Chapter 267: Then Let’s Follow My Wife’s Advice

Chapter 267: Then Let's Follow My Wife's Advice

Xiao Huai was unyielding in training Xiao Yuming. To excel at anything, one must endure hardship and put forth effort, regardless of their background. Since Xiao Yuming didn't want to be a dissolute scion, it was time to strive.

Resigned to his fate, Xiao Yuming shouldered the heavy pack and glanced back at his father, who stood watching. He then turned and started running. He understood the principle well: not wanting to be a wastrel without working hard wasn't going to cut it.

Xiao Huai's attendant, Xiang Rong, grinned at the sight and hurriedly followed. His duty was to accompany the young master during his training. Initially, he thought it'd be a chore, expecting a dissolute scion, but discovered Xiao Yuming was only superficially so, making his task rather easy.

Watching their retreating figures disappear, Xiao Huai smiled and left the hollow with his men. Before departing, he instructed a soldier to follow Li Yingzhe until he reached a safe location.

Li Yingzhe, hidden in the cave, listened for sounds outside. Sensing the area was clear, he cautiously emerged, looking around to confirm that Xiao Huai and his men had indeed left. With a pressed lip, he hastened away.

He hadn't expected Xiao Huai and Xiao Yuming to truly release him. If he had encountered his father and grandfather that day, his fate would've been sealed. Though unaware of their deeds, he wasn't naive; he knew exactly what kind of men they were.

If he were to harbor hatred, it should be towards them. Resent his great-grandfather's overweening ambition, and his father's dalliance in debauchery and foolish aspirations. While pondering, he wiped away his tears and sped forward. The soldier Xiao Huai assigned followed quietly behind.

Instead of returning home, Xiao Huai headed to the military camp outside the capital. After handling some affairs and as dusk fell, he ordered a soldier, "Go to the Ducal Mansion and inform my wife I won't return tonight due to urgent matters."

The soldier promptly rode into the city.

Upon receiving the report, Tang Shuyi was indifferent about Xiao Huai's return but inquired, "How is the Second Young Master?"

The soldier replied, "When I left, the Second Young Master had not yet returned to the camp."

Tang Shuyi hummed in acknowledgment, "Tell the Duke I've been informed."

With his instructions received, the soldier departed. Tang Shuyi stood before the study window, staring into the dark night outside, contemplating. She decided to observe for a while longer. If she detected no malice from Xiao Huai, she'd confront him. Living like this wasn't comfortable.

The next morning, shortly after breakfast, Mrs. Xie, accompanied by her daughter Xie Xihua, visited. Tang Shuyi received them in the Serenity Garden. Today, Xie Xihua donned a lotus-colored outfit, making her appear dignified yet subtly playful. Tang Shuyi couldn't help but smile more broadly at the sight. A beautiful face always lifts the spirits.

Xiao Yuzhu also held her in good regard, eagerly initiating conversation. Although Xie Xihua usually appeared composed, she was lively at heart. Coupled with Xiao Yuzhu's spirited nature, the two quickly hit it off.

Seeing the two children getting along so well, Tang Shuyi couldn't help but smile and suggested they play on their own. Xiao Yuzhu then took Xie Xihua to her room. It's customary for daughters of affluent families to have their own quarters from a young age, but Xiao Yuzhu still resided in the eastern wing of her mother's courtyard. Xie Xihua found this curious and asked about it.

Xiao Yuzhu replied with a giggle, "I insisted on staying here."

Xie Xihua laughed along, but she sensed that the real reason Lady Dingguo allowed Xiao Yuzhu to stay in the same courtyard was not just because of her persistence, but more importantly, to provide guidance through close contact and observation.

She felt a twinge of envy. Even though her mother adored her, she had been made to live in a separate courtyard early on. Initially, she had been quite scared of being alone.

Her mother knew about her fears, but the Xie family's rules were inflexible: a girl must live independently in her own courtyard from the age of seven. These were traditions she couldn't break, and neither could her mother. This was a common practice among the capital's nobility.

Back in the main house, Tang Shuyi was chatting with Lady Xie. By now, Lady Xie had a clear understanding of why her father-in-law, Old Master Xie, sought an alliance with the Xiao family, specifically targeting Xiao Yu. With Lord Dingguo alive, the Northwestern Army would bear the Xiao surname for many years to come.

Among Xiao Huai's sons, Xiao Yuchen clearly pursued scholarly endeavors, while Xiao Yu, the second son, followed the martial path. It was evident that Xiao Yu would eventually take command of the Northwestern Army. The Xie family wanted to leverage the Xiao family's military resources to cultivate their own talents.

It was a long-term and arduous endeavor, but Lady Xie didn't dwell on whether the Xie family would ultimately succeed. Her primary concern was whether her daughter would be mistreated if she married into the Dingguo Duke's residence, or if family obligations would strain the marital relationship. Now, it seemed unlikely.

Pleased with the match, Lady Xie couldn't help but smile throughout their conversation. After some small talk, Tang Shuyi asked, "How is Lord Xie Six's health?"

She was genuinely curious about how a noble son like Xie Six could have encountered such misfortune.

Upon hearing this, Lady Xie's smile faded as she replied, "To be honest, the ordeal my uncle endured a few years ago was so severe that his health has been slow to recover."

Tang Shuyi was taken aback, then her expression turned sympathetic. "That's truly unfortunate."

"That princess from Rouli is despicable. Even a thousand cuts would not suffice to assuage our hatred," Lady Xie said through gritted teeth.

She assumed Xiao Huai had told Tang Shuyi about it, so she didn't hold back, adding, "It's outrageous for a woman to attempt to abduct a man in broad daylight, and when he resists, to imprison and drug him. Such a person deserves a wretched end."

Tang Shuyi was astounded by the scandal but maintained her composure as befitting her status. With furrowed brows, she asked, "What became of that princess?"

Lady Xie was taken aback. "Didn't Lord Dingguo tell you? The woman in red in the prison cart when they entered the city was that very princess."

Tang Shuyi nodded in understanding. "He's been busy these past few days and hasn't had the chance to tell me."

Lady Xie sighed deeply. "Even if she were to be torn to pieces, it would only serve as a slight solace. My uncle's health will take many years to recover."

Tang Shuyi's face showed sympathy once more. It wasn't just a matter of physical recovery; the psychological trauma was likely profound as well. However, she was curious about how Xiao Huai had fortuitously rescued Xie Six from the princess's clutches.

………

In the front courtyard, Xiao Huai was conversing with Xie Erye. Having had his breakfast at the camp outside the capital, he returned home just in time to see the couple entering the mansion, leading them straight to the front hall.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two men broached the subject of their children's betrothal. Xie Erye smiled and said, "After my sixth brother returned home, he mentioned discussing a marriage alliance with you, the Duke. My father was also quite pleased to hear this."

Xiao Huai lifted his teacup and took a sip, his gaze lowered. He hadn't yet discussed the matter with his wife, so he didn't continue the topic of the marriage alliance, instead, he said, "I find myself sharing many interests with Runwen."

The literary name of Xie Liuye was Runwen.

Xie Erye’s eyes flickered with amusement, and he added, "My wife had mentioned the marriage alliance to the Duchess before. The Duchess said the children should share common interests."

Taken aback, Xiao Huai replied, "Then let’s follow my wife's opinion."

Xie Erye: "………"

He was astonished. How could you utter the words "Let’s listen to my wife" so smoothly?