Chapter 39: One Should Not Be Too Capricious in Actions

Chapter 39: One Should Not Be Too Capricious in Actions

The next day, after breakfast, Tang Shuyi summoned Niu Hongliang, the chief of the guards, to the Shi'an Garden to arrange for Xiao Yuming's martial arts training.

Niu Hongliang was of average height with a round face and dark skin, and his large eyes gave him the kind of look that would not stand out in a crowd. But upon closer inspection, one could see a particular brightness in his eyes, and his every move exuded an invisible strength.

Although Tang Shuyi was not versed in martial arts, she could sense that Niu Hongliang's skills were far from shallow.

After arranging a seat for him and serving tea, Tang Shuyi spoke to him about Xiao Yuming's desire to learn martial arts. Niu Hongliang was a straightforward person and agreed without hesitation. Teaching the young master a few moves was no difficult task.

"He is at the age where he is fond of play. I hope you can be strict with him," Tang Shuyi said.

This time, Niu Hongliang hesitated for a moment before agreeing. Teaching martial arts was one thing; having Xiao Yuming practice with him was another, but discipline was more challenging. Even when he served in the army with a rank of colonel, he dared not discipline the sons of the marquis's household.

But now that the lady of the house had given her orders, he could only agree. However, deep down, he didn't think that the second young master would submit to his discipline.

Seeing his hesitation, Tang Shuyi guessed what he was thinking. But since she had already agreed with Xiao Yuming, she couldn't change her mind now. She decided to let things take their course for the time being.

Besides, with Xiao Yuming's current rudimentary skills, even General Xiang wouldn't give him a second glance.

Of course, with Niu Hongliang taking on the additional role of Xiao Yuming's martial arts instructor, his treatment in all aspects would be improved. After he left, Tang Shuyi instructed someone to make the necessary arrangements.

Tomorrow was the day she had agreed to visit Chongguang Temple with Lady Wu. She called over someone to keep an eye on the Wu residence and inquired if there had been any discoveries. It turned out that in the past two days, Lady Wu and Wu Jingyun had not left their residence, and neither had the people around them.

Nevertheless, Tang Shuyi did not let down her guard. After dinner, she reiterated her cautionary advice to Xiao Yuxin for the trip to Chongguang Temple the next day, and Xiao Yuxin earnestly agreed.

The journey from the marquis's residence to Chongguang Temple took more than an hour. The next day, Tang Shuyi got up early and took the spacious carriage prepared for long journeys to Chongguang Temple. The carriage was spacious enough that one could lie down and sleep inside without any issue.

Xiao Yuchen and Tang Shuyi rode together, conversing briefly before Xiao Yuchen pulled out a book to read. Tang Shuyi glanced at the cover, recognizing "The Great Learning," one of the Four Books among the classic Confucian texts.

It seemed he was indeed diligent in his studies.

Tang Shuyi did not disturb him and took out a book of her own to read, choosing "Records of the Grand Historian." In her previous life, she would never have chosen such a book, but in the ancient aristocratic families, it was considered essential reading for elite education, surely for good reason.

If she wanted to thrive in this ancient era, she didn’t need to master these texts, but she had to at least be familiar with them. She always believed knowledge was the foundation for all success.

The journey to Chongguang Temple was spent immersed in their readings, and they arrived swiftly. Disembarking from the carriage at the foot of the mountain, they lifted their eyes to see a temple standing amidst a blend of red and green hues, a touch of elegance amidst the bold colors, full of charm.

"The scenery here is indeed pleasant," Tang Shuyi said deeply, inhaling the fresh mountain air.

Xiao Yuchen, too, was affected by the vivid landscape, his mood becoming bright and expansive. He said, "Mother, if you like, we can come here more often."

Gazing at the blue sky, white clouds, and majestic mountains, Tang Shuyi declared, "Indeed, we should come out more often."

Xiao Yuchen, watching her spirited demeanor, felt as if he was also filled with energy. Lately, he felt his mother's actions carried an indescribable boldness.

"Let's climb the mountain," Tang Shuyi said, stepping forward. Just then, Mrs. Wu's voice came from behind. Turning around, they saw her and her three daughters standing not far away.

"I thought you would arrive a bit later; I didn't expect you to be so early," Mrs. Wu said with a smile as she approached, followed by Wu Jingyun, Wu Jingshu, and Wu Jingya.

Wu Jingyun's gaze briefly touched the handsome Xiao Yuchen but quickly moved away. Time was the best healer; she no longer felt heartache upon seeing him.

Xiao Yuchen, however, took a second glance at her. It was merely curiosity; he was intrigued by the girl who went to such lengths to break off their engagement.

Wu Jingshu also glanced at Xiao Yuchen, even giving him a flirtatious smile when their eyes met. Xiao Yuchen frowned slightly before turning to listen to Tang Shuyi and Mrs. Wu's pleasantries.

After the greetings were exchanged, he followed Tang Shuyi up the mountain. Mrs. Wu chuckled and said, "You young people have no patience for us elders. Young Master, I'll trouble you to look after my three daughters today."

Xiao Yuchen politely smiled at her, tacitly agreeing. Ordinarily, he would have refused Mrs. Wu's request, citing the impropriety of mingling with the opposite sex. However, Tang Shuyi had mentioned that the Wu family might make a move today, and his observations confirmed that the third Miss Wu was indeed not "honest." Wanting to break off the engagement sooner, he was willing to play along.

He realized he had changed a lot recently. In the past, he would have straightforwardly asked his family to propose breaking off the engagement with Wu Jingyun, avoiding such ungentlemanly tactics.

Indeed, he used to think this approach ungentlemanly, but not anymore. Breaking off an engagement was not simple; it required sufficient grounds. Wu Jingyun seemed faultless on the surface, leaving him without a reason for the breakup.

Forcing a breakup without a valid reason would certainly lead to rumors that the Yongning Marquisate was unreasonable. It would reflect poorly on his family and on him and his mother. His desire to break off the engagement stemmed from Wu Jingyun's extreme actions. Moreover, given the current situation, she seemed willing to go to any lengths to end their engagement.

Wu Jingyun had resorted to unscrupulous methods first; why then must he stubbornly insist on acting the “gentleman”? Besides, he had not actively harmed anyone; he was merely going with the flow.

A whiff of a refreshing scent filled his nostrils amidst his thoughts, and Xiao Yuchen turned his head to find Wu Jingyun beside him, only an arm’s length away. He had never been so close to another woman, his cheeks reddening slightly. He wanted to create some distance between them, but eventually restrained himself.

He had come to realize that one mustn't be too impulsive in their actions.

Wu Jingshu's heart was fluttering like a frightened deer at this moment, her eyes involuntarily glancing towards the jade-like figure beside her. She wanted to speak to him, but shyness held her tongue. After mustering her courage several times, she finally whispered, "Has the Young Master visited this place before?"

Xiao Yuchen didn’t offer her a glance, merely responding with a noncommittal hum. Although he planned to go with the flow and knew that he shouldn't be too impulsive, he still couldn't manage to engage in lively banter with a stranger; it was against his principles.

Yet, even his simple “hum” made Wu Jingshu's heart leap with joy. She boldly continued the conversation, mostly talking by herself while Xiao Yuchen occasionally responded with a “hum.”

PS: Xiao Yuchen is actually quite contradictory.