Chapter 264: Father Is Not As Important As Mother

Chapter 264: Father Is Not As Important As Mother

Tang Shuyi didn’t want to lie to the three children. Firstly, because they were all very smart and might not be fooled by her lies. Secondly, she wasn’t sure how she would eventually resolve the issues with "Xiao Huai". If she lied now, it would be difficult to reconcile later.

It was better to let the children know that there indeed were problems between her and Xiao Huai. As for the specifics, she, of course, wouldn’t disclose them.

But as soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Yuming asked, "Is it because my father has someone else?"

He was seething as he spoke. Tang Shuyi was about to deny it when Xiao Yuzhu tightly grasped her arm and said, "Mother, I stand with you. If father has wronged you, I won't acknowledge him anymore."

Tang Shuyi: "......"

Things hadn’t escalated to that extent yet.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yuzhen looked conflicted. He wasn’t sure if he should share his suspicions. At that moment, Xiao Yuming looked at him discontentedly and asked, "Big brother, whose side are you on?"

"Naturally, I am on mother's side," Xiao Yuzhen hurriedly stated. Whatever the reason, if there was a problem between father and mother, he would naturally side with his mother.

Tang Shuyi, seeing the solidarity among the siblings, felt a surge of comfort. She hadn't loved them in vain. However, she still needed to clarify the situation. After all, she and Xiao Huai hadn't reached a point of no return. She wasn’t completely certain if this Xiao Huai was a time-traveler, nor could she be sure of his intentions towards them.

"It's not what you think. Don't worry about it. We will solve our own issues," she said.

The three siblings still wore expressions of concern, to which Tang Shuyi responded with a bemused smile, “Look, I’m perfectly fine now, aren’t I?”

At that moment, she appeared completely at ease, her face alight with a smile, visibly not heartbroken or distressed, which somewhat eased their worries. Xiao Yuming even suggested, “If it comes to it, we could send him back to the Northwest for a while, and I could go too, to keep an eye on him there.”

Father is important, of course, but not as important as Mother. At this moment, he had forgotten the longing he once felt for his father.

Tang Shuyi: ".........."

What a good son indeed.

“Greetings to the Duke,” echoed the voices of Cui Zhu and Cui Yun from outside.

Tang Shuyi glanced at the three siblings, then straightened up. The door curtain was lifted, and Xiao Huai entered, dressed in a black brocade robe embroidered with golden cloud patterns, which accentuated his striking and valiant appearance. It must be said, Xiao Huai was blessed with good looks.

Xiao Yuchen stood up to greet him, “Father.”

Xiao Huai nodded slightly, then Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu also stood to pay their respects, followed by Tang Shuyi. But before she could bow, Xiao Huai said, “My lady, please sit.”

With that, Tang Shuyi, not inclined to bow any longer, took her seat with a smile, “Has the Duke had his breakfast yet?”

“Not yet,” replied Xiao Huai.

Tang Shuyi: “Then let's have it together.”

Xiao Huai: “Alright.”

The two exchanged courtesies.

Then, Tang Shuyi rose to head towards the dining room, with Xiao Huai also standing to follow, and the three siblings trailing behind. Exiting the small hall, Xiao Huai slowed his pace, waiting for Xiao Yuming to catch up before speaking, “This afternoon, accompany Xiang Rong to the military camp outside the capital to handle some matters.”

The soldiers he brought back with him this time were his confidants, and he hadn’t intended to send them back to the Northwest. But this matter required negotiation with the Emperor, and before an agreement was reached, these soldiers needed proper arrangements, and their daily training couldn’t be neglected, hence many things needed to be organized.

He was grooming Xiao Yuming to be the future commander of the Northwestern Army, which meant involving him in many affairs.

Bearing a grudge, Xiao Yuming pursed his lips in silence. Xiao Huai frowned at this, “Are you unwilling?”

Xiao Yuming remained mute, causing Xiao Huai’s expression to darken and his steps to halt. Just as he was about to speak again, Tang Shuyi’s voice called out, “Yuming, don’t be petulant. Heed your father’s arrangements.”

Xiao Yuming pressed his lips together, then acquiesced, “Understood, I’ll go.”

Tang Shuyi hummed affirmatively and turned to enter the dining room. Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuzhu exchanged glances before swiftly following suit. Left outside were only Xiao Huai and Xiao Yuming. Xiao Huai stood there, observing Xiao Yuming with an impassive face. Although his expression was indifferent, Xiao Yuming felt an immense pressure.

After a moment, he said, “I... I’ve said I’ll go.”

“Do you know why I want you to go to the camp outside the capital?” Xiao Huai asked, his tone still light.

Xiao Yuming pressed his lips together, “I know.”

“Knowing that, why still resist?” Xiao Huai pressed further.

Xiao Yuming looked down and remained silent. Xiao Huai huffed, “If you let emotions affect your actions, you’ll never achieve greatness.”

By now, Xiao Yuming had realized his mistake and, with his head down, he admitted, “I understand, it won’t happen again.”

Xiao Huai grunted affirmatively, “After you finish your duties this afternoon, run ten miles with a weight.”

“Yes,” Xiao Yuming responded.

“Go in for the meal,” Xiao Huai said as he stepped into the dining room, with Xiao Yuming following.

Upon seeing them enter, Tang Shuyi didn’t ask any questions and continued to dine as usual. Xiao Huai sensed the children’s feelings towards him but remained silent. After breakfast, he said to Tang Shuyi, “Would my lady accompany me to pay respects to your father?”

Tang Shuyi nodded, “Of course.”

They exchanged courteous smiles, then Tang Shuyi took Xiao Yuzhu to the storeroom to select gifts, while Xiao Huai took Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuming to the front yard, inquiring about Xiao Yuchen’s preparations for the imperial examinations. Half an hour later, the family set out for the residence of Duke Tang. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuzhu took a carriage, while Xiao Huai and his sons rode horses, making a grand procession to Duke Tang’s residence.

Xiao Huai had informed Tang Shubai earlier in the morning about their visit, so when they arrived, they found Tang Shubai and Tang Shujie waiting at the gate. Seeing this, Xiao Huai hurriedly dismounted to greet them, and seeing his courtesy, the apprehension in their hearts eased somewhat.

They were all aware of the indifference Xiao Huai had shown Tang Shuyi in his letters. Therefore, they were somewhat curious about this brother-in-law they hadn’t seen in four years.

The group entered and encountered Duke Tang in the main hall. Xiao Huai lifted his robe and knelt respectfully, kowtowing to Duke Tang, “I’m deeply grateful for the care you’ve given to Shuyi and the three children over these years.”

Duke Tang quickly helped him up, “What are you doing? We’re family, there’s no need for such talk of care and favor.”

Xiao Huai smiled, “Yes, we are family.”

Duke Tang pulled him to sit down and sighed with emotion, “After what you’ve been through, I’ve come to understand that no honor or wealth is more important than a family being together. Now that you’re back, live well with Shuyi.”

Xiao Huai nodded, “Yes, I understand.”

Duke Tang patted his shoulder, implying that some things are better left unsaid. As they were all wise men, there was no need for further explanation. After a brief chat, he took Xiao Huai to the study, as there were many state affairs to discuss.