Chapter 244: The Long Wait Is Over

Chapter 244: The Long Wait Is Over

People have different aspirations and, faced with the same situation, their choices can vary greatly. The old emperor might not appeal to the distinguished ladies of the capital, but many girls from ordinary official families were willing to take their chances with fate.

So, when the emperor's edict was announced every other day, many officials registered their daughters. All of a sudden, the entire capital was abuzz.

With the emperor preoccupied, Tang Shuyi felt more at ease. These days, Li Jingyi visited the Yongning Marquis residence almost daily, so Tang Shuyi found some time to teach her some things. Deep down, she really hoped Li Jingyi would become the emperor one day.

Essentially, she had raised this child, and when explaining certain knowledge to him, she would subtly incorporate some modern ideas—not the particularly radical ones, of course. Sometimes she even harbored the bold ambition of nurturing a legendary enlightened monarch.

However, some things were just wishful thinking. She didn't have the power or the energy to make Li Jingyi the emperor. She decided to let nature take its course.

As for the possibility of Xiao Yuzhu developing feelings for Li Jingyi, who might become emperor in the future, Tang Shuyi felt it was pointless to overthink. She believed her daughter would make her own choices. Besides, history wasn't without emperors devoted to a single woman.

Today, Li Jingyi came to her and said, "I've been studying the passage of 'Great Unity' recently. The way of the great path is the world under heaven as one community. Select the wise and capable, cultivate trust and foster amity, so that not only one's own relatives are cherished, and not only one's own children are nurtured..."

He recited the entire passage of 'Great Unity' and then asked, "Teacher, do you think such a place truly exists in this world?"

Tang Shuyi was momentarily at a loss for words. A world where everyone loves and helps one another, where every family lives in peace and happiness, without disparity or war—does such a near-utopian existence really exist?

She had certainly never seen it.

After pondering for a moment, she said, "I don't know if such a place exists, nor if a country can develop in that way. However, I believe the best state for a country is balance."

Li Jingyi didn't understand, so Tang Shuyi pointed at the narrow threshold at the doorway and said, "Try standing on it with one foot."

Li Jingyi was puzzled, but Xiao Yuzhu had already taken the lead, stepping onto the threshold. She had barely stood up when her foot slipped and she nearly fell. Li Jingyi quickly stepped forward to catch her.

However, Xiao Yuzhu pushed him away, insisting, "Let me try again."

As she spoke, she stepped once again onto the narrow threshold, this time managing to stay upright, albeit with an unsteady, tilting posture. Almost reflexively, she placed both feet on it and spread her arms, finally achieving stable balance.

Tang Shuyi leaned on the edge of the table, laughing, "Come down and let Jingyi have a try."

Xiao Yuzhu came down giggling, then stood aside watching Li Jingyi attempt to balance on the threshold. Li Jingyi, too, found it hard to remain steady on one foot and only managed to stabilize himself by standing with both feet and spreading his arms.

Tang Shuyi explained to them, "Isn't it about maintaining balance between the left and the right to stay steady?"

Xiao Yuzhu and Li Jingyi both nodded in agreement, and Tang Shuyi continued, "In this world, everything requires balance – day and night, yin and yang, wealth and poverty, gains and losses. It's only through maintaining balance that things function properly. Many dynastic changes recorded in history books were due to peasant uprisings.

For thousands of years, peasants peacefully toiled the land. Why then did they rebel in that particular dynasty? It was because balance was lost. The poor were living in such destitution that survival became untenable, while the rich indulged in extravagant and licentious lifestyles. The balance between the rich and the poor was shattered."

After listening to her explanation, Li Jingyi pondered for a moment and asked, "Should land be distributed among every farmer?"

Tang Shuyi shook her head, "What's needed is a mechanism for upward mobility."

Li Jingyi looked puzzled. Just as Tang Shuyi was about to explain what an upward mobility mechanism is, Cuicui ran over, brimming with excitement, "Madam, there are letters from the eldest and second masters."

Upon hearing this, Tang Shuyi promptly stood up and said, "Quick, give them to me."

Cuicui handed over the letters, "You've finally received them."

Tang Shuyi's eyes sparkled with joy, almost disappearing as she smiled. She tore open the envelope, and Xiao Yuzhu also came over to peer over her shoulder.

The letters from the two brothers were written separately, detailing their journey to the northwest and then their current situations there. Xiao Yuming had been enlisted in the army, starting from the bottom ranks. Xiao Yuchen was assigned to logistics, responsible for recording casualties among the soldiers.

After reading the letters, Tang Shuyi felt reassured. She also appreciated Xiao Huai's thoughtful arrangements. Training Xiao Yuming as the heir to the northwestern army starting from the grassroots not only earned him credibility but also tempered his will.

Having Xiao Yuchen in charge of recording casualties allowed him to interact more with the ordinary soldiers, gaining a deeper understanding of the hardships of life.

All in all, she wasn't overly worried about her two sons anymore.

After reading her sons' letters, it was Xiao Huai's turn. His letter was much shorter, barely half a page. He sent his regards to her and Xiao Yuzhu, then mentioned he had acquired some rare treasures that he would bring back for them.

Tang Shuyi was entirely convinced that this letter was actually meant for Xiao Yuzhu; she was just mentioned in passing.

It truly was baffling.

Nevertheless, Xiao Huai indeed had a knack for earning money. He was currently advancing towards the capital of Roulie Kingdom. The reigning emperor of Roulie Kingdom was corrupt and depraved, and the people there were suffering greatly.

Practically every city surrendered without much resistance, knowing well that each city was home to wealthy families who, in the interest of safety and forging alliances, would certainly present valuable gifts to Xiao Huai and his men.

Hence, it's said that war is the greatest opportunity to amass wealth. However, it is the common people who suffer. But if the current emperor of Rouli continues his reign, the people will suffer just the same. After all, the progression of human society is a cycle of division and unification, constantly repeating.

After reading the letter, Tang Shuyi roughly estimated that, given Xiao Huai's current pace, he should be able to return triumphantly by the New Year. This was good; it wouldn't interfere with Xiao Yuchen's imperial examination the following year.

She put away the letter and continued her lecture on "balance" to Xiao Yuzhu and Li Jingyi. But just after a few words, Cui Zhu came in, holding an invitation card. Tang Shuyi took it, and her brows furrowed upon reading it—it was from the wife of the Grand Tutor, the in-laws of the crown prince, sent as an invitation.

According to Xiao Huai, more than three years ago, he nearly lost his life due to a traitor from the Grand Tutor's residence. That is to say, either the Grand Tutor or the crown prince wanted Xiao Huai dead.

Why though? There seemed to be no enmity between Xiao Huai and the crown prince.

However, if the crown prince was in league with the enemy, his attempt to have Xiao Huai killed might also be Rouli's doing. After all, Xiao Huai, a formidable and valiant commander stationed at the border of the two nations, was a significant thorn in Rouli's side.

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