Chapter 146: Making Investments Along the Way

Chapter 146: Making Investments Along the Way

After Xiao Yuchen's departure, Tang Shuyi, Xiao Yuzhu, and Xiao Yuming suddenly felt an odd sense of unease. His presence wasn't particularly noticeable when he was at home, but now that he was gone, it felt like a huge piece was missing. At the same time, all three of them were worried about him.

However, they were reassured when they received his letter after ten days. In the letter, Xiao Yuchen reported his safety and shared some amusing incidents from his journey. Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuming were very envious after reading it; they too wished to travel. Even Tang Shuyi felt an urge to explore.

That's just human nature; after staying in one place for too long, one yearns to venture out and see different sceneries. Otherwise, why would the tourism industry be so booming? During short holidays like the May Day or National Day, any renowned tourist spot would be crowded with people.

I wonder if it's currently the May Day or National Day in the modern era. Perhaps, at this very moment, some friend of mine is stuck in traffic.

Letting her imagination roam for a while, Tang Shuyi then called for Steward Zhao. Some time had passed since the palace banquet, and it was time to get in touch with the Seventh Prince from the palace. After all, a life-saving grace had to be repaid.

It wasn't long before Steward Zhao arrived, and Tang Shuyi asked him, "Can our people from the marquis’s residence get in touch with the Seventh Prince in the palace?"

"Yes," replied Steward Zhao. "As far as I know, the Seventh Prince resides in a secluded area with few visitors, making contact relatively straightforward."

Tang Shuyi nodded and then instructed, "Send him some inconspicuous yet warm and comfortable clothing and bedding, commonly used medicines, some food, and a modest amount of silver."

"Certainly, but we should deliver these items in batches," advised Steward Zhao. "Sending them all at once would draw too much attention."

Tang Shuyi hummed in agreement, then added, "Also, inquire if he has any specific requests."

"Understood."

With a nod, Steward Zhao departed, and Tang Shuyi turned to Xiao Yuzhu, saying, "As for the life-saving grace the Seventh Prince extended to you, we shall repay it and be done with it. There's no need to dwell on it excessively."

In ancient times, girls were promised in marriage early, leading many to become precociously aware of matters of the heart. Tang Shuyi was concerned that Xiao Yuzhu might become entangled with the Seventh Prince because of this life-saving grace. She had no intention of marrying her daughter into the imperial family.

"I understand. I told him at the time that you would repay him," said Xiao Yuzhu, her gaze clear and devoid of any superfluous emotion.

Seeing this, Tang Shuyi's face broke into a radiant smile, relieved that her household would not be burdened by another lovesick member.

Steward Zhao was highly efficient in his duties. That very evening, the Seventh Prince, Li Jingyi, in his dilapidated courtyard, met with a woman in her thirties from the Marquis of Yongning’s residence, who had been placed in the palace.

"The Lady of the Marquis of Yongning sent me to deliver some clothes and food to Your Highness," said the matron, setting down the bundle respectfully. "There are also some bedding and medicines, which I shall bring tomorrow."

Li Jingyi's attendant, an elderly eunuch, eagerly accepted the items, his hands trembling with delight. Li Jingyi, however, remained composed, saying, "Please convey my thanks to the Lady of the Marquis of Yongning."

The matron replied with a smile, "I will surely relay your message."

Li Jingyi hummed in acknowledgment, and the matron added, "The Lady of the Marquis of Yongning also inquires if there is anything else you require."

She refrained from using the word 'demand,' as it would not have been appropriate. But the Seventh Prince, being astute, would likely grasp the implication.

Indeed, Li Jingyi replied without hesitation, "Please tell the Lady of the Marquis of Yongning that I wish to read books."

The matron was taken aback. She had not expected this abandoned prince to make such a seemingly futile request. No matter how well he studied, it wouldn't change his circumstances and would remain futile.

But she was a servant, responsible only for relaying messages. Everything else was beyond her concern. Thus, she replied deferentially, "I will be sure to convey your message."

Li Jingyi nodded slightly, "Much appreciated."

The wet nurse quickly claimed undue credit, and then withdrew. After she left, the old eunuch opened the bundle she had brought, revealing a coarse cloth robe that felt surprisingly thick to the touch. Upon further inspection, he found a layer of soft fur stitched inside the garment.

"My, my, the Lady of Yongning Hou really is considerate!" exclaimed the old eunuch.

Setting the robe aside, he discovered a pair of cotton trousers beneath, soft in texture and finely stitched. There was also a pair of boots that looked rather ordinary from the outside, but a hand inserted inside could feel the fur lining.

"Oh!"

The old eunuch suddenly let out a surprised shout, pulling a handful of loose silver from the boot. Placing the coins on the table, his hand dove back in, retrieving another handful, and then another.

The old eunuch's smile creased his face as he emptied one boot of its silver. Then, he picked up the other, feeling its weighty contents, and chuckled heartily. This time, he turned the boot upside down and, with a whoosh, a cascade of loose silver poured out.

"How much could this be?" The old eunuch's voice wavered in awe at the mound of silver on the table.

Li Jingyi, observing all this, pressed his lips tightly together, then said, "The Lady of Yongning Hou... has been thoughtful."

"Alas!" The old eunuch heaved a deep sigh, "If only the Lord of Yongning Hou were still alive, you could have..."

"Such words shall not be spoken in the future. Reliance on anyone but oneself is futile," Li Jingyi said, returning to his worn-out table and the book he had flipped through countless times.

"But how can you alone change your current plight?" questioned the old eunuch.

Li Jingyi clenched his fist, "There will always be opportunities."

The old eunuch, disagreeing with him, wanted to persuade him further but knew their young master was resolute; his words would be in vain.

………

The next day, Tang Shuyi received Li Jingyi's request to read books. She raised an eyebrow, finding this displaced prince quite interesting, sensing a determination to endure hardship for future success.

A desire to read books.

Tang Shuyi contemplated his situation. It was said that at the age of five or six, his mother was exposed for an illicit affair with a guard and was thereafter abandoned in a courtyard to fend for herself. Children from affluent families in the Dagan Dynasty typically began their education at three and, by five or six, would have completed "The Hundred Family Surnames" and "The Thousand Character Classic."

If he were clever, he should recognize all the characters. After some thought, she entered the study, stood in front of the bookshelf for a moment, then picked out a copy of "Shuowen Jiezi." She sat at her desk, flipping through it page by page, occasionally pausing to annotate with her pen.

Indeed, she could have chosen suitable books to send without having to meticulously annotate them. But he was a prince, after all, and his future was uncertain. Investing a bit now wouldn't hurt. A return would be ideal, but no return was fine too. Besides, they owed him a debt of gratitude; it was only right to take extra care.

Tang Shuyi didn't believe there was anything wrong in approaching this with an investment mindset. As someone in business management, passing up an investment opportunity would be foolish. As for personal relationships, she was sorry to say, but she had none with this prince.

"You saved my child, and in gratitude, I offer you assistance and make an investment. There's truly nothing more to it."