Chapter 149: Why, Oh Why?

Chapter 149: Why, Oh Why?

The Lord of Nanling, turning skewers of meat in his hand, turned to Tang Shubai and said, "Raising a daughter should be just like your family does, not bound by the traditional women’s arts like zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, and needlework. Teaching her like a boy is good. Lady Hou of Yongning is a fine example."

He had witnessed how Tang Shuyi conducted herself and had heard from Yan Wu about the merry times in the Hou Mansion of Yongning eating barbecued meat and pot dishes. Seeing Tang Shuyi's free-spiritedness today, he truly felt that such a woman was admirable.

Tang Shubai wore a proud smile but spoke modestly, "She’s been spoiled by the family. When she first tried needlework and pricked herself with the needle, my father said, 'Why bother with such laborious stuff? Aren’t there enough embroiderers at home?' And so, she stopped learning it."

Tang Shujie, laughing beside them, added, "The same goes for zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. My father deemed those just for show, not worth learning. Fortunately, my mother insisted on teaching her household management, or she wouldn’t even have that skill."

"So, how did the Lady Hou of Yongning learn to read?" the Lord of Nanling asked, genuinely curious about the upbringing of such a woman.

Tang Shubai replied, "My father taught her himself."

"I see," the Lord of Nanling said.

Indeed, she was raised as if she were a boy.

What he didn’t know was that initially, Tang Duke’s indulgence in his daughter didn’t quite succeed. Therefore, “Tang Shuyi” only learned the basics and later got entangled in romantic affairs. However, she was fortunate that Xiao Huai also loved her sincerely.

Qi Liangsheng roasted the meat, listening to their conversation, recalling the deeds of Tang Shuyi: defusing the crisis of harboring the traitor's daughter in Xiao Yuchen’s residence, arranging for Fang Daryu to tutor Xiao Yuchen, devising the plan against Liang Jian’an for harboring the traitor's daughter, and handling the near-assassination of Xiao Yuzhu...

Each deed showcased this woman's strategic talent. She truly was a woman who could rival men. To have such a woman as a wife would mean progress and harmony, a life of perfect accord.

After lunch and a ride on horseback, everyone returned to their homes.

Upon returning home with Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu, Tang Shuyi began considering locations for a new clubhouse. Before she could set out, a letter from Li Jingyi arrived from the palace. She meticulously clarified points he didn't understand, then proceeded to annotate the Confucian Analects, and thus, another ten days passed.

One day, Xiao Yuzhu expressed a desire to go out and play, intrigued by the beautiful scenery of Chongguang Temple. Tang Shuyi, who never restricted her daughter’s outings, agreed without hesitation. The next day, mother and daughter set off for Chongguang Temple in a carriage.

En route, Tang Shuyi continued her work—annotating the Analects. Xiao Yuzhu, not wishing to disturb her, sat attentively by her side. She had read all the books Tang Shuyi annotated for Li Jingyi, and seeing her eagerness to learn, Tang Shuyi explained them bit by bit.

The carriage clattered its way to Chongguang Temple. Having notified the temple beforehand, the mother and daughter ascended the mountain and were led by a receiving monk to the guest quarters, the same place where Tang Shuyi had rested during her previous visit. As they approached the courtyard entrance, Tang Shuyi noticed guards and eunuchs at the neighboring courtyard and casually inquired, "Who’s staying next door?"

"It's Her Highness, the Dowager Princess Jiashu," the receiving monk informed.

Tang Shubai nodded, musing that she should pay her respects later, lest it be deemed impolite. After a brief rest in her room, she took Xiao Yuzhu with her to visit the neighboring quarters. The eunuch guarding the door, upon hearing it was the Marquess of Yongning's wife, immediately welcomed her with a smile, asking her to wait while he conveyed the message.

After a short wait, the eunuch returned with a smile, leading the mother and daughter to meet Her Highness, the Dowager Princess Jiashu. As they approached the entrance, the princess's personal nanny was waiting with a warm smile. Upon seeing them, she respectfully greeted, "My lady is well, I hope, and so is the Countess Kang Le."

Tang Shubai extended her hand to assist her, saying, "We came to offer incense today and learned that Her Highness is also here, so we came to pay our respects."

The nanny's face was all smiles. "Her Highness was delighted to hear that you and the young miss are here as well, please come in."

Holding Xiao Yuzhu's hand, Tang Shubai entered the room to see the Dowager Princess Jiashu seated at the center, her eyes slightly red as if she had just been crying, yet her spirit seemed lifted, her smile genuine. Tang Shubai was unaware of the circumstances but felt it was not her place to inquire.

After exchanging formalities, the princess drew Xiao Yuzhu close, inquiring affectionately and paying special attention to the scar on her neck. Seeing the young girl's neck unblemished and tender, the princess's face lit up with a smile.

However, she didn't mention Xiao Yuzhu's perilous encounter in the palace but instead embraced her, saying, "The weather has been pleasant these days, so I thought to come out and clear my mind. It's serendipitous to encounter you, a sign of our destined connection."

"I also saw the fine weather as an opportunity to take Yuzhu out for a stroll," Tang Shubai responded.

"That's perfect, we can spend time together later."

The princess beamed with joy as if she had stumbled upon a great fortune, a stark contrast to their last meeting. Tang Shubai couldn't help but ask with a smile, "Has Your Highness encountered some happy news?"

The Dowager Princess Jiashu's smile widened. "Indeed, some joyous events have occurred."

She didn't elaborate further, and Tang Shubai didn't press. The princess then remarked, "You inquired about the estate by Langyue Lake last time, was it of any use to you?"

Caught off-guard by the sudden question, Tang Shubai hesitated for a moment before responding, "It has been somewhat useful."

"We are fated acquaintances. If it's useful, feel free to utilize it," the princess offered generously.

Tang Shubai was taken aback again, recalling how the princess had previously expressed her sorrow about preserving the estate for the Wandering Prince. But since the location was indeed ideal for a club, and the princess had offered, Tang Shubai wouldn't decline. She replied, "I'm most grateful. Please let me know the price."

"Whatever you deem appropriate," said the princess affectionately, stroking Xiao Yuzhu's head. She then inquired, "What do you plan to use it for?"

Without holding back, Tang Shubai shared her idea of establishing a club, then added, "It's simply to keep myself entertained and avoid idleness at home."

"That's a wonderful idea. If you need anything beyond the estate, just let me know," the princess offered.

Tang Shubai was perplexed by the princess's unusual warmth and agreeability. Why this sudden change? As they conversed, she carefully observed the princess's subtle gestures and expressions, deducing that her benevolence was indeed heartfelt.

"Why is that?"

Unable to guess the reason, Tang Shuyi could only keep her doubts to herself.

After conversing for a while, the Imperial Consort suggested they go out together to view the mountain scenery. The three of them then left the courtyard and headed towards the back mountain of Chongguang Temple. The scenery of Chongguang Temple was indeed beautiful, with barren branches sprouting new greenery, giving the entire mountain a vibrant aura.

Having spent over an hour enjoying the back mountain, the trio proceeded to the front courtyard to offer incense. The last time Tang Shuyi was here, she had lit a perpetual lamp for "Tang Shuyi". After offering incense, she stood before the lamp and softly recounted the happenings at home, and the growth of the three children, Xiao Yuzhen and her brothers.

She thought to herself, "Tang Shuyi", wherever she might be, would surely be concerned about the three children.