Chapter 388: Why Can’t We Achieve This?

Chapter 388: Why Can't We Achieve This?

Lady Tang quickened her pace toward Tang Shujie's study in the front courtyard, her heart indescribable. She still wasn't satisfied with Xiao Yiyuan's background. Even though he also came from the residence of a respected duke, his branch of the family came from a small place.

It wasn't that she looked down on those from smaller places, but compared to those from prestigious households, there's a vast difference in lifestyle and perspective on things. Living together, conflicts could inevitably arise.

However, Xiao Yiyuan's resolve against taking concubines truly moved her. Despite being taught from childhood that it was natural for a man to have multiple wives and concubines, and that the principal wife shouldn't be jealous,

as a woman, who wouldn't want her husband to be devoted to her alone? She and Tang Shujie had been childhood sweethearts, and he had always cherished her deeply, yet even so, Tang Shujie also had two concubines.

She sincerely hoped her daughter could find a husband as faithful as her aunt Tang Shuyi’s—one who wouldn't stray. Thus, if Xiao Yiyuan could indeed remain monogamous, she could overlook other matters.

Lost in her thoughts along the way, she arrived at Tang Shujie's study. Tang Shujie was discussing matters with Tang Shubai, and upon her arrival, Tang Shubai excused himself and left.

Lady Tang sat down opposite Tang Shujie and said, "Cousin, Shuyi came to me today with a matter."

Tang Shujie smiled as he poured tea for her, "It must be good news."

Lady Tang nodded, grasping his sleeve and said, "Shuyi mentioned a marriage prospect for Anle."

At this, Tang Shujie’s expression dimmed. Not only Lady Tang's indulgence but also Tang Shujie's doting had shaped Tang Anle's character. For a father who spoiled his daughter, the thought of her marrying off was somewhat distressing.

"Which family?" asked Tang Shujie.

Lady Tang replied, "Xiao Yiyuan, you know of him, right?"

Tang Shujie nodded, and Lady Tang continued, "It's him."

Tang Shujie's brow furrowed; he too felt Xiao Yiyuan's background wasn't suitable for his daughter. Seeing this, Lady Tang quickly added, "I originally thought he wasn't worthy of our Anle, but guess what Shuyi told me?"

Tang Shujie grunted in response, and Lady Tang, disregarding his expression, smiled and said, "Shuyi said that Xiao Yiyuan knelt before him and swore that in this life he would only have Anle, and even if they remain childless, he would not take a concubine."

Hearing her words, Tang Shujie’s expression paused, and then he said, "Alright, I understand. I’ll discuss this with my older brother and father before meeting him."

"Should I discuss it with Anle?" Lady Tang, the second wife, inquired.

"Let's not. We'll decide whether to tell Anle after we've met with Xiao Yiyuan," he responded.

With a clearer understanding, she sighed, "I just hope Xiao Yiyuan could be like Xiao Huai."

Tang Shujie, seeing her like this, knew she was once again lamenting his own concubines. Drawing closer, he wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered, "Cousin, don't you know my heart? Those two are mere distractions; when have they ever truly mattered to me?"

Lady Tang snorted, "Regardless, I'm destined only to envy Shuyi for the rest of my life."

Tang Shujie: "..."

What could he say? His brother-in-law Xiao Huai would be better off not taking any concubines in two lifetimes. Yet being compared to Xiao Huai was now becoming a sore point.

"I heard that Bao Yu Hall has received a new collection of fine jewelry. Shall I have them bring it over for you to choose?" Tang Shujie suggested, trying to appease her.

Lady Tang snorted again, "Always the same tactic."

Tang Shujie laughed. It wasn't about the number of methods, but their effectiveness.

Tang Shuyi soon received a reply; the Duke Tang's family wished to meet Xiao Yiyuan. Without delay, she went to Xiao's, where the Lu family was also present. After exchanging pleasantries, she conveyed her purpose.

The Lu family was taken aback. Knowing Tang Shuyi's status, they realized that any match she proposed for Xiao Yiyuan would be advantageous, but they had not expected her to consider her own niece, a legitimate daughter of the Duke's house. Though she was from the second branch, Tang Shujie's rank was not low, and the Tang family had yet to divide their estate.

