Chapter 211: A Well-Planned Scheme

Chapter 211: A Well-Planned Scheme

"The Xie family wishes for a marital alliance?" Duke Tang got straight to the point.

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Yes, yesterday Lady Xie approached me, mentioning that Lord Xie the Sixth formed a deep friendship with Xiao Huai in his youth, and there was talk of bonding their houses through marriage in the future."

Duke Tang narrowed his eyes, "I haven't heard of any particular camaraderie between Xie the Sixth and Xiao Huai. Moreover, Xie the Sixth has been out of the public eye for many years, and there's been no word of his marriage. So, which members of the families are to be involved in this alliance?"

Tang Shuyi furrowed her brows, unaware of this situation concerning Lord Xie the Sixth. Indeed, if Lord Xie the Sixth was yet unwed, then whom could the Xie family be proposing for the alliance?

At that moment, Duke Tang added, "We haven't heard doesn't necessarily mean that Xie the Sixth hasn't married. However, I find this matter rather peculiar. Let's observe for a bit longer."

Tang Shuyi hummed in agreement, "That was my thought as well. But it wouldn't hurt to meet the young lords and ladies of the Xie family first."

"Fine, you handle it," said Duke Tang.

Although he thought an alliance with the Xie family would be beneficial, it was prudent to be cautious when the other party's intentions were unclear.

After chatting for a while longer, Tang Shuyi made her way to the back courtyard. Upon seeing her, Lady Tang expressed regret, "Please accept my apologies. I was inconsiderate about the Xie family's proposal for a marital alliance with your house."

Tang Shuyi waved her hand with a smile, "There's no need for formalities, sister-in-law."

Lady Tang laughed, "I'm glad you don't mind my meddling."

"I know you meant well for us," Tang Shuyi said, turning to look at her, "Besides, we're family. How could it be called meddling?"

Seeing that she wasn't truly upset, Lady Tang chuckled, "As long as you don't hold it against me. So, what are your thoughts now?"

"Let's wait and see. The Xie family is distinguished, but the children must get along," Tang Shuyi replied.

Lady Tang agreed, "Indeed."

She had returned home yesterday and discussed with Tang Shubai the Xie family's intentions to form an alliance with the Marquis of Yongning's household. Tang Shubai frowned upon hearing this, "The Xie family's reasons for seeking an alliance seem far-fetched. We must tread carefully."

Lady Tang suddenly realized, previously she had only considered the prestige of aligning with the centennial Xie family. But upon deeper reflection, a family like the Xies wouldn't act without purpose; their desire to bond with the Marquis of Yongning's household must be driven by an ulterior motive.

Therefore, without understanding their intentions, it would be best to avoid hastily forming any matrimonial ties.

Having cleared the air, the sisters-in-law turned their conversation to other matters. Lady Tang sighed, "Yesterday, that Miss Li from the Li family was pestering Ji Wen again. Thankfully, Anle managed to pull Ji Wen away. Mrs. Li seems sensible; how could she be so unreasonable?"

"It's possible that Miss Li isn't willing to let go," Tang Shuyi suggested.

Lady Tang huffed, "The more they persist, the less we should agree to this marriage. Such entanglements are far from straightforward."

Tang Shuyi laughed, "That's because our third brother is outstanding."

After hearing her jest, Lady Tang laughed heartily before adding, "We should settle Ji Wen's marriage soon."

Leaning closer to Tang Shuyi, she inquired, "What do you think of the third daughter of the Marquis of Wuyang?"

"Xue Ying?" Tang Shuyi asked.

Lady Tang nodded.

"Of course, she's a fine choice," Tang Shuyi said. "You know the upbringing of the Marquis of Wuyang's household. Xue Ying is a child with a forthright and generous nature. Not bad at all."

Lady Tang's face showed satisfaction, "I've been observing these young ladies for some time, and after much consideration, I find Xue Ying to be an excellent choice."

"What does Ji Wen think?" Tang Shuyi felt it crucial to first ascertain the wishes of the person concerned.

Lady Tang laughed again, "To tell you the truth, it was he who took a liking to Xue Ying first and brought it up to me."

Realization dawned on Tang Shuyi, and then she proposed, "Shall I visit the Marquis of Wuyang's household in the next few days to sound them out?"

"That's exactly what I was thinking," said Lady Tang. "If the Marquis of Wuyang's household has no objections, we can match their horoscopes and settle the engagement."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "I'll go tomorrow then."

"Good."

After conversing a bit longer, Tang Shuyi took her leave to return home. On the way back, she mentioned to Xiao Yuzhu that the third Tang master had taken a fancy to Xue Ying. Xiao Yuzhu acted unsurprised, saying, "Cousin Third always sneaks glances at Cousin Ying. I've caught him several times."

Tang Shuyi: "...Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

Xiao Yuzhu pursed her lips, "Cousin Ying didn't want it mentioned."

So, the two have been in contact secretly! Well then, this marriage is as good as settled. The families are well-matched, and they are relatives familiar with each other. The young couple harbors mutual affections, so they might as well formally engage them.

The next day, Tang Shuyi visited the Marquis of Wuyang's household and discussed the matter with the Marquise. Upon hearing it, the Marquise asked, "Wasn't there talk of a marriage with the Li family?"

The Tang family's intended alliance with the Li family was unknown to outsiders, but relatives were aware. Tang Shuyi explained the situation, prompting the Marquise to frown, "Did Tang Third have any prior encounters with the Li family's young lady?"

The use of "往来" is quite subtle; she's actually inquiring whether Tang San has been privately imparting knowledge to Miss Li, or perhaps even more intimately involved.

Tang Shuyi hurriedly responded, "Not at all. You know well what my elder brother and sister-in-law are like. If there truly was something between them, even if Miss Li lacked in some way, they would have welcomed her into our home through marriage."

The Lady of Wuyang endorsed the sentiment, well aware of the Tang family's reputation. She was merely concerned that the young ones, in their naivety, might conceal any misdemeanors.

"If that's the case, it indeed sounds like a fine match. I'll consult with Yingyao later," stated the Lady of Wuyang.

"Good, if it's possible, please write back to me. I'll discuss it with my sister-in-law," Tang Shuyi said with a beaming smile, almost certain that she had successfully played the role of a matchmaker.

Upon returning home, just as she entered, Steward Zhao greeted her and after paying his respects, said, "Her Highness Jia Shu has sent her maid to invite you to the royal residence tomorrow."

Tang Shuyi recalled the letter from the Seventh Prince she had seen the day before; perhaps the Empress Dowager wished to discuss matters of adoption with her.

"A letter has arrived from the palace," Steward Zhao added as he handed over a letter. Tang Shuyi took it and proceeded towards Shi'an Courtyard. Entering the study, she opened the letter to read that the Seventh Prince had agreed to be adopted by the Carefree King.

Tang Shuyi sighed in relief; this decision was the best for him. However, some matters weren't just about what they desired. There were many in the royal clan, and likely many who wished to be adopted by the Carefree King, coveting the title of a prince.

She needed to prepare in advance. The most crucial aspect was to remind the Emperor of this son's existence and find an opportunity for the Empress Dowager to speak up in a manner that would secure the Emperor's consent.

After all, this was his own flesh and blood. Even if he detested him, the blood relation remained. For an Emperor to allow his son to be adopted by someone else, while historically precedented, was not a particularly glorious matter.

Hence, this required careful planning. Helping the Seventh Prince with this matter would also be considered a complete repayment of the life-saving debt.