Chapter 131: A Multitude of Sentiments

Chapter 131: A Multitude of Sentiments

As the steward of the marquis' estate, Zhao was exceedingly busy, especially towards the year's end. But no matter the workload, he now had to set aside all other tasks to focus on the most crucial one—investigating the Su Bing warehouse.

After delegating his duties to his subordinates, he began the investigation.

A person's surface-level affairs are relatively easy to scrutinize. Within a day, he reported his findings to Tang Shuyi, Xiao Yuchen, and Xiao Yuming, respectively.

When Tang Shuyi instructed him to investigate the Su Bing warehouse and to report any issues to the young masters, he realized her intention to gradually transfer the household affairs to her sons.

Zhao's admiration for Tang Shuyi grew; she could shoulder responsibilities and relinquish power when needed. Not to mention the frequent power struggles between empress dowagers and emperors, even within prominent families.

Many women in Tang Shuyi's position, who raised their children single-handedly, would manage both internal and external household affairs. But even when their children grew capable, they would be reluctant to relinquish control, leading to conflicts and unrest within the family.

Having received Zhao's report, Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuming went to Shi'an Yuan to find Tang Shuyi. They were accustomed to discussing matters as a family, gathered together.

At this moment, the family of four sat in the hall of Shi'an Garden. Tang Shuyi looked over the investigation materials on Su Bingcang that Zhao, the steward, had submitted:

Su Bingcang, 37, a native of the capital. For generations, his family made a living by butchering pigs. It wasn't until his grandfather's generation that they donated to secure a minor ninth-grade official position, thus beginning the Su family's ties with the officialdom.

His father, Su Tianpeng, was also a shrewd man. He first married a concubine daughter from a seventh-grade magistrate's family. Through this connection, he secured a position as a custodian in the armory, which later led to a promotion as an armory judge, an eighth-grade official.

For two generations, the Su family struggled in the official circles. Although they achieved some success, the hardships were too numerous to recount. Hence, in Su Bingcang's generation, the family put great efforts into education. Su Bingcang was the best scholar among his kin and eventually earned the title of Juren (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations).

This was a significant achievement for the Su family, and a Juren was rightfully eligible for official recommendation. Through a series of maneuvers by the Su family, Su Bingcang secured a position in the Ministry of War after his successful examination and, through further machinations, he now serves as the deputy in charge of military provisions in the northwest, a fifth-grade official.

The documents also contained information about Su Bingcang's wife and children. Tang Shuyi scrutinized them repeatedly, finding no discrepancies. However, something didn't add up. If Su Bingcang bore no grudges with Xiao Huai or the Yongning Marquis's estate, why insist on sending Qiu Yunxiu and Qiu Yunshan back to the capital? Despite opposition from the northwestern generals, he even secretly transported them back.

Tang Shuyi couldn't believe he had no ulterior motive.

Putting aside the materials, she looked at her two sons and asked, "What do you think?"

"Investigate everyone related to Su Bingcang, including his servants. I refuse to believe he sent them back without reason," stated Xiao Yuchen.

Tang Shuyi nodded in agreement.

At this moment, Xiao Yuming suggested, "Check if he has any connection with the Second Prince."

He had a hunch that this matter couldn't be disconnected from the Second Prince.

Tang Shuyi nodded again, "Do as you suggest. Have Steward Zhao send someone to investigate. There's no need for haste. With Qiu Yunxiu and Qiu Yunshan dead and sent back by Su Bingcang himself, we have nothing to fear even if someone tries to incriminate us."

Her words served as a tranquilizer for the siblings, visibly relaxing their expressions.

The New Year came in a blink of an eye. Normally, it would be celebrated with the hanging of couplets and red lanterns, but as the Marquis's estate was still in mourning, these traditions were foregone. Nevertheless, the maids, nannies, stewards, and young servants all donned new clothes and smiled, bringing out the festive spirit.