Judging by their reactions, Tang Shuyi knew Xiao Yiyuan hadn't shared his intentions with them. She decided to let Xiao Yiyuan explain himself and after a little more conversation, took her leave.

She was indeed very busy; Xiao Yuchen's wedding was in a month, and there were many preparations to oversee.

After her departure, Xiao Yiyuan dismissed the others, leaving only his parents and Lu in the hall. After a moment of silence, he spoke, "I've asked Auntie for help, telling her of my affection for Miss Tang, the third daughter."

The Lu family was stunned, and then Mrs. Tao broke the silence with a laugh, "My son indeed has good taste."

Xiao Yiyuan did not pick up on her jest, falling silent again before saying, "Ever since my tutor said I was meant for scholarly pursuits, our family has devoted all its resources to my education. I know only through hard work and earning academic honors can I repay my family's sacrifices. The burden I carry and the pressure I've felt have never eased over the years.

The day I met Miss Tang at the Duke's residence, I saw in her a vivacity, charm, and innocence I had never encountered before. Just hearing her voice made me feel light and at ease. Since that day, I've been bewitched; my heart is filled to the brim with thoughts of her."

Rising to his feet, he knelt down and declared, "In this life, it must be Miss Tang, or no one at all."

"What are you doing? We didn't say we disagree."

Mrs. Lu stood to help him up, but Xiao Yiyuan interjected, "Grandmother, please allow me to finish speaking."

Mrs. Lu, puzzled, took her seat again as Xiao Yiyuan looked up at the three elders before him and said, "I told my aunt that in this life, I will only have Miss Tang as my wife, and I shall never take a concubine."

The Lu family was taken aback once more. After a moment, Xiao Dayong remarked, "If you don't want to take a concubine, then don't. It's the poor who can't afford such luxuries anyway!"

"But as for heirs..." Mrs. Lu was at a loss, her grandson was set in his ways, and what he decided was generally beyond others' influence.

Whether her grandson took a concubine was of no concern to her; the real worry was what if they faced difficulty in having heirs?

"If it so happens that we have no children of our own, then we will adopt," declared Xiao Yiyuan with unwavering determination.

Mrs. Lu and Xiao Dayong fell silent, while Mrs. Tao cried out in protest, "How can this be acceptable? How can we simply adopt another's child?"

Xiao Yiyuan replied firmly, "There is nothing unacceptable about it. As long as the child carries the Xiao family blood, whether they are biologically mine does not concern me."

"This won't do!" Mrs. Tao looked to Mrs. Lu and Xiao Dayong, pleading, "Mother, Father, you must say something, this simply won't do."

Mrs. Lu and Xiao Dayong remained silent. After a long while, Mrs. Lu spoke, "Since you've made your decision, let's stick to it. The legitimate daughter of the Duke's household, why would she marry into a family like ours? She must be seeking something. Besides, difficulty in bearing children is only a possibility."

He stood up and helped Xiao Yiyuan to his feet, "Grandmother knows the weight you carry on your shoulders, how much you've given for our family. To live a fulfilling life, one must have something dear to their heart, something to look forward to."

Xiao Yiyuan's eyes glistened with moisture, "I thank you, Grandmother."

Mrs. Lu waved her hand dismissively, "Go on and prepare. You still have to get through the Tang family."

As she walked out, Mrs. Tao hurried after her, "Mother, how could you agree? What if that Miss Tang is unable to bear children?"

Mrs. Lu stopped and turned to her, saying firmly, "Put away those petty thoughts. Once our granddaughter-in-law enters our household, don't even think about acting the matriarch. That girl comes from the Duke's household, and she won't be easily bullied. Just look at the Duchess of Dingguo's house. If they could agree to let Xiao Huai not take a concubine, why can't we?"

Mrs. Tao fell silent, and Mrs. Lu continued, "Now that we live in comfort, enjoy these prosperous days and don't worry about the rest."

Mrs. Tao could only nod, truly intimidated by her mother-in-law.