Chapter 304: My Family’s Duke is Loyally Serving the Sovereign, Devoted Solely to the Emperor

Chapter 304: My Family's Duke is Loyally Serving the Sovereign, Devoted Solely to the Emperor

Since her transmigration, Tang Shuyi had always known that different societies have their own rules. But when it came to human life, she had always maintained modern thinking—that one cannot arbitrarily decide another's life or death.

But later, she gradually realized that in this era, societal rules are such that imperial power decides everything. If she were to act according to the rules of her former society, she would only be oppressed.

Therefore, when forced, she understood that killing, as distasteful as it might be, had to be done.

And Xiao Huai had long been accustomed to the rules here, and when Tang Shuyi spoke of eliminating the Fourth Prince, his tone was resolute. He understood her feelings at that moment.

"In the future, let me handle such matters," Xiao Huai said.

Hearing him say this, Tang Shuyi's somewhat gloomy mood suddenly lifted a lot. She turned to Xiao Huai with a smile, "The Duke is indeed easy to talk to."

Xiao Huai glanced at her, then picked up his cup and took a sip of tea, saying, "I am more agreeable in the presence of the lady."

Tang Shuyi did not expect him to be so forthright, her face blushed slightly, but she did not show excessive shyness, instead saying, "I think the way the Marquis acts is very good."

Xiao Huai looked at her and smiled, "Then I will continue to make an effort."

His tone was serious yet playfully teasing, causing Tang Shuyi to burst into laughter, followed by Xiao Huai.

The next day, Tang Shuyi received an invitation from Lady Yang, stating her intention to visit the following day. Tang Shuyi replied affirmatively, saying she would welcome her with open arms. Upon returning from court, Xiao Huai was informed by Tang Shuyi of the visit.

After hearing this, Xiao Huai inquired, “What does my lady plan to do?”

Tang Shuyi replied, “She may make her requests, but I can also refuse. If they refuse to relent, then I shall not yield either.”

As she spoke these words, an aura of sharp determination enveloped her, which in Xiao Huai’s eyes, shone like a radiant halo.

“My lady is a match for any man,” Xiao Huai said with a smile.

Tang Shuyi, looking at him, said, “It’s also because the Duke has given me confidence.”

Xiao Huai laughed heartily, “I am honored.”

………

The next day, Lady Yang arrived early at the Tang residence in Shian Garden. After sitting down and exchanging pleasantries, Lady Yang said, “Being personally titled by the emperor, Lady Kang Le is indeed fortunate to have a connection with the royal family. It would be even better if she could marry into it.”

Tang Shuyi smiled faintly but remained silent. Lady Yang, feeling somewhat awkward, dabbed the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief before adding, “You’ve met the Fourth Prince, haven’t you? A man of outstanding appearance. Though he’s a few years older than Lady Kang Le, with age comes tenderness.”

Tang Shuyi remained silent, increasing Lady Yang’s discomfort. Trying to lighten the mood, Lady Yang asked, “What do you think, Duchess?”

Tang Shuyi, holding her teacup, looked at Lady Yang and inquired, “Are you related to the Fourth Prince, my lady?”

Caught off guard by the question, Lady Yang hesitated before responding, “No, it’s just that the Grand Tutor holds the Fourth Prince in high regard.”

Tang Shuyi nodded, “I am not familiar with the Fourth Prince and am unsure of his character. However, one thing that dissatisfies me is the significant age difference between him and our Yuzhu, which I find inappropriate.”

“This…”

Such a straightforward rejection. Moreover, regardless of the Fourth Prince's faults, he is still a prince. To say you’re dissatisfied is rather abrupt, isn’t it?

Lady Yang was at a loss for words for a moment before she finally added, “In truth, age is really not an issue.”

“My lady, there’s no need to continue. The Fourth Prince truly is not suitable,” Tang Shuyi firmly rejected the proposal once again.

Lady Yang's expression soured as she said, "For people like us, the compatibility of a marriage is secondary. It's other factors that truly matter."

What other factors? Clearly, it was all about interests. But such matters were indelicate to voice outright.

With an indifferent expression, Tang Shuyi stated, "My husband serves the emperor with undivided loyalty, dedicating his life to His Majesty and the great Qi dynasty. As long as the emperor and the dynasty prosper, nothing else matters to us."

Lady Yang was speechless...

How could she say such things with a straight face? The entire court was well aware of the Duke’s return to the capital to exert pressure on the emperor. Though this thought crossed her mind, she couldn't possibly voice it.

Now it was clear to her that the Duchess had no interest in the Fourth Prince, nor did she believe he would ascend the throne. With that, there was nothing more to say, and she rose to take her leave.

Tang Shuyi smiled, instructing Cuiyun to see Lady Yang out. Once they had departed, she sat pensive on the brocaded couch. It was indeed strange why Grand Tutor Yang would support the Fourth Prince. Anyone with eyes could see that the prince was emotionally unstable and his mother of low birth. Ascending to the throne wouldn't be easy for him.

With decades of political experience, Grand Tutor Yang should have seen this clearly. So, what could have compelled him to back the Fourth Prince?

That evening, as the family gathered for a casual chat, Tang Shuyi shared Lady Yang's purpose for visiting. As soon as she finished, Xiao Yuming spoke with surging anger, "He's courting death."

Although Xiao Yuchen didn't say much, his expression was equally livid.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuzhu was initially startled, then turned to Tang Shuyi, "Mother, maybe I and second brother should find a pretext to beat up the Fourth Prince. If he sees my fierce side, he probably won't pursue the matter further."

"That's not a good idea." Before Tang Shuyi could respond, Xiao Yuchen said, "They are eyeing the power in father's hands. Even if you were fierce, or weighed two hundred pounds, the Fourth Prince would still be willing."

Hearing him suggest she could weigh two hundred pounds, Xiao Yuzhu turned and pouted at him. Xiao Yuchen quickly added, "I mean, hypothetically."

Xiao Yuzhu wrinkled her nose but didn't dwell on it, instead pondering other solutions. Xiao Yuming then suggested, "Kill him, and it's done once and for all."

"But he is a prince after all; killing him won't be easy. If caught, our entire family would be doomed," Xiao Yuzhu pointed out.

"We need a foolproof plan," Xiao Yuchen said.

Xiao Yuming proposed, "He enjoys hunting. If he were to be killed by a tiger or leopard during a hunt, no one could be blamed."

"The emperor would definitely investigate afterward. We can't leave any trace," Xiao Yuchen cautioned.

Xiao Yuzhu mused, "What if we got someone else to do it? Like someone from the Yang family?"

…………

The siblings huddled together, plotting the assassination of the Fourth Prince. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai sat nearby, sipping tea and listening without any intention of intervening. If the Yang family and the Fourth Prince sought to use them, they had to be prepared for the possibility of their scheme backfiring.

Of course, if matters had ended there, they would have taken no further action. But should they resort to other means, forcing an agreement, then courtesy would no longer be an option.

…………