Chapter 228: Isn’t it Good to be a Profligate?

Chapter 228: Isn’t it Good to be a Profligate?

Tang Shuyi still couldn’t figure out whether the Carefree Prince was dead or alive. If he was dead, why had the Empress Dowager changed so much? If he was still alive, why would she adopt a child? And why was she actively getting close to them?

It was puzzling, truly puzzling. She realized that there were too many things she couldn’t understand lately, like why the Xie family wanted to form a marriage alliance with them, and why the chosen partner was their second son, Xiao Yuming.

Suppressing her complex thoughts, Tang Shuyi joined the Empress Dowager in selecting two of Prince Xiaoyao's calligraphies and paintings for Fang Daru. After choosing the paintings, the Empress Dowager had her servants bring out many rare items from the storeroom, saying, "Just sending calligraphy and paintings as gifts seems too meager. Help me choose some other gifts as well."

Tang Shuyi smiled, "To many, Prince Xiaoyao's calligraphy and paintings are priceless."

The Empress Dowager waved her hand dismissively, "Regardless of how others view them, they're not worth much money in my eyes."

Tang Shuyi helped select a few more gifts, then they sat down together for a leisurely tea and chat. The Empress Dowager glanced at Li Jingyi nearby and remarked, "That child is somewhat heavy-hearted, but it's not his fault."

Living in such an environment for many years, if one weren't shrewd, they'd have perished countless times already.

"Let's take it slow," Tang Shuyi also looked towards Li Jingyi, "After some rest and study, let him socialize with his peers in the capital. With more experiences and interactions, perhaps things will get better."

The Empress Dowager chuckled, "I'm not as good at raising children as you are."

Tang Shuyi sipped her tea with a smile, "I'm also learning as I go."

In her previous life, she hadn't married nor had children; she had no idea how to raise them. It was all learned bit by bit.

"Is there an inside story to the matter of Jingyi's mother?" Tang Shuyi asked curiously. She didn't believe that a favored concubine would have an affair with a guard; it was preposterous unless the concubine was foolish or had been plotted against.

"I was already out of the palace at the time, so I'm not clear on the specifics," the Empress Dowager sighed, "But no matter how you think about it, there's something fishy about the whole affair."

"But how did the Emperor come to believe it?" This was what Tang Shuyi was most curious about.

In her view, the current Emperor wasn't highly talented, but he wasn't foolish either. Any clear-sighted person could see the oddity; couldn't he?

The Empress Dowager sneered, "Men value their face the most, and our Emperor even more so. I heard that at the time, Concubine Ming was indeed... caught in the act with that guard, and when the Emperor arrived, their bodies were still entwined."

Tang Shuyi realized, catching them in the act and witnessing it live must have been quite provocative.

"It's said that Concubine Ming died by crashing into a wall on the spot, and the Emperor personally killed the guard. On the same day, Concubine Ming's grandfather and father died of shame, and the entire Ming family was exiled," the Empress Dowager's voice carried a heavy sigh.

Tang Shuyi also sighed, turning her head to see Xiao Yuzhu and Li Jingyi sitting by the pavilion talking, one bright and splendid like the sun, the other calm and reserved like a mountain stone.

For a moment, she wasn't sure whether allowing their relationship to progress freely was right or wrong. If feelings developed between them, and if one day Li Jingyi ascended to that position, how would her daughter choose?

Should she preemptively extinguish the possibility of their future?

Tang Shuyi hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to let nature take its course. The future was unpredictable; perhaps the two wouldn't develop romantic feelings, or Li Jingyi might not become emperor. There was also the possibility that they might fall deeply in love and harmonize like a beautiful duet for a lifetime. Of course, there was also the risk that her daughter might get hurt or that their relationship could even endanger the entire family.

But could she prevent certain things from happening simply by interfering?

That old saying held true: no one knows what the future holds. Worrying about potential injuries in the future or dangers to the family seemed less important than becoming strong in oneself.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yuzhu asked, "Do you know how to ride a horse?"

Li Jingyi shook his head, "Grandmother said she would hire a teacher for me in a while."

"I've only recently learned myself; my second brother taught me. When he has time, he could teach you too. My brother is an excellent horseman," Xiao Yuzhu said. She was very curious about Li Jingyi, having never encountered anyone with his background before.

"Okay." Li Jingyi actually envied Xiao Yuzhu, envious of the love of a mother she enjoyed, and of her cheerful disposition.

…………

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuzhu stayed in the Wang residence until the afternoon before leaving. As they were leaving, the Empress Dowager had her servants load their carriage with numerous calligraphies and rare jewels, claiming they were gifts for Li Jingyi’s apprenticeship. Tang Shuyi repeatedly tried to decline, but eventually had to accept them reluctantly.

The next day, the Empress Dowager took Li Jingyi to the Fang residence to formally become an apprentice. The Empress Dowager handled the affair without much fanfare, but also did not hide it, and the emperor was quickly informed of the news.

As he reviewed the memorials, he said, "It seems the Empress Dowager is very diligent with him. Was it Lady Yongning Hou who made the arrangements?"

Jiao Kangsheng, standing by, replied, "Yes, the Crown Prince is a student of Grand Scholar Fang. It seems Lady Yongning Hou is well acquainted with him."

The emperor hummed in acknowledgment, then, as if struck by a thought, his brows furrowed slightly, "Is Xiao Er currently with Xiang Tianhe?"

Jiao Kangsheng paused for a moment before responding, "Yes, he is said to be serving as a young attendant to General Xiang."

The emperor threw the memorial on the table, leaned back in his chair, and went silent with drooping eyelids. After a long while, he muttered softly, "Being a wastrel seemed fine, so why insist on being diligent and ambitious?"

Jiao Kangsheng stood by silently.

It was quite some time before the emperor leaned forward again to continue reading the memorials, his brows still tightly furrowed. After a while, a young eunuch came in and reported in a low voice, "Your Majesty, Consort Liang is here."

The emperor's hand holding the vermillion brush paused, then he said, "Let her in."

The eunuch hurried out, and then Consort Liang came in carrying a tray of exquisite pastries. Approaching the desk, she said, "Your Majesty, I have made some of your favorite pastries. Please try them."

The emperor put down his brush, stood up, and walked over to sit with Consort Liang, "How have you been lately, my dear consort?"

Consort Liang forced a smile, "I am well... just a bit worried about Jingming."

The emperor hummed affirmatively, took a bite of the pastry, and after a moment said, "His temper is hot, and I simply wish for him to cultivate his character and demeanor."

Consort Liang dabbed the corners of her eyes, "This consort understands the emperor's intentions are for Jingming's benefit, but he has been confined for such a lengthy period now. He surely has learned his lesson. Your Majesty, please release our son."

As she spoke, she knelt before the emperor, tears streaming down her face, "It is all this consort's fault for not raising Jingming well, sob sob sob…"

The emperor sighed, reaching out to lift Consort Liang up, "What are you doing? It pains my heart to see you cry. Alright, I shall release him."

Upon hearing this, Consort Liang hastily grabbed the emperor's arm, "This consort thanks the emperor on behalf of Jingming."

The emperor hummed in acknowledgment, "Go back now."

Having achieved her goal, Consort Liang performed a ritual salute and withdrew. The emperor sat there in a daze for a moment before saying, "Go and issue the decree."

Jiao Kangsheng responded affirmatively and immediately took his men to the Second Prince's residence to deliver the imperial decree.

………