Chapter 344: Frustrate Me to Death

Chapter 344: Frustrate Me to Death

Having spent considerable time with Xiao Huai, Tang Shuyi realized that he truly lacked ambition. Back when he was the Carefree Prince, he simply wanted to lie low, yet he ended up getting killed by the Emperor due to his carelessness. Now reincarnated as Xiao Huai, if not for his unavenged grudge, he'd probably hand over the northwestern army to his second son and retire in his thirties or forties.

These past few days, whenever he had no duties, he almost never left Shi'an Yuan, spending all his time here, drinking tea, reading books, painting, playing chess — life couldn't be better.

But then again, this was nice too. Who says one must achieve earth-shattering feats after time-traveling? Enjoying life in ancient times is also quite wonderful!

Setting down her brush, she walked with Xiao Huai to sit down on the chairs. Xiao Yuchen watched them and recounted the events that had occurred at Yunlan Pavilion, then said, "Son thinks that if Meng Xiuzhen is not eliminated, she may become a major threat in the future."

At this moment, Tang Shuyi actually admired Meng Xiuzhen a bit. To live so freely and carelessly in the strictly traditional ancient times was a talent in itself. However, she was causing unnecessary trouble instead of enjoying her easy life, so she couldn't blame Tang Shuyi for being unkind.

She said, "I'll pay a visit to the Second Lady of Pingyang Marquis Mansion in a couple of days. I hear that this lady has quite the temper."

Xiao Yuchen nodded, "Then I'll give Jia Ning a heads-up, so she doesn't worry."

Hearing this, Tang Shuyi laughed, "Seems like you get along quite well with Jia Ning."

Xiao Yuchen blushed slightly, "Jia Ning is very nice."

"Yes, Jia Ning indeed is a fine girl," Tang Shuyi said. "She handles things magnanimously and has her methods. Such a person is suitable to be a wife."

"Son understands." Xiao Yuchen knew Tang Shuyi was hinting at him, afraid he hadn't gotten over past events. He truly had no feelings left for Liu Biqin; one cannot compare people, for it is through comparison that differences are discerned. Princess Jia Ning was countless times better than Liu Biqin.

"Have a good life with Jia Ning in the future. The feelings between people are mutual; how you treat your wife is how she will treat you," Tang Shuyi added.

If you indulge in multiple wives and concubines yet still fantasize about your wife being wholeheartedly devoted to you, that's a delusion. However, she couldn't be too explicit about this, hoping Xiao Yuchen would understand it himself.

"Son understands," Xiao Yuchen said again, then glanced at Xiao Huai, who had been sitting there sipping tea all along. He got up to take his leave.

After he left, Tang Shuyi clicked her tongue twice, "I didn't expect the noble ladies of ancient times to be so liberal."

With a glint of gossip in her eyes, Xiao Huai couldn't help but laugh, "Although human civilization is evolving, human nature doesn't change. For instance, some people seek thrill and novelty, and of course, no matter the era, foolish people will always make foolish decisions."

Tang Shuyi looked at him and smiled, "Do you seek thrill and novelty?"

"Of course." With those words, Xiao Huai leaned in to whisper something into her ear, only to be pushed away by Tang Shuyi, who gave him a hard punch on the arm. Xiao Huai burst into laughter, which ceased when Tang Shuyi glared at him, prompting him to ask, "Are you planning to use Consort Liang's hand to eliminate Meng Xiuzhen?"

"Yes," Tang Shuyi replied, leaning back in her chair, "Lady Pan, wife of Pan Bin, is known to be quite explosive. If she finds out about Pan Bin and Meng Xiuzhen's affair, she certainly won't tolerate it."

"And Pan Bin is nothing but a debauchee, not even holding a post in the imperial court. Lady Pan won't have any reservations in dealing with him, and there's a high chance the matter could escalate. If it does, Consort Liang will surely find out. Given Consort Liang's nature, even if Liang Jian'an were dead, or even if Meng Xiuzhen and Liang Jian'an were divorced, she would not tolerate Meng Xiuzhen's actions. After all, when people gossip about Meng Xiuzhen, they’ll inevitably mention Liang Jian'an."

"Sounds feasible," Xiao Huai agreed.

…………

Back at the Duke's mansion, Princess Jianing returned and went straight to the Duke's study. She found him reclining lazily on a richly embroidered footstool, surrounded by several maids massaging and attending to him.

Princess Jianing gave him an indifferent glance before performing a courteous bow, "Father."

The Duke sat up, gesturing for the maids to leave, and asked, "What brings you here now?"

He said, lifting his teacup to his lips.

Princess Jianing took a seat opposite him and stated bluntly, "I met with Lady Cao today."

"Pfft..."

The Duke spat out his tea, then stood up pointing at Princess Jianing, "You... you're utterly lawless! I am your father; it's not your place to meddle in my affairs."

Princess Jianing stood calmly, enduring the Duke’s tirade. Her thoughts drifted to her mother, who had married such a man, her life destined to be a tragedy.

Once the Duke's rant subsided, she asked, "Father, is your association with Lady Cao because she resembles Mother in some ways?"

The Duke felt as though his deepest feelings had been exposed, and he slumped back down, adopting a rascal's demeanor, "You're talking nonsense."

"Father, you know better than anyone how Mother treated you after marrying you. She devoted her entire being to you. Even if you don't appreciate her, you should at least respect her memory."

Challenged by her words, the Duke straightened up and replied, "How have I disrespected your mother? I... I was just fond of Lady Cao because she reminds me of her."

Princess Jianing inhaled deeply, "You treat a woman resembling my mother as a plaything. Is this your idea of respect?"

"You..." The Duke was at a loss for words. After a moment, he continued, "You always defend your mother, but can't you understand my perspective? I've been cuckolded, and the son I doted on for years might not even be mine. You and your brother harbor such resentment towards me... I... I just miss your mother.

"If she were still alive, I wouldn't have been deceived by that vile woman, nor would my life be so miserable. Jianing, can't you empathize with me?"

Princess Jianing nearly burst into laughter out of exasperation, "My mother was your queen, not your mother."

Prince Duan's face flushed red from her words, for his primary wife was to him like a wife and a mother combined. It was just that he grew tired of her discipline at that time and committed many foolish acts.

"Alright, alright," he waved his hand impatiently, "You want me to break it off with Lady Cao, right? Fine, I'll do it. I'll never see her again, okay?"

"I hope Father keeps his word," Princess Jianing said as she stood up and bowed to him, "Your daughter takes her leave."

Prince Duan hummed in response, but when she reached the door, he added, "Someone suggested I take another queen. What do you think, should I?"

He had come to a realization that he could not outwit this daughter of his.

Princess Jianing turned back, looked at him, and said, "Father, if you wish to remarry, naturally I cannot stop you. But this time, you'd better choose wisely."

His wounds exposed, Prince Duan pointed at Princess Jianing, infuriated, "You... you'll be the death of me."

Princess Jianing: "If Father fears repeating the past mistakes, then it's better not to remarry."

As she stepped outside, she pondered who might be scheming to become her father's new bride.