Chapter 66: What About Face? Don’t You Want It?

Chapter 66: What About Face? Don't You Want It?

Tang Shuyi called out towards the doorway, and soon after, Butler Zhao entered, bowing respectfully, “What orders do you have, my lady?”

Tang Shuyi instructed, “Go to the Wu residence and invite Minister Wu here. Tell him there is a matter that needs clarification.”

“Yes,” Butler Zhao replied respectfully, bowed, and then swiftly exited.

Observing her decisive and straightforward manner, Master Fang wore a complex expression. Meanwhile, Minister Qi and the Earl of Nanling saw her in a new light. They had both dealt with Xiao Huai before and were familiar with Butler Zhao, Xiao Huai’s former right-hand man.

They had seen how Butler Zhao acted in Xiao Huai's presence, similar to how he behaved with Tang Shuyi. This indicated that the Marchioness was now the true head of the Marquisate, commanding authority over both its external and internal affairs.

Then, the thought occurred to them: was it the Marchioness who had made the decisions regarding the recent commotion caused by the Liang family? If so, this Marchioness was indeed no ordinary woman, matching, if not surpassing, the capabilities of many men.

For a moment, both Minister Qi and the Earl of Nanling were lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Tang Shuyi, seemingly oblivious to the gazes of the three men in the room, gracefully took her seat and began examining her fingernails. At that moment, she shed the sharpness she had previously exhibited, reverting to the dignified and graceful demeanor of the Marchioness.

The room was enveloped in a silence so profound it bordered on awkward.

After a while, Tang Shuyi looked towards the Earl of Nanling and inquired, “How has the Earl’s wife been faring recently?”

"Quite well, just the other day she was mentioning her wish to visit the Marquess's estate. She said that if it hadn't been for your cooperation last time, that wretch would never have been caught." Lord Nanling's forthright nature was evident as he laughed heartily after speaking.

Tang Shuyi also smiled, "In that matter, Yuming also acted improperly, and I have punished him severely for it."

Discussing their unruly children, Lord Nanling found common ground with Tang Shuyi, and they chatted amicably. After a while, Tang Shuyi turned to Qi Liangsheng and said, "Among the three children, your He Guang is considered the most well-behaved."

Qi Liangsheng was equally troubled by his mischievous child and, though he usually disliked discussing domestic matters, he sighed and said, "That boy is quietly troublesome."

"At such an age, it's the critical time for their rebellious phase; strict discipline is essential." Tang Shuyi remarked, turning to Fang Shanlong with a smile, "The academy's masters must be exerting much effort, and it must be taxing for you, Fang Shanlong, to worry about this."

Fang Shanlong: "..."

What sort of woman is she? Just moments ago, she was imposing and confrontational, and now she converses with him amicably and with laughter. What about pride? Does she not care for it?

But one does not strike a smiling face; Fang Shanlong hummed indifferently in response. Then he heard Tang Shuyi say, "Just a few days ago, my Yu Chen was saying that the academy's masters are strict in teaching, and many talents emerge from there, all thanks to Fang Shanlong's excellent management!"

Fang Shanlong: "..."

Speechless again, truly, the old saying 'women and petty men are difficult to raise' couldn't be more accurate.

Seeing that he did not respond, Tang Shuyi knew that intellectuals, especially high-level scholars, valued their dignity, so she didn't continue the conversation and instead chatted with Lord Nanling and Qi Liangsheng, mostly with Lord Nanling while Qi Liangsheng occasionally added a comment.

Tang Shuyi's efforts to mend her relationship with Fang Shanlong had its reasons. The Da Qian Dynasty held scholars in high regard, and as a great scholar of the age, Fang Shanlong's status was even more eminent. With disciples all over the country and the ancient tradition of respecting teachers and valuing teachings, offending him to death was not a wise move.

Besides, there was a high likelihood that he was being used by others in the current situation.

Sometimes, one has to bow their head when necessary, and she wasn't truly averse to enduring some grievances.

However, she could not tolerate Fang Shanlong's accusation of moral deficiency against Xiao Yuchen. Being labeled morally deficient by a great scholar of the era, if she did not refute strongly, that stigma would cling to Xiao Yuchen forever, jeopardizing his future prospects.

That's why she initially rebutted with force, then later softened the conversation with a smile.

Half an hour swiftly passed, and Zhao, the housekeeper's voice was heard from outside, "Madam, Lord Wu has arrived."

Tang Shuyi looked at Fang Shanlong with a smile, "Fang Shanlong, what do you think?"

Since they were in Fang Shanlong's study, naturally, she wouldn't presume to overshadow the host.

"Come in, I also want to know what's really going on," Director Fang huffed after he finished speaking. Tang Shuyi didn't mind and just sat there waiting for Wu Guoliang.

Wu Guoliang entered with a smile, about to bow to Director Fang when he noticed Qi Liangsheng and the Earl of Nanling were also present. His expression changed for a moment, but he quickly composed himself. He cupped his hands towards Director Fang, greeting him, "Director Fang."

Then, he greeted Qi Liangsheng and the Earl of Nanling in turn, and finally, Tang Shuyi. He raised his hands high and bowed deeply—a gesture of great respect.

He said, "My lady, it's my fault for poor discipline, letting false rumors damage the young master's reputation. It's my mistake."

Then, he bowed deeply to Director Fang, "Director Fang, my lax discipline has led to you hearing untruths. My daughter's disengagement from the young master was due to incompatible zodiac signs, nothing else."

With such a display, what was unclear? The dissolution of the marriage alliance between the Marquis of Yongning's estate and the Wu family was likely due to issues within the Wu family, otherwise, Wu Guoliang wouldn't have humbled himself so.

Director Fang sighed deeply, realizing he had been manipulated.

But a mistake was a mistake. He was about to bow in apology to Tang Shuyi, but she wouldn't accept it, quickly rising to return a deep bow and saying:

"Great Scholar Fang, I acted rashly earlier, please forgive me. Yuchen is young and cannot bear a tarnished reputation; it was a desperate move on my part."

Seeing her sincere attitude and that she gave him face, Director Fang felt much better and said, "The lady’s heart for her son is understandable. The young master is a good child."

Tang Shuyi's eyes lit up at this, and she immediately decided to seize the opportunity, "Yuchen, although diligent in his studies, still has much to learn. I hope he can receive your guidance in the future."

Director Fang was taken aback and almost laughed at the audacity. He had just corrected a prior misjudgment about Xiao Yuchen, and now the lady wanted him to tutor the young man. Did she think his guidance was for anyone's taking?

But...

Never mind, after all, it was he who had almost damaged Xiao Yuchen's reputation by believing in slander. Offering a few pointers wouldn't hurt. So he said, "Hmm, let him bring his writings for me to review sometime."

Tang Shuyi didn't expect her wish to be granted. She paused in surprise and then bowed deeply to Director Fang, "Thank you, Director Fang."

Director Fang managed to save face. If the lady had been relentless, he really wouldn't have known what to do. He gestured with his hand, "No need for such formalities, my lady."

Qi Liangsheng and the Earl of Nanling hadn't expected such an outcome. They were both somewhat impressed with Tang Shuyi. In just a short time, the crisis threatening Xiao Yuchen's reputation was resolved, and Tang Shuyi had secured a great scholar to guide his studies.

Although Director Fang was the head of the academy, he didn't teach, and his guidance wasn't easily obtained—truly a boon that others could hardly beg for!