Chapter 210: The Second Son is Coveted Once Again

Chapter 210: The Second Son is Coveted Once Again

Tang Shuyi pondered for a long time but couldn't fathom why the Xie family suddenly wanted to form a marital alliance with them. But unable to make heads or tails of it, she decided not to dwell on it any longer. After all, her three children would never marry someone they didn't love just for the sake of an alliance.

That was a line she wouldn't cross.

After staying in the room for a while, she took Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu home. On the way, Xiao Yuzhu cheerfully recounted the events that unfolded during their game of hide-and-seek, especially focusing on the interactions between Xiang Wu and Master Tong. She concluded with, “I think Master Tong has taken a liking to sister Xiang Wu.”

She giggled after saying this.

Hearing this, Tang Shuyi raised her eyebrows in curiosity, “Really? Which Master Tong is this?”

“The second son of the Tong family,” Xiao Yuzhu replied.

Tang Shuyi considered this for a moment. The second son of the Tong family was the son of the head wife. She smiled, “That’s quite suitable; their families are well-matched.”

As for whether the two were compatible or if both families were considering a marital alliance and wanted to betroth the pair, that was beyond her control. She had her hands full worrying about her own three children.

Once back at the marquisate, she entered the study. The weather had turned warm, and Cuiyun had the servants bring in a large basin of ice, quickly cooling the room. Tang Shuyi took out a book to read, but after only a few pages, Steward Zhao came in with a thick letter. One glance at the seal and she knew it was from the palace.

She opened the letter and read it. The initial content was about gaps in knowledge, but it was the issue raised by the Seventh Prince towards the end that surprised Tang Shuyi. He mentioned that the Empress Dowager had contacted him, inquiring if he was willing to be adopted by the Prince of Xiaoyao. He was indecisive and sought her opinion.

Tang Shuyi hadn’t expected the Empress Dowager to seriously consider adopting a child. Could her previous guess have been wrong? Was the Prince of Xiaoyao truly deceased? Otherwise, why would there be talk of adoption?

Unable to figure it out, she didn’t dwell on it and picked up her pen to reply to the Seventh Prince. She outlined the pros and cons of being adopted or not. As she had previously considered, being adopted would ensure a more comfortable life, but to ascend to the throne, all other sons of the Emperor would have to be deceased. Without adoption, given his current status, ascending to the throne would be just as difficult.

She left the choice to him.

After sealing the envelope, Cui Zhu delivered the letter to Steward Zhao, asking him to send it to the palace.

Upon returning to the mansion, Madam Xie headed straight to Master Xie's study. Master Xie was enjoying some tea and reading when she arrived, and upon seeing her, he personally poured a cup of tea and offered it, saying, "Please have some tea, my lady."

Madam Xie took a seat opposite him, lifted the cup and took a sip, then heard Master Xie from across the table inquire, "How did it go?"

Madam Xie hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to describe Tang Shuyi's attitude, and after a brief silence, she replied, "The Marchioness of Yongning did not refuse, but she didn't agree either."

"Oh?" Master Xie expressed surprise, for with the Xie family's background, the Marchioness of Yongning should not have had such a response.

"The Marchioness of Yongning said that if there is to be a union, she would like the children to share mutual interests," Madam Xie explained.

After hearing this, Master Xie tapped his index finger on the table a few times and mused, "Could all those actions previously taken by the Marquis of Yongning's residence have been orchestrated by the Duke of Tang? Is the Marchioness of Yongning really unaware of such matters?"

Madam Xie shook her head, "I don't think so. In my conversation with the Marchioness of Yongning today, I found her to be quite astute. Moreover, Princess Changping was there today, and she was very affectionate with the Marchioness, despite some previous unpleasantness with the Marquis of Yongning's residence."

As Master Xie tapped his fingers on the table in contemplation, Madam Xie continued, "I am a mother too, and I can understand the thoughts of the Marchioness of Yongning. Everyone wants their children to have a partner with whom they are truly compatible. And her own marriage with Xiao Huai was indeed a union of mutual affection."

Master Xie grunted in acknowledgment, to which Madam Xie added, "Perhaps, we could arrange a meeting between Yanhua and the heir of Marquis of Yongning?"

