Chapter 133: Good, very good!

Chapter 133: Good, very good!

With the project receiving their approval, Tang Shuyi continued, "Operating this club will certainly require a considerable number of staff. I think He Guang is a good choice for this, and I plan to have him manage some affairs initially, eventually entrusting him with the entire club."

Qi Liangsheng lowered his gaze to pick up his teacup. Although his heart raced due to the woman before him, his mind remained clear. He knew that the crucial moment of the conversation had arrived.

Setting down his cup, he said, "I don't know how to thank you enough for holding He Guang in such high regard."

Tang Shuyi smiled, "They're all our own children. There's no need for such formalities, Sir Qi. Children will be mischievous when they're young; they just need proper guidance over time. Take my son, Yu Chen, for example; he too had strayed at one point and nearly made a grave mistake."

Everyone present was well aware of the incident between Xiao Yuchen and Liu Biqin, so Tang Shuyi saw no need to avoid mentioning it.

She continued, "But as parents, when our children err, we must give them a chance to correct themselves as long as they're willing. Fortunately, Yu Chen was redeemable. He severed ties with his past and devoted himself more diligently to his studies. Recently, when his writings were shown to the esteemed Master Fang, he received several compliments."

Turning to Qi Liangsheng, she added, "However, he still can't compare to Sir Qi, who was the top scholar of his year."

Qi Liangsheng waved his hand dismissively, "It was merely good fortune."

By now, he had a good understanding of Tang Shuyi's intentions and couldn't help but sigh inwardly at her dual roles as both father and mother.

"Master Fang has suggested that Yu Chen travel, and after the New Year, he will set out. Upon his return a year later, he must immediately prepare for the imperial examination. It'll be his first attempt, and lacking experience, he would greatly benefit from your guidance, Sir Qi."

As she spoke, Tang Shuyi rose and bowed deeply to Qi Liangsheng, who quickly stood and responded, "There's no need for such formality. It's only right for me to guide Yu Chen a little since you've taught He Guang so much."

Reassured, Tang Shuyi continued their conversation for a short while before excusing herself from the study.

After she left, Tang Shubai heaved a deep sigh, "My sister, treasured and pampered since childhood, and then... Xiao Huai, kneeling before our father, swore to protect and cherish her all his life, never allowing her to suffer the slightest grievance. But who could have foreseen what would happen to Xiao Huai..."

Tang Shubai sighed again, "Now she's forced to shoulder the entire marquisate. She's changed so much these days that I hardly recognize her. But change was necessary. Taking on both the roles of father and mother isn't easy, is it?"

Qi Liangsheng's grip on his teacup tightened. There were things he wanted to say, but he wasn't sure how to express them. If Tang Shuyi were of ordinary status, he would simply ask for her hand in marriage. But she was the Marquise of Yongning, a lady of the first rank with an imperial mandate, and remarriage was far from straightforward. Moreover, he didn't know if she would be willing.

If she were willing, he could take on the responsibility of educating her two sons, provide them with connections, and support them. Not to mention, ensuring that Xiao Yuchen becomes a competent Marquis of Yongning and keeping the marquisate stable, or even flourishing, during his lifetime were well within his capabilities.

The only fear was her unwillingness.

Tang Shuyi instructed Cuiyun to find Xiao Yuchen and tell him to immediately visit Tang Shubai's study to meet with Qi Liangsheng. She believed Qi Liangsheng to be a gentleman, one who wouldn't pay lip service and would put his utmost effort into fulfilling his promises.

Of course, she would also cultivate Qi Er. With her previous life's experience in training employees, this would not be a difficult task.

Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuming were chatting with several young masters of the Tang family when they heard Cuiyun's message. They excused themselves from the group and headed to Tang Shubai's study. Qi Liangsheng was still there, and he respectfully greeted the two.

"Come Yuchen, offer a cup of tea to your Uncle Qi; from now on, he will be your teacher," Tang Shubai said with a smile.

Qi Liangsheng pointed at Tang Shubai with his hand. He had only agreed to provide some guidance, when had he agreed to take on a disciple? But in front of Xiao Yuchen, he found it difficult to voice his objections.

