Chapter 47 A New Respect

Chapter 47 A New Respect

Since Tang Shuyi had already told Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu about the events at Chongguang Temple, she also analyzed the stakes involved, serving as a learning experience for them.

Xiao Yuzhu, being young, didn’t understand some parts, so Tang Shuyi told her, "It's okay if you don't understand; you will in time."

Xiao Yuzhu nodded at her words, seemingly not taking it too seriously. Tang Shuyi smiled and patted her head, fond of the girl's uncomplicated nature.

"I'm sharing this with you so that you're better informed and can gain some experience, but this matter must not be spoken of outside, especially regarding the affair between Miss Wu and Monk Changjing," Tang Shuyi cautioned earnestly. "If word gets out, it would be a disaster for all the women in the Wu family."

The siblings nodded solemnly upon hearing her words, reassuring Tang Shuyi. She then proposed that they should roast meat in the garden pavilion at noon, which delighted the siblings, all eager to try their hand at it.

After breakfast, Tang Shuyi made a trip to the kitchen herself to observe how the meat skewers were being marinated. She watched as the cooks cut the meat into pieces and seasoned them with wine, salt, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, and cinnamon among other spices...

Initially planning to offer some guidance, Tang Shuyi decided there was no need upon seeing their proficiency. She headed back to the Shi'an Garden, where she summoned the family's embroiderers as she intended to have some men's clothing made for easier travel in the future.

As noon approached, the siblings eagerly arrived at the Shi'an Garden, thrilled at the prospect of roasting meat together. Led by Tang Shuyi, they proceeded to the small garden where servants were bustling about. As they entered the octagonal pavilion, they were greeted by a stone table laden with pastries, fruits, wine, and tea.

The kitchen steward promptly reported the readiness of the roasted meat upon the masters' arrival. Tang Shuyi, intrigued by the idea of roasting the meat herself, stood up followed by an excited Xiao Yuzhu. Xiao Yuxin and Xiao Yuming, however, lounged leisurely, awaiting the feast.

Tang Shuyi beckoned them over, questioning, “All this talk of gentlemen avoiding the kitchen is nonsense. Practical skills are never a burden. Can you ensure that you'll never find yourself alone and stranded in the wilderness?”

Both shook their heads; such certainties were beyond anyone’s guarantee.

“What would you do then?” Tang Shuyi looked at Xiao Yuming. “Would you resort to gnawing raw rabbit?”

The thought made Xiao Yuming shudder, and he quickly shook his head.

Tang Shuyi then turned to Xiao Yuxin, “Or would you, like a rabbit, nibble on grass?”

Xiao Yuxin too shook his head.

“Exactly,” Tang Shuyi declared with a grand gesture, “Self-reliance is the key to survival.”

Xiao Yuming, always playful, chuckled and made his way to the grill, while Xiao Yuxin, slightly reluctant, followed suit.

Tang Shuyi, having barbecued only a couple of times during company team-building events in her previous life, wasn’t an expert, and neither were the siblings. Yet their enthusiasm for novelty and the guidance of the cook made the experience enjoyable for all.

Tang Shuyi laughed heartily watching the elegantly dressed children busily turning skewers, sprinkling seasoning, and fanning the flames amidst the smoke and sizzle of the grill. This, she mused, was the essence of life's simple pleasures.

The food they had prepared themselves was delicious. The siblings, along with Tang Shuyi, feasted heartily. Afterward, they sat in the pavilion chatting idly, enjoying the view, and discussing household matters and trivialities.

Xiao Yuxin and his siblings found the afternoon delightful and cheerful, while Tang Shuyi appreciated the quaint charm of ancient life.

As the afternoon was filled with tasks, the family conversed for a while before departing to change clothes and attend to their respective affairs, each carrying the smoky scent of the barbecue.

Upon returning to Qingfeng Garden, Xiao Yuxin was greeted by Ziling. He instructed her to find a set of dark, sober clothes before retiring to his bedroom. He was somewhat nervous about meeting Wu Guoliang soon.

