[This seems to be a chapter title: “Chapter 83: Empress Dowager Jia Shu.”]

[This seems to be a chapter title: "Chapter 83: Empress Dowager Jia Shu."]

Tang Shuyi had anticipated Liu Biqin developing some schemes and wasn't surprised.

Love requires a material foundation and spiritual resonance between two people; both are indispensable. From luxury to hardship, Liu Biqin's drastic change in material circumstances and the difficulties of life could understandably lead her to question love.

And with such a prolonged inability to communicate and seek solace from Xiao Yuchen, it was only natural for her to start devising plans.

A smile played on Tang Shuyi's lips; if Liu Biqin "cooperated" with her, her plan would be halfway to success.

"Upon your return, ensure Miss Liu's provisions as usual. Do not mistreat her; on the contrary, flatter her into believing she deserves a life of luxury," Tang Shuyi instructed the Guans. "If she inquires about the marquisate or the young marquis, feign ignorance."

The Guans hastily agreed. Though they were unclear about the specifics regarding Liu Biqin, they had their suspicions. It likely involved the young marquis's affection, the marquise's disapproval, and the intent to separate the two.

As for the Marchioness, the eldest son, and Miss Liu, they wouldn't delve into who was right or wrong between them. After all, the Marchioness was now the head of the Marquis's household, and their duty was to follow her lead.

Once their business was concluded, the three members of the Guan family took their leave. Regarding when Guan Yi Nian would go to the Marquis's residence to study with Xiao Yu Chen, Tang Shuyi asked them to wait a while. She preferred to wait until Liu Bi Qin left the Xishan villa before discussing it further.

Undoubtedly, many eyes were now fixed on the Marquis's residence; they had to be cautious with every move.

After the Guan family left, Tang Shuyi stood up to offer incense at the temple's front courtyard. Just as she reached the courtyard's gate, she saw a grand procession approaching. Leading the entourage was a regal woman in her forties or fifties, escorted by a monk who seemed to be the abbot, followed by a host of eunuchs, maids, old nannies, and guards.

Such a procession could only belong to an empress.

Tang Shuyi didn't continue forward but stood aside at the gate, waiting for the procession to pass before proceeding. As the group drew closer, Tang Shuyi bowed deeply and greeted, "Peace be upon Her Highness, Empress Jiashu."

Indeed, this noble lady was Empress Jiashu, the consort of the late emperor and the biological mother of Prince Xiao.

Empress Jiashu halted her steps and glanced at Tang Shuyi, then inquired, "Are you the Lady of Yongning Marquis?"

"Yes, the wife of Yongning Marquis," Tang Shuyi responded.

Empress Jiashu stared at her for a moment, perplexed, then asked, "My lady, are you here to offer incense?"

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Yes."

Empress Jiashu fell silent for a moment, then sighed, "Offer more incense for them, it's a solace for us who are still alive."

The news of Xiao Huai and Prince Xiao's demise had reached the capital simultaneously. It seemed Empress Jiashu saw a kindred spirit in her sorrow. To this, Tang Shuyi could only agree.

At that moment, Empress Jiashu added, "You still have three children, raise them well. Life won't always be this hard."

Tang Shuyi, touched by the Empress's comforting words, replied, "We hope they are at peace, and they surely hope the same for us. Thus, we strive to live well, and I believe this would ease their concerns wherever they are."

Empress Jiashu smiled slightly, "You are right; we must indeed live well."

The last two words carried a weight of determination in her tone.

"Do visit the palace when you have the time," Empress Jiashu invited.

Tang Shuyi's lips curved slightly, "Yes, I would be honored, Your Highness."

This invitation was truly a wonderful gesture!

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Tang Shuyi watched as Empress Jiashu's procession entered the courtyard before departing with her maids, Cui Zhu and Cui Yun, contemplating the appropriate time to visit the royal residence, considering the invitation extended by the Empress herself.

Ah, what a splendid day it is.

Meanwhile, Empress Jiashu entered the resting room, and the crowd of maids, eunuchs, and nannies dispersed, leaving only her closest nanny to attend to her.

"The Lady of Yongning Marquis seems in good spirits; it appears she has come to terms with her grief," Empress Jiashu remarked as she accepted a cup of tea from the nanny and took a sip.

The nanny moved a stool closer to Empress Jiashu and said, "A mother must be strong. The Lady of Yongning Marquis has three children; she cannot afford to wallow in sorrow indefinitely."

Then, looking at Empress Jiashu, she added, "The Lady of Yongning Marquis is right; your son surely wishes for your happiness too."

Empress Jiashu took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, then affirmed with resolve, "My son's death has not been avenged; I must live well for that cause."

The nanny sighed, wanting to offer some words of comfort, but unsure what to say. For now, the Empress clung to the notion of revenge as her reason to keep living.

………

Tang Shuyi offered incense in high spirits at the front courtyard, praying for her grandparents' peace and happiness in the afterlife and for a joyful future for "Tang Shuyi." This time, she also wished for Xiao Huai, hoping he too would find happiness in his next life.

After offering incense, she left Chongguang Temple and returned to Shi'an Garden, where she found Xiao Yuming waiting. Upon seeing her, he abruptly stood up, inadvertently pulling at the wound on his knee, causing him to grimace in pain.

Nevertheless, his eyes sparkled with excitement as he asked, "Mother, did everything go smoothly with your incense offering today?"

He suspected that Tang Shuyi's visit to Chongguang Temple was part of a larger plan.

Tang Shuyi took a seat next to the embroidered couch and gestured for the maids and nannies to leave the room, leaving only the mother and son. She then whispered her instructions to Xiao Yuming, who listened with even greater admiration.

"But what if Big Brother finds out?" Xiao Yuming asked.

Tang Shuyi sat up straight and said, "An abscess must be excised ruthlessly, or it will only fester and potentially be life-threatening. If he can't bring himself to do it, I'll do it for him."

Her voice was chillingly cold by the end, causing Xiao Yuming to shiver involuntarily.

"Can you handle the task I've assigned you?" Tang Shuyi inquired.

Xiao Yuming quickly reassured her, "Mother, rest assured, I will surely handle it well."

Tang Shuyi hummed in response, "We cannot let your elder brother know for now."

Xiao Yuming nodded earnestly, "I understand. There won't be any leaks from my end."

Tang Shuyi nodded in approval, "You better focus on healing."

"Mother, I can work despite my injuries," Xiao Yuming insisted with enthusiasm. Usually, such activities would be deemed frivolous and wasteful, but now it was a task assigned by the head of the family, which energized him.

Tang Shuyi wanted to say that she didn't condone working while injured, but seeing his eagerness, she let it be. After all, the sooner the matter was settled, the sooner they could be at ease.