Chapter 386: I Envy You

Chapter 386: I Envy You

The provincial examinations were held over three sessions, each lasting three days, with a day's break between each session. The next day, Xiao Yuchen was off to his examination again, and early in the morning, the family escorted him to the examination hall. Once he entered, Tang Shuyi proceeded directly to the imperial palace.

As the Imperial Tutor, although she did not attend the morning court, she still had responsibilities to fulfill. She had to give lessons in the palace every few days, especially now that the emperor was young and at a critical age for learning.

After arriving at the palace, Tang Shuyi first visited the Empress Dowager in the Cining Palace to pay her respects. The Empress Dowager was very pleased to see her and chatted for quite a while, asking after the wellbeing of all three siblings. Tang Shuyi also conscientiously reported on Xiao Huai's situation, as a mother would naturally worry about her son.

After their conversation, Tang Shuyi excused herself to leave. The Empress Dowager, knowing that she had official duties, did not keep her any longer.

Leaving the Cining Palace, Tang Shuyi made her way to the Imperial Study. Passing by the imperial garden, Consort Liang emerged from behind a rockery and blocked her path: "Imperial Tutor Tang, a moment, please."

Tang Shuyi stopped, looking at her without performing a courtesy nor addressing her, as she was no longer a consort. Tang Shuyi was at a loss for how to address her in the moment.

"I used to call you the Lady of the Duke of Dingguo, and now I must address you as Imperial Tutor Tang," Consort Liang said with a smile looking at Tang Shuyi. "Had I known you were so talented, perhaps my family would not have been destroyed."

Tang Shuyi's expression remained calm, "The demise of the Liang family and the Second Prince, although related to my husband's family, was also a result of your own doings, was it not?"

She did not harbor much ill will towards Consort Liang.

Consort Liang laughed openly and honestly, "Victors be kings, and losers be bandits. Your victory entitles you to stand here and declare all faults ours."

Tang Shuyi stood her ground and looked down at the steps Consort Liang took, saying, "You didn't stop me just to say these things, did you?"

"I'm to move out of this palace that's trapped me for years tomorrow," Consort Liang said as she stepped forward once again. "I came out for a walk and unexpectedly encountered you, Imperial Tutor Tang, which stirred many emotions in me."

Tang Shuyi still did not move, replying, "Actually, I should congratulate you. Leaving this cage means you can start a brand new life."

Her words came from the heart; with the previous emperor gone, these women of the court, although without support, still maintained their status. At the very least, ordinary people would not dare to bully them. Freed from the constraints of palace life, they could live as they wished.

To put it bluntly, if they chose to secretly keep lovers, as long as it did not become public scandal, no one would interfere. Tang Shuyi did not dislike Consort Liang; in fact, she hoped that the consort would find happiness upon leaving the palace.

But everything depends on her choice now.

"Ha, embark on a brand new life?" Consort Liang chuckled and took two steps forward, "Tang Shuyi, if your sons and husband were dead, could you possibly start anew?"

Tang Shuyi looked at her; they were but a few steps apart, close enough for her to see the tightening of Consort Liang's facial muscles. After a moment of silence, she said, "There are not so many 'what-ifs' in life. I strive to do things with a clear conscience. As for the grudges between us in the past, I also hold no guilt."

"No guilt?" Consort Liang's face twisted with bitterness, "If it weren't for your repeated interferences, how would my brother, my son have died?"

Tang Shuyi replied, "They struck at us, and it was only right for me to retaliate. Besides, the death of the Second Prince wasn’t caused by my son, and you know that very well."

"Yes, I am aware. But my son's death is related to your son, you can't deny that, can you?" Consort Liang stepped forward again, "The Emperor and the Eldest Prince were involved too, and I have taken my revenge."

Tang Shuyi raised an eyebrow, "The deposed Emperor’s death involved you?"

"Indeed, how else would he have fainted so easily from Xiaohuai's anger?" Consort Liang laughed heartily, "I brought him soup laced with drugs every day. He even praised how delicious it was. Isn't that laughable?"

Tang Shuyi stood silent as Consort Liang began to laugh by herself, her laughter so intense that tears streamed down her face. Suddenly, Consort Liang drew a knife and lunged at Tang Shuyi. Tang Shuyi was prepared and about to counter with a kick when she was pulled back and shielded.

Staggering back, she focused her gaze and saw Li Jingyi clutching his arm, standing in front of a subdued Consort Liang, declaring, "Consort Liang's assassination attempt, her entire family shall pay."

"Hahahaha..."

Consort Liang burst into raucous laughter, then, looking at Tang Shuyi, she said, "Do you know? I envy you, profoundly so. You have obedient children, a loyal and faithful husband, and you've attained a position in the court despite being a woman. Yet, I hate you. If you weren't so wise, my brother and my son wouldn’t have died. Thus, you should die alongside me."

Tang Shuyi ignored her, walked over to Li Jingyi, and inquired about his bloodied arm, "How is it?"

Li Jingyi shook his head, "It's just a flesh wound."

"Get it dressed quickly." Tang Shuyi pulled Li Jingyi towards the Imperial Study, and he complied. They had just taken a few steps when a commotion erupted behind them. Turning around, they saw Consort Liang bleeding from every orifice yet still smiling, a sight of pure terror.

"Let's go." Tang Shuyi continued forward, pulling Li Jingyi along, "You mustn't be so reckless in the future. Your status has changed; you have guards for a reason—to handle dangerous situations."

Li Jingyi nodded, "I understand now."

In reality, at that moment, he hadn't thought much at all. Seeing Tang Shuyi in danger, he had instinctively rushed forward.

Soon, they reached the Imperial Study, and the imperial physician arrived quickly to dress Li Jingyi’s wound. Seeing that it wasn’t too deep, Tang Shuyi sighed in relief. After the physician left, she sat opposite Li Jingyi and said, "Even though the wound is shallow, don’t neglect it. Follow the physician’s advice in all things."

Li Jingyi nodded emphatically, "I understand."

Seeing his obedient gesture, Tang Shuyi almost couldn't resist patting his head. To say she wasn't moved would be a lie; she had not expected this child to stand up for her at a moment of danger.

"The Grand Empress Dowager has arrived."

A voice announced, and the Grand Empress Dowager hurried in. Seeing the wound on Li Jingyi's arm, she asked with concern if it hurt, to which Li Jingyi assured her with a smile that he was fine.

At this, Tang Shuyi stood up and bowed respectfully to the Grand Empress Dowager, "Your Majesty, it is for saving me that the Emperor has been injured. I..."

"Oh my, enough of that," the Grand Empress Dowager waved her hand dismissively: "There are no outsiders here, no need for such elaborate courtesies. Jingyi has always been grateful for your kindness, and saving you was his own wish."

Tang Shuyi felt a mix of emotions inside. In fact, when she initially helped Li Jingyi, it was more of a strategic investment. But as time went on, affection grew.

"His Majesty is a person of great loyalty and integrity," she said.

The Grand Empress Dowager gestured for her to sit down and said, "I never imagined the Liang family would do something like this. She has her people on the outside; we must have the Duke of Dingguo take care of it immediately."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Yes, I will send someone to inform him right away."