Chapter 287: Will it be the same when he marries in the future?

Chapter 287: Will it be the same when he marries in the future?

Not everyone wants to be the emperor, like the Carefree King. In fact, if given the chance, Tang Shuyi wouldn't want it either; it's too exhausting. Moreover, it's a career fraught with danger and treachery, where one misstep could lead to assassination or rebellion.

But everyone makes different choices, and everyone has their own understanding of the meaning of life. Even though Tang Shuyi initially invested in Li Jingyi with a certain goal in mind, their relationship as teacher and student has long since evolved.

Now, Tang Shuyi was no longer so concerned about whether Li Jingyi could become the emperor. She hoped more that he could do well by himself and live according to his own wishes. That child had lived too bitterly in the past and had too little, so much so that now, having gained some things, he was apprehensive about losing them.

"I hope every child can live the way they want to," Tang Shuyi told Xiao Huai.

Xiao Huai leaned back in his chair, looking at the woman leisurely reclining on the brocade couch, dignified and elegant yet with a touch of indifference. Thinking of her usual actions and thoughts, he guessed that the soul of his lady wife must come from the modern era.

However, he didn't want to verify this immediately. They were now more familiar partners, far from truly trusting each other. In such a situation, if he were to probe, it would easily cause her to reject him.

"The lady is open-minded," Xiao Huai remarked, looking at Tang Shuyi. "What does the lady aspire to be?"

"Me?" Tang Shuyi laughed, looking at him. "Rich, idle, and enjoying life to the fullest."

Xiao Huai chuckled, "The lady and I share similar aspirations."

Tang Shuyi laughed heartily, "In the future, I'll be relying on the care of His Lordship."

"Of course," Xiao Huai replied.

Then, the two of them exchanged smiles, finding joy in their harmonious partnership.

"Although the method Yu Zhu thought of is not bad, it doesn't fundamentally solve the problem," said Tang Shuyi. "Only when Yu Chen is betrothed can we fundamentally eliminate future troubles."

Xiao Huai nodded, "Does the lady intend to settle the marriage between Yu Chen and Jia Ning?"

"Yes, but I'm afraid that Jia Ning will think we are hurriedly seeking a match to avoid the emperor's arranged marriage. Moreover, we don't know Yu Chen's thoughts yet," Tang Shuyi explained.

Xiao Huai took a sip of tea and said, "I think the lady is worrying too much. If Jia Ning is also interested in Yu Chen, she would be anxious knowing that the emperor intends to arrange a marriage for Yu Chen."

After hearing this, Tang Shuyi paused, then said, "Indeed, I was too hasty. Then His Lordship could ask Yu Chen about his thoughts on Jia Ning. If it's possible, I'll try to ascertain Jia Ning's intentions."

"The lady is truly considerate," Xiao Huai remarked.

She was all-encompassing in thinking about the education, marriage, and life of the three children. Just like this time, although Yu Zhu's method was not bad, it was not the best solution. Yet, Tang Shuyi had the three children proceed with this method. Clearly, she was using practical action to broaden their knowledge.

Tang Shuyi glanced at him, "As parents, naturally, we have to consider everything for our children."

Xiao Huai smiled, "Thank you for the guidance, my lady. I will strive to do better in the future."

Tang Shuyi turned her head and smiled at him, but her words just now weren't meant to be a critique. Yet Xiao Huai's heart wavered slightly at the sudden radiance of her smile. He had to admit that Tang Shuyi's appearance and personality both hit his aesthetic sweet spot.

Averting his gaze, he lifted his cup to sip some tea. Silence settled in the room for a while before Tang Shuyi spoke up, "Marquis, please talk with Yuzhen first, and let me know the outcome."

Xiaohuai hummed in acknowledgment, standing up to leave, though he had wanted to stay a bit longer.

After his departure, Cuicloud lifted the curtain to enter. "The people from Ni Shang Pavilion are here. They're asking when to make the New Year clothes for the household, and they've sent someone to take measurements."

Tang Shuyi pondered for a moment, "The day after tomorrow, I suppose."

Cuicloud acknowledged with a response and left. Tang Shuyi thought it might be a good idea to have some clothes made for Xiaohuai as well. Their cooperation had been quite pleasant thus far. It would seem somewhat impolite to exclude him while the entire household received new garments.

Meanwhile, Xiaohuai arrived at the front courtyard study and summoned Xiao Yuzhen. They spoke in another room. After the maid served tea and left, Xiaohuai took a sip and said, "Yuzhen’s idea isn't bad, but it doesn't address the root of the problem."

Xiao Yuzhen nodded, "I understand."

"So, what do you intend to do?" Xiaohuai inquired.

Xiao Yuzhen’s lips tightened into a thin line, remaining silent. He was well aware that the fundamental solution to the problem was to get betrothed immediately. However, he wasn't keen on hastily deciding on such an important matter as his marriage.

Xiaohuai glanced at him, frowning slightly. To be honest, he was not fond of his eldest son’s character – too indecisive. But then, no one is perfect. Considering the children of the powerful and wealthy, his proactivity and absence of vices were commendable. Besides, knowing his faults meant they could be corrected over time.

Just as the lady of the house said, being a parent means considering every aspect of your child's well-being.

"Your mother believes that Princess Jianing, with her intelligence and wit, is suitable to be the matriarch. And you two share a certain affinity. If you are interested, your mother will probe Princess Jianing's feelings. Should she reciprocate, we can settle your betrothal."

Xiao Yuzhen’s cheeks flushed, and seeing this, Xiaohuai knew he was interested in Princess Jianing. Why not just say you like her? What's the use of blushing alone?

After waiting a while longer with no response from him, Xiaohuai added, "It seems you have no interest in Princess Jianing. In that case, I'll report back to your mother."

As he stood up to leave, Xiao Yuzhen hastily got to his feet and said, "Father... I... I do have an interest in Princess Jianing, it's just... I feel I don't know her well enough."

"So, you mean to say that you are indeed interested in Princess Jianing?" Xiaohuai clarified.

Xiao Yuzhen nodded, and Xiaohuai patted his shoulder, advising, "Overthinking can lead to missed opportunities. Once you've made up your mind, go for it. Even if it doesn't work out, at least you tried without regrets."

Xiao Yuzhen nodded again, "I understand, Father."

He knew he tended to be indecisive and was trying to change that. However, when confronted with situations, he still found himself involuntarily contemplating too much.

"Then I shall speak with your mother," Xiaohuai declared. Recalling his son's past romance, he added, "Let bygones be bygones. Don't dwell on it, especially since it wasn't a particularly good matter to begin with."

With a face flushed with shame, Xiao Yuchen admitted, "Son understands."

Without further ado, Xiao Huai grunted affirmatively, stood up, and walked towards the door. "You continue with your work; I'll go and inform your mother."

As he strode away, Xiao Yuchen watched his father's retreating figure, his face etched with conflict. His father was so obedient to his mother; would he have to be the same when he married?

Shaking his head vigorously, he dismissed the thought. His father's obedience was a result of his own mistakes.