Chapter 79: I Can’t Even Believe Myself

Chapter 79: I Can't Even Believe Myself

Upon hearing Xiao Yuchen's words, Ziling's tears fell even harder. She cried, "Young Master, when I saw you covered in blood, how could I think of anything else? Young Master, everything I did was for you, wu wu wu..."

Ziling's sobs rendered her speechless. Xiao Yuchen was unmoved, but his mind flashed back to the scene at the Zhangs'—Zhang Wu lying bloodied on a stretcher and Wu Jingyun kneeling beside him in tears—and Tang Shuyi's recent words.

Indeed, throughout history, how many who achieved greatness were ever ensnared by love? None, not a single one.

He had never considered himself lost in love before; he had only thought that his Qimei needed his help due to her unfortunate fate. But now, reflecting on his actions, in the eyes of others, wasn't he just a fool preoccupied with romantic trifles?

The more he pondered, the colder he felt. The wound on his shoulder throbbed painfully, and he couldn't help but smile bitterly. His mother was right—only when the pain was real did one truly remember their mistakes.

Looking down at Ziling, still weeping, he added, "You have served me for years, and we share a bond. If you have any requests, feel free to ask. But from now on, you need not attend to me."

"Young Master!" Ziling cried out in agony, never expecting such an outcome. Wasn't she assigned to serve the Young Master precisely to be his concubine?

But Xiao Yuchen ignored her pleas, saying, "Once you've decided on a request, let me know."

With that, he strode back to his room, leaving Ziling wailing on the ground.

"Actually, this might be for the best," Changfeng crouched down and whispered to Ziling, "Isn't it better to marry someone like Zi Yue than to be a concubine to the Young Master?"

Ziling looked up, her face twisted in sorrow, "How could you understand my feelings for the Young Master?"

Changfeng laughed self-deprecatingly, "Ah, now I understand."

With those words, he stood up and walked away, echoing Changming's words. This was someone desperate to climb high, and how could someone like him ever hold on?

……

At Shian Garden, Tang Shuyi saw from a distance Xiaoyu Ming's attendant, Shimo, waiting at the courtyard entrance. As he caught sight of her, Shimo hurriedly bowed in respect. Tang Shuyi paused and looked at him, "What message does your master have for me?"

"Madam, the Second Young Master has had an epiphany," Shimo said with a bow, a smile adorning his face. Observing his demeanor, Tang Shuyi thought to herself that indeed, the servant is a reflection of his master.

"If he has indeed had such clarity, let him come and explain it to me himself," Tang Shuyi said.

Upon hearing this, Shimo's face lit up with surprise, and then he bowed to Tang Shuyi, "I shall inform the Second Young Master immediately."

He scurried off towards the ancestral hall, and Tang Shuyi, watching his retreating figure, couldn't help but laugh. She had barely sat down inside when Steward Zhao arrived, reporting the morning's events at the court: "The Imperial Censor Li has submitted a memorandum against Minister Wu, accusing him of condoning his family's involvement in private lending. Upon hearing this, the Emperor remarked that someone who cannot manage his own household is likely to perform poorly in official duties, and thus ordered him to reflect at home for two months."

Upon hearing this, Tang Shuyi sneered, "A man who only knows how to muddle through, of course, is incapable of handling his duties properly."

Steward Zhao added, "It's said that this was a critical time for his promotion, but now he surely has no chance."

Tang Shuyi sneered again, "A person like him would only be a curse to the common people even if promoted."

Wu Jingyun's extreme character was largely the fault of Wu Guoliang. However, that was someone else's family affair, and she could only sigh in response. After Steward Zhao had finished reporting, he left, and not long after, Xiaoyu Ming was helped in by his attendants, limping along.

"Mother, I'm hungry."

Tang Shuyi: "..."

Really speechless, does he feel hungry every time he sees his mother? Although she thought this way, Tang Shuyi still asked Cuicloud to prepare something for him to eat.

"Since you've had your epiphany, tell me about it," Tang Shuyi asked.

Xiaoyu Ming straightened up and after pondering for a moment said, "I'm not cut out for academia, so it's just as well I don't go back to the academy. From now on, I will focus on martial arts training."

Tang Shuyi: "...That's it?"

Such a simple self-reflection.

But Xiaoyu Ming didn't see it that way and said with conviction, "That's what I've decided."

Observing his assertive demeanor and the cunning in his eyes, Tang Shuyi suddenly laughed. This little rascal thought he could play mind games with her? He was only setting himself up for trouble!

Sipping her tea delicately, she then said, "Hmm, I also think practicing martial arts at home is a good idea."

Xiaoyu Ming nodded in agreement. Before, he had to practice martial arts morning and evening, and spend the rest of his time at the academy. Now that he didn't have to attend the academy, didn't that mean more time to play?

Despite his thoughts, not a trace showed on his face. Instead, he spoke earnestly, "Mother, I will certainly train diligently."

Tang Shuyi replied with equal seriousness, "Mother believes in you. Later, discuss with Master Niu and draft a training schedule."

Xiao Yuming was momentarily perplexed, "What kind of schedule?"

Tang Shuyi elaborated, "If you're to focus on training at home, it's necessary to establish a routine. For instance, what time to rise in the morning to start training, when to take breaks, how many hours to train in the morning and afternoon, what content to cover, and what kind of progress to expect over a certain period. I'm not knowledgeable about these matters, so discuss them with Master Niu. Once you've drawn up the plan, show it to me."

Having said that, she looked at Xiao Yuming and sighed, the very picture of a mother watching her child come of age, "It truly comforts me that you've thought things through. Just yesterday, your grandfather mentioned the possibility of sending you to the imperial guard or the suburban camps, foreseeing a promising future. I believe that my son, being so smart and diligent, will certainly excel if he tries his best.

"In time, we'll present you to General Xiang. Seeing how outstanding my son is, he'll surely take a liking to you. Later on, by learning and gaining experience under General Xiang's guidance, my son might even surpass your father and General Xiang..."

"Mother!" Xiao Yuming hastily exclaimed, interrupting Tang Shuyi; he couldn't let her continue, for he feared he might never live up to her expectations, even if he gave it his all.

"What's the matter?" Tang Shuyi asked with feigned ignorance.

"Just...just that things need to be done step by step," Xiao Yuming managed to articulate after racking his brains.

"Oh, right, mother was getting ahead of herself," Tang Shuyi said. "Let's take it one step at a time. Later, you and Master Niu draft that schedule. Don't push yourself too hard; it's important to balance work and rest. Mother believes in you."

Xiao Yuming's face turned bitter: I don't even believe in myself.

PS: Xiao Yuming: What should I do if my mother believes in me too much? Urgently waiting online!