Chapter 305: Who would have thought that the Grand Tutor would be such a romantic?

Chapter 305: Who would have thought that the Grand Tutor would be such a romantic?

In the Yang family, within the bedchamber of Old Madam Yang, the Grand Tutor Yang and she were also discussing the matter of the Fourth Prince and Xiao Yuzhu.

"The eldest son's wife went to the Duke Dingguo's mansion today and was turned away," Old Madam Yang said indifferently, reclining against the headboard.

Grand Tutor Yang, seated in a chair by the bed with drooping eyelids, fell silent for a moment before speaking, "I'll talk to Duke Dingguo again tomorrow. A position of Empress, I can't believe he wouldn't be tempted."

"I doubt that," Old Madam Yang turned her head to look at Grand Tutor Yang's aged face, her tone laced with sarcasm, "Duke Dingguo holds military power, is related by marriage to the Duke Tangguo's family, and has a decent network within the court.

You wish to win him over, as do the Empress and the Third Prince. Besides, with the power and influence that Duke Dingguo currently holds, if he manages to survive until that person passes away, regardless of who ascends the throne next, they would have to respect him," she added.

Grand Tutor Yang's brows furrowed slightly as he glanced at Old Madam Yang, "If that's the case, then we'll have to ensure that Xiao Huai has no choice but to stand with us."

Old Madam Yang scoffed, "Who would have thought that the Grand Tutor would be such a romantic?"

Grand Tutor Yang's brows furrowed, and he said to Old Madam Yang, "Everything I do, isn't it all for the sake of this family?"

Old Madam Yang waved her hand dismissively, "You know very well who it's really for."

Grand Tutor Yang looked deeply into her eyes before standing up, "I owe you and the children nothing. Haven't you all received enough from me?"

"Then how did you arrive at the position you hold today?" Old Madam Yang retorted mockingly.

Grand Tutor Yang narrowed his eyes at her, "It's always been a mutual use, you've known this from the start, haven't you?"

"Fine, have it your way," Old Madam Yang pulled at the brocade quilt covering her, saying, "This family bears the Yang name, and the sons and grandsons are all Yangs. If your schemes fail, it's the descendants of the Yang family who will bear the consequences."

Grand Tutor Yang's brow creased, and he stood in silence for a while before turning to leave. At the doorway, Old Madam Yang's voice reached him again, "What's the surname of the Fourth Prince? Li. No matter who his birth parents are, he belongs to the Li family. Truly ridiculous."

"I've said it before, everything I do is for the sake of this family," Grand Tutor Yang said, his voice tinged with anger.

Yet, Old Madam Yang's voice carried a tone of mockery, "What you're truly doing this for, only you know best."

With his fists clenched tightly, Grand Tutor Yang strode out. As the sounds of his departure faded away, Madam Yang’s body gradually relaxed, a picture of utter despondency.

On the following day at court, numerous ministers continued to petition for the appointment of a Crown Prince. Some favored the Third Prince, others the Fourth Prince, much to the Emperor’s annoyance.

Finally, unable to tolerate it any longer, the Emperor stood up abruptly without a word and left, leaving the ministers exchanging puzzled glances. They were baffled by the Emperor's persistent refusal to appoint an heir.

Normally, an aging emperor would appoint a Crown Prince to prevent potential chaos in the event of his sudden demise. If the Emperor deemed his remaining sons incompetent, he should sire more.

After the last selection, none of the numerous ladies brought into the palace had become pregnant, suggesting the Emperor was incapable of fathering more children.

If incapable and dissatisfied with his sons, he could adopt from the royal clan. Delaying was not a solution; after all, he couldn't live forever.

The ministers, grumbling internally, began to disperse. Xiao Huai, however, was pleased with the Emperor's reluctance to name an heir, even though he was behind this round of petitions for the Crown Prince.

As he and Tang Shubai walked towards the palace gates, passing by Qi Liangsheng without acknowledgment, Tang Shubai sighed at their strained relationship. Reaching the gates, Tang Shubai whispered to Xiao Huai, “Try not to be so rigid with Xun Zhi.”

Xiao Huai replied, "He's always cold to me."

Tang Shubai sighed and said no more, realizing their relationship would likely remain this way. He waved goodbye and boarded his carriage. Just as Xiao Huai was about to mount his horse, Grand Tutor Yang approached, "Duke Dingguo, how about we share a cup of tea?"

Grand Tutor Yang, in his fifties with average looks and slightly shorter than the average man, stood beside the tall Xiao Huai. Even when looking up to speak, his presence was no less commanding.

Xiao Huai looked down at him, his heart cold. He had no fondness for those who sought to use him, but his expression remained inscrutable.

"It would be an honor," he said.

"How about Lake Pavilion?" suggested Grand Tutor Yang. "I've visited a few times before; the scenery is splendid."

"Fine," replied Xiao Huai, mounting his horse and heading towards Lake Pavilion.

Watching his retreating figure, Grand Tutor Yang boarded his own carriage. He had suggested Lake Pavilion to curry favor with Xiao Huai, as it belonged to the Duke's wife. However, Xiao Huai's expression hadn't betrayed any reaction, leaving Yang anxious about their forthcoming conversation.

Meanwhile, Xiao Huai reached Lake Pavilion and encountered Qi Er. Unlike Qi Liangsheng, Qi Er quickly approached Xiao Huai and respectfully greeted, "Uncle Xiao, I hope you're well."

Xiao Huai hummed in acknowledgment, "Arrange a room for me and Grand Tutor Yang to have tea. Ensure everything is of the highest quality."

"Right away," Qi Er responded eagerly. "Please follow me."

As Xiao Huai followed Qi Er, he admired the meticulously chosen surroundings, reflecting on how he never expected to visit this place in such a different capacity.

They soon arrived at an elegant room. After Xiao Huai was seated and tea was served, everything being in order, he gestured, "You may attend to your duties."

Qi Er responded with a smile, then heard Xiao Huai add, “All expenses today will be borne by Grand Tutor Yang.”

Qi Er was taken aback, then instantly understood; it seemed Xiao Huai intended to make Grand Tutor Yang pay dearly today. Though unclear about the reasons, he had to comply with his master’s arrangements.

It wasn’t long before Grand Tutor Yang arrived, led by a servant to the room where Xiao Huai was seated. As they sat opposite each other, Xiao Huai gestured for the servant to leave, then leaned back in his chair, his gaze lingering on a screen beside him. The screen displayed a summer lotus scene, embroidered with silk threads so lifelike and vivid.

Following his gaze, Grand Tutor Yang smiled, "I've seen this piece before. It's a work by the Carefree King, known as 'Summer Hues'."

Xiao Huai withdrew his gaze, commenting indifferently, “Well painted.”

Mistaking his interest, Grand Tutor Yang offered, “If the Duke likes it, I can procure the original for you.”

Xiao Huai waved the offer away, “That won’t be necessary.”

Grand Tutor Yang picked up the teapot, pouring a cup for Xiao Huai, and ventured, “The clamor for appointing a Crown Prince has been growing in the court recently. Which prince does the Duke favor?”