Chapter 110: Truly a Muddled Account

Chapter 110: Truly a Muddled Account

Although information flowed slowly in ancient times, large families had their own channels. The news of Liang Jian'an's impending execution and the entire Liang family's return to their hometown quickly spread amongst the upper echelons of the capital, and Tang Shuyi was no exception.

When Steward Zhao reported this to Tang Shuyi, she and her family had just finished dinner and were chatting. Hearing the news, Tang Shuyi fell silent for a moment before saying, "Those who can let go will not live too poorly."

But whether she can save her own life, that depends on her own abilities.

Her siblings didn't quite grasp her meaning, so Tang Shuyi explained, "To achieve one's goals by any means, to abandon everything for one's own well-being—such a person will naturally live well. But most people cannot do this, for they cannot cross the emotional hurdle within."

Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhen nodded in understanding, but Xiao Yuzhu still seemed confused. Tang Shuyi explained further, "Meng Xiuzhen's choice to divorce at this time is simply because she does not want to leave the capital and live in a remote and impoverished place. That's understandable—everyone wants to live a good life. However, by divorcing Liang Jian'an, her daughters are left without a father, and without a mother by their side, their future hardships are easily imaginable.

Moreover, her divorce will also tarnish the reputation of the entire Meng family's female members. Most people would hesitate because of these factors and eventually choose to return to the countryside with the Liang family. But Meng Xiuzhen abandoned her daughters, unconcerned with the reputation of the entire Meng family, just to ensure her own well-being."

"But people will gossip, and the Meng clan will resent her, right?" Xiao Yuzhu asked.

Tang Shuyi smiled slightly, "She doesn't care about the gossip or resentment. As long as she's indifferent to it, nothing can harm her."

"She's quite the ruthless character," Xiaoyu Ming remarked.

"How long her good days will last depends on her capabilities," Tang Shuyi commented.

With an indifferent expression, Xiaoyu Chen added, "The Empress probably won't let her off the hook. It's just not the right time for her to die yet."

Tang Shuyi nodded in satisfaction. Her sons had grown considerably. She continued, "Keep your distance from Meng Xiuzhen in the future. Not because we fear her, but there's no need to invite unnecessary trouble over her."

The siblings nodded earnestly. Tang Shuyi sighed and said, "Although we were already at odds with the Liang family, with Liang Jian'an's death, our feud with the Empress and the Second Prince has deepened. Going forward, be extra cautious with anything involving the Second Prince and the Empress."

The siblings, understanding the gravity of the situation, nodded seriously once again.

"However, there's no need to fear them," Tang Shuyi added. "They have more at stake than we do."

The Second Prince is contending for the throne. His personal reputation, his standing in the Emperor's eyes, the balance of power in the court—all these aspects must be taken into account. But for us, it's different. Our current focus is to live quietly and allow the three children to grow up swiftly.

The fewer our concerns, the fewer our worries, and the easier it is to make decisions when faced with problems. Tang Shuyi's principle now is simple: I want to live my life peacefully, not causing trouble for anyone, but I won't tolerate being troubled by others either.

After discussing this matter, Tang Shuyi brought up Guan Yinan's impending visit to their residence. "They're coming over tomorrow. I've had the courtyard tidied up. You should interact more with him," she said to Xiaoyu Chen.

Xiaoyu Chen nodded in agreement.

The next morning, at the beginning of the Chen hour (around 8 a.m.), the Guan family's carriage arrived. The gatekeeper, aware of the Guan family's visit, allowed them smooth entry into the marquis's residence. Steward Zhao personally led Guan Yougen and Guan Yinan to see Xiaoyu Chen, while a housekeeper escorted Guan Dajie to meet Tang Shuyi.

At that time, Tang Shuyi was in the study reviewing the account books. With the year-end approaching, it was time to audit the marquis's estates, and she needed to be prepared. Hearing of the Guan family's arrival, she put aside her account books and went to the small parlor with a smile.

Guan Dajie attempted to kneel in greeting, but Tang Shuyi quickly stopped her. After sitting down for a chat, Tang Shuyi inquired, "Big sister, have you heard anything from the folks back in the village?"

Guan Dajie was not naive; she understood Tang Shuyi was inquiring about the Xiao family's situation. With a heavy heart, she replied, "No, there were wars everywhere back then, followed by famines. People from our village all fled to escape the famine. You can't imagine how hard those days were..."

As she spoke, her eyes grew moist. Wiping her tears, she continued, "People were selling their children out of hunger. Cannibalism wasn't unheard of. When we left the village, we were with the Xiao family. But we were attacked by bandits, and everyone scattered in the chaos. We lost touch after that. I suppose..."

She sighed again. "Otherwise, why hasn't the old marquis found them after all this time?"

Tang Shuyi sighed as well, but she knew the Xiao family was alive and had later caused quite some trouble.

"It's all hearsay. I'll have someone look into it again," Tang Shuyi said.

Finding them sooner would resolve matters quicker, rather than having the issue weigh on her mind.

Guan Dajie thought the marchioness was too kind-hearted. Xiao Chengkun and Xiao Huai had died. As a daughter-in-law of the Xiao family, even if she chose to ignore the villagers, no one could fault her.

One of the reasons why Tang Shuyi spoke to Lady Guan about this matter today was to let her know that the old Marquis had indeed made great efforts to find the Xiao family in the past. They were believed to be dead when he remarried, so he wasn't abandoning his wife and child. Even after remarrying, he continued to seek news of them, and now she was also trying to find people to continue the search.

In time, the Guan family would serve as witnesses to this.

After chatting for a while longer, Lady Guan expressed a desire to visit the front courtyard to see where Guan Yinyan was staying. Tang Shuyi instructed Cuíyun to take her there.

The courtyard where Guan Yinyan was staying, located beside Xiao Yuchens Qingfeng Garden, was naturally exquisite. Lady Guan admired the flowers, plants, rockeries, and items she had never seen before. The entire room wasn't ostentatiously luxurious but exuded an indescribable elegance and beauty.

Lady Guan repeatedly praised the Marquess' wife for her kindness.

After Cuíyun left, only the couple remained in the room. Lady Guan relayed to Guan Yougen that Tang Shuyi had inquired about the Xiao family, commenting, "The Marquess' wife is truly a great benefactor."

Guan Yougen dusted off non-existent dust from his clothing and sat gingerly on the chair cushioned with brocade, sighing, "After all those years the old Marquis searched without finding them, it's likely they met with misfortune."

Gently touching the colorful screen, Lady Guan remarked, "It's just that the auntie was unfortunate. If she could have been reunited with the old Marquis, all this immense wealth would have been hers."

"That's all moot," Guan Yougen said. "If they're alive and are found, it will become a real muddle."

Lady Guan sighed deeply.