Chapter 242: Who Has It Easy?

Chapter 242: Who Has It Easy?

Having multiple men in the household is truly a vexing affair. Take Xiao Yiyuan and his family, for instance. Without Xiao Huai, Tang Shuyi would have had the final say in how to allocate property and decide their future relations.

But with Xiao Huai still alive, she's left pondering: if she gives away all the assets of the old Marquis to Xiao Yiyuan's family, what would Xiao Huai think? Would he deem it too much or too little?

Thus, she decided to stay out of it. Let Xiao Huai handle the matter upon his return; after all, he is their kin by blood.

So, when Xiao Chengming mentioned he had matters to discuss, Tang Shuyi responded, "Uncle, please settle down in the mansion comfortably. If you need anything, inform the steward. As for other matters, let's wait for Xiao Huai's return; he is the head of the family."

"Yes... That's reasonable," Xiao Chengming conceded.

In truth, there were matters he'd rather discuss with Tang Shuyi, hoping she could decide. To him, dealing with Tang Shuyi seemed more approachable than confronting Xiao Huai, a seasoned military leader. The mere thought made him uneasy.

Besides, Xiao Huai and Xiao Yiyuan's family were naturally at odds.

Tang Shuyi could sense his unease but chose to ignore it. Some situations aren't about right or wrong. Different stands and interests can lead to conflicts, and it often comes down to the weaker party making concessions.

However, for Xiao Yiyuan's family, making some compromises might offer them more benefits. It remains to be seen if they'll realize this.

"My sister-in-law… well, Dayong's mother,"

Xiao Chengming wanted to elaborate, and Tang Shuyi listened patiently. He continued, "When my elder brother went off to join the army, I was only around eleven or twelve. Handling all the household chores, cooking, cleaning – my sister-in-law had her hands full every day. During the busy agricultural season, even while pregnant, she toiled in the fields. Later, during the famine, she led us in our search for food while taking care of our elderly parents..."

He sighed deeply, "She has truly endured countless hardships."

Initially, Tang Shuyi had no intention of involving herself further, but upon hearing his words, she felt compelled to speak up.

With a sigh, she said, "Uncle, I understand the hardships your family has endured over the years, but my mother-in-law's life hasn't been easy either."

Xiao Chengming was taken aback by her response, and she continued, "Not to mention, my mother-in-law was the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Wuyang. Raised in luxury and doted on by her entire family, what kind of life did she lead after marrying the old Marquis? With her husband constantly at the frontier, she had to rely on her family for any matter that arose. Uncle, to put it bluntly, without my mother-in-law, without the support of the Marquis of Wuyang, there would be no Marquisate of Yongning today."

"This..." Xiao Chengming was at a loss for words.

"Uncle," Tang Shuyi pressed on, "do you know what my father and brothers did to ensure Xiao Huai could fight without worries on the frontline? To prevent others from stealing his merits and to safeguard him from harm, they even confronted the emperor. I can only imagine that the Marquis of Wuyang must have done the same when the old Marquis was fighting on the frontline."

"Uncle," Tang Shuyi said, looking rather desolate, "who has it easy in this world?"

Xiao Chengming was rendered speechless, and Tang Shuyi sighed, "Look at me, lamenting my woes to you."

Not knowing what else to say, Xiao Chengming could only respond, "Indeed... none of us have it easy."

"I'm just sharing my thoughts with you. The final decision still rests with Xiao Huai," said Tang Shuyi.

"Yes, yes, we'll wait for Xiao Huai's return to decide," Xiao Chengming hurriedly agreed.

Tang Shuyi added, "Make yourselves comfortable in that residence. Xiao Huai is a reasonable man, and we are all family after all."

Xiao Chengming nodded, "Yes, yes, you're right."

After chatting a bit more with Xiao Chengming, Tang Shuyi turned to Xiao Yuzhu, who was sitting beside her, "There must be a bottom line for everything. Above that, I can be accommodating and even suffer losses, but if that line is crossed, I won't be so amenable and won't give an inch."

Xiao Yuzhu nodded thoughtfully as Tang Shuyi continued, "Regarding the matter between your grandfather and your grandmother, our bottom line is that your grandmother has contributed no less than the other party. Therefore, her position is non-negotiable and untouchable."

Xiao Yuzhu pondered for a moment before asking, "Would father share your views?"

Tang Shuyi shook her head, "I can't be certain of that."

If Xiao Huai's views differed from hers, it was certain that their fundamental beliefs would clash.

"Sigh," Xiao Yuzhu sighed deeply, "I wonder when father will return."

Tang Shuyi didn't reply, simply stroking her head. It would be for the best if Xiao Huai never returned.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chengming had returned to their residence, just as Xiao Yiyuan was about to leave. He called him inside and said, "I've just been to the Marquisate and spoken with the Lady Marquise, telling her of your grandmother's hardships."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi Yuan's eyebrows slightly furrowed, then he asked, "What did Lady Hou say?"

Xiao Chengming repeated Tang Shuyi's words and then sighed, "What should we do? Life is tough for everyone."

Xiao Yi Yuan looked earnestly at Xiao Chengming and said, "Second Grandfather, you might think I'm being unfilial with what I'm about to say, but it needs to be said."

"Go ahead," Xiao Chengming said with a pained expression.

"I know you have Grandma's best interests at heart, but Second Grandfather, Lord Hou and Lady Hou will surely consider their own kin as well. Tell me, if it comes to a dispute, do you think we stand a chance against them?" Xiao Yi Yuan asked.

Xiao Chengming heaved a sigh without responding, but that sigh spoke volumes.

"If we can't win and yet we insist on fighting, what will the outcome be?" Xiao Yi Yuan pressed further.

"So we should just let Grandma suffer?" Xiao Chengming, who had weathered hardships with Madam Lu for decades, regarded her as family despite being related by marriage.

"Second Grandfather, the old Lady Hou's glory is bestowed by her son, but I will work hard to earn that glory for Grandma," Xiao Yi Yuan said, looking at Xiao Chengming. "You should avoid visiting the Hou residence for the time being. Although Lord Hou has returned from the brink of death, the affairs of the Hou household have become more complicated than ever. At this juncture, if we can't be of help, let's not add to the chaos."

Xiao Chengming was at a loss after hearing his words, "I... I don't understand these matters, I didn't mean to cause trouble."

Xiao Yi Yuan reached out and held his arm, "Second Grandfather, I know, and Lady Hou will understand too."

Xiao Chengming sighed again, "Look at the mess I've made."

Seeing him like this, Xiao Yi Yuan felt helpless and once again softly comforted him.