Chapter 179: A Loss Beyond Redemption!

Chapter 179: A Loss Beyond Redemption!

Early the next morning, Tang Shuyi had someone send a set of plain clothes to Xiao Yuming. As a servant, he ought to look the part. Xiao Yuming, who never cared much about what he wore, quickly changed and headed to the residence of the great general.

In truth, almost everyone strives to improve themselves, but if the direction and method of their efforts are wrong, they will fail time and again, lose confidence, and ultimately end up settling for mediocrity or leading a mundane life.

But if one finds the right direction and method, their efforts will bear fruit, boosting their confidence. Xiao Yuming had found the right path and method, feeling a newfound energy coursing through him.

As a mother, seeing her child improve bit by bit filled Tang Shuyi with energy. After breakfast, she summoned Niu Hongliang to Shi'an Garden and, after inquiring about his son, said, “Would you like him to study at Shanglin Academy? If so, I’ll have Steward Zhao make the arrangements.”

Overwhelmed with joy, Niu Hongliang didn’t know what to say and bowed deeply to Tang Shuyi, “Madam, your great kindness is something I’ll never forget for as long as I live.”

Whether in ancient or modern times, any far-sighted parent places their child's education as a top priority. Niu Hongliang’s son enjoyed studying and had some talent, but with Niu's means, he could only afford to send his child to a mediocre private school.

The idea of sending his child to Shanglin Academy had barely crossed his mind. He knew he could perhaps ask Tang Shuyi, but there were so many in the Marquis's estate who were literate; if he asked, others would too, resulting in none getting the opportunity.

Shanglin Academy wasn’t run by the Marquis’s estate; getting someone admitted involved pulling strings.

But now, Tang Shuyi had taken the initiative to offer his child a place at Shanglin Academy, a prospect that was undeniably thrilling.

Seeing his excitement, Tang Shuyi smiled and said, “I must also thank you for your dedicated tutelage of Yuming.”

“It is my duty,” replied Niu Hongliang earnestly.

Serving in the Marquis’s estate, receiving its silver, and enjoying its protection, he was duty-bound to serve the estate with all his heart and effort.

After Niu Hongliang left, Tang Shuyi summoned Steward Zhao, instructing him to send Niu's son to the Shanglin Academy. Steward Zhao earnestly agreed, then reported, “The men watching Xiao Yiyuan returned with news. Yesterday, he seemed somewhat out of sorts.”

Tang Shuyi’s brows furrowed slightly. “What kind of anomaly?”

Steward Zhao explained, “He’s diligent in his studies, never wasting a moment, but yesterday he sat by the academy’s pond for a long time. When he left, his expression was grave. Moreover, the Second Prince’s men contacted someone named Tang Zi'ang, who shares a dormitory with Xiao Yiyuan.”

Tang Shuyi pondered for a moment before saying, “It must be the Second Prince making a move. Let it be for now; we shall observe how things unfold.”

She needed to know Xiao Yiyuan’s decision before making her next move.

As for Xiao Yiyuan, after a night of contemplation, he finally had clarity. Even if his grandfather, Xiao Chengkun, was the old Marquis of Yongning, he was already deceased, as was his son Xiao Huai. The current head of the Marquis of Yongning's household was the Marquise, with whom he had no blood relation.

Even if he went to acknowledge his kin, what good would it do? It would only result in humiliation.

Besides, whether it was the Marquis of Yongning's household or the person who sent him the letter, he couldn't afford to offend either at the moment. The wisest course of action would be to keep a low profile, pretending he never received the letter and knew nothing.

His goal was to pass the imperial examination, and he couldn't let anything else distract him from his studies.

With his thoughts organized, he returned to his routine of attending classes, studying, and earning money by copying texts in his free time. However, some things are beyond one's control.

Two days later, Xiao Yisheng, who worked in the dining hall, hurried over to find him, pulling him aside to a secluded spot to whisper, “Big brother, have you heard? The Marquis of Yongning, no, the old Marquis, Xiao Chengkun... Brother, do you think it’s…”

“Who told you this?” Xiao Yiyuan interrupted, asking sternly.

His serious demeanor instantly dampened Xiao Yisheng’s initial excitement, and he stuttered, “It was... the folks in the dining hall. I... I overheard them. Is what they said true?”

Xiao Yiyuan sighed, speaking in a hushed tone, “It’s true, but you should act as if you know nothing of it.”

“Why? It’s clear that…”

“Clear what?” Xiao Yiyuan interrupted again, “Our grandfather is dead, and so is his son. The only blood relatives we have in that household are the three children of the current Marquis.

But we have never met them; they might not even know we exist. Should we go seek them out? Don’t forget, our grandmother and their grandmother were both formally wedded wives; we are on opposing sides.”

Xiao Yisheng was perplexed. How could family relations become so complicated?

“Moreover, some people want to exploit our relation for their own ends. Thus, if it involves the Marquis of Yongning's household, don’t ask, speak, or even make contact with any of them,” Xiao Yiyuan cautioned earnestly. “This is Shangjing; those people are high officials and nobility. One false step and our lives could be at stake.”

Trembling with fright, Xiao Yisheng found himself at a loss for words, stuttering, "I understand... I know what you mean, big brother."

Seeing his reaction, Xiao Yiyuan felt slightly relieved and added, "Just focus on your own matters, that's all you need to do."

Xiao Yisheng nodded earnestly, "I understand, big brother."

Xiao Yisheng returned to the dining hall to continue his duties, aware that he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed. But he trusted his intelligent brother implicitly, committed to following whatever instructions he was given.

The Second Prince's Residence

The Second Prince lounged on a divan, sipping wine, when his eunuch approached with light footsteps and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, there's a message from our spy at Shanglin Academy."

"Oh? What does it say?" inquired the Second Prince, raising his head to down another cup of wine.

"They report that both Xiao Yiyuan and Xiao Yisheng, upon learning of their connection to the Yongning Marquis Manor, have shown no reaction whatsoever," replied the eunuch.

The Second Prince snorted disdainfully, "Cowards, frightened by the mere reputation of the Yongning Marquis Manor. Go, summon Huang Wenyao to visit Xiao Yiyuan and tell him that if he heeds my words, he shall be the future Yongning Marquis."

The eunuch hesitated for a moment before daring to speak, "Your Highness, if I may be so bold."

The Second Prince glanced at him, "Speak."

"Truly... undertaking this matter brings us no real advantage," the eunuch said. "With Xiao Huai gone, and military power no longer in the hands of the Yongning Marquis Manor, antagonizing them is a losing proposition."

"What losing proposition?" the Second Prince huffed angrily. "As long as the Yongning Marquis Manor is troubled, I am pleased."

The eunuch was left speechless.

What could he say? Better to remain silent and get to work.

After the eunuch departed, the Second Prince poured himself another drink, murmuring to himself, "This time, it's the Yongning Marquis Manor's own backyard that's ablaze. They're tearing each other apart, and none of it can be traced back to me."

With that, he drank another cup with smug satisfaction. The thought of the Yongning Marquis Manor descending into chaos over a struggle for the title filled him with delight.