Chapter 61: Unspeakable Words

Chapter 61: Unspeakable Words

There is a magnetic field between people, and Tang Shuyi felt that she and Xie Yihua had a harmonious one. They felt a sense of kinship at first sight and hit it off in conversation.

Entering the hall, they chatted about family matters. They first discussed Duke Tang's health, who was a robust 65 years old. Then they moved on to the affairs of the second branch of the Duke's family, namely Tang Shubai's legitimate younger brother, Tang Shujie, and his household.

Tang Shujie's marriage differed from the arranged union of Tang Shubai. Tang Shujie's wife was his cousin from his mother's side, and the two of them grew up together like childhood sweethearts, naturally sharing a deep affection.

However, in ancient times, it was normal for a man to have multiple wives and concubines, and Tang Shujie was no exception. Despite marrying his childhood sweetheart, he took several concubines. His cousin-wife, however, was deeply in love with him and couldn't bear to see him with other women, causing daily tumult.

"At her age, she's nearly a grandmother, yet she still can't understand that a man cannot be satisfied with just one woman?" Madame Tang, the senior lady of the house, said.

Tang Shuyi sighed, "Second brother is also at fault, being of such an age, yet he doesn't know how to restrain himself."

Madame Tang didn't wish to discuss their matters any longer and waved her hand dismissively, "Those two have been quarreling for twenty years, it won't lead to anything serious." Leaning closer to Tang Shuyi, she lowered her voice and asked, "What's the reason behind Yu Chen and the second Miss Wu breaking off their engagement?"

In her opinion, unless there was a significant reason, it wasn't wise to call off the engagement. Xiao Yuchen was planning to take the imperial examinations, and Wu Jingyun's grandfather was a great scholar. Although he had passed away, her uncles were also learned men, which would have been advantageous for Xiao Yuchen's academic pursuits.

Tang Shuyi didn't respond immediately, pondering how to phrase her reply. She had promised the Wu family not to disclose the incident at Chongguang Temple, but she didn't want to deceive Madame Tang either.

"Could it really be because of the rumor circulating outside, that Miss Wu has an inauspicious birth chart?" Seeing Tang Shuyi's silence, Madame Tang asked again.

"No," Tang Shuyi didn't expect the rumor about Wu Jingyun's inauspicious birth chart to have spread so quickly.

"I can't disclose the specific reason," she added in a hushed tone.

Madame Tang wore an understanding expression; having grown up in a noble family and serving as the matriarch of the Tang ducal household for many years, she had more insight into certain matters than Tang Shuyi, who had traveled from the modern era.

"I was hoping to ask you about the third Miss Wu," she said.

"Wu Jingshu?" Tang Shuyi inquired.

Madame Tang nodded, then sighed, "It's all within the family, so I'm not embarrassed to share. My nephew brought back a Yangzhou thin horse last year. My sister-in-law didn't pay much attention at the time, but recently, upon examination by a doctor, she was found to be three months pregnant. Isn't it infuriating?"

"So… are they planning to keep it?" asked Tang Shuyi.

Although men in ancient times commonly had multiple wives and concubines, they generally did not take concubines before marriage, at most keeping a few servant girls. Getting a servant girl pregnant before marriage was a great taboo. Unless the family was selling their daughter, almost no one would allow their daughter to marry a man who had fathered a child out of wedlock. It was seen as a severe breach of etiquette.

As expected, Madame Tang showed a look of disappointment, "In my opinion, a dose of medicine would solve the problem. Then we could sell off that Yangzhou thin horse. Keeping such a person is nothing but trouble. But this nephew is my sister-in-law's youngest son, always spoiled. He's making a fuss about keeping the child, saying that if the child isn't kept, he'll die."

Tang Shuyi wanted to say, "Then let him die," but since it was someone else's family matter, she just listened.

Table of Contents Previous Page Next Page Last Page

"My sister-in-law perceives Mrs. Wu as modest and virtuous and assumes her daughters would be commendable. She asked me to inquire about the temperament of the third Miss Wu," added Lady Tang.

