Chapter 226: A Rare Encounter in a Century

Chapter 226: A Rare Encounter in a Century

Tang Shuyi overheard the exchange between Xiao Yuzhu and Li Jingyi but chose not to intervene. No matter what Li Jingyi's future held, he was now a free man, and associating with him wouldn't bring the same troubles as before. As for whether young men and women together might develop feelings, she wanted to let things progress naturally.

Some things in life, good or bad, must be experienced. One shouldn't refrain from moving forward for fear of getting hurt. Moreover, having corresponded with Li Jingyi for so long, she could tell that despite his thoughtfulness, he was still pure at heart. And a child taught by her, she believed in his character.

The affections of youth are the purest. She couldn't let her own considerations of profit and loss interfere.

"I came today to discuss with you about finding a teacher for Jingyi," the Dowager said with a smile to Tang Shuyi.

Tang Shuyi was momentarily startled by her words. Why would she need to discuss hiring a tutor for Li Jingyi with her? But then she thought that if Li Jingyi had shared the details of their correspondence with the Dowager, it made sense for her to consult.

Tang Shuyi didn't mind that Li Jingyi had shared their interactions with the Dowager. Now that Li Jingyi and the Dowager were family, a community with shared interests, they should be open with each other.

Thinking of the ineptitude of the emperor's other sons, Tang Shuyi said, "We should do our best to find the finest teacher for Jingyi."

The Dowager nodded, "I was thinking the same. What do you think about engaging someone from the Xie family to teach Jingyi?"

"Not advisable," Tang Shuyi responded without hesitation.

The Dowager was surprised, "Why not?"

The depth and heritage of the Xie family are unparalleled throughout the entire Dagan Dynasty.

Tang Shuyi lowered her voice, "It's best for the royal family to minimize entanglements with the noble clans; they can be hard to control."

A noble family with centuries of history, even without direct involvement, still warrants caution from the royal house. If the emperor is raised by them, wouldn't the entire imperial court fall under their sway?

The Dowager Empress had a moment of realization, "It seems I have considered it too superficially."

"You're also considering what's best for Jingyi," said Tang Shuyi.

The Dowager Empress smiled, finding Tang Shuyi increasingly intriguing the more she interacted with her; her vision and breadth of mind surpassed that of ordinary men.

"Whom do you think we should ask to be his teacher?" she inquired.

At this moment, Li Jingyi stood up, approached the two, and said, "Grandson wishes to take Lady Hou as his teacher."

Having said this, he looked intently at Tang Shuyi. The Dowager Empress was taken aback, then smiled, "That's not out of the question."

Tang Shuyi didn't decline, but added, "If you have any questions in the future, you can still come to me. But for academic matters, you should seek instruction from a renowned teacher. Besides, you should also start training your body and find a skilled martial arts master."

After pondering, she turned to the Dowager Empress and suggested, "Let's ask Master Fang, he's well-learned and of suitable status."

Although Li Jingyi has been adopted, who knows if the emperor will watch him jealously. If a prominent figure from the imperial court is invited to be Li Jingyi's tutor, the emperor might become suspicious upon finding out. Since Master Fang is already in the profession of teaching, no one can object to him being a tutor.

"My father is currently idling at home and could offer you some guidance from time to time," Tang Shuyi added.

As a veteran official serving under two dynasties, Duke Tang is naturally adept at politics. Li Jingyi needs to not only focus on his studies but also learn political strategies. Of course, Tang Shuyi has her own motives; if Li Jingyi does indeed succeed one day, the Tang family's prosperity can be extended for decades.

"That's wonderful!" the Dowager Empress exclaimed, "Shuyi, you always think things through so thoroughly."

Tang Shuyi looked resigned, "I'm forced to; with three children at home, all I think about is what teachers to hire for them and how to pave their future."

The Dowager Empress patted her hand, "You're a good mother."

Tang Shuyi waved it off, "Any parent would do the same."

Li Jingyi lowered his eyes; his previous father was not like this. Young as he was, and no matter how clever, he couldn't instantly hide his feelings. He walked back to his seat somewhat despondently.

A delicate pastry was placed before him; turning his head, he saw Xiao Yuzhu smiling at him, "Try this, it's delicious."

