Chapter 82: It’s Great to Have a Plan

Chapter 82: It's Great to Have a Plan

Although Xiao Yuming thought Xiao Yuchen's plan was brilliantly wicked, he still said, "The plan is good and certainly satisfying, but I think it's better to have a foolproof strategy. If it gets exposed, remember Liang Jian'an has the Empress Dowager behind him."

Xiao Yuchen nodded earnestly, "I know, we'll act only when there's no chance of failure."

"Brother," Xiao Yuming slung an arm around Xiao Yuchen's shoulders in a chummy manner, "Let me know once you have a detailed plan, I'll help you refine it."

Refining the plan was just a pretext; creating mischief was the real intent.

"Alright, I'll discuss the detailed plan with you once it's ready," Xiao Yuchen earnestly promised.

Xiao Yuming patted his shoulder, "When brothers unite, their strength can cut through metal."

Xiao Yuchen was moved and said, "Thank you, second brother."

Xiao Yuming patted his shoulder again, then limped away. Duping his dear brother, he felt a twinge of guilt.

After dinner, Xiao Yuming took the opportunity to secretly share Xiao Yuzhen's plan with Tang Shuyi, adding, "Mother, when will your plan take action? Don't let my elder brother get ahead."

Tang Shuyi hadn't expected the seemingly honest Xiao Yuzhen to come up with such a cunning plan. But since the Liang family had started playing dirty, Xiao Yuzhen's scheme didn't seem so bad. Yet, she had more critical plans, and Xiao Yuzhen's clever yet underhanded strategy was doomed to fail.

She whispered to Xiao Yuming, "Stall him for a few days. I'll know whether my plan can proceed the day after tomorrow."

"Alright." Xiao Yuming nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling. He loved getting involved in such affairs.

………

Soon it was time to visit Chongguang Temple. Tang Shuyi rose at dawn while it was still dark outside. She dressed simply, and the carriage was almost ready.

The weather had turned cold, so the carriage's cushions were replaced with fur, and even the carpets were doubled in thickness. Half an hour earlier, charcoal had been lit to ensure a warm welcome upon entering.

When Tang Shuyi lifted the carriage curtain, she indeed felt a warm, fragrant breeze that instantly dispelled the chill. Inside, she found hot tea and refreshments aplenty.

She couldn't help but marvel inwardly at the luxurious ancient life she enjoyed, despite the challenges of dealing with troublesome children. Every coin has two sides.

Leaning against the soft, padded walls of the carriage, she took a sip of the ginseng tea handed by Cui Zhu and thought, "Comfort at its best!"

After warming up, Tang Shuyi and her maids Cui Zhu and Cui Yun chatted about the steward of their Western Hill Manor, Guan Yougen's family. Unlike most stewards who are born into their roles, Guan Yougen was different. He was a childhood neighbor of Xiao Chengkun, the old Marquis.

Xiao Chengkun had gone to war and was rumored to have died on the battlefield a year later. Subsequently, during a year of famine, Xiao's family fled with their villagers and were never heard from again. Many believed the Xiao family perished.

It was said that Xiao Chengkun searched for his family for a long time but, grief-stricken, eventually had to accept that they were likely dead.

Tang Shuyi sighed, reflecting on these thoughts—a sigh for the cruel twists of fate.

By chance, Guan Yougen's father encountered Xiao Chengkun, and having grown up together, their bond was strong. By then, Xiao Chengkun was the Marquis of Yongning and wanted to uplift Guan's father. However, the old man insisted on farming, claiming that's all he knew.

Thus, the Guans took root at the Western Hill Manor. Aside from overseeing the manor for the Marquis, they also owned some land and lived a prosperous life.

Upon arrival at Chongguang Temple, the day had fully dawned. Tang Shuyi was settled in the same guest room as before, which was already warmed by charcoal, making it as pleasant as spring.

Shortly after settling in, an announcement came from outside: Guan Yougen had arrived with his wife and son to pay respects. Tang Shuyi promptly welcomed them inside.

Guan Yougen, in his thirties or forties, had a dark complexion and a tall, sturdy build, exuding an air of loyalty. Guan's wife was fair-skinned and pretty. Their son, Guan Yi, took after his mother in looks, handsome and scholarly. His attire, contrasting with his father's rustic farmer's clothes, was that of a learned man.

As soon as the Guans saw Tang Shuyi, they began to kneel in respect, but Tang Shuyi quickly bid them to rise, saying, "In my father's view, we are all fellow villagers. There's no need for such formality."

Hearing her words, Guan Yougen chuckled softly, and his wife's face flushed with gratitude as she thanked the marquise. Guan Yinyan, however, greeted Tang Shuyi with ease, saying, "Thank you, Lady Marquise."

Tang Shuyi gestured for them to sit and engaged in some light conversation. During the talk, Guan Yougen mentioned that Yinyan had recently passed the imperial examinations with a scholar's degree and was in search of a reputable mentor for further guidance. He voiced this request tentatively, unsure of Tang Shuyi's response.

Their family had some connection with the old marquis, and if Xiao Huai were still alive, he might have looked after them in the old marquis's honor. But they had no such bond with the marquise.

The marquise seated at the head of the room was smiling. She asked their son about his studies and daily pursuits. As the boy answered respectfully, the marquise's smile grew warmer, and Guan Yougen and his wife seemed to stand a little taller.

"My eldest son is also fond of his studies. Perhaps your son can join him in learning," Tang Shuyi suggested after speaking with Yinyan.

At this, Guan Yougen and his wife, overwhelmed with joy, knelt down despite Tang Shuyi's protests, and Yinyan also bowed deeply to the marquise.

They had heard that the marquis's son was preparing for the imperial exams and that his tutors were of the highest caliber. If Yinyan could study alongside the marquis's son, wouldn't he also benefit from such esteemed instruction?

Tang Shuyi smiled and urged them to rise. She had a favorable impression of the Guan family and, considering the old marquis's friendship, felt that helping them was only natural. Besides, with Yinyan already a scholar, should he advance to become an imperial scholar, he might well become an asset to the marquisate. It was a win-win situation.

After discussing Yinyan, Tang Shuyi steered the conversation to the matter at hand. "Is Miss Liu settling in well at the manor?"

Before their visit, the Guans had suspected that the marquise's interest in them might pertain to Liu Biqin, who had recently moved to the estate. Considering the matter concerned a lady, Guan Yougen and Yinyan remained silent, leaving it to Madam Guan to articulate:

"Miss Liu, accustomed to the life of a young lady from a distinguished family, naturally finds it difficult to adapt to the manor. Moreover, she and her maid have been inquiring about external affairs, seemingly harboring some intentions."

At this, Tang Shuyi chuckled. It was good that Liu had intentions; in fact, it was very good.