Chapter 279: But circumstances don’t allow it!

Chapter 279: But circumstances don’t allow it!

For Tang Shuyi, love was something nice to have, but if she didn't meet the right person, being without it was also fine.

However, the situation was different for Xiao Yuchen; he had been hurt by love before, and given that this was ancient times and he was the heir, he would inevitably have to marry. She hoped that Xiao Yuchen could put his past behind, welcome his future wife, and live in harmony with her.

But whether Xiao Yuchen had moved on from his previous emotional wounds was unclear to her.

Xiao Huai hadn't expected his eldest son to have such a rich experience, but his thoughts diverged from Tang Shuyi's. Just an emotional wound, if it passes, it passes; if not, one just suppresses it. After all, life isn't sustained by love alone.

Nevertheless, he said, "He's of age now; whether he can overcome certain obstacles is up to him. My lady, your worry is futile; who has a life without flaws?"

Tang Shuyi, of course, understood this principle, but as a mother, she wished for her child's life to be smooth sailing without setbacks.

"When he was out traveling, he encountered danger and met the Princess of Jianing," Tang Shuyi added.

Xiao Huai pondered and asked, "The girl from the Duke End’s family?"

Tang Shuyi nodded, recounting the perilous encounter between Xiao Yuchen and the Princess of Jianing before saying, "After meeting the princess several times, I think she's quite admirable—courageous, strategic, and thoughtful."

"Does my lady wish for Jianing and Yuchen to be together?" Xiao Huai inquired.

"Yes," Tang Shuyi replied, "I think they're well-matched, but I'm not sure about Yuchen's thoughts. Perhaps, Your Grace, you could probe Yuchen about it?"

Xiao Huai: "......"

These matters were really not his forte! But since his wife had entrusted this to him, he would still give it a try. Thus, he said, "I'll ask him later."

Tang Shuyi hummed in acknowledgment, "If he has a favorable impression of Jianing, I'll explore her feelings. If both have an interest, they can get to know each other better, and we can set the arrangement."

She did wish for them to have a courtship, but circumstances didn’t permit it!

Xiao Huai nodded, and Tang Shuyi continued, "It's just that the Duke End is selfish and muddleheaded, I fear he might interfere."

Xiao Huai lifted his cup and took a sip of tea, "Madam need not worry, I will take care of Duke Duan myself."

There's always a way to handle an old rascal.

Tang Shuyi smiled, "Then, at that time, I'll have to trouble your grace."

Xiao Huai gestured dismissively, "It's only what's proper."

Tang Shuyi lifted his cup and took a sip of tea, contemplating. In matters of raising children, this man was indeed commendable. He could discuss affairs with calm and composure, and he was... obedient. It was curious how a favored prince like him had developed such an easy-going nature.

"Tomorrow, I plan to accompany the Empress Dowager to the Chongguang Temple to offer incense. Would you join us, Lord Wang?" Tang Shuyi added.

Xiao Huai nodded, "Certainly."

Having discussed all matters of importance, there was nothing left to talk about. Xiao Huai rose to take his leave. Stepping out, he donned the cloak handed to him by his attendant and strode back towards the study in the front courtyard. A faint smile played on his lips all the way; he truly felt his current life was good, even better than when he was Li Chengyong.

As Li Chengyong, though his status was exalted, life had been lonely. Only he and his royal mother presided over an empty mansion. Now, although the three children could sometimes be a handful, they brought much joy. And his wife, with her intelligence and understanding, would always discuss and handle affairs with him.

Such days were indeed blissful!

…………

On winter mornings, the dawn comes late. When Tang Shuyi and his group set out, it was still dark. Xiao Huai and Xiao Yuming opted not to ride horses but to travel by carriage instead. Xiao Yuzhu stood by the carriage, calling out, "Father, come quickly."

