Chapter 286: A Good Idea

Chapter 286: A Good Idea

Everyone was taken aback by Xiao Yuzhu’s suggestion. That such a scheme came from a child barely in her teens was beyond surprising.

“It’s a good idea,” Xiao Yuming spoke first, “But a mere rebuke seems too mild. The uproar must reach the emperor’s ears.”

Hearing their conversation, Xiao Yuchen was at a loss for words. The thought of publicly scolding a woman was something he found impossible to do.

But then, Tang Shuyi said, “I also think Yuzhu’s idea has merit.”

Xiao Huai agreed, nodding, “It could work.”

Xiao Yuchen: “………”

“Shall we proceed with this plan?” Tang Shuyi turned to Xiao Yuchen for confirmation.

Xiao Yuchen, lips pursed, remained silent for a moment before saying, “I fear I may not be able to utter such scathing words when the time comes.”

“Is it that you can't, or you don't wish to rebuke her?” Tang Shuyi questioned.

“I naturally find it difficult to do so. I’ve been utterly vexed by her behavior for a long time,” Xiao Yuchen hurriedly explained.

Tang Shuyi nodded, appearing sympathetic, but then advised, “Then you should ponder over what to say and practice on your own.”

Xiao Yuchen: “………”

Tang Shuyi turned her attention away from Xiao Yuchen to Xiao Huai, “Lord Duke, what are your thoughts?”

Xiao Huai nodded in agreement, “It sounds good.”

Tang Shuyi, accustomed to his concurrence, continued, “However, we must be thoroughly prepared. Although it’s highly likely Li Huixin will follow Yuchen if he goes out, we must be ready for any eventuality.”

She looked at Xiao Yuzhu, instructing, “Tomorrow, send out invitations to Anle, Xueying, and the other young ladies you often socialize with to meet at Huguang Pavilion. Have Xueying invite the young misses from the House of Anyuan Marquis. Meanwhile, spread the word that Yuchen will also be there.”

Competition breeds a sense of danger.

"Alright," Xiao Yuzhu agreed promptly.

Xiao Yuzhen, on the other hand, wore a conflicted expression.

"Furthermore," Tang Shuyi turned to Xiao Huai, "it would be prudent for the Duke to investigate Prince Su's residence. It's always better to be safe than sorry."

If Prince Su intends to coerce them into marrying his daughter with an imperial decree, he should be prepared for their retaliation.

Xiao Huai readily agreed to her instructions, naturally, and all three siblings couldn't help but laugh. This time, Xiao Yuming was the first to stand, saying, "I haven't finished checking my ledgers yet. I'll go do that."

Hearing this, Xiao Yuzhen and Xiao Yuzhu also hastily stood up, declaring their intentions to check the ledgers as well. The three siblings quickly left one after another, leaving only Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai in the room, who were once again amused to the point of tears.

"What does the Duke think about this matter?" Tang Shuyi inquired.

Putting down his teacup, Xiao Huai said, "Li Chengyi might harbor deeper intentions. If he issues an imperial decree for a marriage, our refusal would give him the pretext to charge us with offenses."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Indeed, how does the Duke plan to respond?"

Xiao Huai sneered, "He's too idle, always engaging in petty schemes behind the scenes. Let's give him something to occupy himself with."

His tone was casual and indifferent. Tang Shuyi couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this. How little must he think of the emperor!

"What task does the Duke plan to assign to him?" Tang Shuyi asked.

Xiao Huai replied, "He's getting on in years; it's time for him to appoint a crown prince."

Tang Shuyi couldn't help but give him a thumbs up. That was a direct hit on a sensitive issue. The Emperor’s current woes included: firstly, Xiao Huai's meritorious status overshadowed him, and he couldn't find a way to remove him.

Secondly, no emperor wants a crown prince, as they often compete for power. Thirdly, the Emperor’s sons were incompetent, leaving only the even more useless third and fourth princes.

The Emperor cared greatly about his image. His sons’ ineptitude, although widely known, was never publicly discussed. To do so would be a slap in his face.

Therefore, Xiao Huai's suggestion for the Emperor to appoint a crown prince was indeed a bullseye. However, Tang Shuyi had a concern. She looked at Xiao Huai and asked, "Wouldn’t the Emperor reconsider Jing Yi?"

"Li Chengyi is a man obsessed with face. He wouldn't resort to considering Jing Yi unless absolutely necessary," Xiao Huai said. "Even if he shamelessly tried to reclaim Jing Yi, he wouldn't succeed. Jing Yi will always be the son of the Carefree King, regardless of his future status."

Tang Shuyi sipped her tea thoughtfully after hearing his words. In other words, he intended for Li Jingyi to become the Emperor.

Xiao Huai glanced at her and carefully chose his words, "My lady must have also considered the possibility of Jing Yi ascending to that position one day, right?"

Tang Shuyi placed her teacup on the table, meeting his gaze squarely, and said, "Yes, from the beginning when I taught him to read, I was betting on the chance that he might one day become the emperor."

She didn't know what Xiao Huai would think of her actions; not everyone can admit their selfishness, and of course, not everyone is selfish. If Xiao Huai thought it was wrong for her to teach Li Jingyi with a purpose in mind, it would simply mean they had different core values.

At this moment, Xiao Huai also looked at her squarely and smiled, saying, "My lady has good insight and even better knowledge. Jingyi has been taught well by you and has the potential to be a wise monarch."

Hearing this, Tang Shuyi relaxed and leaned back on the brocaded couch, content that for now, their values aligned.

"Does the Marquis intend to place Jingyi in that position?" Tang Shuyi asked directly.

Since they were being honest with each other, there was no need to beat around the bush.

Xiao Huai, guessing her thoughts, replied candidly, "I do indeed harbor such a thought."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "That would indeed be most advantageous for us."

Xiao Huai looked down thoughtfully for a moment and asked, "I’ve seen that Yuzhu and Jingyi get along very well. Does my lady have any other thoughts?"

Tang Shuyi shook her head, "No, let nature take its course."

Despite saying so, she was still somewhat worried. If one day Li Jingyi became the emperor and Yuzhu had developed feelings for him, Yuzhu’s path wouldn’t be smooth. However, from the moment Li Jingyi saved Yuzhu in the imperial palace, their fate was tied, and it would be even worse if she tried to obstruct it.

Xiao Huai hummed in acknowledgment, "My lady need not worry. If Yuzhu and Jingyi truly fall in love, I will naturally clear any obstacles for Yuzhu."

Tang Shuyi believed him and his capability, but she hoped that when the time came, it would be Li Jingyi's own will to protect Yuzhu. Otherwise, there was no need for Yuzhu to be with him.

But, these were concerns for the future.

"Jingyi seems quite promising," Tang Shuyi said. "During our time at Chongguang Temple, the Imperial Dowager mentioned that Jingyi should learn martial arts from the Marquis."

"Yes," Xiao Huai looked at her and said, "but I don’t know what my lady thinks since you are his teacher."

Tang Shuyi gazed out the window and replied, "Since the Marquis's thoughts are similar to mine, of course, it's acceptable. However, whether or not to ascend to that position should depend on Jingyi's own will. I hope the Marquis respects his decision."