Chapter 282: As long as it’s against Xiao Huai’s interests, the Emperor will be pleased.

Chapter 282: As long as it's against Xiao Huai's interests, the Emperor will be pleased.

Tang Shuyi thought the Empress Dowager’s suggestion for Li Jingyi to learn martial arts from Xiao Huai might be a well-considered plan between mother and son, and she had no objections.

Firstly, it would benefit Li Jingyi. Although Xiao Huai was not the man he used to be, his capability to capture the enemy general and conquer the kingdom of Rouli proved he was no less skilled in leading troops than before. Secondly, if Li Jingyi learned martial arts from Xiao Huai, the Empress Dowager would have a reason to visit the Duke’s residence more often and interact with Xiao Huai.

"As long as the Duke agrees, I have no objections," Tang Shuyi said.

But the Empress Dowager added, "The Duke wishes to hear your opinion first, as you are Jing Yi's tutor."

Tang Shuyi: "………"

All she could say was that Xiao Huai really respected others now.

"You and your husband should discuss this back at your residence," the Empress Dowager suggested.

Tang Shuyi lowered her eyes, sensing that things might not be as simple as she thought.

The conversation then shifted from Li Jingyi to more mundane family matters. Soon after, they heard Nurse Feng’s voice, "The Lady of the Duke is chatting with the Empress Dowager. Duke, please come in."

Then the curtain was lifted, and Xiao Huai, along with his siblings Xiao Yuchen and Li Jingyi, entered. After sitting down, Tang Shuyi looked at Xiao Yuchen and asked, "What happened?"

The Empress Dowager was considered one of their own, so Tang Shuyi didn't hesitate to discuss the matter openly with her.

Xiao Yuchen was somewhat embarrassed, pursing his lips before saying, "We were enjoying the scenery on the back hill when Princess Huixin suddenly came over and kept hovering around me."

To be honest, it wasn't his first or second time encountering such a situation, but it was still quite bothersome.

Tang Shuyi further inquired, "What happened next?"

Xiao Yuzhu replied, "Then father arrived, saying he needed to see us, so we all returned together."

"In the future, keep your distance from Princess Huixin," Tang Shuyi advised.

Some people really stop at nothing to achieve their goals. The petty schemes of the women in the inner courtyard might sound contemptible, but falling victim to them can be a real entanglement.

Xiao Yuchen nodded, "I understand, Mother."

Meanwhile, Li Huixin, watching Xiao Yuchen's receding figure, stomped her foot in frustration. She knew that Miss Song also harbored affection for Xiao Yuchen, and that the Lady of Marquis An Yuan was somewhat related to the Lady of Wuyang County, who was in turn related by marriage to the Duke of Dingguo. It was very likely that the Lady of Marquis An Yuan would ask the Lady of Wuyang County to act as a matchmaker. Therefore, she had been keeping a close watch on Miss Song's movements.

Today, upon learning that Miss Song and Lady Song had come to Chongguang Temple, she immediately followed. After inquiring around, she learned that Lady Song and Miss Song were speaking with Tang Shuyi, signaling that Miss Song had begun to make her move. She then inquired about Xiao Yuchen's whereabouts and followed him.

"Princess, where shall we go now?" the maid cautiously asked Li Huixin.

"Hmph, back home. I'll have father go to the palace immediately to request a marriage decree," declared Li Huixin. She refused to believe that Song Qingyi could outmatch her.

Saying so, she stormed down the hill, rode back home in her carriage, and headed straight for the residence of Prince Su.

Prince Su was feeling a bit better today, which lifted his spirits. However, upon seeing Li Huixin rushing in so flustered, he suddenly felt short of breath.

But Li Huixin paid no attention to his complexion and pleaded, "Father, could you please go to the imperial palace and request a decree from the Emperor now?"

Prince Su's brow furrowed deeply, "What's the matter again? Didn't I say I would go after I fully recovered in a few days?"

Appearing ill before the Emperor was sure to be frowned upon. What if his sickness was passed on to the Emperor?

Upon hearing that the request to the Emperor had to be postponed, Li Huixin grew even more anxious, "Father, that won’t do! In a few days, it might be too late. By then, the Crown Prince might already be betrothed."

Prince Su glanced at her irritably, "It would be better if he is betrothed, so you would stop this incessant madness over him."

Hearing him say so, Li Huixin pleaded, "Does father really want to see his daughter die?"

The heart of Prince Su turned even colder; he had come to understand that this daughter of his was an ingrate, that no amount of kindness would suffice. After some thought, he said, "Fine, I'll petition the Emperor tomorrow, will that suffice?"

Li Huixin, overjoyed, bowed to Prince Su, "Daughter thanks father."

Prince Su waved his hand dismissively, "You may go now."

Li Huixin left happily, while Prince Su narrowed his eyes. He might not have been talented, and neither was his son. However, being untalented as a royal wasn't necessarily a bad thing. But being untalented didn't mean being useless; he had to make the Emperor see his worth, for the Prince Su's residence to stand unshakeable.

What was the Emperor's biggest concern now? Of course, it was Xiao Huai, whose merits overshadowed the sovereign. As long as he acted against Xiao Huai, the Emperor would be pleased and see him as useful.

The next day, after breakfast, Prince Su took a sedan chair to the Imperial Palace. At the entrance of the Imperial Study, a young eunuch hurried over with a smile to greet, "Prince Su, greetings."

Prince Su grunted in acknowledgement, "Is the Emperor inside?"

"Yes, your servant will announce you," said the eunuch, turning carefully to enter the Imperial Study. Jiao Kangsheng, seeing him, quietly approached and whispered, "What's the matter?"

The eunuch replied, "Prince Su has arrived."

"Tell the prince I will report to the Emperor immediately," said Jiao Kangsheng.

Although Prince Su wasn't particularly capable and had no real power, he was the highest ranking in terms of seniority among the royal family, and the Emperor still afforded him some respect. Thus, these servants were also very respectful towards this elderly prince.

Approaching the Emperor, Jiao Kangsheng reported softly, "Your Majesty, Prince Su has arrived and is waiting outside."

The Emperor put down his pen and said, "Let him in."

Jiao Kangsheng went out to fetch the guest while the Emperor walked from behind his desk and sat on a couch, then twisted his neck. Although he wasn't holding court today, he had risen early and started reviewing memorials. He had been bending over the memorials for an hour already, feeling backaches and soreness.

Often, he didn't want to be so busy and exhausted, but he was the Emperor. An emperor could not slack off or indulge in pleasure; otherwise, he would be a negligent ruler. He didn't want to be negligent, so he could only toil daily.

At this moment, Prince Su walked in. After he had paid his respects, the Emperor rose to help him sit down and said, "Uncle, you don't seem to be looking well!"

Prince Su's throat was itchy at the moment, but he dared not cough and could only suppress it, naturally looking unwell.

"I caught a cold a few days ago, but I am much better now," Prince Su said.

The Emperor hummed in response, "Uncle must take good care of himself."

Prince Su picked up a cup of tea beside him and took a sip, easing the itch in his throat significantly. He then said, "Does Your Majesty know that many of the capital's powerful families are vying for a marital alliance with the Duke of Dingguo's household?"