Chapter 307: Our Father is Getting More and More Skilled

Chapter 307: Our Father is Getting More and More Skilled

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai sat facing each other in the small parlor. Xiao Huai poured a cup of tea for Tang Shuyi, "I hadn’t expected Madame to be so erudite."

"It's just a matter of reading more books," Tang Shuyi replied, lifting the cup to take a sip of tea.

In her previous life of over thirty years, she was either busy studying or striving hard, with little time to leisurely read books, delve into scholarly pursuits, or cultivate her character.

After her transmigration, she had read many books and also comprehended many truths. Reflecting on her past life, she thought if she had devoted herself to scholarship from the beginning instead of working in sales, perhaps her life would have been different, and perhaps she wouldn't have died from overwork.

But life is not filled with so many 'what-ifs'.

Xiao Huai also lifted his cup to drink, and then shared his tea session today with Minister Yang Taishi. Tang Shuyi, frowning slightly upon hearing this, asked, "Your Grace, do you think they will let matters rest?"

"Let's wait and see how things unfold," replied Xiao Huai.

Tang Shuyi nodded, "But we need to caution Yuzhu to be careful. I’m afraid they might resort to some underhanded tactics."

Xiao Huai hummed in agreement, "If Yuzhu goes out, she must not be left unattended."

"Understood."

…………

After returning to his mansion, Grand Preceptor Yang had barely settled in his study when the Fourth Prince arrived. Grand Preceptor Yang gave a token bow, which the Fourth Prince dismissed with a casual wave before finding a seat for himself.

"How did your discussion with Duke Dingguo go today?" inquired the Fourth Prince.

Grand Preceptor Yang, sitting opposite, straightened his sleeves and replied, "He wouldn't consent."

At that, a fierce energy surged through the Fourth Prince. "On what grounds?" he demanded.

Grand Preceptor Yang informed, "The Duchess of Dingguo mentioned the unsuitability of your ages."

The Fourth Prince scoffed, "I'm not the one taking issue with the girl's tender age, nor the wait of several years. Yet, they're the ones raising objections."

Grand Preceptor Yang remained silent; the age gap was indeed significant.

After a pause, he continued, "Duke Dingguo claims neutrality, saying he only wishes for the prosperity of the great Qi."

The Fourth Prince scoffed again, "Does he also harbor ambitions for the throne?"

Grand Preceptor Yang took a sip of his tea without responding. Truth be told, he harbored many dissatisfactions with the Fourth Prince, but various reasons compelled him to side with the prince. Now committed, he had no choice but to support the Fourth Prince's ascent to the coveted position.

"What's your next move, Your Highness?" he inquired.

"Since they reject the olive branch, we'll have to resort to force."

The Fourth Prince's eyes narrowed dangerously. Seeing this, Grand Preceptor Yang cautioned, "The Emperor won't consent to your marriage with the Lady of Kang Le County."

The Fourth Prince snorted, "Then we'll make him have no choice but to consent."

Grand Preceptor Yang's frown deepened, "Your Highness, please reconsider rash actions. Do not forget the downfall of the first and second princes. Their falls were significantly linked to Duke Dingguo's household."

The Fourth Prince seemed unconcerned, "I have my eyes set on Xiao Huai's military power. With his support, even if the Emperor refuses to appoint me as Crown Prince, a palace coup could be the last resort. Therefore, we must win over Xiao Huai by any means necessary."

Grand Preceptor Yang's brows knitted tighter, "And how do you plan to proceed, Your Highness?"

Leaning back in his chair with legs crossed, the Fourth Prince said nonchalantly, "Is a mere girl that hard to deal with? Just wait and see, Grand Preceptor."

"I still advise Your Highness not to act rashly. If the plan fails, we cannot withstand Duke Dingguo's wrath," Grand Preceptor Yang cautioned with unease.

The Fourth Prince dismissed the concern with a careless wave of his hand, "And what if we fail? It's just a head that would roll."

Grand Preceptor Yang couldn't contain his concern, "Your Highness mustn't speak so lightly. What would become of your mother if something were to happen to you?"

The Fourth Prince looked at Grand Preceptor Yang with scorn, "If I were to meet an unfortunate end, wouldn't you be there to take care of my mother?"

"Your Highness, you mustn't speak so. You are more important to your mother than anyone else."

Grand Preceptor Yang was earnest in his pleas, but it seemed the Fourth Prince paid him no heed. Standing up, he said, "That will be all. I shall take my leave."

With those words, he strode out. Grand Preceptor Yang sighed heavily behind him. He was beginning to regret supporting the Fourth Prince. But as the saying goes, 'there's no turning back once the bow is drawn.' Now that he had embarked on this dark path, he had to tread it, however reluctantly.

The following days were calm, but Tang Shuyi kept Xiao Yuzhu close, which wasn't unusual given the cold weather that discouraged outdoor activities.

Xiao Huai, on the other hand, had been rather busy these past few days. He had been intent on hunting a fox to make a fur cloak for his wife. Hence, he had been venturing into the mountains daily in pursuit of one.

However, luck wasn't on his side. After several days of hunting, not a single fox had crossed his path. Undeterred, he ascended the mountain again today, bagging two wild boars and a pair of pheasants.

His two attendants, while collecting the game he had brought down, whispered among themselves, "If the Commander fails to catch a fox for the lady again today, will we be coming back tomorrow?"

"It's certain, I believe."

"Ah, I wish I could turn into a fox and get caught."

"Ha, your hide wouldn't make a fine cloak for the lady, though!"

As they whispered, they suddenly saw their Commander spur his horse towards the west at a gallop. They quickly mounted their horses and followed.

Xiao Huai was in hot pursuit of two creatures. As he closed the distance, he readied his bow, notched two arrows, and pulled the string taut. Aiming at the two white foxes, he let the arrows fly.

Their pained cries followed, and upon seeing them fall, Xiao Huai laughed triumphantly. He could now make a fox fur cloak for his wife to wear for the New Year celebrations. And with two foxes, even his daughter could have one.

The two attendants were elated as well, hurrying to present the foxes to Xiao Huai. He examined the snow-white foxes, immaculate without a single blemish, and laughed again, certain his wife would be delighted.

Ten days later, in the morning, Xiao Huai arrived at Shi'an Garden for breakfast, handing Tang Shuyi and Xiao Yuzhu each a parcel with a smile. The mother and daughter, puzzled, unwrapped them to find smooth, snow-white fur. Their faces lit up with surprise as they reached out to touch the fine, silky pelts.

Lifting the furs, they found two capes, one large and one small. Xiao Yuzhu's was pink and Tang Shuyi's was blue, both remarkably beautiful.

"Father, I adore it," exclaimed Xiao Yuzhu with joy.

Tang Shuyi, too, was all smiles. "Lord Duke, you've gone to great lengths."

Xiao Huai approached her, inquiring, "My lady, do you find it to your liking?"

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Certainly, I adore it very much."

Xiao Huai's smile was so wide it nearly reached his ears.

Standing to the side, Xiao Yuming nudged Xiao Yuchen with his shoulder, remarking, "Our father is becoming increasingly adept."

Xiao Yuchen agreed, "Hmm, he should be moving into the World Peace Garden soon."

Xiao Yuming nodded in agreement.