Chapter 207: Not So Simple

Chapter 207: Not So Simple

They arrived quite early, and other ladies had not yet arrived, so Tang Shuyi and her companions went first to the "office."

After settling down, she said to Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuming, "In any matter, one should always look to the long term. Although Xiao Yiyuan currently has nothing but a belly full of knowledge, who can say for sure whether the knowledge in his belly won't transform into something else in the future, such as fame or power?"

"Therefore, one mustn't underestimate anyone," Xiao Yuzhu added.

Tang Shuyi smiled with delight, "Exactly."

She then turned to Xiao Yuming, "What do you think?"

Xiao Yuming said, "After all, he bears the Xiao surname. If we treat him well now, should he become successful in the future, it could prove beneficial."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "The prosperity of a family doesn't rest on just one or two individuals; it requires the concerted efforts of the entire clan. Those with ability must strive, and those without shouldn't hinder progress."

At this point, she laughed and added, "Your second uncle is well-taught; though not particularly accomplished, he hasn't caused trouble or been a burden."

Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu couldn't help but laugh. Xiao Jing was timid and only ever made trouble within his own residence. However, when the family had divided their assets, Xiao Huai had treated him fairly.

Before long, other ladies arrived, and Tang Shuyi, accompanied by Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuming, went to greet them. The weather was pleasant, not too hot, so the gathering was held in the garden. Tang Shuyi and the ladies chatted in one corner, while the young lords and ladies played nearby.

Once most guests had arrived, Tang Shuyi sent Xiao Yuming to call Xiao Yiyuan over. During his stay in the Marquis' residence, Xiao Yiyuan had lived in the courtyard next to Xiao Yuming's, so they were quite familiar. On the way, Xiao Yuming considerately briefed him on the guests and their family backgrounds.

Xiao Yiyuan was grateful, thanking Xiao Yuming several times. Xiao Yuming waved it off, "We're all family; there's no need for formalities."

While their kindness towards Xiao Yiyuan had its pragmatic aspects, Xiao Yuming's sincerity was genuine. It's not difficult to discern whether someone's feelings are true or not.

In the blink of an eye, they reached the garden where the young lords and ladies were already engrossed in various games: pitch-pot, chess, hide-and-seek…

As Xiao Yuming led Xiao Yiyuan over, people took notice. Many came up to greet them, and Xiao Yuming introduced Xiao Yiyuan, "This is my cousin."

This introduction caused a stir since everyone was aware of the Marquis of Yongning's family situation, and nobody had heard of this cousin. Though puzzled, it wasn't proper to inquire openly. Since Xiao Yuming had personally brought him and introduced him as his cousin, nobody would snub him.

Unlike Xiao Yuming, who disliked studying and associated with similar peers, Xiao Yiyuan was a scholar and didn't quite fit in. Thus, Xiao Yuming led him to Third Master Tang, entrusting Xiao Yiyuan to his care.

Third Master Tang, well aware of Xiao Yiyuan's identity and Tang Shuyi's attitude towards him, warmly welcomed him into his circle, saying, "I've heard about you for some time but never had the opportunity to meet."

Xiao Yiyuan smiled, "I'm usually buried in my studies at the academy."

Third Master Tang nodded, "Next time there's a gathering, I'll invite you."

Xiao Yiyuan promptly bowed in thanks, "I am much obliged."

Third Master Tang gestured dismissively, "No need."

As the primary heir being groomed in the Tang Duke's family, Third Master Tang was exceedingly astute. From the outset, he had been observing Xiao Yiyuan, noting that despite this being his first attendance at such an event, he showed no sign of panic. In conversation, he neither fawned nor appeared inferior, but rather maintained a poised composure. Internally, Third Master Tang was impressed, musing that Xiao Yiyuan was bound to be a noteworthy figure in the future.

It wasn't that he looked down on those from the lower echelons; rather, the divergence in living environments shaped individuals distinctly. Even those from less prestigious households in the capital, when faced with the likes of these top-tier elites, would bow and scrape.

Therefore, he thought that Xiao Yiyuan was no ordinary man.

As he was pondering this, he saw a young lady standing not far away, gazing at him with a face full of silent reproach. It was none other than Miss Li. Frowning slightly, he was about to lead Xiao Yiyuan away through a side path when Miss Li called out to him, "Master Tang, please wait."

Master Tang wanted to roll his eyes in exasperation, but when he turned around, his face bore a faint smile, "Miss Li."

Miss Li hastened over and stood before him, her face the picture of grievance, tears nearly brimming in her eyes. Xiao Yiyuan, seeing this, considered leaving, but remembering Master Tang's earlier expression, he realized that the latter probably did not wish to be left alone with Miss Li. Steeling himself, he stood resolutely by Master Tang's side.

"Sir, might I have a word alone with Master Tang?" Miss Li bowed slightly towards Xiao Yiyuan.

Xiao Yiyuan, feeling helpless, cast a 'there's nothing I can do' look at Master Tang and was about to step away when Tang Anle came running over. Before even reaching them, she called out, "Big brother Tang, come help me with the game of pitching pots; I'm losing."

She dashed over, grabbed Master Tang, and began to pull him away, glancing at Miss Li as she said, "Jingya, we're leaving. Big brother Tang is going to help me with pitching pots."

Miss Li's full name was Li Jingya.

"Anle, can't you just..."

"Jingya, we're off now," Tang Anle interrupted, pulling Master Tang along. Xiao Yiyuan also hastened his steps, his heartbeat unintentionally quickening.

Miss Li watched their retreating figures, her tears finally falling.

A little further on, Tang Anle slowed her pace, pouting as she said, "Jingya probably won't play with me anymore after this."

When she had arrived earlier, the Lady Tang had instructed her that if Li Jingya approached Master Tang, she was to intervene. Seeing Li Jingya heading towards Master Tang from afar, she hurried over immediately.

Hearing her, Master Tang chuckled, "Consider it a favor owed to you. Tell me whatever you want later."

"That's more like it," Tang Anle said, though her face didn't show much joy. She and Li Jingya had been close friends before, almost always sitting together at banquets. But now, their friendship was likely over.

Master Tang knew this situation had been difficult for her and patted her head, "Let's go, big brother will make sure you win."

Turning to Xiao Yiyuan, she added, "Yiyuan, come join us."

Xiao Yiyuan nodded and followed the siblings to the pitching pots area. There, a group of young lords and ladies were enjoying themselves heartily. Master Tang's skill at pitching pots was indeed excellent, and it didn't take him long to turn the game around for Tang Anle.

Tang Anle clapped her hands in delight, laughing joyously. Xiao Yiyuan watched from a distance, a smile unwittingly spreading across his face.