Chapter 94: Taking Fate into One’s Own Hands

Chapter 94: Taking Fate into One's Own Hands

Inside the study, Steward Zhao was reporting to Tang Shuyi, "This old servant went to the yamen to investigate the background, and the residence where Miss Liu is staying was indeed owned by Liang Jian'an."

Tang Shuyi couldn't help but laugh; Meng Chengtian really seemed to be in no hurry to see Liang Jian'an's demise.

"Should we take action immediately?" Steward Zhao asked quietly.

Tang Shuyi shook her head, "Keep a constant watch, twelve hours a day. When Meng Chengtian and Liu Biqin set the date, then come and tell me."

"This..." Steward Zhao was somewhat puzzled; given the Marchioness's current style of handling things, she was never one to delay.

"Some things, you need to see with your own eyes before you can give up hope," Tang Shuyi explained.

Steward Zhao nodded in understanding, "I will ensure someone watches closely, without a single slip."

"Good," Tang Shuyi said, confident in Steward Zhao's abilities.

After bowing to Tang Shuyi, Steward Zhao went out and soon encountered Xiao Yuchen not far from the Shian Garden. He hurriedly approached and bowed. Xiao Yuchen gestured for him to rise, then said, "Steward Zhao, has something happened at home these past few days?"

Steward Zhao appeared bewildered, "What matter? This old servant is unaware."

Xiao Yuchen: "..." Pretend all you want.

"What were you reporting to my mother just now?" he asked.

Steward Zhao looked troubled, "The madam has forbidden me from speaking of it. Please, Young Master, don’t put me in a difficult position."

And you say there's nothing going on?

Xiao Yuchen huffed and turned to leave. Steward Zhao watched his retreating figure and sighed; their eldest young master would be heartbroken when he finds out.

In the World of Peace Garden, Xiao Yuming hadn’t left; he was waiting to learn what Steward Zhao had reported. Tang Shuyi called him into the study and confirmed that the residence indeed belonged to Liang Jianan, making him laugh heartily.

Choosing Meng Chengtian to trap Liang Jianan was truly the right decision.

Tang Shuyi also smiled, then said, "I've instructed Steward Zhao to keep a close watch on that place. As for you, keep an eye on your elder brother and don't let him make any moves. I don’t think it will take too long."

Meng Chengtian was not like Xiao Yuchen, who could indulge in pure love without crossing the line. Liu Biqin moving into the courtyard prepared by Meng Chengtian should have known what would come next.

"Mother, rest assured, I will keep a close watch on my elder brother," Xiao Yuming promised.

"Good."

After their conversation, Xiao Yuming left. Tang Shuyi returned to her bedroom to find Xiao Yuzhu still awake. She sat down beside her and asked, "Why haven't you gone to bed yet?"

"I was waiting for you," Xiao Yuzhu replied. "Earlier, my elder brother asked me and my second brother if something had happened at home."

Tang Shuyi smoothed her daughter's hair and asked, "What did you say?"

"I don't know," Xiao Yuzhu said, for she truly was unaware of everything.

After a moment of silence, Tang Shuyi recounted the entire situation to her. Hearing that Liu Biqin had left with Meng Chengtian, Xiao Yuzhu's face puffed up in anger, "How could she do this to my elder brother? She has betrayed him."

Tang Shuyi hummed in response, her gaze drifting through the window into the darkness outside, "That's why she will not have a good end."

"Will she die?" asked Xiao Yuzhu.

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Without a doubt."

Xiao Yuzhu pursed her lips, "Big brother will definitely be heartbroken."

Tang Shuyi turned to look at her, "No matter how heartbroken, he must endure it."

She then stroked Xiao Yuzhu’s head and whispered, "Yuzhu, I want you to know that all those ancient teachings about women obeying their fathers before marriage and their husbands after are nonsense. Only by taking control of your own destiny can you live with peace of mind and grace."

Xiao Yuzhu didn’t quite understand, her eyes filled with confusion.

Tang Shuyi explained, "Liu Biqin surrendered her fate to others, which led to her current predicament. She’s a traitor's daughter, and your elder brother risked a lot to rescue her from prison. Staying in the capital endangered not only your brother but herself as well.

From the moment your brother rescued her from prison, she should have taken the initiative to ask him for some money and leave the capital. Given your brother’s affection for her, he would have surely provided her with a substantial sum, along with guards, attendants, and a false identity.

With the money, she could have settled in a small town, started a small business, or bought some land. Over time, she could have built a different life. But she didn’t. She chose to be supported by your brother, like a caged canary. That's why later, I could easily send her away to the manor.

Even before sending her to the manor, I had offered to let her go, but she refused. When she was at the manor, I didn’t restrict her freedom. She could have left at any time, but she chose to place her fate in the hands of Meng Chengtian, a man she had met only once. Having made that choice, she must bear the consequences."

This time, Xiao Yuzhu grasped some understanding and said, "So, no matter what, one must have the ability to survive on their own."

Tang Shuyi smiled with relief, "Exactly, no matter the predicament, one must do everything possible to keep their fate in their own hands and not be manipulated by others."

Xiao Yuzhu nodded earnestly, and Tang Shuyi embraced her, adding, "But you don’t have to worry, I won’t let you fall into a situation like Liu Biqin’s."

Xiao Yuzhu nestled in Tang Shuyi’s warm embrace, feeling comfort and warmth throughout her body and heart. After a while, she said, "Liu Biqin chose this path because it seemed the easiest way to get what she wanted."

"But there are no gains without pains," Tang Shuyi murmured, "The wealth she obtained so easily came at the expense of her dignity and fate. Of course, this presumes she has something to trade – her beauty. Beauty is priceless to a man who desires it, but worthless to one who has grown tired of it."

After hearing this, Xiao Yuzhu furrowed her brow in thought and said, "So... a woman shouldn’t live on a man’s affections alone, for what if one day he no longer cares for her?"

Tang Shuyi laughed heartily, expressing her admiration, "Exactly, my Yuzhu is indeed clever."

Xiao Yuzhu, upon being praised, also smiled joyfully.

The mother and daughter talked a while longer until Xiao Yuzhu's eyelids began to droop. Tang Shuyi sent her to bed and after tidying up herself, soon fell asleep.

Meanwhile, Liu Biqin found herself unable to sleep.

After Meng Chengtian brought her to this residence, he confessed his admiration and said he could support her indefinitely. She hadn’t refused, but neither had she immediately agreed. Sometimes, it’s wise to keep a man in suspense. Yet, her heart was restless.

"Hong'er, my heart is uneasy, as if something bad is going to happen," Liu Biqin whispered to Hong'er.

She spoke softly because unfamiliar maids and servants guarded outside. Being in unfamiliar surroundings, caution was paramount.