Xiao Huai, of course, realized Xiao Yuzhu was creating an opportunity for him and Tang Shuyi and couldn't help but be amused, yet he approached. Seeing him come over, Xiao Yuzhu giggled. Xiao Huai glanced at her, scooped her up into the carriage, then extended his hand to Tang Shuyi to help her aboard.

Tang Shuyi, unphased by the gesture, noticed however that three pairs of little eyes were watching her intently. With a sense of resignation and a glance at the three youngsters, she placed her hand on Xiao Huai's wrist and, leveraging his strength, climbed into the carriage.

Xiao Huai turned to look at Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuming, who were watching intently, and said, "Aren't you cold? Get in the carriage quickly!"

Xiao Yuchen and Xiao Yuming both smiled, stepped on the footstool, and entered the carriage. Xiao Yuming murmured to Xiao Yuchen, "Our father always cares for his dignity."

Xiao Yuchen nodded in hearty agreement.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Huai took a seat opposite Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuzhu. As the carriage began to roll forward slowly, Xiao Yuzhu asked, "Li Jingyi should be going today too, right?"

Tang Shuyi nodded, "He should be accompanying the Empress Dowager."

"Father, do you know Li Jingyi?" Xiao Yuzhu asked Xiao Huai, "He was formerly the Seventh Prince, later adopted by Prince Xiaoyao."

Tang Shuyi cast a glance at Xiao Huai and curved her lips into a knowing smile. He was certainly aware, and perhaps it was with his nod of approval that the Empress Dowager had agreed to the adoption.

Xiao Huai answered with an impassive face, "I have heard some of it upon returning to the capital."

"He is my mother's disciple..." Xiao Yuzhu rattled on about Li Jingyi, and Xiao Huai listened attentively, occasionally glancing at Tang Shuyi. Both of them were astute—Xiao Huai could easily grasp the intention behind Tang Shuyi's acceptance of Li Jingyi as a disciple with just a bit of thought.

Tang Shuyi met his gaze calmly, unperturbed. She saw nothing wrong in investing in Li Jingyi; when facing unfamiliar people and situations, it was only natural to act in one's own interest. There was no shame in that.

Xiao Huai caught her serene eyes and the corners of his lips lifted slightly. He wondered who this lady might have been before she crossed over to this era. Surely, she wasn’t an ordinary person. The things she had done were not only extraordinary for ancient women but even for modern women.

However, they were not yet well-acquainted, so there were some questions he refrained from asking.

The carriage rumbled along until, suddenly, the coachman uttered a sound, and the carriage halted. Then Li Jingyi's voice came from outside, "Greetings to Duke Dingguo and the Duchess."

Upon hearing the voice, Xiao Huai lifted the curtain and peered out, only to see a boy of about twelve or thirteen standing beside the carriage, holding a food box. The boy raised the food box and said, "My grandmother has made some pastries that Yu Zhu likes, and asked me to deliver them."

Before Xiao Huai could respond, Xiao Yuzhu moved beside him, stuck her head out, and said with a smile, "That's wonderful! Just yesterday, I was craving the pastries made by the Dowager Duchess."

Li Jingyi's smile broadened upon seeing her. He stepped forward and handed over the food box, "Grandmother has been up early making these pastries, they are still warm."

"Really? Let me taste." Xiao Yuzhu reached for the food box and opened it, revealing an assortment of pastries inside. There was her favorite water chestnut cake, the pea cake her mother loved, two types her elder and second brothers preferred, and another kind she had never seen before.

"It’s cold outside, you should come in," Li Jingyi said with a smile to Xiao Yuzhu.

Xiao Yuzhu nodded, "Then let's have fun at Chongguang Temple."

Li Jingyi nodded, then turned to Xiao Huai and bowed, "Duke Dingguo, Duchess, I shall take my leave."

Xiao Huai responded with a grunt, and Tang Shuyi, lifting the carriage curtain, said, "Give my regards to the Dowager Duchess."

Li Jingyi nodded, "Certainly."