Chapter 116: Time to Strategize Carefully

Chapter 116: Time to Strategize Carefully

Tang Shuyi did wish that the formidable male protagonist from the book would appear soon, resolving the issue early so she wouldn't have to constantly worry. But alas, the protagonist was still unknown, struggling somewhere in some obscure corner.

Given the situation, they should continue living their lives as usual.

After the first snowfall of winter, the weather grew colder, and Tang Shuyi became increasingly reluctant to leave the house, even canceling her daily walks in the garden. However, their second young master was enduring and diligent, rising at dawn to practice martial arts, becoming visibly stronger each day, much like a young calf.

Tang Shuyi felt both gratified and proud; the prodigal son of her family was slowly improving.

Besides persisting in martial arts, Xiao Yuming also insisted on going out to play every day. Tang Shuyi didn't inquire much about what exactly he did. After all, he was already fourteen, and it wasn't necessary to oversee everything, as long as he didn't overstep boundaries.

Although Xiao Yuming wasn't fond of studying and spent his days frolicking, he didn't engage in bullying or bringing harm to the people, nor did he gamble or frequent brothels. He was just more playful. Tang Shuyi was still at ease with him.

His future was pretty much planned out anyway. He would dedicate himself to martial arts training and when he's ready, he would be sent to serve under General Xiang. If he fails to impress, he could join the Imperial Guard or the suburban camps for a couple of years of experience before being sent to the Northwest Army.

There, with the old Marquis and Xiao Huai's former subordinates, if he proves to be tenacious and capable, he could accumulate military achievements and return home, perhaps adding another great general to the family.

If he doesn't make a name for himself there, it's as if he went for gold plating. Spending a few years in the Northwest Army and then returning to recommend himself to the court, joining the Ministry of War or another department, would mean he didn't live a mediocre life.

"Madam, the Duke's mansion has sent over some flowers; they say they've just been brought out of the greenhouse."

Cuiyun's words interrupted Tang Shuyi's reverie. She turned to see several young maids, each holding a pot of brilliantly blooming flowers. She couldn't help but smile and said to Cuiyun and Cuizhu, "Just a few days ago, my elder sister-in-law mentioned that she was leaving the greenhouse to my second sister-in-law this year. Who would have thought she'd plant nothing but flowers? This winter, the Duke's mansion will have to rely on our greenhouse for vegetables."

Cuizhu and Cuiyun also laughed along.

"Check on how the vegetables in the greenhouse are coming along," Tang Shuyi instructed, "and when you send vegetables to the kitchen, send a portion to the Duke's mansion as well."

After pondering for a moment, she added, "Also send a portion to the household of Scholar Fang, with a note of thanks for Scholar Fang's guidance to our eldest son."

She also wanted to send some to the great general's mansion, but as they currently had no dealings with them, sending vegetables out of the blue would seem too contrived. After thinking it over, she decided against it. However, she still needed to find an opportunity to connect with the great general's mansion. Being familiar would make things easier in the future.

A few days later, when Scholar Fang's wife received several baskets of fresh, tender, green vegetables from the Marquis of Yongning's residence, she was bewildered. Their family had no contact with the Marquis of Yongning, and she didn't even know the lady of the Marquis.

"The messenger from the Marquis of Yongning's residence said that these are to express gratitude for our family's patriarch's guidance to their eldest son," the nanny at Madame Fang's side explained.

Madame Fang was startled at first, then laughed, "The lady of the Marquis of Yongning is quite a character."

Even though her husband had provided some guidance to the young Marquis of Yongning, it was customary for most families to send thank-you gifts during festivals, birthdays, or family celebrations — substantial gifts that clearly communicated the intent.

Unlike the lady of the Marquis of Yongning, who sent gifts out of season and of such ordinary yet expensive things. Such an act might seem like an attempt to curry favor, but it wasn't at all disagreeable.

After some thought, she spoke to the nanny, "Do we still have some of the water chestnut cakes I made?"

"Yes, the ninth master loves the water chestnut cakes you make; we've saved some for him," replied the nanny.

Madame Fang gestured dismissively, "Send some to the lady of the Marquis of Yongning and tell her they're handmade by me, for them to enjoy a fresh taste."

As parents and grandparents, everyone plans for their children. The lady of the Marquis of Yongning's act of sending vegetables was simply to bridge the relationship between the two families, hoping her husband would further mentor the young Marquis. She too wished to foster closer ties with the Marquis of Yongning's family, to build connections with the powerful which might benefit her own children in the future.

Upon returning from the academy, Fang Daryu was confronted by the old Madame Fang with the recent event. Fang Daryu's expression was indescribable upon hearing it. He couldn't understand, how could the treasured daughter of Duke Tang and the reigning mistress of the Yongning Marquis Mansion act in such a blatant and straightforward manner? Such brazenness in sending gifts to his residence.

Reflecting on the recent incidents, he could only sigh once more, "Indeed, women and the ignoble are the hardest to foster!"

Lady Fang snorted heavily, "I, for one, find Lady Yongning to be a clever woman, frank and forthright. If you dislike her gifts, then simply abstain from them at dinner."

Fang Daryu: "..."

Building a greenhouse, an extravagance unaffordable to ordinary wealthy families, was something he always advocated against in his pursuit of frugality. Consequently, he had hardly tasted vegetables since the onset of winter. Now, just the thought of those verdant delights made his mouth water.

Seeing that he had nothing to retort, Lady Fang chuckled, "That’s why I say Lady Yongning is clever. She offers gifts that you find hard to refuse. So eat up, and in return, provide good tutelage to her child."

Fang Daryu suddenly smiled, feeling that in comparison, he had indeed been too pedantic. He said, "It seems the heir of Lord Yongning must have learned much from his mother, as his writings have become markedly broad and profound."

On her end, Tang Shuyi was equally pleased with the water chestnut cakes sent by Lady Fang. With this exchange, a relationship had begun to take root. After the new year and the mourning period, she planned to visit Lady Fang, further solidifying their bond.

She saw nothing wrong in this, for indeed, she was currying favor with the Fang family. But what’s wrong in networking for one's child's education? In modern times, parents practically bend over backwards for their children's learning. She had barely even started!

Planning ahead, she thought Tang Yuxin needed more than just Fang Daryu as a teacher; he needed someone who could bridge theory and practice, and Qi Liangsheng was the perfect candidate.

Qi Liangsheng, a former imperial exam top scorer and a blend of academic and test-taking genius, had years of immersion in the bureaucratic arena, surely possessing a keen grasp of court politics. His guidance would be invaluable, both for their eldest son's exams and his future governmental career.

But how could she persuade Qi Liangsheng to agree to tutor Tang Yuxin? While his relations with the Tang Ducal House were amicable, they weren't so close as to warrant teaching the Duke's grandson.

This required careful strategizing.