Chapter 336: Why Didn’t You Tell Me In Advance

Chapter 336: Why Didn't You Tell Me In Advance

After paying homage to their ancestors, the whole family returned to the Duke’s Mansion to dine together. While the dinner was being prepared, Xiao Huai discussed matters with the male members of the Xiao family. The womenfolk were in Shi'an Garden, chatting with Tang Shuyi.

Xiao Huai particularly examined Xiao Yi Yuan and, despite his stringent requirements, had to admit that Xiao Yi Yuan was commendable and even surpassed Xiao Yu Chen in some respects. His wife's insight was indeed astutely discerning.

At Tang Shuyi's end, Tao Shi, Xiao Yi Yuan's mother, was somewhat nervously speaking to her, "Yi Yuan is already in his twenties, and it's high time to discuss his marriage. He has been too engrossed in his studies to consider it before. Next year, he is set to participate in the imperial examinations, and his tutor has assured that he will definitely pass..."

At this point, she laughed joyfully twice, then continued, "We don't know many people in the capital, but you, younger sister-in-law, have a wide acquaintance. Please, take this to heart."

Tang Shuyi genuinely disliked Tao Shi for her shortsightedness and propensity to take petty advantages. But since she hadn't stirred up any serious trouble thus far, it could only be attributed to the good management of Xiao Yi Yuan's father and grandmother.

With a large family like a forest, there's bound to be all sorts of people. Tang Shuyi may not fancy Tao Shi, but she wouldn’t show it on her face.

She replied, "Sister-in-law, rest assured, I will keep Yi Yuan's marital matters in mind."

Even if Tao Shi hadn’t mentioned it, Tang Shuyi would have taken it upon herself to find a suitable match from a decent family in the capital for Xiao Yi Yuan. For a family member with a promising future, marriage was naturally not a trivial matter.

Hearing this, Tao Shi clapped her hands in delight and laughed. She finally understood the words of her mother-in-law; they would have to rely on the Duke's Mansion in the future and could not afford to offend the Duke and his wife.

Take her son's marriage, for instance. Their status had changed, and her promising son’s marriage couldn't be taken lightly. But finding a suitable girl in the capital was no easy task, and they were completely clueless. Weren't they dependent on the Duke's Mansion?

It was her son's marriage now, and later, it would be her daughter's. Both would require the attention and concern of the Duke’s wife.

After a lively chat, dinner was ready, and the whole family sat down to eat together. After the meal, everyone went home to keep watch over the New Year's Eve.

Tang Shuyi, Xiao Huai, and the three siblings kept vigil in Shi'an Garden. The siblings played chess together while Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai conversed.

"Today, Xiao Yiyuan's mother spoke to me, asking me to take care of his matrimonial matters," Tang Shuyi shared with Xiao Huai.

Xiao Huai hummed in response, "You should take more interest in his affairs in the future. With you as the matchmaker, the girl's family will hold him in higher regard."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "I understand. It's the New Year, and there will be plenty of visits back and forth. I'll see which family's daughter might be suitable."

"There's also the matter of Yuming and Miss Xie," Tang Shuyi continued to discuss Xiao Yuming's marriage prospects. Xiao Huai listened attentively and then said, "I'll follow the lady's lead in all matters."

Tang Shuyi was already accustomed to this.

On their side, Xiao Yiyuan and the others also sat together, chatting and keeping the New Year's Eve vigil. Mrs. Tao spoke animatedly about Xiao Yiyuan's marriage prospects, which she had discussed with Tang Shuyi. She was delighted with the conversation, but Xiao Yiyuan's expression grew increasingly gloomy.

However, as she was his birth mother, he couldn't lose his temper with her, but he still spoke with a tone of displeasure, "Mother, why didn't you discuss with me before approaching the duchess about my marriage?"

Realizing her son's displeasure from the tone of his voice, Mrs. Tao hastily explained, "Do I need to ask you about this? Your marriage is naturally a matter for the duchess to be concerned with, as we are not acquainted with anyone else in the capital."

What could Xiao Yiyuan say? Could he admit that he was fond of the duchess's own niece? With nothing yet to his name, he couldn't broach the subject.

In the end, all he could say was, "Please don't involve yourself in my marriage matters anymore."

"How can I not..."

"Enough," interrupted Xiao Yiyuan's father, "Just do as the child says."

Mrs. Tao wanted to say more, but seeing the displeasure on both her son's and her husband's faces, she held her tongue. Xiao Yiyuan began to look somewhat distracted.

The next day was the first day of the New Year, and relatives began to visit one another. Today, Xiao Yuchen took great care in selecting his clothes and accessories, looking even more handsome than usual. Just as women dress to please, so do men. But knowing his thin skin, Tang Shuyi refrained from teasing him.

When Xiao Yuzhu saw him, she immediately said, "Big brother looks really good today; Princess Jianing will surely like it."

"Don't talk nonsense," Xiao Yuchen blushed and chided lightly, while Xiao Yuzhu giggled on the side.

The family all wore smiles, and Tang Shuyi advised Xiao Yuchen, "After all, Prince Duan is Jianing's father. If he behaves poorly today, bear with it."

Xiao Yuchen nodded, "I understand, father."

At that moment, Xiao Huai spoke up, "If he causes a commotion, just say that I have invited him to go hunting."

Xiao Yuzhen, although unaware of the underlying reasons, replied, "Understood."

After finishing breakfast and chatting, Xiao Yuzhen set out for the Duke's mansion. Upon arrival, he straightened his clothes before stepping out of the carriage. Jia Ning's younger brother, Li Jinghao, was waiting at the gate and greeted him with a smile, "Brother Xiao."

Xiao Yuzhen, familiar with the young man, patted his shoulder warmly, "How have you been lately?"

Li Jinghao nodded, "My sister and I are well."

The two, often in contact, were well-acquainted and continued their conversation as they entered the Duke's residence. Just as they stepped into the outer courtyard, they encountered the Duke, seemingly ready to leave.

Seeing his father's intentions to leave, Li Jinghao's smile vanished. The prospective son-in-law had come to pay his respects during the New Year, yet his father appeared to be heading out for leisure, giving off an impression of disinterest in the marriage alliance.

He said, "Xiao Yuzhen and I were just on our way to greet you, Father."

The Duke glanced at Xiao Yuzhen, "I've seen the visitor. I have an appointment and must leave today."

Li Jinghao felt both embarrassed and annoyed, "Father, we have guests today. Perhaps you could go out another day."

The Duke frowned, "I truly have important matters to attend to today."

Li Jinghao clenched his fists, restraining his anger in front of Xiao Yuzhen. Meanwhile, Xiao Yuzhen maintained a calm demeanor and said to the Duke, "My father mentioned he would like to invite Your Grace for hunting today."

Upon hearing this, the Duke's expression stiffened. After pondering for a moment, he replied, "It's not a matter of great importance. Since Yuzhen, you have come today, naturally, I will not leave."

Xiao Yuzhen bowed respectfully, "Thank you, Your Grace."

The Duke waved him off and then turned to stride towards the hall. After exchanging a few words in the hall, the Duke excused himself to return to his quarters. This time, neither Xiao Yuzhen nor Li Jinghao attempted to stop him. As long as he remained indoors, their dignity was preserved, and they would naturally overlook the rest.

Yet, Li Jinghao still felt disgraced, fearing that their family's standing with the Tang family might be diminished because of such a father.