Chapter 53: A Very High Move in the Game of Chess

Chapter 53: A Very High Move in the Game of Chess

The next day, Tang Shuyi got up, dressed simply, and strolled slowly to the training ground. There, she saw Xiao Yuming practicing horse stance with sandbags tied to his arms and a brick balanced on his head. Despite the cool autumn air, his forehead was beaded with sweat.

"I'll ask the kitchen to add more meat to the meals," Tang Shuyi instructed Cui Zhu and Cui Yun. With Xiao Yuming's vigorous exercise, his nutrition needs to keep up.

"Sister Zhang from the kitchen makes excellent dried meat. We could have her make more for the Second Young Master to snack on," Cui Zhu suggested.

"Good, you can go and arrange that later."

While chatting, the mistress and her maids took a stroll around the small garden beside the training ground before returning to Shian Garden. Soon, the three children arrived, and Tang Shuyi called for breakfast to be served. After breakfast, Xiao Yuzhen and Xiao Yuming went to their respective studies and schools.

Tang Shuyi pondered whether to hire another tutor for Xiao Yuzhen, but he had already learned what he needed; what remained was integrating and applying his knowledge. Ideally, a teacher who had participated in the imperial examinations and achieved high honors would be best.

"Mother, I want to listen to your conversation with Old Madam Zhang," Xiao Yuzhu tugged at her sleeve.

After some thought, Tang Shuyi agreed that it might be a good practical lesson for her daughter. "Alright, you can hide behind the screen, but make sure you don't make any noise."

Xiao Yuzhu nodded vigorously.

Tang Shuyi then instructed Cui Zhu to welcome the guests at the gate while she returned to her bedroom to change into a fresh outfit. As she dressed, she asked, "How's the men's clothing I ordered coming along?"

While tying her waistband, Cui Yun replied, "I'll check on it shortly, it should be nearly ready."

"Once it's ready, I'll take you both out for a stroll," Tang Shuyi teased, and Cui Yun covered her mouth, chuckling.

After getting ready, they proceeded to the reception hall. Tang Shuyi instructed Xiao Yuzhu's two maids, Qing Mei and Qing Shuang, to hide her behind the screen, reiterating that they must remain silent.

"Don't worry, mother, I won't make a peep," Xiao Yuzhu said as she disappeared behind the screen, with Qing Mei and Qing Shuang hurrying after her.

Soon, Cui Yun arrived with the guest, and Tang Shuyi stepped out to welcome them. After exchanging greetings, she assisted Old Madam Zhang into the hall.

Once seated, Old Madam Zhang commented, "You seem much healthier, your spirits must have lifted."

Sincerely, Tang Shuyi replied with a smile, "I've come to terms with some things, and naturally, my spirits have improved."

"Indeed, no matter what happens, we must look forward," Old Madam Zhang consoled, "With three children by your side, there are plenty of good days ahead."

"You're right," Tang Shuyi smiled, "Right now, all I wish for is my children to grow up safely."

"That's the right way to think," said Old Madam Zhang, sighing, "Speaking of children, I'm afraid my granddaughter has caused you some trouble."

"Old Madam," Tang Shuyi sighed as well, "The marriage between Jingyun and my son Yuzhen was arranged by you and my mother-in-law, and I've always been quite fond of Jingyun. However, it seems she's heard some rumors and wants to call off the engagement. If she wishes to break it off, that's fine; we can sit down and discuss it amicably. But her actions have truly infuriated and upset me; I'm at a loss for words."

The elderly Mrs. Zhang was completely baffled, "What has Jingyun done?"

She truly had no idea about the things Wu Jingyun had done.

Seeing that her expression didn’t seem feigned, Tang Shuyi said, "Some days ago, the Liang family barged into our residence, claiming that my son Yuchen was harboring the criminal Liu Yushan's daughter. You must be aware of this, right?"

Mrs. Zhang nodded, "I am aware."

Nearly everyone in the capital knew of this incident.

"Why would the Liang family suddenly go mad and search our Mei Hua Alley residence?" asked Tang Shuyi.

Mrs. Zhang furrowed her brows in thought, "Why indeed?"

Tang Shuyi said, "Because someone tipped them off, claiming that my son had hidden Liu Yushan's daughter in Mei Hua Alley. Elder Mrs. Zhang, do you know who sent them the tip?"

Mrs. Zhang clenched her fists, already having her suspicions, but still asked with a sliver of hope, "Who was it?"

Tang Shuyi didn’t respond, instead she took a sip of tea from the cup beside her, causing Mrs. Zhang’s heart to rise to her throat. Taking a deep breath, she asked, "You’re saying it was… Jingyun?"

Tang Shuyi gave her a confirming look, but Mrs. Zhang still found it hard to believe, asking, "Is there… any evidence?"

Tang Shuyi set down her teacup, "Elder Mrs. Zhang, for matters like these, even if I had evidence, could I tell you? If you go back and ask your granddaughter, wouldn’t you know?"

Tang Shuyi’s tone was confident, convincing Mrs. Zhang to a great extent. She knew it was unlikely for Tang Shuyi to fabricate such a thing. Moreover, if Xiao Yuchen really had hidden someone in Mei Hua Alley, it was highly probable that Jingyun knew, given her deep affection for Yuchen and her attentive concern towards him.

Yet, such a move was too drastic.

Mrs. Zhang was considerably disheartened for a moment. Tang Shuyi, who never intended to be hostile with the Zhang family, or even the Wu family, didn’t plan on cutting ties permanently. There were no irreconcilable grievances between them, and they could still maintain superficial relations.

She said, "After all, she is young, acting impulsively upon hearing slander. Elder Mrs. Zhang, please guide her more in the future. However, the marriage arrangement between our children probably won't work out. It’s for the best, to prevent them from becoming a resentful couple."

"I came today precisely to discuss this matter," Mrs. Zhang rallied her spirits and said, "Let's find a time to dissolve the children's engagement."

"Well, sooner is better than later, let’s settle it tomorrow," Tang Shuyi suggested.

Mrs. Zhang nodded and added, "There’s another matter, it’s rather embarrassing to mention. My son-in-law told me, did Feng and her daughter attempt to scheme against the crown prince at Chongguang Temple a few days ago?"

Tang Shuyi took a sip of tea and remained silent, leaving Mrs. Zhang no choice but to continue, "As they say, evildoers will meet evil ends. That Wu Jingzhu ended up with such a fate, she brought it upon herself. But... I just hope you can keep this matter confidential."

Speaking, she carried a box over to Tang Shuyi, placing it on the table. "Yu Chen has been wronged due to someone else's schemes; this is the Wu family's way of making amends."

Tang Shuyi calmly opened the box to find it filled with numerous pearls and jades, each of impeccable quality. At the bottom, there was a piece of paper. She pulled it out, unfolded it, and saw it was a banknote for ten thousand taels.

Without changing her expression, she placed the banknote back and said, "Elder Madam, we're both parents, each wishing for our children's betterment. I won't speak of this matter to others and hope that Minister Wu will take greater care of our Yu Chen in the future."

Elder Madam Zhang hadn't expected Tang Shuyi to make such a request, which seemed simple but was actually quite significant. It was a promise from Wu Guoliang that he couldn't shirk his responsibilities when the Marquis' estate needed him.

Truly a masterful move.