Chapter 157: Do We Really Need to Rely on Men?

Chapter 157: Do We Really Need to Rely on Men?

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuzhu sat in the carriage on their way home. Tang Shuyi was no longer troubled by the Dowager Consort's sudden kindness. Since the Dowager Consort bore them no ill will, she was open to continuing their relationship. As for the reasons behind the Dowager Consort's sudden change of heart, the truth would reveal itself in time, and she was in no rush.

Tang Ducal Mansion

In the study, Tang Shubai was playing a game of chess with Qi Liangsheng, while they discussed the affairs of the court. Tang Shubai said, "My father has already submitted his resignation twice, and the Emperor has not approved it. The third time should be the charm."

Qi Liangsheng placed a chess piece on the board and said, "After the Duke retires, His Majesty will likely promote several of your brothers to show his generosity to his loyal official."

This emperor of theirs was always good at managing appearances and sentiments.

Tang Shubai looked up at him and remarked, "Even with a promotion, it wouldn't compare to you. You're about to enter the cabinet."

Qi Liangsheng made another move on the chessboard, "Entering the cabinet is not an immediate rise to the top; it's still a long way off."

The two had been close since childhood and Qi Liangsheng didn't hide much from Tang Shubai, including his ambition to become the Grand Secretary. Entering the cabinet was just a step closer to that goal.

Understanding his intentions, Tang Shubai said, "In any case, congratulations are in order."

He lifted the teacup beside him and said, "Let's not play anymore. I'm losing anyway."

Qi Liangsheng tossed the chess piece into the box, pondered for a moment with his gaze downcast, then looked at Tang Shubai without speaking. Tang Shubai felt uneasy under his gaze and said, "Why are you looking at me like that? If you have something to say, just say it."

Qi Liangsheng adjusted his posture, straightened his clothes to appear more dignified, and then asked, "What do you think of me?"

Tang Shubai was baffled by his question, "What do you mean 'what do I think'?"

Qi Liangsheng clarified, "I mean, what do you think of me as a person?"

Tang Shubai was still confused, "You're fine. Why are you suddenly asking this?"

Qi Liangsheng clenched his fist, took a deep breath, and asked, "Then do you think I could be a suitable son-in-law for your family?"

Tang Shubai was taken aback by his question, then anger flashed across his face, "Qi Liangsheng, don't you ever look in the mirror? Do you know how old you are? Don't even dream of courting the girls of my family."

Still angry, he pointed at Qi Liangsheng and demanded, "Who… who caught your eye in my family? Anran or Anle? Don’t you feel ashamed? They are even younger than your second brother."

Qi Liangsheng didn't expect Tang Shubai to misunderstand him, thinking he was interested in Tang Anran or Tang Anle. He laughed ruefully and said, "Is that really what you think of me?"

"Then what do you mean?" asked Tang Shubai.

Realizing Qi Liangsheng wasn't after Tang Anran or Tang Anle, Tang Shubai’s anger subsided a bit. He picked up his teacup and took a sip, trying to calm down, just as he heard Qi Liangsheng say, "I… I admire Shuyi. I wish to marry Shuyi."

Pfft…

Tang Shubai sprayed out a mouthful of tea, drenching Qi Liangsheng. He stood up, pointing at Tang Shubai, "You… you……"

After returning from court today, he took a moment to compose himself, changed into the outfit he believed best accentuated his temperament, and then made his way to the Duke's mansion. Now, it was all for naught.

Meanwhile, Tang Shubai was coughing as he caressed the chessboard, asking, "Qi Xunzhi, do you realize what you're saying?"

Qi Liangsheng wiped his face with his sleeve, dusted off his clothes, and then sat down to say, "Of course I know, and it's something I've given a great deal of thought to."

Tang Shubai stopped coughing and took a deep breath before asking, "How have you thought this through?"

"Shubai, my feelings for Shuyi are genuine. If she were to marry me, I would cherish and treasure her, ensuring she never suffers the slightest grievance," Qi Liangsheng said, urgency coloring his expression in a way never seen before. He continued,

"Now she's alone, raising three children, and both Yuchen and Yuming are a handful. You're more aware of the hardships than I am. If she marries me, I will treat her three children as my own, become their support, and plan their futures so she doesn't have to toil like she does now."

"This…"

Tang Shubai was at a loss for words. After Xiao Huai's death, he and the Duke often worried about Tang Shuyi and her four children. Seeing Tang Shuyi struggle for her three children pained them greatly. If there were a man to share her burdens, it would be good, but...

"Shubai," Qi Liangsheng saw his hesitation and added, "Do you think it's because of Shuyi's extraordinary status that remarrying would face many obstacles?"

Tang Shubai remained silent, so Qi Liangsheng continued, "I'll take care of everything."

"This matter... it's too significant, I can't decide on my own. Ultimately, it depends on Shuyi's wishes," Tang Shubai said, feeling utterly bewildered.

"Then could you please ask her for me? Ask if she would be willing... willing to marry me," Qi Liangsheng spoke with an anxious heart, fearing that Tang Shuyi would disagree.

"You should go back for now," Tang Shubai began to usher him out, feeling somewhat distressed at the sight of Qi Liangsheng.

"Alright." Qi Liangsheng stood up and bowed to Tang Shubai, "Please help me with this, Shubai."

Tang Shubai waved him off, eager for him to leave. With no choice, Qi Liangsheng turned and departed. Tang Shubai hurriedly made his way to Lady Tang's quarters, realizing that his wife would have a better grasp of such matters and it would be wise to consult her first.

Lady Tang was reviewing the mansion's accounts when he entered in a rush and asked, "What's wrong?"

Suddenly, Tang Shubai remembered an incident from a few days ago at the racecourse. Lady Tang had mentioned that Qi Liangsheng had special feelings for Tang Shuyi, but he hadn't taken it seriously. Now he realized his folly.

"You have a keen insight, my lady!" Tang Shubai exclaimed after sitting down.

Lady Tang put down the account book and asked, "What is it all about?"

Tang Shubai looked exasperated, "Qi Liangsheng just told me... he told me he has affections for Shuyi and wishes to marry her."

Lady Tang looked unsurprised, letting out a humph, "I mentioned it at the racecourse, but you didn't believe me."

"I believe it now," Tang Shubai said. "He asked me to inquire about Shuyi's feelings on the matter. What do you think we should do?"

"Do we even need to ask? She will definitely not agree!" Lady Tang declared.

"Actually, Qi Liangsheng isn’t that bad. If Shuyi marries him, she would have someone to rely on in the future," Tang Shubai reasoned.

Lady Tang huffed, "Rely on? Shuyi has sons, does she need to depend on another man? Besides, even without sons, does the Shuyi of today need to rely on a man?"

Tang Shubai: "………"

It seemed not really necessary.