Chapter 132: Skin Like Cream, Delicate as Porcelain

Chapter 132: Skin Like Cream, Delicate as Porcelain

After chatting with the Duke of Tang for a while, Tang Shuyi took Xiao Yuzhu to the back courtyard of Lady Tang, the Duke’s wife. As soon as they entered, they were enveloped by the lively atmosphere. The wives of the Tang family, with the exception of the fourth lady who was on an external assignment, were all present, along with several young ladies of the house.

As they stepped into the hall, Xiao Yuzhu was quickly pulled aside by Tang Anle to whisper with the other girls of the Tang family. Tang Shuyi greeted her sisters-in-law before sitting down to chat. Before long, Lady Tang the Third asked about Xiao Yuchen, hinting that someone had asked her to inquire.

Tang Shuyi was about to decline when Lady Tang the Fifth also mentioned that someone had asked her to make inquiries. Hearing this, the wife of the Duke of Tang laughed heartily, "Our Yuchen is so handsome, many young ladies in the capital are eager to marry him."

The expression on the face of Lady Tang the Second turned slightly solemn.

"As for Yuchen’s marriage, I would prefer to discuss it after the imperial examinations," Tang Shuyi said. "Although he’s of age, the future of our marquisate rests on his shoulders. It’s best he gains more experience first."

Lady Tang the Third and the Fifth quickly agreed, saying it made sense and that it wouldn’t hurt for a young man to marry a little later. Meanwhile, Lady Tang the Second turned to look at her carefree daughter and sighed deeply.

After conversing a bit more, Lady Tang the Third and the Fifth found an excuse to leave. Once they were out of the duchess's courtyard, Lady Tang the Fifth whispered to the Third, "Yuzhu is almost nine years old, isn’t she?"

Lady Tang the Third glanced at her and said, "Don’t even think about it. I wouldn’t dare entertain such thoughts."

"Nor would I dare to be so presumptuous," Lady Tang the Fifth said, knowing her position as a concubine-born lady meant her son was not a match for Xiao Yuzhu. "But I do have a nephew from my maternal family, a legitimate heir, around the same age as Yuzhu."

Lady Tang the Third gave her a look and whispered, "We’ve been sisters-in-law for many years, so don’t take offense at my bluntness. Your maternal nephew might be a legitimate heir, but can your maternal family’s status compare to that of a marquisate? It’s best not to bring this up again, or it won’t end well."

Lady Tang the Fifth paused for a moment, then enlightened, "Why would I mind? I should thank you, actually. If I had really brought it up, perhaps even my husband would have been reprimanded by the Duke."

"You’re too easily swayed," Lady Tang the Third said. "Your elder brother from your maternal family is only a fourth rank official. Could his son be a match for the legitimate daughter of a marquisate? Do you think the Marquisate of Yongning’s demise has made its daughters available to just anyone? Whoever put this idea in your head does not have good intentions. Shuyi is the apple of the Duke’s eye, and that hasn’t changed despite her being married off for years. If you dare bring this up to her, just wait and see how the Duke deals with you."

Lady Tang the Fifth patted her chest, relieved. "I was just sharing my worries with you."

Lady Tang the Third sighed, "We are born from concubines. It’s best not to meddle in the affairs of the legitimate side. The duchess isn’t harsh; let's just live our lives quietly and contentedly."

Lady Tang the Fifth nodded repeatedly, yet inwardly she cursed her elder sister-in-law from her maternal family.

Unaware of all this, Tang Shuyi was discussing her guild plans with the duchess and Lady Tang the Second, who listened with great interest.

When they learned she hadn’t found a suitable location, Lady Tang the Second suggested, "Why not buy a piece of land and build it yourself? Employ more people, and it could be done in a year and a half."

The duchess agreed, "Building it yourself means you can have it designed exactly how you want. What could be better?"

Initially hesitant about constructing her own building due to the extended construction period, Tang Shuyi was now swayed by their encouragement. She decided that after the New Year, she would seek out a plot of land to plan and build her own residence.

While the three sisters-in-law were engaged in conversation, a nanny lifted the curtain and entered, announcing, "The head of the family requests Madame Tang's presence in the front courtyard, stating that there is an important matter to discuss with her."

Upon hearing this, Tang Shuyi stood up, bid farewell to Madam Tang and the Second Lady, and followed the nanny to the front courtyard. When they reached the study of Tang Shubai, his attendant was already waiting at the doorway and greeted her respectfully, "Madame Tang, the head of the family and Magistrate Qi are inside waiting for you."

Tang Shuyi paused momentarily upon hearing the name 'Magistrate Qi', then smiled, sensing that the day might bring some fruitful outcomes.

She entered the room, lifting the curtain, and saw Tang Shubai and Qi Liangsheng seated by the window, engaged in a game of Go. She approached, exchanged greetings with Qi Liangsheng, and then sat aside to watch their game.

"Xunzhi, are you certain about this move?" Tang Shubai asked, glancing at Qi Liangsheng.

Qi Liangsheng's courtesy name was Xunzhi.

Qi Liangsheng looked at the piece he had just played and after a moment of silence, replied, "A move once played cannot be taken back. Let it stand."

He wasn't sure why he had placed the piece there; his heart was beating rapidly at the moment.

"Then I've won," Tang Shubai declared, placing a black piece on the board and laughing heartily, "Defeating you in a game is no small feat."

Qi Liangsheng chuckled as well, collected himself silently, then turned to Tang Shuyi and said, "I've been meaning to express my gratitude to you in person for some days now, but I've been indisposed."

As he spoke, he stood up and bowed deeply to Tang Shuyi, "Thank you for the guidance you've provided to my son."

Tang Shuyi, taken aback by his formality, quickly stood and returned the gesture, "Heguang has grown up alongside my Yuming, playing together since they were young. I regard him as my own, so there's no need for such formality, Magistrate Qi. Besides, it was nothing more than a few pointers."

Tang Shubai, listening to their exchange, was confused and asked what was happening. Tang Shuyi explained, "It's nothing major. Magistrate Qi's son, Heguang, expressed an interest in business, and it just so happened that I was preparing the household accounts. So, I taught him a bit about bookkeeping."

Tang Shubai nodded in understanding; he was well aware of Qi Er's nature. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "If the child does not wish to pursue academics, then so be it. Entering commerce is a fine path; every household needs someone adept at earning."

Qi Liangsheng sighed, "I don't ask for great achievements from him, only that he stays out of trouble. As long as he can lead a stable life after starting a family, that would be enough."

Tang Shuyi took a sip of her tea, placing the cup on a small table beside her. Qi Liangsheng's gaze unintentionally drifted towards her hand, a phrase springing to his mind: "Skin as smooth as cream, delicate as exquisite jade."

Realizing his forwardness, he quickly averted his gaze.

Oblivious to his reaction, Tang Shuyi continued, "Actually, every child has their own strengths. Although Heguang isn't fond of studying, he has a remarkable knack for interpersonal relations. If he chooses to pursue business, it's very possible he'll achieve great things."

With that, she began to discuss her plans for the clubhouse and asked, "What do you think of this clubhouse idea?"

"Marvelous!" Tang Shubai immediately exclaimed, "Ah, finding a serene place to sip tea and compose poetry is truly challenging nowadays. If your club is well-managed, it will surely be a success."

Qi Liangsheng also nodded in agreement, "Indeed, it's a very good idea."