Yanhua is the daughter of Madam Xie.

But Master Xie responded, "No need. We are interested in the second Xiao son."

"This..." Madam Xie exclaimed in surprise, "Why is that?"

Surely the heir of the Marquis of Yongning was the better choice, wasn't he? Handsome, set to inherit a title, and reputedly well-read. But that second Xiao son, he's known to be a profligate!

"You don't need to understand why now, you will know in time," Master Xie said. "Xihua is of similar age to Xiao Er."

A hint of disappointment flickered in Madam Xie's eyes. She now understood the thoughts of the Marchioness of Yongning. If possible, who would wish for their child to be merely a tool for marriage alliances?

Xihua is the legitimate daughter of Second Master Xie.

Seeing the disappointment in her eyes, Master Xie sighed and said, "You still don't have faith in your own daughter. Our Yanhua can lead a good life no matter whom she marries."

Madam Xie took a deep breath after hearing his words, reassured. Indeed, she knew her daughter's capabilities; no matter where she went, she could live well. But wouldn't it be better if she could live a comfortable life more easily?

Not wanting to continue the conversation, Madam Xie stood up and said, "My lord, you must be busy. I shall take my leave."

Master Xie grunted in acknowledgment, and Madam Xie turned and left. In reality, she was not only puzzled about why the Xie family was interested in Xiao Er, but also why the Xie family suddenly sought an alliance with the Marquis of Yongning's household, with no prior indication of such intentions.

After she left, Elder Xie also stood up and went to the study of Old Master Xie. Upon seeing him, Old Master Xie asked, "Has your wife returned?"

Elder Xie hummed an affirmative, sharing Tang Shuyi's thoughts. Old Master Xie was initially taken aback but then suggested, "No matter, let's have the wife of our second son make overtures to the Marquise of Yongning. Have Xihua meet with Xiao's second son. Even if they do not get along, it's not an issue. They're both young; waiting is not a problem."

Elder Master Xie understood what Elder Lord Xie meant by waiting. He said, "That's what I was thinking too."

"I hear he's now with Xiang Tianhe?" Elder Lord Xie inquired.

Elder Master Xie nodded, "Yes."

Elder Lord Xie, with a contemplative droop of his eyelids, was silent for a moment before saying, "For Xiang Tianhe to keep him by his side, it shows the boy must be promising."

Elder Master Xie agreed, "That's my impression as well."

………

Evening, the Imperial Palace

Under the dim glow of the lamps, Li Jingyi scrutinized several letters. After reading Tang Shuyi's analysis on the implications of adoption, he sat deep in thought for a long time.

Everyone craves supreme power, especially he who was abandoned in a desolate courtyard from a young age, enduring neglect and bullying, always dreaming of ascending to that lofty position one day to show those who humiliated and deserted him that he is second to none, perhaps even superior to many.

But as much as one dreams, one must face reality. Reality for him was hunger and lack of warmth. Before associating with Lady Yongning Hou, he hadn't even been literate.

How could he, in such a state, aspire to such a position? Lady Yongning Hou had told him about adaptability, and it was time for him to adapt.

Setting the letter ablaze above the candle flame, he whispered to the elderly eunuch beside him, "Tell Empress Dowager Jiashu that I agree."

"Yes!" The eunuch replied with a mix of joy and sorrow. His royal charge could finally lead a normal life, albeit by acknowledging someone else as his father. If only his real father had shown him a shred of kindness, it would never have come to this.

……

Unbeknownst to Tang Shuyi, her second son had once again become the subject of someone's scheming. During dinner, a messenger from the Duke Tang's residence arrived, requesting her presence the next day. She knew it must be related to the proposal from the Xie family, which she hadn't immediately accepted.

She could comprehend the mindset of Lady Tang; after all, in ancient times, marriages were directed by the decree of parents and the matchmaker's words, especially in the case of unions of such significance.

After breakfast the next day, she, accompanied by Xiao Yuzhu, went to Duke Tang's residence. After paying their respects to Duke Tang, Xiao Yuzhu went off to play with Tang Anle, while Tang Shuyi stayed behind to speak with the Duke.