Chapter 275: Isn’t This Too Much?

Chapter 275: Isn't This Too Much?

After chatting for a while in the small floral hall, Xiao Huai took Xiao Yuming and set off for the Grand General's residence. Mainly because the two were not familiar with each other and had little to talk about.

Father and son sat in the carriage, and Xiao Yuming stole glances at Xiao Huai several times, looking like he had something to say but hesitating. Xiao Huai frowned, "If you have something to say, just say it."

Encouraged by his words, Xiao Yuming moved to sit next to him and whispered, "Dad, tell me the truth, did you upset my mother? She won't let you sleep in the room."

Xiao Huai: "………"

This is yet another wild idea!

Seeing him silent, Xiao Yuming added, "Dad, let me tell you, I have a lot of experience in placating Mom's anger."

"So, just tell me the truth, and I'll share my expertise with you."

"It's not what you think, stop guessing wildly," Xiao Huai said.

Xiao Yuming returned to his original seat with an obstinate look on his face, but Xiao Huai simply ignored him.

After a while, Xiao Yuming spoke again, "However, Dad, the way you're handling it now isn’t bad. By obeying, you'll gradually dissipate Mom's anger."

Xiao Huai: "… Ten miles of weight-bearing running tomorrow."

Xiao Yuming: "…" Unappreciative.

Although he was upset, he didn’t dare to retort.

Soon they arrived at the Grand General's residence, where they were received in an unusual manner. Xiao Huai and Xiao Yuming were directly taken to the training ground. Xiao Yuming was first pitted against Xiang Wu in a match, which he won decisively.

Xiao Yuming’s victory was primarily due to his battlefield experience. His combat prowess and aura had greatly improved.

The Grand General wasn’t displeased with his daughter’s defeat. He patted Xiao Yuming’s shoulder and said, "Not bad."

Pleased with the praise, Xiao Yuming grinned. The Grand General then turned to Xiao Huai and proposed, "Shall we spar?"

Xiao Huai set down his teacup, took off his cloak, and walked to the edge of the training ground. He selected a long saber from the weapons rack and gestured an invitation to the Grand General. The Grand General, with his long spear, stood opposite Xiao Huai.

The two exchanged glances, then the Grand General lunged with his spear, and Xiao Huai met the attack with his saber. The intense bout ensued, and the onlookers, holding their breath, focused intently on the duel, fearing they would miss a moment of what could only be described as a spectacular contest.

Xiao Huai, intent on forming an alliance with Xiang Tianhe, knew he must not lose. People are drawn to strength, and even the mighty are no exception. Moreover, losing this duel would weaken his position in any future alliance. Thus, he fought with all his might.

Naturally, Xiang Tianhe didn’t want to lose either and exerted his full capabilities. As a result, the duel lasted more than a quarter of an hour without a clear victor, but the spectators dared not relax their attention.

Suddenly, Xiang Tianhe’s spear thrust towards Xiao Huai’s face. Xiao Huai leaned back and then shifted his footing to the left, swinging his saber at Xiang Tianhe’s spear. His movement was so swift that before Xiang Tianhe could withdraw his force, his spear was sent flying by Xiao Huai’s saber.

Xiang Tianhe was taken aback, then burst into hearty laughter, "Exhilarating!"

Xiao Huai also laughed loudly, then bowed with his fist to Xiang Tianhe, "I am grateful for Brother Xiang's leniency."

Xiang Tianhe waved his hand generously, "No, it was simply a case of being outmatched."

Despite his words, he bore no semblance of resentment. Xiaohuai thought to himself that this man was indeed worth befriending.

A single bout had brought the two distinguished generals closer. Together, they retreated to the study for a chat. Those who ascend to the rank of great general possess extraordinary wisdom; without it, they could not command legions. Although General Xiang Tianhe's current situation was somewhat better than Xiaohuai's, should the emperor dispose of Xiaohuai, Xiang Tianhe was likely the next in line.

Thus, their conversation in the study was most agreeable. Even without any explicit agreement, there were things both men tacitly understood.

After dining at the Xiang residence, Xiaohuai and Xiaoyuming returned home. Xiaohuai had imbibed a fair amount of wine and was slightly tipsy. Upon their return, Tang Shuyi was informed and had a servant bring over a sobering soup.

Xiaoyuming watched Xiaohuai drink the soup, then remarked, "It seems mother still doesn't want you to stay in her chambers. You should sleep in the study."

Xiaohuai: "........"

He waved his hand dismissively, "Off you go to bed. Remember, you've got a weighted run tomorrow."

Xiaoyuming huffed and turned to leave. Xiaohuai massaged his forehead; he truly lacked experience in dealing with rambunctious children.

The next day, with no need to attend the morning court, Xiaohuai got up for his morning exercise before heading to Shi An Yuan for breakfast. Today, he was to meet with Xiao Yiyuan and others. After breakfast, the family went straight to the front courtyard.

Just as they were settling down in the hall, Steward Zhao came to report that Xiao Yiyuan and the others had arrived. Tang Shuyi instructed Xiaoyuzhen and Xiaoyuming to go out and welcome them, as Xiao Chengming was their elder.

Shortly after, the group entered. They were all excited to see Xiaohuai but dared not approach him. Despite Xiaohuai's affable demeanor around Tang Shuyi, he wasn't as approachable in the presence of outsiders. Moreover, his position as the commander-in-chief and the title of Duke made common folk both revere and fear him.

Nonetheless, Xiaohuai stood up and bowed respectfully to Xiao Chengming, "Uncle."

Xiao Chengming, moved, felt a slight sting at the tip of his nose, "It's... it's good that you're alright."

Xiaohuai nodded, then said, "Please, take a seat."

The group sat down tentatively. Tang Shuyi noticed that the late Marquis' wife was not present, presumably to avoid awkwardness, and thus she didn't inquire further.

The Duke of the house sat there sipping tea in silence, casting a quiet over the room. Tang Shuyi glanced at him, then said to Xiao Chengming, "When the old Marquis was alive, he always regretted not being able to support his parents in their old age. Uncle, you did well to fulfill your filial duties by their side all those years. Had the old Marquis been alive, he would certainly not have let you go unrewarded."

Xiao Chengming waved his hand dismissively, "It was my duty."

Tang Shuyi smiled, then turned to Xiao Yiyuan and his parents, "Fate plays strange tricks. The old Marquis had been searching for you all his life, but never found you. The Duke and I have discussed this; whatever is rightfully yours, the household will not withhold."

With that, she turned to look at Xiaohuai. Catching her gaze, he said, "Indeed, whatever should be given to you, will not be withheld."

Tang Shuyi: "………"

"Forget it, I have no expectations of him anymore."

She continued, "After the old Marquis passed away, the family assets were divided once. A portion was allocated to Xiao Jing, being an illegitimate son, naturally, he received less. A significant part of the old Marquis's wealth, which rightfully belonged to the Duke, remained. Now, the Duke wishes to allocate all of the remaining assets to you, Uncle, recognizing the hardships you have faced over the years."

As Tang Shuyi spoke, she reached for several account books beside her and handed them to Xiao Yuzhen. Xiao Yuzhen passed some to Xiao Chengming and the rest to Xiao Yiyuan.

Both felt somewhat embarrassed to accept such a generous offer, but they took the account books nonetheless. The more they perused, the more astounded they became—what they held was only a fraction of the total wealth.

After exchanging the books and reading further, they were even more astonished and hesitant. Xiao Yiyuan stood up, bowed respectfully to Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai, and said, "This is too much; we cannot accept it."