Chapter 58: How Dare You!

Chapter 58: How Dare You!

Caught in the act of gossiping by the very subject of the gossip, Tang Shuyi felt a bit embarrassed. But it was just that, embarrassment. The corridor was a public place, and even if Qi Liangsheng and Princess Changping were overbearing, they couldn't forbid her from standing by the window in her own private room, drinking tea.

After closing the window and sitting back down, she asked Cuiyun, "Do you know what that man looks like now?"

She was asking about the person who had suggested Xiao Yuchen be made the lead entertainer in front of Princess Changping. Earlier, Cuiyun had only heard his voice and had not seen the man.

"I know now," Cuiyun replied softly.

Tang Shuyi hummed in response and leaned back in her chair, asking the singer to continue with her song. She thought to herself that Qi Liangsheng must be feeling quite frustrated; at his age, to still be pressured into marriage.

Once inside the "Heaven No. 1" room, Qi Liangsheng immediately inquired of the waiter, "Who's in 'Heaven No. 3'?"

He felt that he had seen that person before.

This waiter wasn't the one who had served Tang Shuyi, and he paused for a moment upon Qi Liangsheng's question, then responded, "Let me check and get back to you, sir."

Qi Liangsheng hummed noncommittally, and the waiter turned and scurried off to inquire about Tang Shuyi's details. He returned shortly to report, "The guest is visiting our teahouse for the first time, and the specifics are unclear, but his attendant addressed him as 'Sixth Master.'"

"Master Qi," Qi Liangsheng mulled over the term, recalling the figures in the capital who held the sixth rank, but none matched up. Dismissing the fleeting curiosity, he chose not to dwell on it. The resemblance he sensed was perhaps nothing but a casual curiosity.

………

After enjoying the musical performance for a while, Tang Shuyi reckoned it was nearly midday and left Yunlan Pavilion for the most renowned tavern on the street, Drunken Immortal Tavern. In ancient times, taverns were akin to restaurants, offering both meals and drinks.

Drunken Immortal Tavern, frequently praised by Xiao Yuming for its exquisite dishes, was Tang Shuyi's choice for the day. She secured a private room and, while ordering, she generously added several dishes to be delivered to her residence, the Yongning Marquis House. Indulging in a meal out, she couldn't neglect the three youngsters back home.

The fare at Drunken Immortal Tavern indeed lived up to its reputation, leaving Tang Shuyi satiated. Accompanied by her maids, Cuicloud and Cuibamboo, she strolled through the eastern and southern parts of the city, returning to her abode only as dusk fell. Upon arrival at Shi'an Courtyard, she was greeted by her three children, Xiao Yuxin, Xiao Yuming, and Xiao Yuzhu, standing in a row on the porch, faces etched with concern.

"What's all this...?"

"Mother?"

Tang Shuyi began to inquire about their unusual gathering, but before she could finish, Xiao Yuzhu's surprised voice interrupted her. The child dashed over, tugging at the wide sleeve of Tang Shuyi's attire and called out again, seeking confirmation, "Mother?"

Amused, Tang Shuyi affirmed, "Indeed, I am your mother, genuine and irreplaceable."

With that, she spread her arms wide and twirled around, asking, "How do I look?"

Xiao Yuzhu's eyes sparkled as she nodded vigorously, "Mother, you look splendid, no, truly handsome!"

Tang Shuyi laughed heartily and then turned to Xiao Yuxin and Xiao Yuming, showcasing her outfit. "Well, what do you think?"

Xiao Yuming nodded emphatically and stepped closer, saying, "You look beautiful."

"You compliment women as 'beautiful' and men as 'handsome,'" Xiao Yuzhu corrected him. "Mother is dressed as a man now."

At that moment, Xiao Yuxin joined them and added, "Mother, you look very… fitting in those clothes, not out of place in the slightest."

Tang Shuyi's laughter rang out clear and hearty. "I too find this attire quite agreeable."

In this ancient era, the freedoms of a man were far more comfortable than those of a woman.

"It's cold outside, let's go in," Tang Shuyi suggested, taking Xiao Yuzhu by the hand and leading her inside. Xiao Yuzhu's gaze kept returning to her mother's outfit, and eventually, she couldn't hold back, "Mother, I want men's clothing too."

Tang Shuyi agreed without hesitation: "Certainly, I'll have someone make them for you."

Overjoyed, Xiao Yuzhu was almost ready to leap with happiness.

Upon entering the house, Tang Shuyi asked if the three siblings had eaten yet, and all three shook their heads. They hadn't seen Tang Shuyi all day, and as evening approached without her return, they grew worried and stood in a row waiting in the corridor.

Warmed by their concern, Tang Shuyi quickly instructed the servants to prepare a meal, and the family of four sat down to eat together. As they ate, Tang Shuyi recounted her day’s activities and concluded, "I think my clubhouse should not be located in an overly bustling area—it’s too noisy. But it shouldn’t be too remote either, as that would affect attracting patrons."

Xiaoyu Ming and Xiaoyu Zhen both frowned in thought. Where in the capital was not too noisy yet not too remote? Then, both of them thought of the same place—Tianlang Lake.

Xiaoyu Zhen analyzed, "Tianlang Lake, situated between the East and South Cities, is not far from the bustling streets of De'an and Guangyang. Moreover, the scenery of Tianlang Lake is pleasant, and those who live nearby are either wealthy or noble."

The more Tang Shuyi heard, the more appealing the location seemed. She hadn't had time to visit that area today and said, "I’ll go have a look tomorrow."

"Aunt Li, the nursemaid from my aunt's side, came with a message, saying that my aunt wishes to visit tomorrow," Xiaoyu Zhen informed.

"Then I’ll visit the lake when I have time. There’s no rush," Tang Shuyi replied, and then turned to Xiaoyu Zhen, "Did Nursemaid Li mention what it’s about?"

Xiaoyu Zhen replied, "She said it’s been days since she last saw you and misses you."

Tang Shuyi nodded in understanding, though she felt her sister-in-law likely had other matters to discuss. All would be clear upon meeting tomorrow.

After dinner, she took the three children to the hall for a chat. This had become their family's routine: meals together and a chat after dinner, then attending to their individual tasks.

Once in the hall, Tang Shuyi leaned back on the brocade couch, one leg crossed over the other, and took the tea handed to her by Cui Zhu, sipping it leisurely. Her posture, especially clad in men's attire, appeared so casual and carefree that it left the three siblings gazing at her in astonishment.

Sensing their stares, Tang Shuyi put her teacup down on the small table, asking, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

The three siblings averted their gazes, and Xiaoyu Zhu even came over to sit by her side.

After pondering for a moment, Tang Shuyi decided to share with the children what she had overheard at the Yunlan Pavilion. She increasingly felt that not keeping secrets from them and tackling problems together was the best way to educate and bond.

Sitting up straighter, she said, "Today, I went to the Yunlan Pavilion for tea and encountered Princess Changping. As I passed by her private room, I overheard someone mentioning Xiaoyu Zhen’s name. So I had Cui Zhu inquire further, and it turns out…"

Her pause made Xiaoyu Zhen frown deeply, while Xiaoyu Ming and Xiaoyu Zhu looked at her expectantly. Tang Shuyi didn’t keep them in suspense any longer, continuing, "It turns out that someone in Princess Changping’s entourage suggested that she take Xiaoyu Zhen as a... face servant."

"How dare they!" Xiaoyu Zhen exclaimed, his face turning pale with anger.

Xiaoyu Ming stood up furiously and demanded, "Who? Who is it? I’ll tear him apart."

Xiaoyu Zhu rolled up her sleeves, ready for a fight.