Chapter 284: Truly Playing Both Sides!

Chapter 284: Truly Playing Both Sides!

The next morning, Xiao Huai rose much earlier than usual for the dawn court session. After washing and dressing, he mounted his horse and headed for the imperial palace. Upon arriving at the palace gate, he handed his horse to an attendant and approached the gate to wait for it to open and join the others in entering. However, he had barely taken a few steps when he saw Qi Liangsheng approaching from the left.

Their eyes met, and Xiao Huai could clearly sense that Qi Liangsheng’s complexion was much worse than before. Initially intending to greet him, Xiao Huai changed his mind upon seeing this and strode forward, pretending not to notice Qi Liangsheng. He thought Qi Liangsheng was being too petty. It wasn’t as if they had some life-and-death enmity, and their families had relatively close relations. Why such aversion upon seeing him?

As Xiao Huai reached the gate and stood firm, Lord Anyuan approached with a smile, greeting him with cupped hands, “Duke Dingguo.”

Xiao Huai returned the gesture, and they exchanged pleasantries. Soon, several others came to speak with Xiao Huai, and before long, a crowd had gathered around him. Xiao Huai dealt with them indifferently, thinking that he wouldn't have close dealings with these people in the future.

Those who truly had good relations with him wouldn’t surround him for a chat at the palace gates. What were they trying to do? Make the emperor more wary of him?

Meanwhile, Lord Anyuan, standing to the side, also looked displeased. He genuinely wanted to befriend Xiao Huai and had approached him with that intention. He hadn't expected all these people to flock around Xiao Huai. Were they all planted by the emperor? Just to frame Xiao Huai with the crime of forming cliques for selfish ends?

Considering the current emperor’s temperament, it wasn’t impossible.

Soon, the palace gates opened, and the officials entered one after another, proceeding to the Golden Throne Hall. After arranging themselves according to rank and status, the emperor arrived and sat upon the dragon throne. His gaze immediately fell on Xiao Huai standing in front, and his mood soured, which showed on his face.

He thought to himself that he must quickly find a way to grant Xiao Yuchen a marriage without giving anyone grounds for criticism.

…………

Back at the Dingguo Duke’s Mansion, Tang Shuyi got up and briskly walked a few laps in the courtyard as a form of exercise. Then, he had breakfast with his siblings.

These days, the stewards managing the mansion’s businesses had all arrived, and Tang Shuyi was busy reconciling accounts with them. Last year, Qi Er helped her with this, but this year Qi Er was busy with the guild, so he couldn't help. She thought of delegating some tasks to her siblings so she could focus on the final accounting.

After breakfast, she handed over the tasks to her siblings, who then went about their business. Tang Shuyi reclined comfortably on a brocaded couch, sipping tea and remarked to Cui Zhu and Cui Yun, “It's great when the kids grow up!”

Cui Zhu and Cui Yun smiled at her side, with Cui Yun adding, “It’s all thanks to the lady’s good teaching.”

Tang Shuyi laughed heartily, “Your flattery gets sweeter by the day.”

The three shared a laugh, and then Steward Zhao came in, reporting to Tang Shuyi, “The matron from the Liang family has come again.”

Tang Shuyi paused upon hearing this, then instructed, “Let her come in and reply.”

Steward Zhao acknowledged the order and left. Shortly after, he returned with a matron in her forties. Tang Shuyi recognized her; she was the same matron who had relayed messages during her previous collaboration with Consort Liang.

"Madam Duchess, I pay my respects." The nanny bowed formally to Tang Shuyi.

"Please, rise," Tang Shuyi gestured, inviting her to take a seat before inquiring, "What brings you here today, Nanny?"

"Her Highness, the Noble Consort, mentioned that she thoroughly enjoyed her previous collaboration with you, Madam. She has sent a generous gift this time and hopes for future opportunities to work together," the nanny conveyed.