Tang Shuyi was momentarily at a loss for words. The lady of the Xie household seemed rather unscrupulous, seeking a favorable match for her son despite his scandal of impregnating a maid. Yet, the one she eyed wasn't exactly desirable.

Normally, Tang Shuyi wouldn't interfere in such matters, but familial ties compelled her to speak up. "The daughters of the Wu family are all unsuitable," she said.

Lady Tang nodded, understanding that something significant must have transpired. She lowered her voice and asked, "Is it because of domestic unrest?"

Tang Shuyi remained silent, but her lack of response spoke volumes. Still, she cautioned, "Elder sister-in-law, this matter is confidential. I've promised not to disclose it."

"Rest assured," Lady Tang confidently assured. "I'll merely suggest to my sister-in-law that the match is unsuitable, without divulging anything further."

Tang Shuyi smiled and shifted the conversation. The two chatted about other matters, and Lady Tang stayed for lunch. Observing that Xiao Yuchen and his siblings had matured, she genuinely rejoiced for Tang Shuyi.

As she was leaving, Lady Tang remarked, "Sometimes, one must be strict with children. Had I been firmer with my nephew early on, he wouldn't be in his current predicament."

"I understand," Tang Shuyi replied.

The former mistress spoiled the three children, contributing to their current behavior. Of course, their father, Xiao Huai, was no model parent either, as he neglected their upbringing.

After seeing off Lady Tang, Tang Shuyi leaned back on the cushioned couch, lost in thought.

She recalled that in ancient times, men began keeping concubines from their teens. What about her two stepsons? Xiao Yuming was only fourteen, but what about Xiao Yuchen? Should she advise him against sleeping with maids? She found the idea too embarrassing to broach.

Yet, the thought of her stepsons surrounded by a bevy of concubines and maids troubled her, as if she had raised two fickle cabbages.

After wrestling with the dilemma, she sighed. The deep-seated cultural norms of ancient society were beyond her capacity to change. She decided to let nature take its course.

At present, Xiao Yuchen's heart was preoccupied with Liu Biqin, leaving him little interest in maids. As for Xiao Yuming, being only fourteen, she didn't need to worry just yet.

However, she resolved to be selective about Xiao Yuzhu's future match, preferably someone who pledged to remain monogamous.

Ah, the worries of motherhood are endless.

Not one to dwell, Tang Shuyi put the matter aside and contemplated visiting the vicinity of Tianlang Lake to find a suitable property for a clubhouse.

"Madam, your tea," Cui Zhu offered a jade-green cup to Tang Shuyi.

Tang Shuyi took a delicate sip and remarked, "It felt rather empty with only you here after Cui Yun was out for the day."

Cui Zhu chuckled, "Cui Yun would be over the moon if she heard your words."

Tang Shuyi laughed heartily.

Cuicloud returned before dinner, and upon seeing Tang Shuyi, she said, "I thought to wait outside the Princess Changping's residence for a while, hoping to see that person and deliver the message to Changming so I could return, but I waited all day without a glimpse of anyone. The eldest son said we must try again tomorrow."

"Then you'll have a hard time these next few days. I'll personally ask our eldest son to reward you," Tang Shuyi told her, motioning for her to sit.

Cuicloud, beaming, bowed to Tang Shuyi and said, "Then I thank the lady in advance."

P.S.: I’ve read the comments, and some dear readers are upset on behalf of the original female lead. Let me share my perspective.

Actually, it's quite normal for the original female lead, Wu Jingyun, who had a hard life in her previous existence and wants revenge after her rebirth. And as for our protagonist, Tang Shuyi, who has traversed through time, her interests are tied with those of her eldest son and the Marquis's estate. Naturally, she would prevent anything that could harm her and the estate's well-being.

It’s not about who’s right or wrong between the protagonist and the original female lead. They simply stand on different grounds with conflicting interests.

I didn’t mean to vilify or dumb down the original female lead. In fact, she wasn't very clever in her previous life, and rebirth doesn’t equate to a brain transplant. Without a significant epiphany, one won’t become much smarter after rebirth.

Of course, the same goes for time travel. I think if I were to travel back to ancient times, I probably wouldn’t survive a single episode, haha…