Chapter 310: Underestimate No One

Chapter 310: Underestimate No One

When Xiao Huai spoke of their minds being in sync, Tang Shuyi couldn't help but laugh. She had come to realize that though Xiao Huai wasn't one for sweet nothings, he had a knack for saying the right thing at the right time. Whether their minds were truly in sync was debatable, but they certainly were in harmony.

She knew she could be somewhat domineering, and working with someone equally strong-willed would inevitably lead to significant conflict. But Xiao Huai, well, he was undoubtedly assertive with others, yet completely accommodating at home.

It must be said, she found this quite agreeable, exceedingly so.

"Duke, do you think the persistent troubles from the Fourth Prince have the Empress and her ilk lurking in the shadows?" Tang Shuyi asked, looking at Xiao Huai.

"Perhaps," Xiao Huai replied casually, leaning back in his chair. "Regardless, we must eventually confront the Empress and her faction. The Third Prince lacks the makings of a sovereign."

Tang Shuyi nodded in understanding; he was not just Xiao Huai but also Li Chengying. Born into the royal family and doted on by the late Emperor, Li Chengying certainly did not wish to see the throne fall to the incompetent, for that could spell a swift end to the Li dynasty.

"We'll see more when we meet Yuan Fei the day after tomorrow. One must never underestimate anyone," Tang Shuyi said.

Yang Taishi, a man of humble origins, had risen to his position not just through the support of his mother's family, but also his own merit. Yet, such a man was willing to divorce his wife, who had supported him throughout, all for Yuan Fei. When the divorce failed, he even schemed to secure the throne for Yuan Fei's son.

All this was enough to illustrate that Yuan Fei was no ordinary woman and was supremely self-serving.

"You've worked hard, my lady," Xiao Huai said.

Two days later, after breakfast, Tang Shuyi set off for the Yuan residence. She and Xiao Huai left their mansion together. Reaching the carriage, Xiao Huai extended his hand. Tang Shuyi placed hers in his, using his strength to step up into the carriage. But even once she was securely inside, Xiao Huai continued to hold her hand, unwilling to let go.

Tang Shuyi looked at him quizzically, only to see a smile on his face as he said, "After the banquet, I will come to fetch my wife."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Alright."

Xiao Huai released her hand, and the warm, dry sensation disappeared. Tang Shuyi's hand instinctively clenched into a fist as she settled into the carriage. Xiao Huai glanced at her, drew the carriage curtain down with his own hands, then mounted his horse, saying to the coachman, "Let's go."

As the carriage started moving, the maids, Cui Zhu and Cui Yun, had smiles on their faces, with Cui Zhu whispering to Cui Yun, "I think the madam and His Grace are about to reconcile."

Cui Yun nodded in agreement, "I think so too."

Inside the carriage, Tang Shuyi looked down at her hand, her lips curling up involuntarily. Having a compatible partner to share the rest of life with was indeed quite wonderful.

The carriage rattled its way to the Yuan residence, and Xiao Huai helped Tang Shuyi alight from the carriage. As they were about to part ways, a shrill voice called out from behind, "Her Highness Consort Yuan arrives."

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai turned around to see a woman in her thirties, with fine features and a gentle demeanor, being escorted over in a sedan chair.

After she descended from the sedan, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai bowed and greeted, "Peace to Consort Yuan."

"Please rise," Consort Yuan said with a smile, taking Tang Shuyi's arm, "I've long heard of the madam's grace and virtue and have wanted to make your acquaintance."

Tang Shuyi smiled at her, "It's my honor to be acquainted with Your Highness."

Consort Yuan then turned to Xiao Huai, "Duke Dingguo is indeed fortunate."

Xiao Huai hummed indifferently, "I have matters to attend to and must take my leave."

He bowed and then turned to leave, not sparing another glance at Consort Yuan. However, Consort Yuan turned to Tang Shuyi with a smile, "Madam and Duke Dingguo share a deep bond."

Tang Shuyi smiled without responding, and at that moment, the Yuan family attendants, who had been waiting, stepped forward to greet them, and then everyone entered the residence together. Although the Yuan family had a consort, the highest official rank they held was third grade, so by regulation, the residence wasn't very large. They proceeded on foot and arrived at the main hall in no time.

After settling down, they engaged in some pleasantries, and Consort Yuan asked with a smile, "Why didn't you bring County Princess Kang Le along today?"

Tang Shuyi responded with a smile, "She had made arrangements to play with friends a few days ago."

"I've seen the County Princess Kang Le a few times from afar. When you have time, bring her to the palace to talk to me," said Consort Yuan.

Tang Shuyi replied, "Certainly."

………

After a brief conversation, the banquet commenced. Naturally, Consort Yuan would not dine with the ordinary guests; a serene room was exclusively arranged for her by the Yuan family, where Tang Shuyi and the elderly Mrs. Yuan kept her company. The conversations during the meal were rather light and insipid.

Midway through, a palace maid entered and whispered a few words to Consort Yuan, who then turned to Tang Shuyi and said, “Her Majesty must excuse herself for a moment. Please continue to enjoy your meal.”

Tang Shuyi rose to her feet as she watched her depart, giving Cuiyun a knowing glance. Cuiyun, understanding the silent command, quietly excused herself. Tang Shuyi then resumed her seat to continue the meal. After a while, Cuiyun returned, but Consort Yuan did not reappear until the banquet's end.

“Her Majesty wishes to have a further word with you,” the stern-faced Mrs. Yuan said to Tang Shuyi.

Tang Shuyi, having intended to probe into Consort Yuan's affairs that day, compliantly followed her to an elegant room. With Consort Yuan yet to arrive and Mrs. Yuan not being particularly affable, Tang Shuyi saw no need to force a conversation, and the two sat in silence sipping tea.

Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long before Consort Yuan arrived, relieving Mrs. Yuan who then promptly excused herself. Taking her seat, Consort Yuan smiled at Tang Shuyi, saying, “It has been years since I returned home, so I took some time to look around the mansion. I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

“Your Majesty is too kind,” Tang Shuyi replied with a smile, observing Consort Yuan's face.

Consort Yuan had changed her attire, and though her makeup was still impeccable, a slight redness at the corners of her eyes betrayed her recent tears. One could easily surmise whom she had just met.

Sometimes, the emperor himself seemed a pitiable figure. Despite the multitude of women in the harem, few probably held genuine affection for him.

“I wish to share some heartfelt words with you,” Consort Yuan continued.

Tang Shuyi responded, “Please speak, Your Majesty.”

“You may have guessed that today’s visit was intended for you,” Consort Yuan said with a semblance of sincerity. “I am aware of how dearly you cherish the Lady Kang Le and wish for her prosperous future. Every parent feels the same.”

Tang Shuyi took a sip of tea, remaining silent, as Consort Yuan added, “Prince Jingyang is of pure heart and deeply values loyalty and affection. He has met Lady Kang Le a few times and holds her in high regard. He has expressed to me his desire to take her as his consort.”

Tang Shuyi, looking earnestly at Consort Yuan, replied, “As I have stated before, my daughter is not suitable for the Fourth Prince.”

Consort Yuan laughed softly, “What, in your opinion, would make a suitable match? Are you concerned about the ladies in Prince Jingyang’s household? If you and the Duke of Dingguo agree to this union, I can assure you those women will be dealt with immediately.”