Chapter 103: Still Holding On

Chapter 103: Still Holding On

Empress Liang's words turned out to be prophetic; the situation indeed came with overwhelming force.

The next day at the early court session, it started with the eldest prince's faction accusing Liang Jian'an of harboring the daughter of a criminal, and then it extended to accuse Liang Jian'an of collusion with Liu Yushan for embezzling military provisions. It further extended to implicate the second prince in the conspiracy to embezzle military provisions.

The faction of the second prince was naturally not to be outdone. They first argued that Liang Jian'an and the second prince were being framed, accused by the eldest prince's faction. Then they started to accuse Qi Tianlei, who was serving in the Ministry of Punishments, of forcing confessions and disregarding human life. They also listed some of the not-so-significant faults of the eldest prince.

Both sides were arguing fiercely.

Many eyes in the court turned towards Duke Tang, but he stood there, seemingly oblivious to everyone's gaze, as if the dispute between the two princes in today's court had nothing to do with him.

The emperor seated above did the same, listening to the verbal battle between the two factions without uttering a word. At last, when the two sides had argued enough, he spoke, "The truth is known. The matters you speak of will be discussed further."

After saying this, he rose and left, and all the officials in the court knew that the emperor meant to let the two princes fight it out. The officials of the eldest and second princes were full of fighting spirit, while the neutral officials, after watching the spectacle, went back to digest it slowly.

Someone struck up a conversation with Duke Tang, trying to probe into the reasons behind the conflict. In fact, when Liang Jian'an previously accused Xiao Yuzhen of harboring the daughter of a criminal, many believed it to be true, though there was no evidence to prove it.

This time, the faction supporting the eldest prince accused Liang Jian'an of harboring the daughter of a convicted official, also the daughter of Liu Yushan, using almost the same tactics as before. To claim these two incidents were unrelated, no one would believe even under threat of death.

However, despite their probing, Duke Tang remained tight-lipped, professing ignorance on all counts.

Qi Liangsheng, on the other hand, had some suspicions. Upon returning home, he grabbed his second son and demanded, "What were you and Xiao Yuming up to these past few days?"

Thinking his father was referring to his secret excursions, Qi Er feigned innocence, "Go out? I didn’t go out!"

Qi Liangsheng: "…Then how come everyone in the capital knows about Liang Jian'an harboring the daughter of a convicted official? You still claim you didn't go out?"

Truly perplexed this time, Qi Er responded, "How could I be involved in Liang Jian'an’s affairs?"

Losing his patience, Qi Liangsheng shouted, "Speak! What were you and Xiao Yuming doing these past days?"

Seeing his father genuinely angered, Qi Er didn’t dare to prevaricate and recounted the bet between Xiao Yuming and Meng Chengtian, their hunting trip in the Western Hills, and how Meng Chengtian brought back a beauty to the capital.

Qi Liangsheng understood everything upon hearing the account. This was a trap set by the Marquis of Yongning and his wife. Moreover, it must have been the Marchioness’s stratagem, compelling him to reevaluate her with new respect.

Then turning to his own son, he said, "Xiao Yuming is already helping the family with such competence, and look at you. Apart from causing trouble, what good are you for?"

Puzzled, Qi Er wondered why his father suddenly praised Xiao Yuming and even lauded his contributions to the family. What had he done? Despite his confusion, he dared not ask. Scratching the floor with his toe, he said, "Father, what do you think if I were to go into business?"

At his son's words, Qi Liangsheng subconsciously frowned but, after pondering a while, his expression softened, "I’ll consider this matter."

His son was neither scholarly nor martially inclined; perhaps business could be a suitable path.

Just then, the voice of Granny Qi’s personal maid was heard from outside, "Master, the old lady says she misses the second young master."

Hearing this, Qi Liangsheng’s irritation flared anew. He had barely begun his interrogation when his mother sent for his son, fearful he might upset her precious child.

But what could he do? That was his mother, after all.

Standing to open the door, he saw the smiling maid waiting outside. Upon seeing him, she greeted him, "The old lady was looking for the second young master and couldn't find him. She was worried. So he was here with you, Master."

Qi Liangsheng responded indifferently, "Take him away."

The maid complied, then added, "Master, the old lady also asked me to remind you not to delay your marriage any longer. She thinks the Zhao family’s young lady is quite suitable."

This only added to Qi Liangsheng's displeasure, but he maintained a calm demeanor, "I’ll discuss this matter with my mother later."

Knowing he was evading, the maid, a mere servant, could say no more. She bowed to Qi Liangsheng and then led Qi Er away. Qi Liangsheng returned to his study, gulping down some cold tea, finally feeling a bit relieved.

After having an early breakfast, Tang Shuyi calculated that her father, the Duke of Tang, would likely be returning from court, so she made her way to the Duke's residence. The father and daughter discussed the ongoing rivalry between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince before the Duke shared some insights into the current political landscape. Concluding the conversation, he said:

"Everyone is aware that the Marquis of Yongning is pulling strings behind the scenes. Some now realize that your family is not to be trifed with. Try to keep a low profile from now on."

"I understand, Father," Tang Shuyi agreed, having already intended to do so, especially since Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuming were not yet of age.

The Duke nodded in satisfaction and added, "Once Yuchen and Yuming come of age, you'll be able to relax."

His heart ached for his daughter, who had to play both the roles of father and mother.

"I don't find it burdensome. In fact, I find these affairs quite interesting," Tang Shuyi earnestly replied.

The Duke laughed heartily, his face beaming with pride.

After chatting for a while longer, Tang Shuyi went to the back courtyard to speak with Lady Tang, the first wife, and the second wife. The Duke's five sons—three legitimate and two illegitimate—were much closer to Tang Shuyi, as they were full siblings, born of the same mother.

Therefore, whenever Tang Shuyi visited, she would always chat with both Lady Tang and the second wife.

On her way to Lady Tang's courtyard, Tang Shuyi encountered the second wife, and they walked together. Along the way, the second wife whispered, "I heard that the girl from the Liu family died?"

Tang Shuyi hummed in acknowledgment. The second wife then asked, "How is Yuchen doing now?"

"Yuchen is as usual, studying at home," Tang Shuyi replied calmly. Even to her sister-in-law, she didn't wish to reveal that Xiao Yuchen had been weeping bitterly over Liu Biqin.

However, hearing Tang Shuyi's response, the second wife felt a surge of joy and said, "I've always been so fond of Yuchen since he was a child."

Tang Shuyi didn't dwell on the remark. Xiao Yuchen had always been handsome since his youth, so being liked was only natural. Continuing their chat, they arrived at Lady Tang's courtyard. After a good long talk about family matters, Tang Shuyi finally returned to the Marquis of Yongning's residence.

After she left, the second wife said to Lady Tang, "Elder Sister, with that Liu girl gone, our fifth son and Yuchen can finally be together, right?"

Lady Tang sighed inwardly but, not being her own daughter, she felt that continuously interfering would seem as if she harbored ill intentions. After some thought, she said, "It's up to you. I don't see it ending well."

"I'll think about it," the second wife replied.

Although she said this, she hadn't given up hope.

PS: Took the kids out for some fun these past few days, hence the late updates. Apologies!