Chapter 231: The Death of the Second Prince

Chapter 231: The Death of the Second Prince

After the meal and tea, they were led to their rooms to rest. Xiao Yiyuan followed Xiao Chengming into a courtyard, the main yard of the residence, astutely assigned to Xiao Chengming by the steward who could tell that this elder was the backbone of their family.

Xiao Yiyuan entered the room following Xiao Chengming, who stood in the center, looking around what seemed to him a room out of a fairyland, momentarily at a loss for words.

His elder brother, Xiao Chengkun, had always been a mountainous presence in his heart; no matter how big or difficult the situation, it always seemed to resolve effortlessly once it reached his elder brother.

Because of his elder brother, their family never lacked food or clothing. Even after his brother enlisted in the army, they lived well, but who could have foreseen the years of war and famine that followed, compounded by the devastating news of his brother's death in battle. It felt as if the sky had fallen on their family.

In those years, they were destitute and displaced, resorting to eating bark and grass roots—anything that was digestible. Many times he thought, if only his brother were here, if only he had his brother's capabilities, their family wouldn't have had to endure such hardships.

"Second Granduncle, please take a seat," Xiao Yiyuan assisted him to sit down and added, "My grandfather has been searching for us for many years, but we were in the southern frontier, indeed difficult to find."

Xiao Chengming let out a heavy sigh and asked, "How did my elder brother pass away?"

Such a good life, why didn’t it last longer?

"He fell in battle," Xiao Yiyuan's voice grew heavy, "Grandfather’s son, Xiao Huai, also perished in war."

Hearing this, Xiao Chengming's aged hand slapped his thigh as he began to weep, his sorrow poignant, "When he left, I was only eleven or twelve. He told me to take care of our parents, that he was going to earn a future for us to have a better life. But what good is a better life if the family isn't together..."

Xiao Yiyuan gently patted his back, soothingly saying, "Second Granduncle, it’s all in the past now."

Xiao Chengming cried a while longer, then wiped his tears with his sleeve and sighed deeply, "Later, ask your grandfather where he's buried. I want to visit him."

Xiao Yiyuan nodded, "Alright."

"Your grandfather... whom did he marry later?" Xiao Chengming inquired.

Xiao Yiyuan replied, "The legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wuyang."

"Is the Marquis of Wuyang’s household formidable?" Xiao Chengming pressed on.

Xiao Yiyuan roughly understood what he meant, but some things were just unclear. He responded, "In the capital, there are only about a dozen families with noble titles, so naturally, they are formidable."

"This..." Xiao Chengming took Xiao Yiyuan's hand, saying, "Your grandmother has served her in-laws and raised her children without a single fault all these years; she surely deserves some recognition in the end."

Xiao Chengming felt it was his duty to fight for the status that Lu Shi deserved, as she had taken care of him like a mother during his childhood. Later, when the family fled the famine, they endured hardships together, and the bond between aunt and nephew was naturally extraordinary.

"Uncle," Xiao Yiyuan sat beside him and said, "Since the marquis's manor has brought you from the southern border, it signifies their acceptance of you."

"Yes, yes," Xiao Chengming quickly replied, "I can tell they are sincerely good to us, it's just... what about later on?"

Xiao Yiyuan understood that he was referring to matters after death, which also troubled him. Based on his understanding of the Lady of the Marquis, he was certain that she would never compromise on the burial arrangements, and it was likely the same with the Wuyang Marquis's family.

"Let's talk about this matter later, after we've met tomorrow," Xiao Chengming added.

"Alright."

Xiao Yiyuan stayed a while longer with Xiao Chengming before leaving for Lu Shi's courtyard. Upon entering, he found his parents and sister all together, their expressions tense.

As he walked in, they all seemed to have a lot to say, but were at a loss for words. Xiao Yiyuan sighed and sat beside Lu Shi, saying, "The Lady of the Marquis is reasonable and amiable, there's no need to worry."

"I actually didn't want to come. He's gone, and that home belongs to others; what am I even doing here?" Lu Shi said with a long sigh, "Your uncle insisted, saying that they were all coming, and it would worry everyone to leave me alone in the south."

