Chapter 175: Isn’t This Too Easy?

Chapter 175: Isn't This Too Easy?

After spending some time in the "office," Tang Shuyi returned to the marquis's residence. Once in Shi'an Garden, she summoned Steward Zhao and inquired about Xiao Yiyuan's current situation.

"This young master Xiao is indeed a noteworthy figure," Steward Zhao reported, "His knowledge appears profound, and Master Fang holds him in high regard. Although not universally charming, his conduct in social interactions is measured and appropriate. So far, there's no noticeable flaw in his character."

Tang Shuyi hummed in response. After all, as the male lead, even without a halo, he must possess some capabilities, otherwise, how could he be the protagonist?

"Has he been in contact with any particular individuals recently?" Tang Shuyi asked.

Steward Zhao pondered for a moment, "No, this old servant will have someone investigate thoroughly."

"Hmm, keep a close watch during this period," Tang Shuyi instructed.

Steward Zhao acknowledged and left as Tang Shuyi explained the feud between the Tong and Wu families to him, including Wu Guoliang's association with the Second Prince. She then said, "Find out how Wu Guoliang managed to connect with the Second Prince. Also, look into the current movements of Miss Wu."

Steward Zhao responded and immediately went to arrange for the investigation. Anything involving the Second Prince was no trivial matter.

……

Before dinner, Xiao Yuming, with careful assistance from Shi Mo and Yan Tai, slowly made his way over. In the past few days, he had been able to get out of bed and move around, but was advised against any vigorous activities.

"How are you feeling today?" Tang Shuyi approached him and asked.

Xiao Yuming moved forward slowly, saying, "Not bad, just a slight pain."

These days had been frustrating for him. He couldn't run or jump, not even walk fast. Moreover, Qi Er and Yan Wu, those two fellows, had been out of sight for days, leaving him without companions to play with.

Inside the room, Xiao Yuzhu was watching Cuiyun making lace. Upon seeing him, she remarked, "Second brother, you really are sturdy, being able to walk such a distance."

Xiao Yuming snorted without responding, but Xiao Yuzhu moved closer to chat with him. Tang Shuyi watched the siblings playfully bickering. After a while, she asked all the maids to leave the room and shared the story of the dispute between the Tong and Wu families, as well as the possibility that Wu Jingyun had traded the secrets of the marquis's residence with the Second Prince.

Then she asked, "What do you think we should do?"

"Kill them," Xiao Yuming said without hesitation, "Kill Wu Jingyun first, then the Second Prince."

Tang Shuyi remained silent, glancing at Xiao Yuzhu. Seeing her calm demeanor upon hearing Xiao Yuming's words, revealing neither fear nor compassion or disapproval, he felt satisfied.

The environment dictates different requirements for a child's upbringing. In this feudal dynasty, she couldn't apply the principles of a peaceful, law-abiding society to educate the three siblings. Often, they faced situations where if you don't kill, you'll be killed.

In fact, even in modern society, those who live at the top echelons also face turbulent and violent situations; it's just that ordinary people are unaware.

"I've already had Steward Zhao look into Wu Guoliang and Wu Jingyun," Tang Shuyi said. "If it's as I suspect, and Wu Jingyun is trading our family's matters for benefits with the Second Prince, then act. However, we needn't get our hands dirty dealing with her; let someone else do it."

She looked at the siblings and asked, "Who do you think should handle Wu Jingyun, and how?"

Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu both frowned in thought. After a while, Xiao Yuzhu said, "The news about my brother hiding Liu Biqin in Plum Alley was passed to Liang Jian'an by Wu Jingyun. We should deliver this piece of information to the Second Prince."

Tang Shuyi smiled, "Very good."

Although Liang Jian'an was already dead, the incident had a real impact on the Second Prince. He was reprimanded by the emperor and even had some of his power taken away.

The Second Prince is narrow-minded and vengeful; knowing this, he likely won't let Wu Jingyun off. He might even suspect that the information she provided this time isn't genuine.

If the Second Prince lets his mind wander further, he might even guess that Wu Jingyun is an agent of one of his brothers, aiming to harm him by passing on the information.

Xiao Yuming also quickly grasped the crux of the matter, turning his head and flicking Xiao Yuzhu's forehead, saying, "Not bad, you've got brains!"

Xiao Yuzhu swatted his hand away, glared at him with her eyes, and Xiao Yuming grinned. Tang Shuyi's face also held a smile, "Then it's settled. We'll wait for the results of Steward Zhao's investigation."

This matter is difficult to investigate, as the transactions between Wu Guoliang and the Second Prince were conducted in secret. However, a significant hidden danger exists in Wu Guoliang's household: Mrs. Wu.

Mrs. Wu, stripped of her stewardship, now holds no status in the Wu residence. Both her daughters are of marriageable age, yet Wu Guoliang shows no concern, leaving her anxious and resentful towards Wu Jingyun and Wu Guoliang. Any small movement from them, and she would have her maids and servants follow closely.

Mrs. Wu was well aware of the previous secret plotting between Wu Jingyun and Wu Guoliang to exchange the fact that Xiao Yiyuan was the grandson of the old Marquis Yongning in return for securing Wu Guoliang's official position.

She was desperate now, delighting in anything that would make Wu Jingyun and Wu Guoliang suffer. Thus, when Steward Zhao's informant merely started inquiring, Mrs. Wu's people spilled everything in great detail. The informant was flabbergasted.

"That was too easy!"

"I didn't even have to use all my eighteen martial arts skills."

In any case, a day later, Tang Shuyi received the information. At the time, she was annotating a book for Li Jingyi in the study. Without looking up, she said, "Pass the information about Wu Jingyun previously relaying messages to Liang Jian'an to the Second Prince. Be careful not to reveal our involvement."

Housekeeper Zhao acknowledged with a nod and departed. Tang Shuyi’s hand, busy with writing, didn’t pause. Having made her decision, she harbored no regrets and refrained from dwelling on superfluous thoughts. Everyone must pay the price for their actions.

Xiao Yuzhu was sitting beside her, immersed in a book. After Zhao’s departure, she glanced at her mother, noting her composed demeanor, as if Zhao had never been there, and then quietly returned to her reading.

Inside, however, Xiao Yuzhu's heart wasn't as tranquil. After all, someone was about to die, and that person was once her brother's fiancée. She had spent considerable time with Wu Jingyun and while their relationship wasn't profound, they hadn't been on bad terms. But subsequent events had increasingly soured her opinion of Wu Jingyun.

Now, Wu Jingyun was likely to be killed, and Xiao Yuzhu couldn't remain indifferent. It wasn't fear, nor pity, but an indescribable emotion.

It was as if a voice was telling her that she might encounter many such incidents in the future, and when the time came, she must be as decisive as her mother. She wondered if she could ever be like her mother.