Chapter 261: Heeding the Lady’s Words

Chapter 261: Heeding the Lady's Words

Many things in life are double-edged swords. Born into royalty, one inherits immense power and wealth at birth, yet often lacks the emotional bonds commoners take for granted—affection, love, even friendship.

In the past, Li Chengyun felt too sentimental yearning for friends amidst loneliness, possessing the world's most precious "watch" yet desiring a bicycle. His life was fated to be a solitary journey. He never saw solitude as a misfortune, just a different life experience.

But now, watching Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuming bicker, with Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuzhen laughing beside them, he suddenly realized that deep down, he yearned for this lively, cheerful family life.

A smile involuntarily graced his face.

Dinner concluded amidst this cheerful atmosphere, and the family moved to the small parlor to chat. But after a short while, Xiao Yuzhen stood up and said, "I feel a bit tired and would like to rest."

He then turned to Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu, "You two should rest early as well."

Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuming, who were in the midst of their playful quarrel, paused upon hearing his words. They glanced at Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai sitting at the head of the room, immediately understood Xiao Yuzhen's intent, and promptly claimed to be sleepy and headed for bed. The siblings then respectfully bowed to Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai before hastening out of the room.

The room suddenly fell quiet, and with a faint "flicker," the candlelight wavered, casting the space into a deeper silence. An awkward atmosphere enveloped the room in an instant.

Xiao Huai rubbed his fingers together, then picked up his cup to sip some tea, but the flavor on his tongue went unnoticed. At this moment, he felt extremely uneasy, unsure of what to do. He wasn't the real Xiao Huai; he could accept the three children as his own, but he couldn't bring himself to see their mother as his wife.

Meanwhile, Tang Shuyi was preoccupied with the silk handkerchief in her hands, waiting for Xiao Huai to break the silence. Whether he would explain or confess his change of heart, it didn't matter. They could only proceed once he spoke.

Time ticked away in the stillness, and the whistling of the wind outside seemed to urge them to speak. Tang Shuyi was not one to remain passive. Since Xiao Huai wouldn't speak, she would take the initiative.

She turned her head, and coincidentally, Xiao Huai looked her way. Their eyes met, and they both uttered simultaneously:

"You."

"You."

Then silence fell again, but Xiao Huai was the first to find his voice, "Today, I heard from Minister Li that he obtained some evidence from you."

He hadn't intended to say that, but he was at a loss for words and curious about the matter, so he blurted it out.

Tang Shuyi felt a twinge of disappointment. She had thought Xiao Huai would discuss their relationship, not this. Nevertheless, she clarified:

"Some time ago, the Crown Prince sought an alliance with us, proposing a betrothal between Yuzhu and his eldest son. I rejected them once, but they persisted. Fearing their drastic actions, I decided to take preemptive measures."

She didn't divulge how she acquired the evidence; their relationship wasn't at a stage where they could share everything without reservation.

Xiao Huai nodded in response, "Madam is wise."

Tang Shuyi replied indifferently, "It was merely a response to the circumstances."

"If you need anything in the future, just let me know," Xiao Huai said earnestly.

He had learned from Xiao Yuzhen and Xiao Yuming that these past years had not been easy for them, especially for Tang Shuyi. Now that he was back, he naturally had to take on the responsibility to protect them from the storms of life.

Tang Shuyi didn't stand on ceremony, "Alright."

Another silence ensued, and this time, Tang Shuyi was the first to speak, "I wonder if you are aware of the matter concerning Xiao Yi Yuan."

Xiao Huai pondered for a moment before replying, "Yuzhen and Yuming have told me about it."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Xiao Yi Yuan's family has been brought over by my people, and they are currently staying in an external residence. How we proceed from here will depend on your judgment."

"What are your thoughts, Madam?" Xiao Huai turned to look at Tang Shuyi as he asked.

From the mouths of Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuming, he learned that Tang Shuyi was not an ordinary woman confined to domestic life; her mental agility was no less than that of a man. When Xiao Huai “died,” it was she who made all the decisions in the mansion, and she certainly had her own judgments about Xiao Yiyuan and his family's affairs.

Tang Shuyi also turned to look at Xiao Huai. Under the dim candlelight, the man did not possess the roughness of a military commander, but rather an air of refined handsomeness. His gaze was sincere at that moment, genuinely seeking her opinion.

Tang Shuyi lowered her eyes. Although she retained the memories of her previous life, she was still unable to grasp Xiao Huai's character. Moreover, four years was enough time to change a person a great deal.

However, there was no need to be secretive about this matter. She straightforwardly voiced her thoughts, saying, "After all, he is the old marquis's offspring, and Xiao Yiyuan has some talent. He could be of assistance in the future, so I think we should not treat them unfairly. My suggestion is to give them the remainder of the old marquis's estate."

Xiao Huai was taken aback by her words. Although he did not know the exact wealth of the Yongning Marquis Mansion, a simple thought would reveal that the old marquis's assets were substantial. After all, he was a commanding officer who had won numerous battles, and even the emperor's rewards were quite generous. He did not expect Tang Shuyi to be so bold as to hand over such a fortune.

However, he had no objections and simply said, "I will heed my wife's advice."

Tang Shuyi pursed her lips, then added, "The current difficulty lies in the status and position of the old marquis's former wife and the official wife, especially considering their burial arrangements after their passing."

Hearing this, Xiao Huai's brows furrowed slightly, "What does my wife think?"

Tang Shuyi glanced at him, "My thought is to give more in terms of wealth, but no one should encroach upon the old marchioness’s status and position, not in the slightest."

Xiao Huai nodded, "I will follow my wife's wishes."

Tang Shuyi: "………"

She turned to look at Xiao Huai again. As a man and head of the family in ancient feudal society, how could he utter the phrase "I will heed my wife's advice" so smoothly?

Feeling her gaze, Xiao Huai became somewhat uneasy and picked up his teacup. But upon lifting the lid, he found the tea nearly gone and put the cup down again, his movements slightly awkward.

Seeing this, Tang Shuyi couldn't help but find it amusing, yet her curiosity deepened. She asked, "Does His Grace, the Duke, have something to tell me?"

Hearing her question, Xiao Huai clenched his hand hidden in his sleeve into a fist, but his expression remained calm as he said, "My wife has been through much these years."

Tang Shuyi narrowed her eyes, then looking at him, she said, "It is my duty. How have you fared these years, Your Grace?"

Xiao Huai: "Although I have been undercover in enemy territory, I have not encountered any significant dangers."

Still reluctant to speak! Tang Shuyi began to feel irritated; she detested those who were secretive and elusive in their actions. Withdrawing her gaze from Xiao Huai, she said, "It's getting late. Make arrangements for the night."

His nerves suddenly taut, Xiao Huai sat up straight and said, "I still have some official duties to attend to. My wife, you should rest first."

As he spoke, he stood up, indicating his intention to leave.

Tang Shuyi smiled, "Oh, then Your Grace can rest in the study."

Xiao Huai nodded, "Alright."

He then courteously nodded to Tang Shuyi and strode out the door. Tang Shuyi sat in the chair, silent and solemn; there was a serious problem with Xiao Huai.

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