Chapter 37: I Want to Learn Martial Arts

Chapter 37: I Want to Learn Martial Arts

Xiao Yuchen sat on the chair by the window, turning his head to gaze into the night outside, dark and serene.

He said, "Just now, I was suddenly reminded of father practicing martial arts when we were children."

Hearing his words, Xiao Yuming placed his glass on the table and slumped in his chair as if boneless. "I thought your mind was only occupied with Liu Biqin," he said.

Caught off guard by his abrupt statement, Xiao Yuchen turned sharply, his expression flustered and somewhat awkward as he looked at Xiao Yuming, "I... you..."

Under the cynical gaze of Xiao Yuming, Xiao Yuchen found himself at a loss for words, eventually resorting to silently staring out into the night.

The room was steeped in silence, the dim light elongating the shadows of the two brothers...

Time passed indiscernibly before Xiao Yuchen murmured almost to himself, "You don't understand the feelings between her and me."

Xiao Yuming let out a scoff, "You don't understand my matters either."

Turning to look at Xiao Yuming, who was sprawled carelessly in his chair, Xiao Yuchen suddenly realized he didn't truly understand his younger brother. In fact, upon reflection, he indeed did not. His attention had always been on his studies and Liu Biqin; how could he have spared any for his siblings?

He was indeed an inadequate elder brother.

"I... I truly have no right to admonish you. What I wanted to say today is..."

Xiao Yuchen wanted to tell him that their mother was working hard to support the entire household and that they shouldn't add to her burdens. But this sounded too preachy, and remembering Xiao Yuming's earlier words, he found himself unable to voice it.

In the end, all he could manage was, "Nevermind, mother said she'd let you out once you've thought it over. Rest well, I'll take my leave now."

With those words, he rose and hurried toward the door. His steps were a bit flustered. Xiao Yuming, still sprawled indolently in his chair, remained silent and motionless.

Soon, the doorkeeping servant arrived. Standing at the entrance, he bowed cautiously and said to the still and silent Xiao Yuming, "Second Young Master, the door will be locked now."

Xiao Yuming sat as still as a statue, making no sound or movement. The servant nodded at him again before locking the door.

Leaving the study, Xiao Yuchen made his way to his Qingfeng Courtyard, stepping through the cold moonlight. A chill wind blew, sweeping through his collar and engulfing his body, yet he was utterly oblivious.

As he neared Qingfeng Courtyard, he suddenly halted, gazing into the distant night and mused, "Did I truly err?"

Changming, who had been quietly following behind, didn't know to what he was referring, nor how to respond. Xiao Yuchen didn't seem to expect a reply, and after a moment, he added, "What is wrong, and what is right? Is turning a blind eye to her being trampled upon the correct thing to do?"

Changming, unsure how to respond, remained silent. Seeing Xiao Yuchen resume his walk, he quickly followed.

Upon entering Qingfeng Courtyard, Ziling immediately greeted him, "Young Master, it's quite chilly. Why didn't you wear a cloak?"

Xiao Yuchen didn't respond, continuing on his way as Ziling hurried to attend to him, assisting with his bath and rest...

………

The next day, nearing noon, Tang Shuyi was inspecting her dowry, which now belonged to her. She planned to invest her private funds in a clubhouse, avoiding the use of the estate's public money.

The accounts of the Marquis's estate were meticulously detailed. The public funds of the estate came from the businesses of the old Marquis and Xiao Huai, while the dowries of the old Marchioness and her former self were her own. Although she and the three children were now the masters of the estate, Tang Shuyi still managed the assets of the old Marquis, the old Marchioness, Xiao Huai, and herself separately.

Considering the potential future troubles of the estate, which might even lead to a division, it was best to keep the accounts clear.

Reviewing her private accounts and the available funds, Tang Shuyi calculated how much would be needed for a clubhouse with three courtyards. Just then, Cuicui came in and reported, "Madam, Shimo from Second Young Master's side is here."

Tang Shuyi shifted her gaze from the ledger and said, "Let him in."

Shimo entered the room and quickly knelt down, "This servant pays respects to Madam."

Tang Shuyi glanced at him, having learned a bit about Xiao Yuming's two attendants. Yantai was honest, while this Shimo was quite clever.

"Rise," she instructed.

Standing up with a slight bow, Shimo relayed, "Madam, the Second Young Master sent this servant to inform you that he has come to a realization."

Tang Shuyi paused for a moment, then said, "Alright, I'll go see him."

She rose and headed out, with Cuizhu and Cuicui following. Shimo quickly caught up, whispering to Cuicui, "Sister Cuicui, the Second Young Master has been sitting there silently for days, deep in thought. This time, he must have come to a conclusion."

Cuiyun glanced at him and snorted, "You always overthink things." His earlier remark was clearly intended for the lady's ears, implying that the Second Young Master was seriously contemplating matters, heeding the lady's advice.

Shimo chuckled quietly.

Up ahead, Tang Shuyi caught bits of their conversation, her lips curving slightly. Whether subdued or lively, the attendants of Xiao Yuxuan and Xiao Yuming were undoubtedly loyal.

Soon they reached the study. Tang Shuyi instructed someone to open the door, and there stood Xiao Yuming by the desk, eyes bright and lively, not at all like someone who had been confined. Upon seeing her, he flashed a grin, revealing shiny white teeth, "Mother, please have a seat."

Tang Shuyi walked behind the desk and sat down, while Xiao Yuming stood properly in front of her and said, "Mother, I've made up my mind. I want to learn martial arts."

Tang Shuyi studied him intently, trying to discern whether he was sincere or just placating her. But Xiao Yuming, grinning with his teeth bared, was inscrutable.

Suddenly, she realized that this second son was not just rebellious; he was also shrewd. However, these traits weren't necessarily bad; it's always better to be astute than easily fooled.

"Learning martial arts is good," she said. "I'll find you a master."

"No need, Niu Hongliang will do," said Xiao Yuming.

Tang Shuyi recalled Niu Hongliang, the head guard of the Marquis' residence, formerly a captain under Xiao Huai and now unable to rise in the ranks due to an arm injury. Xiao Huai had appointed him as the head guard.

A person arranged by Xiao Huai was undoubtedly loyal, but was there any hidden agenda in Xiao Yuming's proactive request to train with him?

After a moment's hesitation, she replied, "Alright, I'll speak to him. You start learning from him diligently, and later I'll find you an even better master."

In fact, when Tang Shuyi had first proposed that Xiao Yuming learn martial arts, she had already considered asking the great general Xiang Gaochi to be his master. Although it wasn't easy to secure Xiang as a master, Xiao Huai had once done him a favor, and Tang Shuyi planned to use that as leverage.

Now that Xiao Yuming himself had suggested Niu Hongliang, she didn't want to press him too hard, lest he end up running away from home like Yan Wu.