After dinner, Tang Shuyi took out three large red envelopes, one for each of her three children, as New Year's money. They all accepted it with glee, and then the family started playing cards and stayed up late to see the New Year in, only retiring to their respective quarters after the hour of Hai (9-11 pm).

Early the next day, the three siblings arrived at Shi'an Garden. Tang Shuyi sat in the middle of the hall, and the three siblings knelt before her, performing kowtows and offering New Year's blessings.

Xiao Yuchen: "Wishing Mother robust health and everlasting fortune."

Xiao Yuming: "May all your wishes come true, Mother, and may happiness be with you every day."

Xiao Yuzhu: "I wish for eternal youth and all your heart's desires to be fulfilled, dear Mother."

Then, the three of them kowtowed again.

Tang Shuyi gazed at the three siblings kneeling before her, her heart flooded with myriad emotions. She had traversed through time, hoping to simply enjoy the lavish life of a noble lady, yet unexpected dramas unfolded one after another. Although she sometimes felt weary, the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction she derived from watching the siblings grow bit by bit outweighed all the nuisances of life.

"Please, stand up," Tang Shuyi said with a smile, then gestured for them to sit down. Cuizhu and Cuicloud brought over tea and pastries, and the family chatted and laughed as they enjoyed the treats together.

The next day, the family of four had their breakfast and went to pay a New Year's visit to the Duke of Tang's residence. In the hall of the duke's residence, Tang Shuyi led the three siblings in kowtowing to the Duke of Tang.

The Duke of Tang laughed heartily, stood up, and personally helped them to their feet. He then looked at Tang Shuyi with a hint of emotion and said, "One grows through adversities. My child has grown up; I can rest assured now."

In recent months, Tang Shuyi's approach and methods in handling various matters had greatly comforted the Duke of Tang and put his mind at ease, knowing at least his daughter could protect herself.

The Duke's words moistened Tang Shuyi's eyes. After Xiao Huai's death, the Duke had been deeply concerned for her and her three children. She reached out to support the Duke's arm and said with a smile, "I've grown up, Father. You needn't worry about me anymore. You should just eat well, drink well, and enjoy family happiness."

The Duke of Tang laughed again, "Alright, after the New Year, I'll submit a request to retire."

"Good."

Father and daughter continued their conversation as they headed to the study, with the three siblings following behind. Once seated, they began to discuss the matters concerning Autumn Cloud Elegance and Autumn Cloud Coral. The Duke of Tang said:

"You needn't worry too much. The strife within the court is merely a tangle of interests. With Xiao Huai gone, and both Yu Chen and Yu Ming not yet serving in court, your interests aren't implicated. Even Xiao Huai's old enemies wouldn't dare act rashly while the emperor still holds his northwestern military prowess in high regard, unless they're utterly brainless."

Like the Second Prince and the Liang family, for instance.

Tang Shuyi and the three siblings all nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

"Yu Chen, you're set to travel abroad. You may embark after the New Year," the Duke of Tang said, looking at Xiao Yu Chen. "Don't take too many people with you; a larger group becomes a bigger target. Just a couple of skilled individuals should suffice."

Xiao Yu Chen nodded in approval.

The Duke then turned to Xiao Yu Ming with a smile, "I see you've grown quite sturdy. Train well in martial arts, and later you can accompany your grandfather on a hunting trip."

"Certainly, I'll hunt tigers and leopards to make boots for you," Xiao Yu Ming responded.

The Duke of Tang laughed again and then turned to Xiao Yu Zhu with a tender gaze, "Don't be too constrained by those strict rules of conduct. For skills like playing musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, painting, and needlework, just knowing the basics is fine. Do whatever you wish, as long as it brings you joy."

Xiao Yu Zhu nodded, then giggled.

The Duke of Tang also laughed, "That's how I taught your mother back in the day. Look how well she's turned out."

As he spoke, pride was written all over his face. Tang Shuyi almost wanted to cover her face in embarrassment; the old master truly believed his daughter was perfect in every way!