Chapter 302: Quite Clever

Chapter 302: Quite Clever

Xiao Huai walked out somewhat hastily, and Tang Shuyi, watching the swaying curtain, laughed softly to herself. The feeling of being in love was... quite nice.

Upon leaving the room, Xiao Huai felt the cool breeze outside, which quickly quelled the warmth and agitation within him. He couldn't help but smile; it was amusing that at his age, he could still experience such impulses.

He stepped out of the Shi'an Garden, and at the window of Xiao Yuzhu's room, three heads were crammed together, watching his silhouette disappear into the night. The siblings sighed deeply.

"Why did he leave again?" Xiao Yuzhu slumped into her chair.

Xiao Yuzhen and Xiao Yuming were both helpless. Xiao Yuzhu added, "I thought they had made up when I saw them whispering to each other tonight."

"Did you hear what they were saying?" Xiao Yuming inquired.

Xiao Yuzhu shook her head. "Some of their words were spoken so softly, I think father was apologizing to mother."

Xiao Yuzhen and Xiao Yuming felt the same, but there was nothing they could do if the two didn't reconcile. Xiao Yuzhen got up and said, "It's late; let's all rest."

He was eager to return to read the letter from Princess Jianing.

Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuming guessed his intentions and chuckled behind him. Xiao Yuzhen paid them no mind and strode back to his courtyard. Upon seeing Changfeng, he asked, "The letter?"

"I've placed it in your study," the servant replied.

Xiao Yuzhen strode into his study, where he saw the letter lying in the center of his desk. He picked it up and carefully tore it open, unfolding it to reveal the elegant script that warmed his heart instantly.

He read each word meticulously; although the letter contained no flirtatious language and merely recounted the events in the Imperial Library, Xiao Yuzhen's heart was full.

This feeling was entirely different from what Liu Biqin had given him. While Liu Biqin softened his heart, it sometimes felt hollow. In contrast, Jianing gave him a sense of solidarity, as if they could stand side by side and support each other.

After reading the letter several times, he took out paper and ink to reply. He wrote about his anxiety upon hearing the imperial decree that day, and about the rabbit he had caught, which he found adorable and planned to send to her the next day...

The night wind was chilly, yet inexplicably carried a hint of spring.

As the year drew to a close, the imperial court was always busy, but this year, it seemed there were more affairs than usual. Mainly, there were many officials petitioning to establish the Crown Prince during court sessions.

The Emperor always deflected these requests vaguely, but still, every day, there were numerous memorials on his desk urging the establishment of the Crown Prince. Both the Empress's family and the Fourth Prince's maternal family were doing their best to woo court officials. Upon learning this, the Emperor was so enraged that he smashed several teacups.

Amidst the turbulent undercurrents of the court, life at the Duke Dingguo's residence proceeded routinely. The year-end accounts for the estate had been settled, and just like last year, Tang Shuyi awarded twenty taels of silver to each manager as a year-end bonus.

Next, she had to prepare for the New Year. Last year, they had observed mourning, so their preparations were minimal. This year was different; they were no longer in mourning, and with Xiao Huai's return, the Duke Dingguo's residence had to interact with the capital's influential families, necessitating advanced preparations for many things.

At that moment, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuzhu sat at a large desk, one dictating and the other writing, as they compiled a shopping list. Xiao Huai was seated not far away. These days, whenever he was free, he would visit the Shi'an Garden.

If Tang Shuyi was idle, they would chat or play chess. If she was busy, Xiao Huai would sit by her side. If there was any way he could assist, he would follow Tang Shuyi's instructions.

Tang Shuyi glanced at Xiao Yuzhu's writing and said, "Prime Minister Yang's fiftieth birthday is the day after tomorrow. I received the invitation the day before yesterday. What do you think would be an appropriate gift?"

Xiao Huai replied after hearing this, "Something conventional should suffice, considering Prime Minister Yang supports the Fourth Prince."

Tang Shuyi was slightly taken aback. She had met the Fourth Prince a few times, and each encounter left her feeling uneasy due to his intense and belligerent demeanor. She wondered what experiences had shaped such a temperament.

"Why would Prime Minister Yang support the Fourth Prince? They don’t seem to have any connection," Tang Shuyi inquired.

Xiao Huai shook his head, "That's still unclear; I’m looking into it."

Tang Shuyi pondered over the birthday gift, then asked, "Will the Duke be attending?"

"Yes, I'll accompany my wife," Xiao Huai responded, taking a sip of his tea.

Tang Shuyi hummed in acknowledgment, then returned her gaze to Xiao Yuzhu's list-making. After a while, she inquired, "How is Jing Yi faring with his martial arts training with you?"

Xiao Huai set down his cup, "He's quite diligent, though he lacks innate talent in martial arts. But it's sufficient for self-defense and keeping fit."

Hearing this, Xiao Yuzhu paused her writing and added, "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Li Jingyi is quite intelligent in other aspects."

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai exchanged a look, their eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions. Tang Shuyi diverted her gaze and said, "Indeed, Jingyi is a fine boy."

Xiao Huai added, "He's not destined to become a great general. His current abilities are adequate for self-protection."

Xiao Yuzhu chuckled, then lowered his head to continue writing. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai exchanged another glance, contemplating the growing affection between Yuzhu and Jingyi, which seemed quite probable given their childhood friendship. They were mentally prepared and found it acceptable.

However, Xiao Huai thought he should be stricter when disciplining Li Jingyi in the future. Meanwhile, Tang Shuyi contemplated how to instill in Jingyi the importance of unwavering loyalty in love.

Two days later, on Prime Minister Yang's birthday, Tang Shuyi accompanied by Xiao Yuzhu, and Xiao Huai accompanied by Xiao Yuchen, set off. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuzhu rode in a carriage, while Xiao Huai and Xiao Yuchen were on horseback. Upon reaching the Prime Minister's residence, the carriage halted, and Xiao Huai extended his hand through the opened curtain.

Xiao Yuzhu alighted first, holding onto his arm, followed by Tang Shuyi, who placed her hand in his palm, gracefully stepping down with his assistance. After she steadied herself, Xiao Huai reluctantly released her hand, but the soft, delicate sensation lingered in his palm.

Tang Shuyi exchanged a glance with him, suppressing the unusual feelings within her heart, and proceeded to exchange pleasantries with the Prime Minister's wife who had come to greet them.

"This must be Princess Kang Le," the Prime Minister's wife said, about to bow. Xiao Yuzhu quickly stepped aside, insisting, "Madam, as my elder, it is I who should bow to you."

Tang Shuyi, with a smile, took hold of the Prime Minister's wife's hand, "She's still a child; there's no need for such formalities."

Lady Yang regarded Xiao Yuzhu with eyes full of admiration before saying to Tang Shuyi, "You really know how to raise a child."

Tang Shuyi replied modestly with a smile, and then they entered the residence together. Meanwhile, Xiao Huai and Xiao Yuchen followed Lord Yang into the mansion.