Tang Shuyi offered a faint smile, not quite buying the words. Although her past cooperation with the Noble Consort Liang went smoothly, it didn't mean that the consort bore no grudge against her. After all, whether it was the death of Liang Jian'an or that of the Second Prince, their names had been somewhat implicated.

While she harbored these thoughts, she still prompted, "Please, continue."

The nanny nodded and revealed, "Yesterday, the Noble Consort received news that Prince Su requested the Emperor to bestow a marriage between Princess Huixin and Young Master Xiao."

Upon these words, the room fell into a heavy silence, so profound that even breathing seemed cautious.

Tang Shuyi's hands clenched into fists at her sides. The audacity of Li Hui Xin and Prince Su was astounding! The former, a mere daughter of a concubine, daring to aspire for her noble son, and now Prince Su wished the Emperor to decree a marriage, forcing their hand. Did they truly believe the imperial family could act so capriciously?

After taking a deep breath, she said to the nanny, "Tell the Noble Consort, regardless of her motives for sharing this information, I am grateful."

The nanny nodded, "As you wish, I shall take my leave now."

Tang Shuyi gave a slight nod, instructing Cui Yun to see the nanny out, and sat back with a cold laugh. Some people were so presumptuous!

"When the Duke returns, ask him to come to Shi'an Garden," Tang Shuyi instructed Cui Zhu.

Cui Zhu acknowledged and withdrew.

…………

Inside the imperial study, the Emperor returned from court to review memorials. However, after examining a few, he put them aside and spoke to Jiao Kangsheng, "What reason could we find for the marriage decree between Huixin and Xiao Yuchen that would seem justified?"

Jiao Kangsheng's face crumpled like a steamed bun as he pondered before replying, "This servant is too dull-witted to devise a reason."

The Emperor glared at him and ordered, "Summon Wu Zhengxin."

Wu Zhengxin was the Grand Secretary, a trusted confidant of the Emperor.

Since the court had just adjourned, Wu Zhengxin was still nearby and arrived shortly. After paying his respects, the Emperor asked him to sit and fell into contemplation. He pondered how to frame the situation without appearing petty.

Even in the company of a trusted advisor, he wished to be seen as a just and wise ruler.

"Duke Dingguo has rendered great service, and though I have rewarded him handsomely, I feel it's insufficient," the Emperor mused. "These past days, I've been thinking, why not bestow a marriage upon the Duke's eldest son? It would also reflect my goodwill."

"His Majesty is truly magnanimous. Your favor towards Duke Dingguo is boundless. Should the Duke ever... he would certainly be scorned by all under heaven." Wu Zhengxin immediately said.

Should he ever what?

Of course, should he ever show disrespect to His Majesty, or harbor thoughts of rebellion.

Wu Zhengxin, as a trusted confidant of the Emperor, naturally excelled in sycophancy and reading the room. He quickly added, "Who does Your Majesty plan to decree a marriage for Prince Xiao?"

"The beloved daughter of Prince Su, Princess Huixin," the Emperor replied.

Wu Zhengxin was speechless...

That's a complete mismatch! One is a lowly-born daughter of a nineteenth-rank concubine, and the other is the legitimate firstborn son and heir of a super-grade duke. How could they be paired together!

The Emperor continued, "Although Huixin is born of a concubine, she is the apple of Prince Sun's eye, and I have also bestowed upon her the title of Princess. In terms of status, she is indeed a match for Xiao Yuchen."

"You are correct, Your Majesty," Wu Zhengxin said.

His principle was simple: whatever the Emperor says is right. Even if the Emperor declared that flatulence smelled fragrant, he would undoubtedly agree.

"It's just that I'm afraid Lord Xiao may object to Huixin being a concubine's daughter," the Emperor added. "Think of a way for me, so that when I issue the decree, Duke Dingguo cannot raise any objections."

Wu Zhengxin was speechless again. As an Emperor, you can decree whatever you want. Wanting to coerce Xiao Huai into accepting the decree without being criticized for pressuring a meritorious official really means having your cake and eating it too!