Chapter 36: This Profligate Life Cannot Go On

Chapter 36: This Profligate Life Cannot Go On

Tang Shuyi subtly hinted to Wu Jingyun about calling off the engagement. Although her suggestion wasn’t taken, she didn’t dwell on it. The world doesn't revolve around her; she can't expect others to always acquiesce to her wishes.

After the Wu family left, she instructed Butler Zhao to keep a close eye on the Wu residence. She speculated that something might happen during the visit to Chongguang Temple in two days. By monitoring the Wu family now, she could be informed about the enemy as well as herself.

Of course, this might just be her conjecture; perhaps the Wu matriarch and Wu Jingyun wouldn’t do anything that day. However, it’s always wise to take precautions.

If nothing happens that day, she’ll have to figure out a way to annul the engagement between Xiao Yuchen and Wu Jingyun. However, it probably won’t be easy, as officially, neither Xiao Yuchen nor Wu Jingyun has done anything wrong.

Of course, if she resorted to underhanded methods, calling off the engagement would be easy, but she disdains such actions.

After arranging these matters, Tang Shuyi started considering taking some time to explore the capital, to survey the market and see if it’s suitable for opening a clubhouse. If it's feasible, she’ll have to decide on the best location.

When Xiao Yuchen returned, Tang Shuyi was discussing with Cui Zhu and Cui Yun about which restaurant in the capital had the best reputation, even asking him for suggestions. Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuchen asked, "Mother, are you thinking of opening a restaurant in the capital?"

Considering that the customer base she had in mind for the clubhouse included people like Xiao Yuchen, young masters from the capital's prominent families, she thought it wise to heed his opinion and said:

"I’m thinking of finding a residence with three or four courtyards, sprucing it up to create a refined club where we can provide food, lodging, music, dance, and even venues for your literary gatherings. What do you think?"

Xiao Yuchen’s eyes lit up at this, then he said, “If the environment is sufficiently exquisite, it will definitely be feasible.”

“The environment within the residence will naturally require meticulous refurbishment,” said Tang Shuyi, “at the very least, it shouldn’t be inferior to the gardens of our marquis estate.”

“Then it’s certainly feasible,” Xiao Yuchen said and then complained about the restaurant where they held their literary gathering today, “Although the room's decor was passable, the space was too cramped; it felt crowded with just seven or eight people.”

Hearing this, Tang Shuyi grew more confident and said, “When you have time, accompany me to scout around and understand the situation. If it's feasible, I'll get started on this venture.”

Xiao Yuchen nodded in agreement, simultaneously admiring her decisive manner in handling affairs – once she sees something promising, she acts on it immediately.

“Today, Mrs. Wu invited us to Chongguang Temple for an outing in two days,” Tang Shuyi brought up the matter scheduled for two days later.

“Us? Am I also supposed to go?” Xiao Yuchen was reluctant to interact with the Wu family, but then he thought this was his own affair; he couldn’t always burden his mother with resolving it, and a look of guilt crossed his face.

“I suspect that Mrs. Wu or Miss Wu might make some move during that time.” Tang Shuyi recounted the incident of Wu Jingyun bringing her gifts today and her hints to Wu Jingyun, then added:

“Of course, this might just be my speculation. But it’s better for us to be cautious. Be careful with what you eat there, and avoid being alone with any of the young ladies from the Wu family. As for the rest, you’ll have to adapt accordingly.”

Xiao Yuchen nodded earnestly and agreed, then inquired, “How much longer will Yuming have to stay in the study?”

“That’s up to him,” Tang Shuyi responded. “When he figures things out, he can come out. I don't expect him to achieve greatness, but he cannot continue this profligate lifestyle.”

Xiao Yuchen sighed inwardly; in fact, before this, the three siblings had rarely been taught in such a manner. When their father was alive, he spent many years at the frontier, and their mother at that time indulged them, giving them whatever they desired without ever teaching them how to behave or handle affairs as they were now being taught.

But now, things were better. In recent days, their mother had changed a lot, beginning to instruct them earnestly. He believed that their Marquis’s estate would only get better from here.

After the mother and son had talked for a while, Xiao Yuzhu returned from school. Tang Shuyi ordered the meal to be served and also instructed someone to send Xiao Yuming his meal.

“Mother, when will you let Second Brother come out?” Xiao Yuzhu cooed while tugging at Tang Shuyi’s arm, “I reasoned with Second Brother, and he knows he was wrong.”

Tang Shuyi couldn't help but laugh, “You reasoned with your Second Brother? How did you manage that?”

Xiao Yuzhu recounted the conversation she had through the crack in the door with Xiao Yuming that morning, and upon hearing it, Tang Shuyi burst into laughter, “See, even our Yuzhu understands the principles he ignores. Let him think on it some more.”

Xiao Yuzhu hadn’t expected to inadvertently cause trouble and wanted to say more, but Tang Shuyi, holding her hand, led her to the dining room, saying as they walked: “My intention isn't to punish your Second Brother, but to make him understand his lesson. If he doesn’t and comes out the same as before, this punishment would have been for nothing.”

Xiao Yuzhu nodded, “Then let’s continue his confinement.”

Tang Shuyi smiled and stroked her head, noting how much more considerate this little girl was compared to those two boys.

Behind them, Xiao Yuchen listened to their conversation and pondered how he might persuade Xiao Yuming later. After dinner, he went to the study in the front courtyard.

The sky was turning dark, the autumn breeze rustled the leaves, casting a lonely and chilly atmosphere over the courtyard. Xiao Yuchen suddenly remembered a day just like this one in deep autumn, when he, as a child longing to play, had come to this yard and seen his father Xiao Huai practicing martial arts with his crescent blade.

The tall and upright figure of his father swung the blade taller than himself, creating a fierce gust with each movement. At that time, he thought his father was the most formidable person in the world.

Yet such a formidable father had not been there to see them grow up.

A sudden tightness gripped his heart.

Yan Tai and Shi Mo huddled at the entrance of the study. Upon seeing him, they were about to bow in respect, but Xiao Yuchen gestured for them to leave. He then stood by the door.

After Shi Mo and Yan Tai left the courtyard, he bent over and peered through the crack in the door, only to see Xiao Yuming feasting at the desk, looking nothing like a punished child.

A small laugh escaped him, and then he quietly stood by the door, waiting for Xiao Yuming to finish his meal.

After a short while, there came a series of banging knocks from inside, followed by Xiao Yuming’s voice, “Clean up now.”

No sooner had his voice fallen than a servant approached from outside, paid his respects to Xiao Yuchen, and then took out the keys to unlock the door and begin clearing away the dishes, while Xiao Yuchen stepped inside.

Xiao Yuming didn't say anything when he saw him, poured himself a glass of water, and drank deeply while Xiao Yuchen found a chair to sit down.

After tidying up the dishes, the young servant approached Xiao Yuchen with a bow and a smile, saying, "Young Master, the mistress has instructed..."

"I'll leave in a moment, and I'll speak to mother about this later," Xiao Yuchen interjected, cutting off the servant's words.

The servant, of course, wouldn't say anything more. He carried the dishes out and even thoughtfully closed the door behind him.

Xiao Yuchen sat in silence for a while before saying, "Just now, I was suddenly reminded of father practicing martial arts when we were children."