Chapter 141: Ostentatious Revelry

Chapter 141: Ostentatious Revelry

Madame Tang returned home from the palace banquet, her mind somewhat troubled. Initially, an alliance through marriage had been agreed between the Tang and Li families, involving her second son, Master Tang, and Miss Li who had fallen into the water today. But now, the more she thought about it, the more inappropriate it seemed.

She had previously inquired about Miss Li and learned that the girl was lively, which at the time seemed endearing to her. Their own Anle was quite spirited too, and such children were usually charming to watch.

However, today's incident showed that Miss Li was not merely lively but impetuous and reckless. If such a girl were to become her daughter-in-law, wouldn't it mean constant worry in the days to come?

One might say that after marriage, proper guidance would suffice. But she wasn't her own daughter, and Madame Tang lacked the energy to undertake such education. Besides, with better prospects available, why marry one who still needed grooming?

While she pondered how to discuss this matter with the Li family, Tang Shubai arrived. Sitting down beside her on the brocaded couch, he noticed her furrowed brow and asked, "What's wrong?"

Madame Tang shared her concerns and added, "Even if we do ally with the Li family through marriage, it should be with someone else. The girl's too impulsive and rash."

Hearing this, Tang Shubai hummed in agreement, "I’ll talk to father about this matter later."

The alliance between the Tang and Li families was due to the close relationship between Duke Tang and Inspector Li. Naturally, any change would need to be discussed with him.

Reassured by Tang Shubai's concurrence, Madame Tang continued, "The palace is truly a devouring place, where even children of eight or nine years are exploited. I believe that both the Empress and Consort Hui are implicated in today's incident."

"Consort Hui's family is not prominent, and she desires the throne for the Third Prince. She has to curry favor with the Empress," Tang Shubai explained to Madame Tang. "Consort Liang is the favored one, and naturally, the Empress doesn't like her. She aims to use the conflict between Marquis Yongning's family and the Second Prince to bring down both Consort Liang and the Second Prince."

Madame Tang had also contemplated these complexities and lamented, "But our Yu Zhu suffered this time."

"A lesson learned for next time," said Tang Shubai. "After we left the banquet, the Emperor summoned Xunzhi to the Imperial Study and spoke to him."

He relayed the conversation between the Emperor and Qi Liangsheng to Madame Tang, adding, "The Emperor probably fears that Yu Ming, if he joins the army, might become someone like Xiao Huai. Tomorrow, when you visit Marquis Yongning's residence, tell Shu Yi not to restrain Yu Ming. Let him roam free and cause some minor trouble; it's not a big deal."

Madame Tang nodded but voiced her concern, "But this reputation of being a prodigal might affect Yu Ming's marriage prospects."

Tang Shubai chuckled, "Don't worry. If he becomes a great general, noblewomen from the capital will vie to marry him."

Madame Tang also smiled, "True, as long as he's accomplished, good matches will come."

"Additionally, the one who saved Yu Zhu today should be the Seventh Prince," said Tang Shubai.

Madame Tang asked in surprise, "You mean the Seventh Prince born to Consort Ming?"

Tang Shubai nodded, and a wave of melancholy washed over Madame Tang's face.

"Tomorrow, discuss with Shu Yi that if the Seventh Prince makes any requests, agree to what is reasonable and refuse what is not. We'll find an opportunity to repay the debt of saving a life," Tang Shubai instructed.

Lady Tang nodded seriously, "That's the right approach. It's not good to be too entangled with a prince."

Tang Shubai chuckled, "The lady's wisdom prevails."

Lady Tang gave him a wry look.

Marquis of Yongning's Residence

Tang Shuyi applied ointment to Xiao Yuzhu's neck with gentle hands. She didn't use the ointment given by the Empress Dowager; no matter how precious, she dared not risk it. Who knew what it might contain?