Tang Shubai laughed heartily. Xiao Yuchen was quite astute this time; he picked up the teapot, poured a cup of tea, and then knelt down, lifting his robe. Holding the teacup respectfully, he said, "Please accept this tea, Master."

Qi Liangsheng smiled helplessly. With things having reached this point, he couldn't refuse the tea! He took the teacup from Xiao Yuchen, sipped from it, then helped him to rise. He also pulled a jade pendant from his person and presented it as a gift to mark the beginning of their teacher-student relationship.

Tang Shubai clapped his hands and laughed, "Good, very good!"

Qi Liangsheng ignored him and asked Xiao Yuchen to sit down. He began to test his knowledge, and the two engaged in a back-and-forth exchange for over half an hour. Qi Liangsheng nodded inwardly; although Xiao Yuchen's talent and knowledge were not top-notch, they were above average.

After another year of travel and learning under his and Fang Daryu's guidance, securing a position as an imperial scholar was a sure thing. With a strong performance, he might even make it into the first rank.

The Emperor had been suppressing his ennoblement, and voices of dissatisfaction had already arisen in the court. To demonstrate his favor toward the House of Yongning Marquis, it was very possible that the Emperor might designate him as the top scholar during the palace examination.

Thinking of this, Qi Liangsheng felt that, setting aside his feelings for Tang Shuyi, taking on this disciple was indeed worthwhile.

With this acknowledgment in his heart, he patiently provided guidance to Xiao Yuchen.

Back at the residence of the Yongning Marquis, Tang Shuyi learned that Xiao Yuchen had offered tea to Qi Liangsheng as a mark of discipleship, and she was overjoyed. The difference between having an official teacher-student relationship and not was significant. With this bond, Xiao Yuchen was now tied to Qi Liangsheng.

Qi Liangsheng was very likely to enter the cabinet!

After some thought, Tang Shuyi said, "A gift is certainly in order for becoming a disciple. Let's go to the storeroom to choose some presents, and tomorrow, let your uncle take you to the Qi residence."

"Alright." Xiao Yuchen was brimming with excitement, clearly understanding what it meant to have Qi Liangsheng as a teacher.

"No, don't go to the storeroom yet. Visit the Duke's mansion first and ask your uncle what Minister Qi likes. Giving gifts should align with the recipient's tastes," Tang Shuyi said excitedly, somewhat losing her composure.

"Alright." Xiao Yuchen said as he headed out. Tang Shuyi sat on the brocade couch, thinking to herself. It was a case of reciprocation—Qi Liangsheng had shown sincerity, and she could not let Qi Er down. She must use her utmost skills to nurture Qi Er's talent.

The next day, Tang Shubai, accompanied by Xiao Yuchen and a carriage full of gifts, visited the Qi residence. It didn't take long for the news to spread among the capital's elite circles: the heir of the Yongning Marquis had taken Qi Liangsheng as his mentor.

The masterminds of the major families began to think in convoluted ways, ultimately reaching a unanimous conclusion: the Qi Household, the Tang Duke's Mansion, and the Yongning Marquis's Residence were inextricably tied together.

Upon learning this news, the Second Prince shattered an entire tea set. Even though Consort Liang had warned him not to provoke the Yongning Marquis's Residence further, after suffering repeated setbacks there, he couldn't let it go—now just wasn't the right time to settle scores with the Yongning Marquis's Residence.

Now, knowing that Xiao Yuchen had taken Qi Liangsheng as his master, how could he not be enraged? He had once tried to win over Qi Liangsheng but was rejected.

When the Emperor heard this news, he was reviewing memorials. Pausing his writing upon hearing Jiao Kangsheng's report, he mused for a moment before saying, "Duke Tang is paving the way for Xiao Yuchen!"

Jiao Kangsheng stood by silently; after a while, the Emperor added, "I heard that this Xiao Yuchen is quite studious, isn't he?"

"This servant doesn't know for sure, but it's said that he has always loved reading from a young age and has little interest in wielding weapons," Jiao Kangsheng replied.

The Emperor's face broke into a smile, "It's also good that the Yongning Marquis's Residence is leaning towards literature."