Her laughter was radiant, dissipating much of Li Jingyi's earlier despondency. Accepting the pastry from her, Li Jingyi took a delicate bite, the sweet flavor scented with flowers filled his mouth, and the remnants of his gloominess were dispelled.

On second thought, there really was no need for concern.

"Is it good?"

The girl's voice reached him, and Li Jingyi, pinching the pastry, nodded, "It's delicious."

Meanwhile, Tang Shuyi and the Empress Dowager had agreed to visit Scholar Fang in a few days.

With their plans settled, Tang Shuyi accompanied the Empress Dowager to the garden in the back, with Xiao Yuzhu and Li Jingyi following. Later, the Empress Dowager gestured for the two youngsters to go off on their own, "Go and have fun."

In the Grand Qian Dynasty, gender segregation was not strictly enforced, and since there were no outsiders around, it was fine for Xiao Yuzhu and Li Jingyi to play together. Tang Shuyi also waved them off to enjoy themselves.

Lunch was had together. After the meal, the Dowager Consort went to rest, while Li Jingyi followed Tang Shuyi, asking questions he didn't understand. Tang Shuyi answered each one, with Xiao Yuzhu listening intently by their side.

Once the Dowager Consort had rested, aware that Tang Shuyi was instructing Li Jingyi, she said to the nanny beside her, "A woman like her comes once in a century. It might not be out of the question if..."

The nanny chuckled beside her, "The Marchioness is indeed a remarkable woman."

The Dowager Consort sighed, "Nevermind, I won't trouble myself with these worries anymore."

"Yes, Your Grace, you have grandchildren to dote on now; it's time to enjoy your twilight years," the nanny replied.

The Dowager Consort laughed heartily, "I must maintain my health, to see what end comes to those lacking in virtue."

Meanwhile, Tang Shuyi clarified Li Jingyi’s doubts, and before they knew it, an afternoon had passed. By the time they concluded, it was time for dinner, and so the four of them dined together before returning to their respective residences.

On the way back to the Prince's mansion, the Dowager Consort inquired what Tang Shuyi had shared with Li Jingyi. After a moment's hesitation, he recounted everything and concluded, "Previously in the palace, the Marchioness of Yongning annotated the books she gave to me. I have regarded her as my teacher ever since."

That afternoon, Tang Shuyi discussed sincerity in dealing with others, building trust, convincing with reason, and the virtue of tolerance. Li Jingyi felt ashamed, realizing he had not been entirely truthful with the Dowager Consort.

The Dowager Consort had saved him from dire straits, and they were now the closest of kin. In the past few days, he could feel the Dowager Consort's genuine affection for him.

She treated him with sincerity, yet he had not reciprocated accordingly, which brought him shame.

Upon hearing his words, the Dowager Consort laughed, her eyes softening, "The Marchioness of Yongning is a person of great talent; learn well from her."

Having lived to her age and struggled through years in the royal palace, the Dowager Consort could easily see through Li Jingyi's slight hesitations. However, she understood, considering the hardships the boy had previously endured.

Her heart swelled with satisfaction as the child bared his soul, a testament to his inherent purity and the Marchioness of Yongning's exceptional tutelage.

P.S.: Why doesn't Tang Shuyi completely reject the idea of an alliance with the Xie family through marriage, even though she believes they shouldn't mentor Li Jingyi, fearing he might become too difficult to control in the future?

Because, as a rising power, the Yongning Marquisate stood to gain mutually from an alliance with an established noble family like the Xies. Even if the Xies coveted something from the Marquisate, it wouldn't be too substantial, considering what the Marquisate had to offer wasn't of great interest to them.

Even if the Xies desired the military power in the northwest, and even if Xiaoyu Ming eventually gained control over it, the Xies would merely seek it to solidify their family interests, adding leverage but nothing more.

Historically, true nobility seldom rebelled; they preferred to use their influence to check the royal power. As long as the Xies didn't use the military power in the northwest to revolt and endanger the Yongning Marquisate, what was there to fear?

However, if Li Jingyi were to consider the Xies his mentors, he could easily be manipulated or even become a puppet of the nobility should he ascend to the throne.