"It should heal in a few days without leaving a scar," Tang Shuyi whispered to Xiao Yuzhu, reminiscing about the words she spoke before the Emperor, she added with a smile, "Our Yuzhu performed exceptionally well today, especially with what she said in front of His Majesty."

Praised, Xiao Yuzhu beamed with a wide smile. Xiao Yuming, who was nearby, inquired, "What did Yuzhu say?"

Tang Shuyi recounted Xiao Yuzhu's words, to which Xiao Yuming responded with a thumbs-up. Xiao Yuzhen also commented with a smile, "Hence, Yuzhu earned her title of county princess all by herself."

Tang Shuyi's face beamed with pride, "Indeed."

Embarrassed by their praise, Xiao Yuzhu demurred, "I was merely following Mother's teachings."

Upon hearing this, Tang Shuyi laughed heartily, "Ah, then I deserve some credit too."

The family of four shared a moment of laughter. It was then that Steward Zhao arrived, announcing the arrival of the imperial decree and gifts from the palace. Tang Shuyi stood up with her children and went to the main hall to receive the decree. The decree conferred the title of county princess on Xiao Yuzhu, and the rewards included gifts from the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and ladies from various palaces.

Tang Shuyi instructed her staff to meticulously inventory the precious items and create a separate account for Xiao Yuzhu, designating these treasures as her dowry.

The family returned to Shi'an Garden and analyzed the day's events. Their conclusions were similar to those of the Duke of Tang and Tang Shubai. They held no illusions about the Ministry of Justice uncovering the truth, but neither could they let a random palace maid or eunuch take the fall.

"Ultimately, it all comes down to the struggle for the throne," said Tang Shuyi. "Let the princes and consorts vie as they will. We must not take sides or be exploited. In future, we must tread cautiously in all matters relating to the royal family. The minds of those in the palace are as intricate as sieves, and one could easily fall prey."

The siblings nodded in agreement.

"Yuzhen, begin preparing for your travels. Don't worry about home," Tang Shuyi added.

With a trace of guilt on his face, Xiao Yuzhen nodded, "I'll start preparations tomorrow."

Tang Shuyi acknowledged with a hum and then turned to Xiao Yuming, "Your handling of the interrogation today surely did not escape the Emperor's notice. From now on, make yourself seen and heard, gallivanting through the city."

"Alright, I'll take Qi Er and Yan Wu out for some fun tomorrow," declared Xiao Yuming.

"But remember, don't get into trouble and don't neglect your martial arts training," Tang Shuyi cautioned.

"Mother, rest assured, I will work hard," Xiao Yuming vowed. Today's events had reinforced his realization that if he and Xiao Yuchen didn't strive to gain authority, they would be even more susceptible to being bullied in the future.

As the evening drew close, Tang Shuyi instructed the two to retire for the night, with Xiao Yuzhu sharing her bed.

Mother and daughter lay in bed, Tang Shuyi gently patting Xiao Yuzhu's back and whispering, "Although I've said that we must be cautious with royal affairs, you needn't fear them. Even royalty must adhere to reason.

Just like today, when the emperor wanted to gloss over the incident, I insisted on a trial. Even he couldn't refuse because we were in the right. Of course, the emperor is displeased, and he might look for excuses to punish us in the future. But we have your maternal grandfather as our support, and the contributions of your grandfather and father; the emperor can't arbitrarily find faults with us.

However, we cannot always depend on your maternal grandfather or the achievements of your grandfather and father. Your maternal grandfather will age, and their achievements will gradually be forgotten. Therefore, we must grow strong ourselves."

"I understand, mother. I will be careful and dedicate myself to learning," Xiao Yuzhu responded.

Tang Shuyi smiled. "Good, but there's no need to force yourself to learn needlework, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting if you don't enjoy them."

Xiao Yuzhu giggled, "I'll learn how to manage affairs from you, mother."

Tang Shuyi pinched her nose affectionately, "Alright, I'll leave it all to you."