Chapter 200: Why Bother Adding a Man to Your Troubles?

Chapter 200: Why Bother Adding a Man to Your Troubles?

A guest is a guest, especially one like Princess Changping who was not short of money. Tang Shuyi first took her around the most scenic spots of the residence, then they proceeded to the lounge for some wine tasting and dance appreciation.

Tang Shuyi reclined on the couch, one leg curled, a wine cup in one hand, and the other tapping rhythmically on her knee to the music. She looked the epitome of enjoyment, and Princess Changping watched, her eyes almost glued to the scene. Had there been a handsome young gentleman beside her, Princess Changping would have been even more envious.

Princess Changping herself was fond of pleasure, but she had never indulged in such masculine leisure within her own palace. So, taking a leaf out of Tang Shuyi's book, she sat however she felt comfortable and remarked, "It would be nice if you had some handsome young fellows here."

Tang Shuyi: "...I would have liked some fresh young faces around, but the times don't permit it!"

"After all, it wouldn't be proper," Tang Shuyi said, tilting her head back to down a cup of wine.

Princess Changping also sipped her wine, then said, "Next time you visit my palace, I'll arrange it for you."

Tang Shuyi hurriedly waved her hand, "Thank you, Princess, but that's not to my taste."

Princess Changping huffed and didn't pursue the matter, understanding that Tang Shuyi wouldn't agree with her on this.

After the dance ended and the dancer left, Princess Changping dismissed her attendants. Seeing this, Tang Shuyi knew the princess had something to discuss and also sent her maids away, leaving just the two of them in the room.

Princess Changping shifted her position and looked at Tang Shuyi, asking, "Are you planning to unite with Qi Liangsheng?"

Taken aback, Tang Shuyi responded, "Why would you think that, Princess?"

With a cold laugh, Princess Changping said, "Qi Liangsheng tutors your eldest son, he holds shares in your club, and his second son works there. Isn't it obvious?"

Tang Shuyi was torn between laughter and tears, "Princess, I have both a son and a daughter, a noble title by imperial grant, no in-laws to meddle in my affairs, no concubines or illegitimate children to cause trouble, and I never have to worry about money for the rest of my life. Why on earth would I want to complicate my life with a man?"

Princess Changping paused for a moment after hearing this, then burst out laughing, "Indeed, now that you mention it, Qi Liangsheng is quite the trouble."

Tang Shuyi: That's not what I meant.

"I didn't expect you to be so clear-sighted," Princess Changping remarked again.

Tang Shuyi smiled, "I think it's the Princess who lives the most enlightened life."

Princess Changping raised her eyebrows, "Oh? Do tell."

Tang Shuyi: "One should live as they please, unconcerned with the opinions of others."

Princess Changping laughed heartily before raising her cup, "I believe, having been graced by the heavens with such a noble status, it would be a disservice to myself not to revel in this life."

Having said that, she tilted her head back and emptied her cup. Tang Shuyi followed suit, "That's why I say you see things clearly, Princess. With the life you lead, there's no need to complicate it with a man."

"You're right," Princess Changping set her cup down on the table, "Attracting a consort, given it's an official marriage, does indeed come with the burden of upholding his dignity."

Tang Shuyi couldn't help but chuckle, "You've got that right, Princess."

……

The two of them then proceeded to enjoy their drinks and conversation. When it was time to leave, Princess Changping was slightly tipsy. Tang Shuyi, who was still sober, escorted her out. Just as they were approaching the doorway, Princess Changping suddenly stopped and turned to a fair-faced servant boy, beckoning, "Come here."

The servant boy hurried over with a bowed head and bent back, standing before her with his head down. Princess Changping stepped closer and commanded, "Lift your head, let me have a look at you."

The princess had spoken; the servant boy had no choice but to look up. Tang Shuyi turned away wordlessly, only to notice the boy's commendable appearance, fair and delicate. Clearly, he was to Princess Changping's liking, who turned to Tang Shuyi with a smile and said, "What do you say to me taking him with me?"

Tang Shuyi's brow furrowed slightly, and upon seeing the boy's joyous expression, she felt no desire to object.

"If I may, Princess, allow me to inquire about his family background, to avoid any future complications," Tang Shuyi requested.

"You're always so careful, go ahead," Princess Changping waved her off.

"Come with me," said Tang Shuyi, moving to a more secluded area with the boy following close behind. Once there, she warned, "Think it through. If you follow the Princess, you'll live a life of luxury, but it'll be hard to marry and have children of your own."

Becoming the princess's consort meant he could no longer marry another woman. Even if Princess Changping, given her age, could still bear children, she wouldn't with someone of servant origin.

The servant boy pondered for a moment, then hesitantly said, "I… I've decided to go with Princess Changping."

Tang Shuyi nodded. She couldn't judge whether the boy's choice was right or wrong, as everyone's needs differed. "Alright then, you may go with the Princess. I'll hand your deed of sale to her."

Whether Princess Changping would grant him his freedom or keep the deed to herself was her business.

Once everything was settled, Tang Shuyi sent Cuizhu to fetch the boy's deed of sale. When Cuizhu returned, Tang Shuyi, accompanied by the boy, approached Princess Changping and handed over the deed, "He was recently purchased from a broker; here is his deed. Please take it, Your Highness."

Princess Changping didn't stand on ceremony. She took the deed and thanked Tang Shuyi before turning to leave, with the boy hastily following her.

Cuiyun watched Princess Changping help the boy into the carriage before pulling him in to sit beside her and couldn't help but say, "Princess Changping really is…"

"Really, what is it?" she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Tang Shuyi chuckled and turned back towards her "office," murmuring, "It's consensual, so it's not really a problem."

Upon arriving at the "office," she found Xiao Yuzhu asleep on the couch. She gently woke her up, and then mother and daughter returned to the Marquis' residence together.

On the way, Xiao Yuzhu inquired about what Tang Shuyi and Princess Changping had been up to. Tang Shuyi didn’t withhold any details, including the matter of Princess Changping taking a young servant with her.

After explaining, she said, "Everyone has their own way of living. As long as it doesn’t harm others or violate moral and legal principles, it’s their own business. However, some ways of life are sustainable for some, and not for others. The lifestyle of Princess Changping is not something ordinary people can afford."

Xiao Yuzhu cocked her head and thought for a moment, then said, "Then live the life you can afford."

Tang Shuyi stroked her head with a smile, "Exactly. Within the means of life you can afford, live as happily as possible without bothering about what others say. But never touch the life you can't afford, because that will definitely not end well."