Chapter 205: A Pleasurable Gathering for Host and Guests

Chapter 205: A Pleasurable Gathering for Host and Guests

Today, while Xiao Yuming was practicing martial arts in the training field, Lady Xiang approached him with warm inquiries. At first, he thought nothing of it; after all, Tang Shuyi frequently visited the General's mansion, and Lady Xiang was on good terms with her, so it made sense that she was kind to him.

However, the conversation gradually shifted to Xiang Wu. Lady Xiang started with praises, likening her to a boy for her toughness, yet acknowledging her tender heart. She mentioned how Xiang Wu had mellowed down, always staying by her side nowadays.

Xiao Yuming wasn't sure what she was implying and respectfully stood there, listening. After Lady Xiang finished praising Xiang Wu, she asked, "What do you think of Xiao Wu?"

Xiao Yuming nodded subconsciously, and Lady Xiang's face bloomed with joy. "Does that mean you agree?" she asked.

Xiao Yuming was baffled. "Agree to what?"

Lady Xiang paused, then her face lit up with realization. He hadn't understood her hint, which also meant he wasn't particularly interested in Xiang Wu.

After all, Xiang Wu was a girl, and Lady Xiang couldn't have been more explicit. She advised, "Think it over carefully."

Worried that Xiao Yuming still didn't grasp her intent, Lady Xiang added, "If you're still confused, ask your mother for advice."

By this point, Xiao Yuming had understood everything, but he pretended to be clueless, nodding slightly. It was less awkward that way!

Preoccupied, he asked General Xiang for leave, citing family matters, and was permitted to return home. Throughout his journey, he was torn, debating whether to accept Lady Xiang's proposal.

He didn't dislike Xiang Wu, but he couldn't say he was fond of her either. His main concern was whether refusing her would result in General Xiang teaching him half-heartedly. After all, the dedication of a teacher significantly affects the quality of learning.

Tang Shuyi's words greatly eased his mind. After some thought, he said, "If General Xiang dislikes me for this, I will return home to practice."

But he knew well that his progress at home could never match the strides he could make under General Xiang's tutelage.

Tang Shuyi pondered for a moment, "Tomorrow, carry on as usual at the Grand General's mansion, and I'll think of a solution."

In fact, that young lady, Xiang Wu, wasn't bad at all; she was cheerful and straightforward, doing things without beating around the bush, just a bit impetuous at times. She began to consider who among her acquaintances might be a good match for Xiang Wu. After all, Lady Xiang was simply looking for a decent marriage prospect for her daughter, and she could help in that regard.

Suddenly, she thought of Qi Er and Yan Wu, but introducing a girl whom Xiaoyu Ming didn't fancy to them seemed somewhat unscrupulous. However, young Miss Xiang Wu was indeed quite charming. Frowning in contemplation for a while, she decided to visit the Grand General's mansion the next day to have a chat with Lady Xiang first.

She felt that neither Lady Xiang nor the Grand General were unreasonable people; they probably wouldn't change their attitude toward Xiaoyu Ming over such a matter. But one can never be too sure about anything.

The next day, after having her morning meal, she set off for the Grand General's mansion. Upon seeing Lady Xiang, she greeted her with a smile, "My farm's foreman is an expert in growing watermelons, the kind that's sweet to the core. We just got some from the farm yesterday, and I've brought some over for you to try."

Lady Xiang, too, responded with a smile, "That's wonderful; I love watermelons."

The two of them chatted and laughed as they entered the house. Soon after, a young maid brought in some watermelon cut into small pieces, placing them beside each lady. Lady Xiang took a bite and, wiping the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief, commented, "Indeed, it's sweet."

"Right?" Tang Shuyi agreed, taking a piece for herself, then added, "I'll have someone send over some more later."

Lady Xiang laughed, "Then I won't be polite."

"You're being polite with me? Xiaoyu Ming has been troubling you all this time at your mansion," Tang Shuyi replied with a smile.

A moment of silence followed, as both women had matters on their minds, unsure of how to broach the subject.

Ultimately, it was Tang Shuyi who broke the silence, "Some time ago, my elder sister-in-law mentioned that one should start looking for a son-in-law early, observing a boy as he grows up to avoid major mistakes. After hearing her say that, I've been considering the eligible young men in our circle, to keep an eye out well in advance."

Lady Xiang didn't catch her drift immediately and simply laughed along, "Indeed."

Tang Shuyi continued, "It's different for girls and boys. It's alright if boys marry later. I plan to have my sons, Yuchen and Xiaoyu Ming, marry when they're around their twenties."

Lady Xiang's smile faltered slightly, then she responded, "That makes sense."

Now, what was there not to understand? The Marquis of Yongning's household wasn't interested in her daughter. Naturally, she felt a bit displeased.

Tang Shuyi anticipated her discontent but, having a favor to ask, could only try her best to alleviate Lady Xiang's mood.

"Choosing a husband for a girl must be done carefully," she added. "For families like ours, the social standing of a marriage prospect naturally won't be low. The key is character and whether the couple's temperaments match. If they don't get along, even a seemingly good match might end up being a disastrous one."

Lady Xiang wasn't foolish. She knew Tang Shuyi was consoling her and also understood her motives. It was all out of concern that their treatment of Xiaoyu Ming might change due to this matter.

She wasn't so unreasonable. Besides, taking such action would be tantamount to making an enemy of the Marquis of Yongning, which would be more loss than gain.

Thus, she replied, "You're right, I was indeed late in finding a match for our Xiao Wu. We've been in the northern frontier all this while and haven't really gotten to know the young ones in the capital."

"It's not too late to start looking now," Tang Shuyi said with a relieved smile. "I'm fairly acquainted with the families here in the capital. I’ll help you make a good selection."

Madam Xiang smiled and agreed, feeling much better. In her eagerness, she hadn’t even considered Xiao Wu's preferences, but now it seemed there was no need to ask.

"Come to my club in a few days," Tang Shuyi suggested. "Bring Xiao Wu along. I’ll invite a few other ladies, and they can bring their children too. We can have a lively gathering and let the young people mingle."

Hosting a social event where young people could chat and mingle seemed like an excellent way to find a suitable match. As for Qi Er and Yan Wu, it would depend on whether fate was on their side.

Madam Xiang understood her intent and happily agreed. After chatting for a while longer, Tang Shuyi took her leave. Madam Xiang saw her out, marking a pleasant conclusion to their meeting.

Seated in her carriage, Tang Shuyi felt completely at ease. Regardless of everything, as long as Madam Xiang didn't change her attitude towards Xiao Yueming due to this incident, all was well. As for the great general, if Madam Xiang had no issues, he would naturally have none either.