Chapter 306: I Will Listen to This Only Once

Chapter 306: I Will Listen to This Only Once

As Grand Tutor Yang inquired about his preference, Xiao Huai sipped his tea thoughtfully. "I've always been curious, Grand Tutor, why do you support the Fourth Prince?"

Caught off guard by such a direct question, Grand Tutor Yang hesitated before replying, “Now, only the Third and Fourth Princes are eligible for the throne. Compared to the timid Third Prince, the impulsive Fourth Prince is far superior.”

Cup in hand, Xiao Huai turned to gaze out the window, where a plum tree stood resilient against the cold wind. Memories of the late emperor surfaced, recalling a time when he pointed at a plum blossom in the palace and said, “Conquering is easy, defending is hard. I hope Da Qian can be like this plum blossom, standing proud and blossoming regardless of adversity.”

Turning back, he tilted his head back and drained his cup, but the bitterness lingered. Observing the current state of the court, seeing Li Chengyi’s stubborn self-righteousness, he felt a tinge of regret for having refused the late emperor’s offer to take the throne.

Although he had memories of a past life, he had lived here since infancy, cherished by the late emperor as a son, not once coerced even when he expressed no desire for the throne. The late emperor had known the limitations of Li Chengyi.

"Moreover, the Third Prince has the Empress and the Wu family behind him," Grand Tutor Yang added.

His frankness was revealing, openly admitting his intent to ride the coattails of the victor.

Setting down his cup, Xiao Huai leaned back, eyeing Grand Tutor Yang coolly, “I don’t side with any prince, I stand with Da Qian. Anyone who seeks to disturb Da Qian and jeopardize it is an enemy of mine.”

Though spoken casually, Grand Tutor Yang sensed a deadly resolve emanating from him, his heart tightening involuntarily, “We are all subjects of Da Qian; naturally, we prioritize its well-being.”

Xiao Huai hummed in agreement, then leisurely poured himself another cup of tea, savoring it. He had to admit, his wife excelled in management. Not only was the tea house tastefully serene, but the tea was also of the highest quality.

Grand Tutor Yang also held his cup of tea, observing Xiao Huai before him, noting the absence of his previous ruthlessness. He marveled internally at Xiao Huai's ability to control his aura, then added:

"As for the current court situation, the Marquis is surely aware. His Majesty's health seems not as robust as before, and appointing a Crown Prince is imperative. But compared, the Fourth Prince seems a bit better than the Third. And..."

Grand Tutor Yang hesitated for a moment, then continued: "If your beloved daughter were to marry the Fourth Prince, your status as the Marquis would surely be unmatched in the future."

Xiao Huai raised his eyes to meet his, his gaze sharp, "I will only listen to such words once, I do not wish to hear them again."

"This...."

Is the position of Empress not tempting enough? What more do you desire? Could it be that you really wish to rebel and become the emperor yourself? Grand Tutor Yang even felt the impulse to warn Xiao Huai of the great risks of rebellion, that it was safer to be a powerful relative by marriage. But these words remained unspoken, confined to his thoughts.

With the conversation at this point, saying anything else was futile. The two chatted indifferently for a while longer, and then Grand Tutor Yang stood up to take his leave. Upon reaching the outside, he was greeted with the smiling face of Qi Er, "Grand Tutor Yang, I hope you are well."

Grand Tutor Yang was startled, and after a moment of thought, he said, "You are from the household of Minister Qi?"

Qi Er smiled and nodded, "Yes, I manage some affairs at the Lakeview Pavilion. Next time you come, let me know in advance, and I will arrange the best for you."

Everyone likes to hear pleasant words, and Grand Tutor Yang, originally dejected by Xiao Huai's rejection, felt much of his gloom dissipate, a smile appearing on his face, "Next time I visit, I will inform you in advance."

"Good," Qi Er continued with a smile, "The private room where you and Elder Xiao had tea today is the best in Lakeview Pavilion. The tea we served you is also the finest."

Grand Tutor Yang nodded in satisfaction, when he suddenly heard Qi Er add, "Elder Xiao mentioned that it was you who invited him for tea."

Grand Tutor Yang gave a hum of acknowledgment, and Qi Er continued, "The cost comes to 153 silver taels, but let's round it down to 150 taels, shall we?"

Grand Tutor Yang: "......"

Why did it suddenly come to settling accounts? Moreover, for just two cups of tea, 150 silver taels—that made the tea leaves more expensive than gold.

Although he knew he was being overcharged, he had no choice but to swallow the loss. Taking out 150 silver taels in banknotes from his sleeve, he handed them to Qi Er with a stern face and strode off. Qi Er watched his displeased departure, shrugged his shoulders, and went to record the transaction.

…………

Xiao Huai savored his tea for a while longer before standing up to return to his residence. He did not go to the front courtyard's study but directly to the World's Peace Garden. Upon arrival, Tang Shuyi was in the midst of explaining something to Li Jingxi and Xiao Yuzhu, but stopped when she saw him.

Xiao Yuzhu stood up and called out "Father," and Li Jingxi also stood up to greet him with respect, "Master."

He is currently studying martial arts with Xiao Huai and they share a master-disciple relationship.

Xiao Huai waved his hand for them to be seated, then sat down beside Tang Shuyi and said, "Please continue, Madam."

Seeing that he had no pressing matters, Tang Shuyi continued her discourse with Li Jingyi and Xiao Yuzhu, "The Doctrine of the Mean is not without principles. It signifies, firstly, having one’s own principles and propositions in doing things, and adhering to them unwaveringly. This is what is meant by 'mean without partiality, constancy without change'..."

Li Jingyi was perplexed by the Doctrine of the Mean. Although he had previously inquired with Master Fang Daru, he still approached Tang Shuyi today. He had noticed that, on the same matter, Tang Shuyi’s perspectives were often different from others, yet her kind of difference seemed more reasonable.

After Tang Shuyi finished explaining her understanding of the Doctrine of the Mean, she added, "The Way of the Mean might sound simple, but is extremely difficult to practice. There is no need to be overly harsh on oneself; managing to achieve five or six out of ten is already commendable."

Li Jingyi and Xiao Yuzhu both nodded in agreement, and Tang Shuyi then suggested, "Why don’t you two write down your reflections?"

Taking up their pens, Li Jingyi and Xiao Yuzhu began to write earnestly. Tang Shuyi, turning to Xiao Huai, said, "Your Grace, shall we speak elsewhere?"

Xiao Huai hummed in affirmation, stood up, and walked out with Tang Shuyi. Once the two had left, Li Jingyi whispered to Xiao Yuzhu, "I’ve noticed that Master really heeds the Teacher’s words."

'Master' referred to Xiao Huai, and 'Teacher' to Tang Shuyi.

"You've noticed it too," Xiao Yuzhu leaned closer, lowering her voice, "But I think my father is quite pleased with it."

Hearing her words, Li Jingyi pursed his lips, as if wanting to say something, but in the end, he remained silent.

He felt that the way Master and Teacher got along was quite good.