Chapter 248: Why Are They All So Confident

Chapter 248: Why Are They All So Confident

Today, Tang Shuyi was clad in a dark red robe with wide sleeves. Atop her peony-laden hair bun were hairpins adorned with red gemstones, making her appear like a bloom of riches and splendor, dazzling to behold.

Although the wife of the eldest prince was also dressed in opulent attire, her haggard face paled in comparison when standing next to Tang Shuyi. The two were of the same age, but at this moment, the eldest prince's wife seemed several years older.

Witnessing Tang Shuyi’s radiant appearance, a tinge of sadness crept into the heart of the eldest prince’s wife. One could tell whether someone's life was comfortable or not by their demeanor.

“We often met at banquets when we were younger. It's a pity we haven't kept in touch over the years,” said the wife of the eldest prince with a smile.

Tang Shuyi smiled in return, “Indeed, when I think about it, our childhood days were the most carefree.”

Both women were from prestigious families and of the same age; meeting at banquets was nothing out of the ordinary. However, back then, they were merely acquaintances who exchanged nods.

Tang Shuyi’s words seemed to resonate with the wife of the eldest prince, who with a wistful expression, sighed, “If only we didn't have to grow up.”

Tang Shuyi wasn’t very close to her and wasn’t sure how to continue the conversation, so she just smiled. Deep down, she knew well that the wife of the eldest prince was leading a difficult life. Given the prince's indulgence in wine and women, it would be tough for her, as his principal wife, not to feel distressed.

Realizing her lapse, the wife of the eldest prince quickly changed the subject with a smile, “Why didn't you bring your little girl along?”

“She caught a cold a few days ago and hasn't fully recovered yet,” Tang Shuyi casually excused.

Concern appeared on the face of the wife of the eldest prince, “Girls are delicate; she should be well cared for.”

Tang Shuyi replied, “Indeed.”

……

The two chatted tepidly for a while before the wife of the eldest prince said, “We have known each other since our youth. Though not particularly close, we are well acquainted. What do you say to our families forming a marriage alliance?”

Tang Shuyi has thus far maintained a favorable impression of the Grand Prince Consort, and therefore, her words weren’t overly harsh. She said, "Matters of children's marriages are not for me to decide alone; it requires the consent of my lord husband."

"That makes sense," said the Grand Prince Consort. "The Marquis has illustrious military achievements, and his future largely depends on the emperor..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the implication was clear to all. The current emperor was already wary of Xiao Huai, and once Xiao Huai conquered the Kingdom of Rouli, his merits would overshadow the emperor, who might then take action against the Marquis of Yongning's household.

Tang Shuyi remained silent, and the Grand Prince Consort continued, "Madam and the Marquis should make early plans. I can assure you, should our families become related by marriage, whether it's the Grand Prince or my son Yingzhe, they will certainly protect the Marquis and ensure the prosperity of the Marquis of Yongning's household for decades to come."

She spoke earnestly, but Tang Shuyi found it absurdly amusing. How could they all be so confident that the Grand Prince would ascend the throne? Not to mention other factors, just his collusion with the enemy alone, if exposed, would doom the Grand Prince and the entire Jiang family.

"In the years when my lord husband was away, I alone shouldered the burden of managing our household, and it was indeed arduous. Now that he is alive, I might as well let go of everything and let him take charge. As for me, I shall enjoy a more carefree life."

After saying this, Tang Shuyi laughed. The Grand Prince Consort's face stiffened a bit, but Tang Shuyi pretended not to notice and sipped her tea.

After a while, the Grand Prince Consort said, "The love of a parent for their child is profound, planning for their future. Doesn't Madam wish for your daughter to become the most honored lady in the land?"

Tang Shuyi placed her teacup on the small table, "What defines honor? Life is not easy, and even less so for women. I don't wish for excessive honor for my child; I only want her to live freely, able to make her own decisions."

The Grand Prince Consort mulled over the phrase "able to make her own decisions". In this world, how many women could truly decide for themselves?

Everything that needed to be said had been said. The Marquis of Yongning's household was destined to be at odds with the Grand Prince and the Grand Tutor's households; there was no need for further entanglement. She stood up to take her leave, and the Grand Prince Consort also rose, escorting her to the courtyard entrance. Before parting, she still couldn’t help but say, "Perhaps Madam could reconsider my proposal."

Tang Shuyi smiled at her, "I defer to my lord husband in all things."

Her refusal was evident, and the Grand Prince Consort said no more, gesturing a farewell. Tang Shuyi nodded and turned to see a man in his thirties approaching. He was momentarily stunned by her beauty, his gaze quickly turning lecherous.

Tang Shuyi frowned. At this moment, the Grand Prince Consort bowed to the man, "Your Highness."

Realizing this was the Grand Prince, Tang Shuyi paid her respects and said to the Grand Prince Consort, "I take my leave."

"Wang Momo, see Madam Marquis out," the Grand Prince Consort said, her face not looking very good. She had seen clearly the Grand Prince's initial astonishment and lecherous gaze towards Tang Shuyi. She felt embarrassed.

Wang Momo responded with a smile, "Madam Marquis, please follow this old servant."

Tang Shuyi followed Wang Momo without a sideways glance, while the Grand Prince watched her departing figure intently, the Grand Prince Consort's face turning pale with anger. She said, "Your Highness, it would be wise to show some restraint. The Marquis of Yongning is still alive."

After she spoke, she turned and entered the courtyard, followed by the Grand Prince who mused aloud, "I met her years ago, but she did not possess such radiance then."

The Grand Prince Consort closed her eyes, suppressing the rage in her heart, and strode into the house. The Grand Prince followed, lounging askew on the brocade couch, asking, "What's the maiden name of the Marquis of Yongning's wife again?"

"Your Highness!" The Crown Princess Consort growled in anger.

The Crown Prince chuckled indifferently, "Alright, I won't ask you about that. How did the marriage discussion go?"

"The Marquise of Yongning said that everything is up to the Marquis," the Crown Princess Consort replied, not wishing to say too much.

The Crown Prince clicked his tongue, "How did Xiao Huai not die earlier?"

"Does Your Highness have any other business?" the Crown Princess Consort inquired, "If there's nothing else, please leave. I'm not feeling well and would like to rest."

The Crown Prince glanced at her, "Your maternal grandfather said you're not in a good mood and asked me to cheer you up. Don't worry, you'll always be the Crown Princess Consort, and once I ascend to that position, you'll be the Empress."

The Crown Princess Consort replied indifferently, "I understand, Your Highness. Please go back now."

The Crown Prince hummed affirmatively, stood up, and walked out. Once outside the courtyard, he asked a eunuch beside him, "What’s the Marquise of Yongning's maiden name?"

The eunuch replied, "This servant doesn't know. I'll go and find out right away."

The Crown Prince laughed lasciviously and waved him off, then hummed a little tune as he returned to the front courtyard.