiaoyu Chen began to recite, with Xiaoyu Ming and Xiaoyu Zhu quickly joining in.

"The Disciple's Rules, the sage's teachings. Start with filial piety and brotherly respect, then move on to cautious trust. Embrace all with love and draw close to the benevolent. If there's surplus energy, devote it to literature..."

Standing straight, the trio recited in unison, but soon they began to sway their heads in identical arcs. Tang Shuyi found it amusing, managing to suppress her laughter initially, but eventually, she had to excuse herself to the inner room to laugh freely.

Even the unruliest children can be quite endearing when they're well-behaved.

After about a quarter of an hour, they finished reciting the "Disciple's Rules" ten times, all parched and out of breath. Cui Zhu and Cui Yun had already prepared tea for them. Dispensing with formalities, they gulped down the tea voraciously, causing Tang Shuyi to laugh again as she watched.

Once they finished their tea, Tang Shuyi addressed them, "My intention wasn't to punish you, but to instill in you the importance of brotherly harmony and the principle that one's actions reflect on the whole family."

"We understand," the siblings replied in unison.

Seeing their obedient demeanor, Tang Shuyi suddenly felt that having three children wasn't so bad.

The family of four enjoyed a harmonious dinner. Afterwards, Tang Shuyi called Xiaoyu Chen to the study and told him about the events that transpired at the morning court. Xiaoyu Chen turned pale as he listened, unable to believe that the situation had escalated to such a degree.

"The words I spoke to you in the ancestral hall were not meant to alarm you unduly," Tang Shuyi said, looking at Xiaoyu Chen.

"Son... I understand," Xiao Yuchen stammered, his hands trembling with retrospective fear.

Tang Shuyi placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, applying a gentle pressure as she advised, "From now on, you must be cautious and deliberate in your actions, thinking three, even ten steps ahead. When your father was alive, his authority kept certain people in check. But now, our family holds a title without real power, teetering on the brink of collapse.

"We can rely on your maternal grandfather for a day, a year, but can we depend on him for a lifetime? Besides, power held by others can never provide the security of power in our own hands."

"Mother..." Xiao Yuchen's emotions were a tumultuous mix, and though he wished to speak, not a single word would come out.

Tang Shuyi patted his shoulder again, her voice laden with earnestness, "Everyone makes mistakes; the key is to learn from them and make amends. Yuchen, as the eldest son, you shoulder the responsibility of continuing the prosperity of the Marquis of Yongning's household. But don’t feel overwhelmed; your siblings and I will strive alongside you."

Tears streamed down Xiao Yuchen's face, unable to be held back any longer. Self-reproach, guilt, fear, and helplessness had filled him these past days, nearly leading him to self-doubt. The weight of his responsibility as the heir felt almost suffocating.

For seventeen years, he had never faced days as challenging as these. Now, his mother's assurance that she and his siblings would work with him imbued him with both emotion and newfound strength.

"Mother, I will work hard," Xiao Yuchen said through his tears, his resolve clear.

Tang Shuyi took a handkerchief and gently wiped his tears, speaking softly, "Good, we will work hard together."

Xiao Yuchen nodded emphatically.

Tang Shuyi stood up to pour him a cup of tea, then added, "The Liang family sent us an invitation today. Tomorrow, Liang Jian'an, Old Madam Liang, and the Second Madam Liang will pay us a visit."

"What... what for?" Xiao Yuchen's mind was still clouded by the emotions of their prior conversation.

Tang Shuyi probed, "What do you think their intentions are? Reflect on it carefully."

Xiao Yuchen took a deep breath to stabilize his emotions, then, with furrowed brows, speculated after a moment, "They seek reconciliation."

Tang Shuyi offered an approving look and said, "That's what I believe as well. Tomorrow, you will receive Liang Jian'an in the front courtyard, and I will attend to Old Madam Liang and the Second Madam Liang. Go back and contemplate how you should handle Liang Jian'an."

Xiao Yuchen nodded solemnly, "I will give it thorough thought."

Tang Shuyi smiled with relief, "Good, think it over carefully."

With that, Tang Shuyi rose, and mother and son exited the study together. Xiao Yuming had already left, and Xiao Yuzhu was sitting next to Cui Zhu, watching her knit. Upon seeing Tang Shuyi, Xiao Yuzhu approached and said, "Mother, I want to sleep with you tonight."

Tang Shuyi stroked her head, "Alright."