Chapter 134: What does the Princess of Changping mean by this?

Chapter 134: What does the Princess of Changping mean by this?

Tang Shuyi pondered over the reactions Xiao Yuchen's apprenticeship with Qi Liangsheng might provoke. Yet, she wasn't overly concerned; Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuming would sooner or later enter the court and catch the public eye—this was merely a warm-up.

Tang Shuyi was the kind of person who would seize every opportunity to benefit. She had Xiao Yuchen visit Fang Daru and Qi Liangsheng as often as possible before his journey, making the most out of his teachers' guidance.

The tenth day of the first lunar month marked the third anniversary of Xiao Huai's death, as well as the end of their mourning period. Traditionally, the Xiao family elders should have led them in paying respects at Xiao Huai's grave. But with no elders in the capital, Tang Shuyi took her three siblings to pay their respects at Xiao Huai's grave.

After going through a series of rituals, Tang Shuyi poured a cup of wine, said to be Xiao Huai's favorite in life. Holding the cup, she addressed Xiao Huai's tombstone, "Rest assured, I will raise the three children well and will not let you down."

Having finished her words, she poured the wine in front of Xiao Huai's tombstone and then led the three children back to their residence.

With the mourning period over, they could now attend banquets and wear bright clothes. Tang Shuyi made several new outfits for the three siblings. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, there would be a palace banquet for the Lantern Festival, and they had already received the invitations—it was an event the whole family was to attend.

In the family school of the Marquis's residence, palace nannies were invited to teach the girls etiquette. Still, Tang Shuyi had the nanny come to Shi'an Garden to give Xiao Yuzhu additional lessons on palace etiquette. Although Tang Shuyi had never been to the palace, she had seen palace dramas in her previous life. She knew that if someone intentionally made things difficult, a single misstep in etiquette could become a pretext for punishment.

She couldn't forget that Consort Liang was in the palace. Liang Jianan's death was connected to their Yongning Marquis's Residence; they were mortal enemies. Therefore, this palace visit required extra caution.

"Miss, your kneeling posture is incorrect, it should be like this," the nanny pointed out Xiao Yuzhu's mistake, then demonstrated the correct kneeling etiquette.

Xiao Yuzhu puffed her cheeks, ready to throw a tantrum. She had practiced this kneeling posture several times already. But with Tang Shuyi sitting nearby, she could only practice earnestly. Noticing her impatience, Tang Shuyi waited until she had perfected the kneeling posture before saying, "Take a break."

The nanny nodded in approval and then left the room. Tang Shuyi pulled Xiao Yuzhu to her side, handed her a cup of tea, and said softly, "Rules and etiquette can be disregarded at home—do whatever is comfortable. But once you step outside, especially in the imperial palace, they must be strictly observed."

Xiao Yuzhu was well aware of the situation at home and understood that they had enemies in the palace. Biting her lip, she said, "Mother, I will practice diligently."

Tang Shuyi reached out and patted her head, "A noble lady like you may be flamboyant and unrestrained, but even such flamboyance and unrestraint should have its limits. It's not just you; even princes and princesses can't do whatever they wish. Isn't Princess Changping a case in point?"

"Mother, I understand," Xiao Yuzhu said earnestly.

With so many events having transpired at home recently, she had already grasped the family's crisis and knew she needed to temper her temperament.

Seeing her obedient and attentive, Tang Shuyi smiled with satisfaction, "Shall we continue our practice?"

"Yes."

Tang Shuyi called for the wet nurse, and Xiao Yuzhu stood up to practice with her initiative.

The day of the palace banquet arrived, and Tang Shuyi, accompanied by her two siblings and the Tang family entourage, proceeded toward the imperial palace. Upon alighting at the palace gates, Lady Tang approached Tang Shuyi and whispered, "Father asked me to tell you, there’s no need to fear Lady Liang and her son; they wouldn't dare stir up trouble now."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "I understand."

It hadn't been long since Liang Jian'an's execution. If Lady Liang and her son were wise, they would keep a low profile now. Lady Liang, without strong support from her maternal family, wouldn't have become a favored consort if she were foolish.

However, even the intelligent are prone to impulsive acts at times. Liang Jian'an was, after all, Lady Liang's own brother. Moreover, the intrigues among the women of the harem were endless. Who could say whether someone might exploit their feud with Lady Liang for their own purposes?

In any case, caution was paramount.

In fact, by now, she was somewhat inclined to eliminate the Second Prince and Lady Liang. As long as the enemies lived, they could never truly be at peace.

Carriages were not permitted inside the imperial palace, and no one could be carried in palanquins unless specifically allowed by the Emperor or Empress. Holding Xiao Yuzhu's hand, Tang Shuyi walked with Lady Tang and the Second Lady, following the palace maid leading the way.

Xiao Yuzhu walked with even steps, glancing at Tang Anle beside her, who winked back at her. Today, she restrained her usual exuberance, conducting herself with utmost propriety.

As they walked, a commotion arose from behind. Turning around, Tang Shuyi saw Princess Changping being carried in a sedan, surrounded by attendants. She quickly stepped aside to make way, and Lady Tang and the Second Lady did the same.

Moments later, as Princess Changping's sedan passed by them, she suddenly called for a halt and, tilting her head, looked down at Tang Shuyi from her elevated position, "Lady Marquess of Yongning."

Releasing Xiao Yuzhu's hand, Tang Shuyi stepped forward and bowed respectfully, "Your Highness is well, I trust."

Princess Changping remained silent, merely tilting her head and gazing at her, creating a moment so still that even breaths seemed to be held in suspension. After a while, she spoke, "I hear a young man in my service has caused trouble for your esteemed household?"

Tang Shuyi knew she referred to Kong Wenzhe, yet feigned ignorance, "Is that so? I'm unaware."

Princess Changping continued to stare silently before breaking into a smile, "It's just a trifle. If he has displeased you or someone in your noble household, just inform me. I shall deal with it. There’s no need for such a grand fuss."

Tang Shuyi nodded respectfully but remained silent. The affairs surrounding Liang Jian'an were well known in the capital, and there was no need for Tang Shuyi to feign ignorance.

"Let's go," said Princess Changping, and then her entourage bustled away.

Only after Princess Changping had left did Tang Shuyi relax from her formal curtsy, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully at the princess's retreating figure. What was the princess implying? Regardless, Tang Shuyi would respond accordingly to whatever came next.

"Be careful later," whispered the Lady Tang to Tang Shuyi, unsure of Princess Changping's intentions.

Tang Shuyi nodded and continued to follow

Xiao Yuzhu walked over to Tang Anle with a smile, sitting together and chattering, which pleased the second lady Tang to see.