Chapter 270: An Agreeable Sort

Chapter 270: An Agreeable Sort

Having heard a round of gossip, Tang Shuyi's wariness towards Xiao Huai lessened considerably, and the atmosphere between them eased a great deal.

"Marrying into the Xie family would indeed be advantageous," Tang Shuyi said. "Yu Ming gets along quite well with Miss Xie the Second. Let's wait a bit longer to see how the two children interact."

Xiao Huai nodded, "Madam, please arrange as you see fit."

Tang Shuyi hummed in acknowledgment, then added, "When do you plan to meet with Xiao Yi Yuan and his family?"

Xiao Huai picked up the teacup beside him, took a sip, and said, "I have no pressing matters these next few days, Madam, please arrange it."

Tang Shuyi replied, "Alright."

She felt that if this Xiao Huai bore no malice towards her and her three children, it would be feasible to collaborate. He seemed quite agreeable.

"Yu Chen will participate in the Spring Hunt after the New Year," Tang Shuyi added. "He has previously taken Master Fang and Official Qi as his mentors. Now that the Duke has returned, perhaps he could accompany Yu Chen to visit his two masters again, to show our respect."

Xiao Huai nodded, "Certainly."

"Also, regarding General Da, Yu Ming has learned a great deal under him. Perhaps the Duke should also express his gratitude," Tang Shuyi suggested.

Xiao Huai nodded again, "Alright."

Tang Shuyi silently breathed a sigh of relief. He was indeed easy to talk to, though his background remained a mystery.

At this moment, a voice from outside announced, "The eldest young master has arrived."

Then, the curtain was lifted, and Xiao Yu Chen entered. He greeted Xiao Huai and Tang Shuyi with a bow before sitting down. Tang Shuyi smiled and said to him, "I was just telling your father that since you've returned from your travels, he should take you to visit your two masters."

Xiao Yu Chen nodded, "That's exactly what I was thinking."

"Last time I saw Master Fang, he praised your progress in poetry composition. It seems that your travels have indeed been beneficial," Tang Shuyi said with a smile.

Xiao Yu Chen, a little embarrassed by the praise, replied, "The people I met and the things I encountered were quite different from before. They helped me understand some truths and broadened my horizons significantly."

"Indeed, they say it's better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books. The truths learned in books can only be fully understood through personal experience," Tang Shuyi remarked.

Xiao Yu Chen smiled, "This journey has indeed helped me grasp the essence of that saying."

Tang Shuyi also smiled, "The imperial examinations are approaching. While you should study hard, don't neglect your health or put too much pressure on yourself. Qualifying in the examinations would be just the icing on the cake for you."

Xiao Yu Chen nodded, "I understand, Mother."

Tang Shuyi looked at her eldest son, now noticeably more mature and composed, and felt a wave of contentment.

Xiao Huai sat there quietly, listening to the mother and son's conversation. He couldn't help but acknowledge that the lady truly cared for her three children and had raised them well.

After Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yu Chen talked for a while, Xiao Huai remained a silent listener. When Xiao Yu Chen stood up to leave, Xiao Huai also rose, mentioning that he had matters to attend to in the front courtyard. Xiao Yu Chen's brows furrowed slightly upon hearing this.

In the past, whenever his father was home, he would usually stay in Shi An Garden.

The father and son exited Shi An Garden one after the other, silently heading towards the front courtyard. As they neared his residence, Xiao Yu Chen halted, looking as if he had something to say.

Seeing this, Xiao Huai stopped as well and asked, "What's the matter?"

Xiao Yu Chen hesitated for a moment before asking, "Father, have you sustained any injuries before?"

Xiao Huai's brows furrowed slightly, "No."

However, Xiao Yu Chen appeared somewhat incredulous, saying, "If Father has any ailment that's difficult to speak of, please consult a renowned physician. Concealing an illness is not wise."

Xiao Huai was left speechless.

What do you mean by this?

Seeing something inexplicable in his eyes, Xiao Yu Chen doubted his previous conjectures and asked, "Father, why have you been so distant towards Mother since your return?"

Xiao Huai suddenly realized; his absence from Shi An Garden for the past two nights had led to suspicions of some ailment. What on earth were they all thinking?

"I am in good health. As for the issues between your mother and me, you need not worry. We will resolve them," he said.

Hearing this, Xiao Yu Chen's expression darkened, "Father, have you really taken a concubine?"

Xiao Huai was speechless...

Before he could respond, Xiao Yu Chen continued, "How could you treat Mother like this? Do you know how much she has missed you these past years? I've told you about the incidents at home; without Mother, our family might have fallen apart. Moreover, without the support of the Tang family, you wouldn't have been able to conquer Rou Li Country."

Xiao Yu Chen looked at Xiao Huai as if he were an ingrate.

Xiao Huai didn't know whether to be angry or amused, eventually saying helplessly, "I have no concubine, and I'm well aware of your mother's sacrifices. Things are not as you imagine."

"Then what is it?" Xiao Yu Chen pressed.

Xiao Huai sighed deeply, at a loss for words.

"I assure you, I have no concubine and haven't deliberately neglected your mother. Don't ask about the rest. Your mother and I will handle it."

Xiao Yu Chen saw the seriousness in his words but was even more perplexed. If it wasn't a concubine or deliberate neglect, then what was it?

"Enough, you should go back. Tomorrow, I'll accompany you to visit your master," Xiao Huai said as he walked away. He needed to resolve this issue quickly, or his three children would drive him insane.