Chapter 171: Sometimes, human nature can hardly withstand the test of interest.

Chapter 171: Sometimes, human nature can hardly withstand the test of interest.

While Tang Shuyi was contemplating the unlikely coincidence, Lady Nanling spoke, "It's not so rare to find a lost child, but this boy, upon his return, claimed that the Wu family, the same one your Yuchen was once betrothed to, sought to kill him."

Tang Shuyi: "..."

It really was such a coincidence!

"It's a blessing that your Yuchen broke off the engagement with that Wu girl. The Wu family is truly not a decent household," Lady Nanling added.

Detecting an undertone in her words, Tang Shuyi inquired, "Is there some fresh gossip about the Wu family?"

Taking a sip of her tea, Lady Nanling replied, "Your Yuchen broke off his engagement with Miss Wu, didn’t he?"

Tang Shuyi: "Mhm."

"Why did they break it off? Don’t tell me it was due to incompatible horoscopes," Lady Nanling suddenly asked.

Tang Shuyi smiled without answering, and sensing a secret she shouldn’t pry into, Lady Nanling didn’t press further but continued, "Not long after Miss Wu and your Yuchen broke off their engagement, she got involved with her cousin, Young Master Zhang Wu. Now, he's causing a fuss about breaking off his engagement with Miss Zhao. Isn't she just a disaster waiting to happen?"

Lifting her cup to take a sip, Tang Shuyi mused on the love affairs of the world, which often made playthings of people. Those with strong minds were alright, not swayed by them, but the less discerning easily fell prey.

Why bother?

"How did you come to know of this?" Tang Shuyi asked Lady Nanling.

Lady Nanling replied, "Young Master Zhang Wu’s intention to break off his engagement with Miss Zhao didn’t sit well with the Zhao family, who wouldn’t let their daughter’s reputation be tarnished without reason. They revealed the affair between Miss Wu and Young Master Zhang. Now, many people in the capital are aware of it. You’ve been busy, probably not having paid attention."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Indeed, I haven’t paid attention. Do keep me updated on such interesting matters."

Gossiping was a pleasure enjoyed by many women.

Lady Nanling readily agreed, and Tang Shuyi further mentioned, "The clubhouse has been nicely decorated. I’ll invite my sisters-in-law to join us there for some fun soon."

Lady Nanling immediately agreed and suggested, "I'll also invite some acquaintances. We can have a few more tables."

Her intention to bring patrons to the clubhouse was clear to Tang Shuyi, who smiled and said, "Then, I thank you in advance."

Lady Nanling waved off the thanks, and after a bit more conversation, she took her leave. Shortly after her departure, Zhao, the house steward, delivered an invitation. Tang Shuyi opened it to find it was from Lady Tong, who intended to visit the next day.

Having just heard their gossip, she would meet them tomorrow. Tang Shuyi roughly guessed the Tong family's visit would concern the matter at Chongguang Temple.

"Reply to them that I will be awaiting their visit with open arms," Tang Shuyi instructed.

Housekeeper Zhao acknowledged and left. Tang Shuyi turned to Cui Zhu and Cui Yun and remarked, "Wu Guoliang would never have imagined that a seemingly inconsequential little monk is actually the nephew of a high-ranking official of the second rank. It just goes to show, a child not properly guided can ruin a family's prospects."

Indeed, it could ruin a family's prospects. The Wu family had only Wu Guoliang holding an official position, and his previous actions had already barred him from further promotion. This time, he might even lose his official title!

All this was none of her concern. Tang Shuyi was worried about Wu Jingyun becoming desperate. If Wu Guoliang lost his position, Wu Jingyun, a mere commoner, despite Old Lady Zhang's fondness for her, would have no legitimate way to marry Young Master Zhang Wu.

So, Wu Jingyun must ensure Wu Guoliang keeps his official position? But how? Tang Shuyi feared Wu Jingyun might exploit the secrets of the Hou Mansion in exchange for favors with others.

Wu Jingyun had been reborn. Tang Shuyi wasn't sure what else she knew, but she was certain Wu Jingyun was aware that the old Marquis's former wife was still alive and had a very promising grandson. If someone used this knowledge against the Hou Mansion, it would spell trouble.

After some thought, she summoned Housekeeper Zhao back and instructed, "Check if there's a scholar with the surname Xiao among Fang Daru's associates."

Housekeeper Zhao was startled. "Is it someone from the old Marquis's former wife's side..."

Tang Shuyi nodded slightly, "It's just something I heard. Look into it, and if such a person exists, don't make a fuss."

Housekeeper Zhao nodded earnestly, then hesitated. If it was indeed someone from the old Marquis's former wife's family, it would indeed be troublesome.

Tang Shuyi knew what he was thinking and waved her hand dismissively, "It's fine, I have a plan."

Seeing her confidence, Housekeeper Zhao felt relieved and quickly went to investigate. He was always efficient, and this matter wasn't hard to investigate. He had results before dinner.

He reported to Tang Shuyi, "Two or three months ago, a scholar named Xiao Yi Yuan, carrying a letter, sought out Fang Daru. Fang Daru was impressed by his scholarship and introduced him to the Shanglin Academy for personal guidance. This scholar was accompanied by his cousin, Xiao Yi Sheng. Apparently, they traveled all the way from the Southern Frontier."

Tang Shuyi hummed in response, "No wonder we couldn't find them, the Southern Frontier is so far away, how could we have searched there!"

Housekeeper Zhao nodded sympathetically.

"Keep a discreet watch for now," Tang Shuyi instructed. "Since he is a descendant of the old Marquis, we shouldn't mistreat him, but we also need to understand his character first."

"Of course," Housekeeper Zhao agreed wholeheartedly, his loyalty firmly with Tang Shuyi.

"Have someone vigilant, so as not to be detected," Tang Shuyi added.

Since he is the male protagonist of the book, even without any aura, he's not a simple character. Even a trace could lead to discovery.

"Madam, rest assured, I will assign someone who has served as a scout in the army," Housekeeper Zhao assured.

Tang Shuyi smiled. "That's good, an ancient scout indeed! It should be fine." But she still instructed caution once again.

After receiving the order, Housekeeper Zhao left. Xiao Yuzhu, sitting beside Tang Shuyi, asked in confusion, "Why not recognize him directly? When the time comes, just give them some money."

"It's not that simple," Tang Shuyi explained softly. "This Xiao YiYuan, valued and personally taught by Fang DaRu, obviously has extraordinary abilities and may very likely enter the court to become an official in the future. If his character is good, everything is easy to say; he's family, after all, and giving money or connections is not an issue. But what if his character is flawed? He could be used by others and turn against us."

"Is mother testing his character?" Xiao Yuzhu asked.

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Caution is paramount in everything."

In the book, Xiao YiYuan, bolstered by various conditions, usurped the title of the Yongning Marquisate. Being the male protagonist of the book, everything he did was justifiable, but for those who were deprived of their title, naturally, they wouldn't think so.

And now, the situation is already quite different from that in the book; who knows whether Xiao YiYuan will continue to do as he did in the story?

Sometimes, human nature really cannot withstand the test of self-interest.