Chapter 125: This is Quite Peculiar

Chapter 125: This is Quite Peculiar

Upon receiving the ginseng, Wu Kang immediately sent for a physician to have a look. Zhao, the steward, was somewhat displeased with this; they had brought a lifesaving gift, and yet the Wu family insisted on having a physician verify it on the spot.

But considering the Wu family's background, he snorted internally and didn't mind too much. The Wu family hadn't been in the capital for long, coming from the countryside, and the valiant general was often in the northwest, leaving no one in the capital to teach them proper conduct. It wasn't worth quibbling over.

Xiao Yuming, on the other hand, didn't think too much of it. If they wanted a doctor to take a look, then so be it; after all, it wasn't a fake.

The doctor was soon in Old Master Wu's room and, upon confirming the authenticity of the century-old wild ginseng, he said with a smile, "Old Master's life can be saved."

Upon hearing this, Wu Kang was nearly moved to tears. He stood up and gave Xiao Yuming a deep bow, "I am truly grateful."

Xiao Yuming waved his hand nonchalantly, "As long as it works, we'll be on our way."

Saying this, he walked out, and Wu Kang hurried to escort him, only returning after seeing him out the main gate. Back in Old Master Wu's room, he saw that the medicine had already been prepared, with his wife personally overseeing it. Entering the inner chamber, he saw his sister-in-law and the five madams by the bed. On his return, Madam Wu Wei asked, "Have the people from Marquis Yongning's residence left?"

Wu Kang nodded, and Madam Wu Wei sighed, "The Marquis's wife is a good person, it's just unfortunate that the Marquis passed away so early..."

"She has three children, holds the title of Imperially Endowed Lady, and her natal family is the Duke's residence. Her life won't be too difficult," said Madam Wu beside her.

At this point, Wu Kang sat down and said, "As for their second son, rumors paint him as a profligate, but he seemed quite fine to me—a spirited young man, well-spoken, and well-mannered."

"Perhaps it's just idle gossip," said the wife of the valiant general, who had a good impression of Marquis Yongning's residence and thus believed all its members were commendable.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yuming returned to his residence and went straight to Shi'an Courtyard. The meal had just been served, and after washing his hands, he sat down to eat, recounting his visit to General Wu Wei's residence. Tang Shuyi laughed after hearing it, "Our second young master handled this matter well."

She spoke teasingly, and Xiao Yuming scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed.

The next day, after breakfast, Tang Shuyi didn't send Xiao Yuzhu to the family school for lessons. Instead, she had her accompany her to receive the wife of General Wu Wei. Tang Shuyi believed in learning through subtle influences. She would let Xiao Yuzhu follow her around, absorbing knowledge through observation and gradually understanding many things.

It wasn't long before the wife of General Wu Wei arrived. This lady had a delicate and pretty face with slightly dark skin and a slightly plump figure, but her eyes were bright and her demeanor was brisk.

After exchanging greetings and sitting down, General Wu Wei's wife thanked Tang Shuyi, "My father-in-law took the medicine last night and feels much better today. I really can't thank you enough, Madam."

Tang Shuyi gestured dismissively, "My husband, the Marquis, and General Wu Wei were comrades on the battlefield. Such a relationship is incomparable to others. Let's not speak of such formalities anymore."

"You truly are a kind soul," said the Lady of General Wei Wu with a smile.

She hadn't been schooled and possessed little worldliness from her time in the village. It was only through her years at the northwest frontier, mingling with other military families, that she learned some etiquette. Yet, she still found herself at a loss for words when conversing with someone of Tang Shuyi's noble background.

Tang Shuyi noticed her discomfort and steered the conversation toward the happenings at the northwest border, gradually easing into a pleasant chat. When the topic of the northwestern army came up, it was inevitable to mention Xiao Huai, prompting the Lady of General Wei Wu to look at Tang Shuyi with sympathy as she said:

"Your husband was truly a good man, he helped my spouse a great deal back in the day. Before returning, he made me promise to visit you."

Tang Shuyi's face softened with emotion. The General Wei Wu and his wife were genuine folk.

"As you can see, I am doing well. I was sick with worry over him before, but I have come to terms with it. Now, my focus is on raising our three children well," she said.

The Lady of General Wei Wu clapped her hands in agreement, "Right, that's the spirit."

Pausing momentarily, she inquired, "Those two concubines sent from the northwest, are they behaving?"

Tang Shuyi was momentarily taken aback, "They're alright, mostly keeping to themselves indoors each day."

The Lady of General Wei Wu breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "My husband disagreed when Su Bingcang initially wanted to send them back, arguing it would only cause you distress. But in the end, Su Bingcang sent them back in secret."

Tang Shuyi mentally noted the name Su Bingcang, sensing this person bore no goodwill towards Xiao Huai or their Marquisate.

The Lady of General Wei Wu then added, "But don't let them weigh on your mind. The entire northwestern army is aware of the Marquis's affection for you. While in the northwest, he never had any relations with other women—I can vouch for that. My brother served closely with the Marquis and was almost always by his side.

Those two women were offered to the Marquis by Cheng Yuquan in exchange for a horse he coveted. The Marquis reluctantly accepted them, but kept them confined to a small yard in the back, never visiting, and had them watched daily to prevent them from stepping foot outside."

As if fearing Tang Shuyi wouldn't believe her, she added, "I'm telling the truth. My brother was in charge of watching those women, and he told me himself."

Tang Shuyi was genuinely stunned, unaware of such a backstory for Xiao Huai's two concubines.

Seeing Tang Shuyi lost in thought and silent, the Lady of General Wei Wu grew anxious and apologetically blurted, "Look at me, bringing them up for no reason. I really should watch my mouth..."

Tang Shuyi, regaining her composure, hurriedly reassured her, "No, it's alright. I should be thanking you for telling me. You might laugh, but I've had quite a few hard days because of those two."

The Lady of General Wei Wu sighed, "Let bygones be bygones. Your good days lie ahead."

Tang Shuyi nodded with a smile, but her mind raced with thoughts. If Xiao Huai truly had no interest in those women, he could have simply ignored them. Yet, he had them watched over, and by his close attendant no less. Why?

"How is your brother doing now?" Tang Shuyi inquired of the Lady of General Wei Wu.

She let out a heavy sigh, "He was right beside the Marquis during that battle, following him into..."

Her eyes began to moisten, and Tang Shuyi comforted her with a few sighs before inquiring about the Northwestern Army and the battle in which Xiao Huai had sacrificed himself. After conversing all morning, the wife of General Wuwei stayed for lunch before departing.

Once she had left, Tang Shuyi began to pace back and forth in the hall. Xiao Yuzhu noticed this and asked, "Mother, are you thinking about Father's concubines again?"

Tang Shuyi nodded and asked her, "You heard what the wife of General Wuwei said; did you find anything amiss?"

"I find it odd that Father had people watching over them," said Xiao Yuzhu.

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Yes, that is indeed strange."