"I too wished to always be by your side," Xiao Yiyuan said, looking at his parents and sister, "Now that we're here, let's settle down without worries, I'm here for you."

"Mother, you worry too much," Tao Shi, Xiao Yiyuan's mother, interjected, "You were married officially. You've served the elders and cared for your brother-in-law; no one can fault you. The lady father married later didn’t serve our grandparents for even a day, yet she became the Lady of the Marquis. Why can’t you...”

"Enough," Xiao Dayong, Xiao Yiyuan's father, scolded, "When we go to the marquis's manor tomorrow, watch your mouth and don’t speak carelessly."

"Am I wrong?" Tao Shi retorted.

Xiao Dayong glared at her, "Long hair but short on wit. Who can help Yiyuan with his future, you or me?"

Tao Shi fell silent, and Lu Shi glanced at her, "Dayong is right. I don't feel wronged as long as my grandson is well. Whatever happens, I'm fine with it."

Hearing her words, Xiao Yiyuan felt a tightness in his chest, as if choked with cotton. He looked at Lu Shi and promised, "Grandmother, rest assured, I will surely earn a noble title for you."

Lu Shi smiled, "Good, I'll be waiting."

Lu Shi was somewhat displeased, though she had to suppress it. This son of hers, though born from her womb, seemed closer to everyone else in the family but her.

After some more conversation, the family retired to their respective rooms. Outside Lu Shi's bedroom door, Xiao Dayong said to Xiao Yiyuan, "Don't listen to your mother. Maintaining good relations with the marquis's manor is beneficial for all of us. We have nothing to contend for, and even if we did, we wouldn't stand a chance."

Xiao Yiyuan nodded, "Son understands."

Xiao Dayong hummed in response, patted Xiao Yiyuan's shoulder, and said, "Go to sleep, don't let this matter affect your rest or your studies."

Xiao Yiyuan hummed in acknowledgment, watched Xiao Dayong enter his room, and then turned to leave.

………

The next day, Xiao Yuming went to the General's Mansion early in the morning to ask the Grand General for lessons on map drawing. Tang Shuyi, of course, wouldn't let family matters interfere with his studies and instructed him not to worry about home.

After having breakfast, she instructed Steward Zhao to fetch people from the other residence. Half an hour later, Xiao Chengming and Lu's family arrived. Tang Shuyi was at the front hall to greet them, and as a line of people approached, she bowed to Xiao Chengming and said, "Uncle, I pay my respects."

Xiao Chengming did not expect her to bow to him and stepped back in fluster, only saying, "No... there’s no need."

Tang Shuyi smiled, "Let's talk inside."

She had heard from Lin, the steward who went to fetch the people, that Xiao Chengming and Xiao Yiyuan's family had not separated, and the whole family was still together, with Xiao Chengming as the head of the household. This was convenient for her, as many negotiations would be much easier.

For instance, right now, she didn’t have to deal directly with Lu's family, softening some potential conflicts.

Once everyone was in the hall, Tang Shuyi naturally took the main seat and asked Xiao Chengming with a smile, "Did you rest well yesterday?"

Xiao Chengming hurriedly nodded, "Well, very well."

Tang Shuyi then turned to Lu's family, "And the food, is it to your liking?"

"Good, all good," Lu's family said somewhat flustered.

"The old Marquis had sent many people to look for his relatives over the years but to no avail. Now that you’ve finally been found, he can rest in peace," Tang Shuyi said, reassured to see that these people were all honest and straightforward.

Mentioning Xiao Chengkun, Xiao Chengming and Lu's family both showed a touch of sorrow, and Xiao Chengming said, "We would like to pay our respects..."

"Madam, save me!"

Yantai suddenly rushed in, knelt before Tang Shuyi, and cried, "Madam, the Second Prince is dead, and the Second Young Master has been taken to the palace."

Tang Shuyi stood up abruptly upon hearing his words.

PS: A family that can raise individuals like Xiao Chengkun and Xiao Yiyuan won't be too problematic. It's rare, but not impossible, to have two outstanding individuals from the same family.

Also, the male lead is really about to make his appearance.