Chapter 190: Flourishing for Decades More

Chapter 190: Flourishing for Decades More

The growth of a family is not an overnight affair, nor can it rely on just one person. The current status of the Yongning Marquis Residence in the capital owes much to the marriages of Xiao Chengkun and Xiao Huai with noblewomen of high standing.

Just as Wuyangbo said, Xiao Chengkun was a brave and resourceful general, but at his core, he was a commoner without the heritage of a great family. Had he found Xiao Yiyuan's grandmother earlier and brought her to the capital, it would have been difficult for them to mold Xiao Yiyuan's father into a person like Xiao Huai.

Without the potential to become someone like Xiao Huai, one couldn't marry the treasured daughter of the Duke's household. Without the Duke's family, it wouldn't be long after Xiao Huai's death before the Marquis of Yongning's estate fell into decline.

Of course, the matrimonial alliances between families were mutually beneficial. Xiao Chengkun and Xiao Huai had also brought benefits to the Marquis of Wuyang and the Duke of Tang's households.

Tang Shuyi reassured the Marquis and Marchioness of Wuyang that no matter what, the late Marquise's status within the Marquis of Yongning's estate would not be affected, even though she had passed away.

Returning from the Marquis of Wuyang's residence, Tang Shuyi had the estate's account books brought out, and together with Xiao Yuzhu, they went through them again to have a clear understanding of their affairs. She reiterated her stance: as long as the other party was reasonable, she would be very generous.

The next day, Xiao Yisheng set off for the southern frontier with Lin Yong and Niu Hongliang. Tang Shuyi asked Xiao Yiyuan to stay a few more days in the marquisate; although the Second Prince was confined, who knew if he would send someone for retaliation?

Xiao Yiyuan understood and cooperated, staying in the marquisate honestly. As for the Shanglin Academy, Tang Shuyi had Steward Zhao ask for leave on his behalf.

Though he didn't need to attend school, Xiao Yiyuan persisted in his diligent studies late into the night. His courtyard was adjacent to Xiao Yuming's, and every night, while he studied by lamp light, he could hear the sounds of Xiao Yuming practicing martial arts in the courtyard.

Today was no different. As he squinted at his books in the dim light, the vigorous sounds from next door piqued his curiosity. Wasn't the second son of the Marquis of Yongning rumored to be a wastrel? Were all the prodigals in the capital this diligent?

He rose and walked outside, arriving at the courtyard next door. The gate was wide open, lights ablaze within, and Xiao Yuming was earnestly wielding a saber. Though he didn't understand martial arts, Xiao Yuming's actions seemed quite impressive to him.

His two attendants were also vigorously practicing their boxing at the side.

Observing the three men in the courtyard, and thinking of Xiao Yuzhen who was out gaining experience, as well as the Lady of the Marquis who handled affairs with ease, he felt that the Marquis of Yongning's household seemed to be imbued with a vibrant energy, an upward momentum.

He thought to himself that with this momentum, the Marquis of Yongning's estate could continue to flourish for decades to come.

"Why aren't you sleeping?"

Xiao Yuming's voice brought him back to reality. Xiao Yiyuan turned to see Xiao Yuming sheathing his saber and taking a towel from a servant, wiping the sweat from his face as he approached.

"Got tired of reading, just taking a walk," replied Xiao Yiyuan.

Xiao Yuming leaned casually against the gate, a relaxed demeanor about him. "How did you come to the capital from the southern frontier?"

He was curious; Xiao Yiyuan and his company had no money, so how did they manage to travel from the far southern frontier to the capital?

"When we set off, the family scraped together thirty taels of silver," Xiao Yiyuan said calmly. "Sometimes we walked, and when we were too tired, we’d hire a horse carriage with the money."

"You two are pretty remarkable," Xiao Yuming said earnestly.

He couldn't imagine how one managed a journey of thousands of miles with merely thirty taels of silver in their pocket. But when he saw Xiao Yi Yuan's smile, he said, "It wasn't too bad, and in fact, my health has improved a lot."

Xiao Yu Ming saw his optimistic nature and his impression of him improved a bit more. At this moment, Xiao Yi Yuan commented, "You're quite impressive yourself, training so diligently every day."

Xiao Yu Ming shrugged, "I have to train. Otherwise, I'd get beaten down by others."

Xiao Yi Yuan was taken aback. He couldn't imagine who would dare to overpower and beat the son of the marquis. Seeing that Xiao Yu Ming didn't wish to elaborate, he didn't inquire further. They exchanged a few more words of casual conversation before each returning to their rest.

When Xiao Yi Yuan returned to his quarters, the young servant attending to him came and asked if he wanted a bath prepared. He nodded and said yes, and the servant promptly went to arrange it. After a while, the servant returned to inform him that the bath was ready, and he got up to head to the bathroom.

As he walked, he inquired of the servant, "Why don't I see the second young master during the day?"

The servant glanced towards the neighboring courtyard and replied, "The second young master is currently serving as an attendant to the great general."

Xiao Yi Yuan was startled again, then it dawned on him. The position of an attendant for Xiao Yu Ming was certainly not an ordinary one. He recalled what Fang Da Ru said, that his taking Xiao Yu Chen as a disciple was the result of the lady of the marquis using her strategies. Perhaps the second young master serving as an attendant to the great general was also orchestrated similarly.

He suddenly envied the three siblings of the Xiao family. They had a mother who thoughtfully looked out for them and whose wisdom was on par with any man.

The next day, he rose early, read for a while, and then the servant brought breakfast to his room. After eating, he resumed his reading. Most of his time each day was spent in study, though occasionally, when his eyes or shoulders tired, he would step out for a walk.

After reading for a while, feeling a soreness in his neck, he stood up and left his courtyard. The scenery of the marquis' residence was lovely. Not far from his quarters was a small bamboo grove where he liked to stroll whenever he felt tired.

Before reaching the grove, he saw a kite drift over from the other side of the wall, accompanied by the voices of girls talking. One voice he recognized – it belonged to Xiao Yu Zhu, the young lady of the marquis' residence. The other was unfamiliar.

He didn't pay much mind and continued towards the bamboo grove. However, the kite began to descend slowly and eventually got caught on the wall. Then he heard the two girls' conversation:

"I'll go pick it up."

"No need, just climb up the rockery and get it from the top of the wall."

"That's too dangerous."

"Don't worry, I'm pretty skilled. Just wait for me to fetch the kite."

……

Then, Xiao Yi Yuan saw a girl with a round face and big eyes appear from the other side of the wall. Their eyes met, and the girl was taken aback before quickly turning to ask, "How come there's someone in your home I don't recognize?"

Standing beneath the wall, Xiao Yu Zhu, upon hearing Tang An Le's words, thought for a moment and then mouthed silently, "Xiao Yi Yuan."

"Oh, oh, I see," said Tang An Le after deciphering Xiao Yu Zhu's lip movements.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yiyuan stood below, watching the girl speaking to someone else while twisting her head, her beaded hairpin chiming in response to her nods, as lively as she was.

Then, the girl turned her head, smiled at him and said, "Master Xiao, would you help me retrieve the kite?"