Chapter 209: Perplexed Beyond Measure

Chapter 209: Perplexed Beyond Measure

Tang Shuyi greeted her guest with a smile at the door. Mrs. Xie approached, and after a round of pleasantries, Tang Shuyi invited her in and ordered tea to be served.

Mrs. Xie, in her forties, appeared petite, with delicate features and a gentle gaze. At first glance, she didn’t quite fit the image of a matriarch from a distinguished family. However, once engaged in conversation, one would find this lady to speak with an air of grace and discretion, revealing nothing inadvertently.

Hence the saying, “Appearances can be deceiving.”

With a smile gracing her features, Mrs. Xie said, “I’ve long heard about the delightful gatherings hosted by Marquise Tang and have been curious to attend, but household affairs kept me occupied. Fortunately, these past few days have granted me some respite, and learning about your invitation to several ladies, I couldn't resist joining in on the fun.”

Marquise Tang reciprocated with a smile, “The fault is mine for not sending you an invitation earlier.”

Mrs. Xie waved her hand dismissively, “It’s also because we are not well-acquainted.”

Marquise Tang replied, “We will be, from now on.”

Mrs. Xie let out a hearty laugh, “Indeed, we shall become familiar and interact more often.”

Marquise Tang nodded, picked up her teacup and took a sip, her gaze lowered. Meanwhile, her mind was pondering over the true intentions behind Mrs. Xie’s visit.

It was then Mrs. Xie mentioned, “My young uncle was once friends with the Marquis, and they even joked about forming an alliance through their children when they grew up.”

Marquise Tang found herself at a loss for words. The Xie family might have a respectable status, but she was not keen on using her children as pawns in a marriage alliance.

Moreover, who was this 'young uncle' Mrs. Xie referred to?

Marquise Tang mulled over the Xie family’s situation. The elderly patriarch was still alive, having retired to a life of leisure. This patriarch had six sons, three legitimate and three born from concubines. However, none of the six lords held official positions in the court; instead, they were devoted to scholarly pursuits and had achieved considerable success. Even the esteemed Master Fang would be modest about his talents in their presence.

The cultural and scholarly heritage of a family with a century-old legacy was not something the average person could match.

Marquise Tang speculated that the six lords’ choice to stay out of officialdom might be their way of survival. For a family with their deep-rooted influence, the power dynamics of the court were of little consequence.

Yet, they couldn't detach themselves completely from the court. At the start of each dynasty, they would send a younger member to serve in the government as a means to connect with the royal family. Once the court stabilized and they had demonstrated their strength in the new regime, they would withdraw from political affairs.

The activities of the six lords were usually private, either studying at home or traveling. Their whereabouts and actions were not widely known, so Marquise Tang had no idea who Mrs. Xie’s 'young uncle' was.

Noticing Marquise Tang’s lack of response, Mrs. Xie felt a momentary pause but maintained her composure. She continued with a smile, “A few days ago, my sixth brother returned from his travels and mentioned this matter again. He said, though the Marquis has sacrificed his life for the country, the promise made between them should not be abandoned, and our patriarch shares the same sentiment.”

Her words were clear, leaving Marquise Tang no room to feign ignorance. “The Marquis never mentioned this to me, so I was unaware.”

Mrs. Xie smiled again, “It’s not too late to know now.”

Tang Shuyi pondered for a moment and decided that a straightforward approach was best. Everyone involved was intelligent, and beating around the bush would only seem petty.

She said, "To be allied with your esteemed family would certainly be an honor beyond our standing."

Mrs. Xie waved her hand dismissively, "You flatter us."

Tang Shuyi continued, "However, I believe that for a union between two families, it's not only about equal social standing, but also about the compatibility of the children's interests and temperaments. Otherwise, it could lead to an unhappy alliance, potentially sowing discord between the families."

Mrs. Xie hadn't expected such a response, as within major clans, marital alliances were usually about binding family interests, and the mutual affection of the couple was often a secondary concern.

She thought Tang Shuyi, hailing from the Duke Tang's household, would understand this. Moreover, for a family like the Xies, the imperial Li family appeared as nouveau riche, let alone the relatively recently risen Xiao family.

But then she recalled her own marriage to Xiao Huai, which had been a match of mutual affection, and she could understand. Most women, and for their children, wished for a marriage based on mutual love and understanding. However, the decision to align with the House of Yongning wasn't hers to make.

"Madame Hou makes a fair point, and I understand your perspective," Mrs. Xie replied with a smile.

"When we have some leisure, I shall invite you out again, perhaps with the children, so they too can have some fun," suggested Tang Shuyi.

The Xie family was indeed a prestigious house, and not wanting to miss this opportunity, she thought of getting to know the Xie family's sons and daughters. Maybe there would be a suitable match?

Mrs. Xie smiled knowingly; she understood Tang Shuyi's intentions. She sighed internally, thinking that despite her years, Madame Hou of Yongning still possessed a youthful innocence, and she seemed quite amiable—certainly not someone strict or demanding.

After their conversation, they joined the other ladies in the garden, engaging in light-hearted banter. However, many of the ladies began to speculate about a possible alliance between the Xie family and the House of Yongning upon seeing them together.

Even Tang Shuyi's sister-in-law asked her about it. Tang Shuyi shook her head and summarized her conversation with Mrs. Xie, concluding, "If the children are compatible and share similar interests, that would be an ideal match, but if not, there's nothing to be done."

Tang Shuyi's sister-in-law frowned slightly upon hearing this, not quite agreeing with her. Having experienced an arranged marriage herself, she knew its significance for a family. A missed connection with the prestigious Xie family due to a lack of shared interests between the children would be regrettable.

But ultimately, this was a matter for the House of Yongning, and even as a close in-law, she couldn't interfere too much. She resolved to discuss this matter with her husband, Tang Shubai, upon her return.

The gathering was deemed a success, and after seeing off the other ladies, Tang Shuyi asked her children, Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu, to rest while she secluded herself in her "office" to ponder.

Standing before the large window, observing the banana plants swaying their large leaves in the gentle breeze under the harsh sunlight, Tang Shuyi's mind gradually regained its tranquility.

Mrs. Xie had mentioned that the Xie family wished to form an alliance with the House of Yongning because of a youthful friendship between Xiao Huai and the sixth master of the Xie family. However, Tang Shuyi had no recollection of such a friendship. Even if there was a profound friendship in their youth, why hadn't the Xie family proposed an alliance while Xiao Huai was alive?

It wasn't because the children were too young for betrothal; there were many precedents of marital agreements set before the birth of the children.

So why did the Xie family seek an alliance with them? What was their true motive?

She didn't believe it was due to her children's exceptional qualities. Although she often viewed her three children through rose-colored glasses, she was aware that despite their current commendable traits, they were far from being prodigies of unparalleled talent.

Many families in the capital were eager to form marital ties with them for several reasons: firstly, the noble title and considerable wealth of the Yongning Marquisate; secondly, their family was known for its simplicity and lack of internal strife; and thirdly, all three of their children were quite admirable.

When taken together, these three factors made them a highly attractive match within the elite circles of the capital. However, the Xie family likely had other reasons for seeking a marital alliance with them.

But what could those reasons be?

Tang Shuyi was at a loss.

Male Lead: I was sprinting on my way to make an entrance.