A casual encounter or trivial chitchat about poetry would not have concerned him, but discussing the annulment and the events at Chongguang Temple with Wu Guoliang was an entirely different matter.

Wu Guoliang was not like Liang Jianan; Liang Jianan was merely brazen under the guise of the noble consort's influence, not truly cunning. Wu Guoliang, on the other hand, was a genuine imperial scholar by training and currently served as the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, a fourth-rank official.

Born into a family steeped in scholarly tradition, a graduate himself, and immersed in the bureaucratic arena for years, such a character was not one to be trifled with lightly. Xiaoyu Chen felt the pressure but knew it was his duty to rise to the challenge, gradually mastering the art with ease.

"Eldest Master, how do you find this attire?" Ziling presented a dark robe with subtle gold embroidery and wide sleeves. Xiaoyu Chen approved with a nod after a brief inspection.

"Allow me to assist you with your robe, Young Master."

Ziling stepped forward to help Xiaoyu Chen, who spread his arms to facilitate her movements, though his mind was preoccupied with how he would soon deal with Wu Guoliang. After changing, Ziling offered to redo his hair, but Xiaoyu Chen waved her off, proceeding to the front hall with Changming and Changfeng.

"You stand by the door and inform me immediately upon their arrival," Xiaoyu Chen instructed Changming.

"Yes, Master," Changming acknowledged before hurrying off.

Seated in the hall, Xiaoyu Chen reflected on Tang Shuyi's advice to stand firm on his principles, know what he wanted, and let the rest follow. After all, the advantage was theirs; Wu Guoliang should be the one feeling uneasy.

Yet, he couldn't afford to underestimate a seasoned schemer like Wu Guoliang. When Changming reported Wu Guoliang's entry, Xiaoyu Chen rose to greet him.

Wu Guoliang was different from Liang Jian'an in both his official rank and his background, as well as his prospective father-in-law status, warranting a reception at the entrance.

As he approached the courtyard, he spotted a man in his thirties or forties, portly and stern-faced, approaching under the steward's guidance. Xiaoyu Chen quickened his pace to meet him, "Uncle Wu, forgive me for not greeting you sooner."

"My worthy nephew," Wu Guoliang offered Xiaoyu Chen a rare smile. His usual severity had been absent even on the day Xiaoyu Chen was betrothed to Wu Jingyun.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, they entered the hall to take their seats, Xiaoyu Chen in the central chair of honor, Wu Guoliang to the left as the guest. The maids served tea, and Xiaoyu Chen offered, "Try this pre-rain Longjing tea, Uncle."

Wu Guoliang took a sip from his cup and smiled, "Excellent tea."

In truth, preoccupied with his thoughts, he could hardly distinguish the quality of the tea. But he was starting to respect the marquis' heir, who knew books but not the ways of the world.

Wu Guoliang was somewhat familiar with his future son-in-law: a bookworm with a straightforward nature, slightly naïve, yet not without the pride of a marquis' heir. A man like him, if not for his noble birth, might have been deemed utterly without merit. Yet, his lineage alone was a merit; without any fatal flaws or habits, it was enough to stand guard over a city.

Hence, he had been content with this match, but now...

Having not met for several days, Xiaoyu Chen appeared much improved, at least much more composed. He had been involved in the incident at the Chongguang Temple, the very target of the conspiracy, yet it was by sheer luck he had escaped.

Of course, whether it was an intentional escape or a stroke of fortune is now debatable.

But regardless, after the incident at Chongguang Temple, if he were the Xiao Yuchen from his memory, it would have been good enough if he didn't snub him. Who would have thought he'd be as meticulously polite as he is now, as if nothing had happened?

PS: Regarding updates: 4000+ words daily. On whimsical days, the author might go for 6000+ or more. Update time is around 6 PM daily.

The update yesterday morning was due to the rush for the debut verification period, but typically it will be around 6 PM in the afternoon.