Chapter 22: What Will You Do?

Chapter 22: What Will You Do?

The Liang family arrived during the Shi period (9 am to 11 am). Liang Jian'an was led by Steward Zhao to the main hall in the front courtyard, while Old Madam Liang and Lady Liang were escorted by the housekeeper to Lady Tang's Shian Garden.

Xiaoyu Chen didn't wait for Liang Jian'an in the main hall; instead, he was reading in his study. Only after Steward Zhao announced Liang Jian'an's arrival did he rise and head toward the main hall.

It was then that he truly understood why Lady Tang had not waited in the hall for Xue Ji's arrival during their last meeting, opting instead to join from her study.

Just like now, had he been waiting in the hall for Liang Jian'an, it would have seemed as if he was overly eager for the meeting, inadvertently placing himself at a disadvantage.

Nevertheless, he didn't keep Liang Jian'an waiting either, considering the Empress Dowager stood behind him, and one slight is sufficient; he mustn't overdo it. This was his conclusion from the previous night's deliberations.

Today, he had chosen a dark blue robe with subtle patterns, lending him an air of mature stability.

A few steps out of the study brought him to the main hall. Stepping in, Xiaoyu Chen found Liang Jian'an sipping tea, unflinching. In his eyes, Xiaoyu Chen was but an immature youth. By coming in person, he had already bestowed considerable honor.

Xiaoyu Chen hadn't anticipated such discourtesy. Normally, a guest would rise upon the host's arrival, and mutual salutations would follow. Liang Jian'an's indifference was a clear snub.

Initially nervous, Xiaoyu Chen's anger now supplanted his anxiety, casting a shadow over his countenance.

Taking his seat, he channeled Lady Tang's authoritative demeanor, straightened his back, and addressed Liang Jian'an, "What brings Second Master Liang to my residence today?"

Liang Jian'an hadn't greeted him, so naturally, he wasn't inclined to extend courtesies either. In terms of status, Liang Jian'an, without office or title, was merely the Empress Dowager's brother, while he was the heir to a marquisate, placing them on equal footing.

Liang Jian'an was taken aback; the young lad had not paid his respects. Regardless, he was significantly older, a senior by age, warranting a greeting from Xiaoyu Chen.

Under normal circumstances, Liang Jian'an's temper would have flared. With an Empress Dowager in the family, he strutted about the capital with impunity. But today's visit was constrained by the Second Prince's repeated cautions against causing trouble, given the Emperor's scrutiny of his apology.

He was puzzled; with the Marquis of Yongning deceased and his household left in the hands of widows and orphans, why did the Emperor show them such favor?

Suppressing the irritation welling within, he said, "Well, it so happened that a runaway servant from our household fled to your Mei Hua Lane residence. In their haste, my servants rashly entered without notifying you. My visit today is to apologize to you, my dear nephew. It was my oversight in discipline; please don't take it to heart."

His tone carried the weight of an elder, and Xiao Yuchen bristled with the urge to lash out in anger. Liang Jianan's actions were clearly intended to destroy him and their marquisate. How could he lightly gloss over such intent?

But at the peak of his anger, Xiao Yuchen suddenly regained his composure. He was now an adult, the eldest son of the marquisate, the pillar of the family, and could not be swayed by his emotions.

Silently taking a deep breath, Xiao Yuchen picked up the teacup beside him and took a sip, soothing his fiery temperament. Then he said, "We must discipline our servants properly, lest they give others a chance to accuse them of abusing their power."

Liang Jianan's eyes narrowed upon hearing this. Although the remark was about servants, he felt it was directed at him. Wasn't his power in the capital derived from his sister, Consort Liang? He thought, "Who gave this young whelp such audacity?"

As Liang Jianan was about to erupt in anger, he heard Xiao Yuchen say, "Our houses share no kinship, so I cannot accept the title of 'nephew' from you, Second Master Liang."

Liang Jianan almost laughed out of irritation, amused by the young man's pretense of dignity. Considering the emperor's watchful eye on him, he suppressed the flare of anger in his chest and said, "I've heard the rockery in your Mei Alley residence is made of stones from Mount Putuo that have been blessed. Is that so?"

"Yes, my mother is a devout Buddhist," replied Xiao Yuchen.

"Then why would you place such valuable stones outside?" Liang Jianan asked coldly, the thought of compensating the Yongning Marquisate with thirty thousand taels of silver paining him.

Xiao Yuchen, now quite at ease, spoke with confidence, "Where one places their belongings is naturally at their own discretion."

It's a trap to extort your money, what can you do about it?

Liang Jianan realized that he would gain no advantage over this young upstart today and, with a snort, fell silent. Xiao Yuchen, indifferent, picked up his teacup and resumed drinking his tea.

While their conversation was cold and terse, Shi'an Garden was bustling with activity.

The plump Lady Liang, looking as if she was enjoying a spectacle, said to Tang Shuyi, "I heard that before your lord passed away, he took two concubines at the border. They're keeping well, I hope?"

Leaning back in her chair, Tang Shuyi replied with a smile, "Very well, they spend their days in the courtyard reading and embroidering. Alas, it's quite pitiful. They were with our lord and yet bore no children, male or female. Unlike the women in your household, fortunate enough to have children by their side."

One should look in the mirror before laughing at others; Liang Jianan has a brood of illegitimate sons and daughters, not knowing who will have the last laugh.

As expected, Lady Liang's expression turned sour. Clenching her teeth, she said, "You too have had a hard fate, who would have thought your lord would pass away so young..."

As she spoke, she dabbed the corner of her eye with a handkerchief.

Tang Shuyi inwardly scoffed but maintained a serene facade, "The marquis died for his country, and I am proud of him. Moreover, though he is gone, he secured a noble title for me, and I have the comfort of three legitimate children, both sons and daughters. I am content."

Lady Liang Er was so infuriated by her words, she could barely maintain her composure. Tang Shuyi knew exactly where to strike. Liang Jianan held no official title, hence she had no imperial command. Moreover, she had only daughters to her name, no sons of her own, though she did have six or seven illegitimate ones.

Clenching her teeth, Lady Liang the Second wanted to continue her verbal spar with Liang Shuyi, but at that moment, Old Madame Liang shot her a glance, and the former could only tightly grasp her handkerchief, swallowing her anger in silence.

"The behavior of the servants at home has caused you a lot of trouble," said Old Madam Liang with a smile. "I hear that many things in that residence were also damaged, and it is only right that we offer compensation."

With that, she took out several banknotes and said, "This money is meant as compensation, and I hope Madam will accept it."

Though Old Madam Liang was older than Tang Shuyi, and even though she was the birth mother of the Noble Consort, she held only a fourth-rank imperial title, while Tang Shuyi held a first-rank. If Tang Shuyi demanded that she kneel today, she wouldn't be able to refuse.

Old Madam Liang was well aware that this was also why the Second Prince wanted her to accompany Lady Liang to the Marquis's residence. Otherwise, with the arrogant temperaments of both Lord Liang and Lady Liang, they might stir up some trouble.