Chapter 150: Where is the person?

Chapter 150: Where is the person?

Returning from Chongguang Temple to their residence, Tang Shuyi and her daughter accompanied the Imperial Consort. Just before boarding the carriage, the Imperial Consort, holding Xiao Yuzhen's hand, said, "Your little girl is quite endearing. Let her ride with me in my carriage and keep me company."

Although Tang Shuyi was puzzled by the Imperial Consort's sudden warmth towards them, it didn't seem right to refuse. She could tell that the Imperial Consort genuinely liked Xiao Yuzhen, so she said, "I'm just worried she might disturb you."

The Imperial Consort waved her hand dismissively: "Not at all, I couldn't be more delighted."

Saying so, she led Xiao Yuzhen to her own carriage. Xiao Yuzhen politely helped her aboard, and the Imperial Consort, even more pleased, embraced her once inside, asking, "What do you usually do at home?"

Children are often sensitive to people's emotions, and Xiao Yuzhen could feel that the Imperial Consort bore her no ill will and truly liked her, so she felt quite at ease.

She replied, "Every day, when my mother is busy, she has me watch by her side, and I also attend our clan school."

The Imperial Consort, offering her a piece of pastry, asked, "What do you learn at the clan school?"

Holding the pastry, Xiao Yuzhen answered, "There's a master who teaches reading, another who teaches needlework, and others for music, chess, calligraphy, and painting."

"How well have you learned these?" the Imperial Consort inquired.

As the underachiever in the family school, being asked this question made Xiao Yuzhen blush with embarrassment. She lowered her head and ate her pastry in silence.

The Imperial Consort instantly understood and quickly said, "Needlework, music, chess, calligraphy, painting... there's no need to learn them. Girls from families like ours always have maids at hand, and what's the use of knowing music, chess, calligraphy, and painting? They're just for show. Our Yuzhen doesn't need that."

Hearing this, Xiao Yuzhen's eyes brightened, and she added, "My mother and grandfather say the same. But I do read books. Mother has... Mother makes me read the Four Books and Five Classics. She says that even though I don't need to take the imperial examinations, those texts help one understand principles."

Tang Shuyi often explained such books to Li Jingyi, and Xiao Yuzhen had read them too. She almost let something slip just now.

The Imperial Consort didn't notice anything amiss and nodded in strong agreement, "Your mother is doing right. Learn well from her."

The Empress Dowager was aware of Tang Shuyi's deeds and sometimes had to admire her wit and foresight. She sighed inwardly, acknowledging the challenges Tang Shuyi faced.

"Before the New Year, my mother bought me a small horse," Xiao Yuzhu shared, her eyes brightening. "It's white, without a single blemish. It's quite beautiful. Just the other day, Mother and I went to learn horse riding. Snowstep is so well-behaved."

The Empress Dowager chuckled. "Is your horse named Snowstep?"

Xiao Yuzhu nodded, then chattered on about her horse riding lessons. The Empress Dowager listened with a smile, occasionally offering her sweets and water, even using a handkerchief to dab at her mouth.

The maid sitting opposite them smiled at the scene, pleased to see the Empress Dowager so genuinely lively.

As the carriage entered the city, they reached a fork in the road and had to part ways. The Empress Dowager reluctantly helped Xiao Yuzhu down from the carriage, turning to Tang Shuyi with a suggestion, "Come to the palace tomorrow for the deed, and I'll have the cooks prepare some sweets that Yuzhu enjoys."

Tang Shuyi agreed with a smile, watching the Empress Dowager board her carriage before entering her own. Once seated, she inquired about Xiao Yuzhu's conversation with the Empress Dowager. Listening to her daughter's recount, Tang Shuyi's suspicions deepened, but she decided to proceed with the purchase of the property.

Regardless of whether she bought the property, the Empress Dowager's attitude and intentions wouldn't change. Not wanting to delay further, she resolved to make the purchase.

By the time they reached the Marquis's residence, dusk had fallen. Barely seated in the Peaceful Courtyard, the butler arrived with a letter from the palace, another thick envelope. As Tang Shuyi opened the letter, she asked the butler, "Is the second young master at home?"

The butler shook his head. "He left after breakfast and hasn't returned."

Tang Shuyi's brows furrowed. Xiao Yuming usually returned by this time. What had delayed him today? Nonetheless, she decided to wait a bit longer.

Opening the letter, she noticed the handwriting had improved significantly, revealing a sharpness. Tang Shuyi felt her investment might yield a substantial return.

With this thought, she read the letter attentively. It contained the usual queries about confusing aspects of the texts, but the last line differed: "Madam, how do you think I should change my circumstances?"

Tang Shuyi pondered for a moment, then headed to her study. Sitting at her desk, she penned her advice: "Avoid arrogance and impatience. Accumulate strength and await the right opportunity. Do not act rashly."

After writing, she elaborated on her advice, concluding with a warning about the consequences of acting on impulse.

The seventh prince, having learned a few things, was eager to alter his situation. Tang Shuyi understood the yearning for change after enduring hardships for years.

Once done, she sealed the letter and handed it to the butler to deliver immediately, fearing the prince might act hastily.

After the butler left, Tang Shuyi ordered dinner, not waiting for Xiao Yuming. Just as she sat down, Xiao Yuming's attendant Shi Mo arrived, informing her that the second young master had dined with the second Lord Qi at Lord Yan's home and had stayed over, intoxicated.

Tang Shuyi listened silently, then sipped her soup and asked, "How did they end up drinking at the Lord of Nanling's estate?"

"Lord Yan received a fine horse and, in good spirits, the three shared some drinks," Shi Mo explained.

Tang Shuyi gave a noncommittal hum, "Won a horse, you say?"

Shi Mo replied, "A steed from beyond the Great Wall?"

Tang Shuyi queried, "What color is it?"

Shi Mo answered, "Black."

Tang Shuyi pressed, "And its name?"

Shi Mo said, "Heizi."

Shi Mo’s responses were smooth and rehearsed, but the more he spoke, the less Tang Shuyi believed him. Just then, Cuiyun came by carrying a dish of food, and as she passed Shi Mo, she caught a whiff of perfume. After placing the dish on the table, she turned to Shi Mo and asked, “Shi Mo, where have you and the young master been today? Why do I smell perfume on you?”

At these words, Tang Shuyi’s gaze sharpened instantly. She fixed her eyes on Shi Mo and demanded, “The truth now, where is the second young master?”

Under her piercing gaze, Shi Mo couldn't raise his head and muttered, “The second young master is… at the Manor of the Marquis of Nanling.”

Tang Shuyi snorted coldly and turned to instruct Cuiyun, “Send steward Zhao to the Manor of the Marquis of Nanling to fetch our second young master back.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Mo immediately knelt down. Tang Shuyi huffed again, “Where is the person?”