Chapter 397 This Pawn is Courting Death!

Chapter 397 This Pawn is Courting Death!

Xiao Huai had been out of the city today and returned past the time for the evening meal. Tang Shiyi had a bowl of noodles prepared for him and told him about the Grand Consort's visit to the palace that day.

After hearing this, Xiao Huai said, "A mere pawn, no need to bother."

Tang Shiyi laughed, for it was indeed just a pawn's move.

From the matter with Minister Zhao, many court officials have realized that the current Emperor is not as docile and obedient as they imagined; instead, he's more of a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Coupled with the support of the Duke of Dingguo, the ministers began to reassess this new Emperor, also probing his limits. The selection of concubines serves as an entry point for this.

Of course, the true power players wouldn't enter the fray at the start; they'd scheme from behind, sending a few expendables to test the waters. And the Chen family is the pawn they've put forward.

Before long, the noodles were served. Tang Shuyi watched him eat and said, "I've been thinking of visiting the Xie family in the next few days to discuss Yu Ming's wedding date."

Xiao Huai gave a grunt of affirmation, and Tang Shuyi added, "Let's set it for the end of the year or the beginning of next spring."

"Alright, handle it as you see fit," Xiao Huai finished his noodles and, taking Tang Shuyi's hand, walked towards the bedroom, saying, "Yu Ming will be stationed in the northwest long-term; I plan to send him to join the northwest army soon."

Tang Shuyi nodded, having been prepared for this eventuality, "Then let's wait until the wedding date is set before he leaves."

"Fine," Xiao Huai said, "Although the Ruli Kingdom has been incorporated into our Daqian Empire, there are still many bandits there. It will be good for Yu Ming to get some experience, and it would be best if he could earn some military merits."

The military is a place where strength is respected. Even if Xiao Yuming is the son of a marshal, to gain the soldiers' respect, he must show true capability. Otherwise, no matter how much he is pushed forward, he will be pulled down.

"The Xie family is also aware that Yu Ming will be going to the northwest," Tang Shuyi mentioned.

Xiao Huai replied, "Their aim is to leverage our military resources."

Tang Shuyi wasn't averse to this. Marriage involves not just the feelings between a man and a woman but also the interests between families. This is true for arranged marriages as well as those that start with a courtship.

The next day, Xiao Huai went early to the morning court. After breakfast, Tang Shuyi, accompanied by Xiao Yuzhu, went to the Lakeview Pavilion. Upon arrival, they saw Qi Er waiting at the entrance.

Upon seeing him, Tang Shuyi said, "Your grandmother mentioned setting up a marriage for you the other day, and you adamantly refused. Why is that?"

Qi Er was nearly at his wits' end, his face pained as he said, "I get nagged by my grandmother at home, and now here by you, I can't take it anymore!"

Tang Shuyi laughed out loud, "If you've taken a fancy to some girl, just say so."

"No, really, there's nobody," Qi Er hastily insisted.

Xiao Yuzhu stood beside him, giggling, "You better be careful, or Yan Wu might get betrothed before you, and then you'll have an even harder time."

Qi Er's face grew more distressed, while Xiao Yuzhu laughed heartily and entered the Lakeview Pavilion, then followed Tang Shuyi to the study. Tang Shuyi had come today to review the account books; she and Xiao Yuzhu sat on opposite sides of the desk, carefully examining the ledgers brought to them.

But after only a short while, Cuiyun came to report, "Madam Chen requests an audience."

Upon hearing this, Tang Shuyi paused, then turned to Xiao Yuzhu and said, "When one becomes too fixated on something, they can easily blind themselves to other possibilities and are prone to foolish actions. Thus, when considering any matter, it's essential to broaden one's thinking."

Xiao Yuzhu nodded in agreement. The Chen family was indeed making foolish moves. Having faced a setback yesterday, they still hadn't ceased their follies and continued on today.

"Make the arrangements, I'll see her shortly," Tang Shuyi instructed.

Cuìyún acknowledged and left, and Tang Shuyi continued to review the ledger with Xiao Yuzhu before meeting with Madam Chen. Upon entering the parlor, she found not only Madam Chen but also the fifth Miss Chen present.

After exchanging pleasantries, Madam Chen heaped praises on Xiao Yuzhu and then suggested that the fifth Miss Chen go out for leisure with Xiao Yuzhu. Tang Shuyi didn’t object, so Xiao Yuzhu cheerfully escorted Miss Chen out.

Left in the room with just the two of them, Madam Chen engaged in some idle chat before saying, "...The dowager of our family often tells us that a woman must have one or two trustworthy friends to stand by her side. Without such support, life is undoubtedly challenging."

Tang Shuyi had a general idea of the purpose behind her visit today, yet she merely smiled without response.

Seeing this, Madam Chen clenched her handkerchief tightly and added, "With your esteemed teachings, the Lady Kang Le is naturally of exceptional character. I always tell my daughter Rui that if she has the fortune to befriend the Lady, she must follow her example in all things."

The implication of her words was clear—her visit today was to pledge loyalty, hinting that her daughter would defer to Xiao Yuzhu upon entering the imperial court.

Tang Shuyi sipped her tea, then asked, "How is your family matriarch doing?"

Caught off guard, Madam Chen replied, "She is very well, thank you."

Tang Shuyi continued to engage in light conversation with her, leaving Madam Chen unsure of her intentions and forcing her to follow Tang Shuyi’s conversational lead.

Outside, Xiao Yuzhu and the fifth Miss Chen strolled and chatted in the small garden. Miss Chen presented herself humbly, constantly steering the conversation towards Li Jingyi, but Xiao Yuzhu deliberately avoided such topics, chatting about everything but.

In the end, Madam Chen and the fifth Miss Chen left in a bewildered state.

…………

At the morning court session, another minister petitioned the Emperor to hold a selection of consorts. Emperor Li Jingyi responded indifferently, "I am aware."

The petitioning minister was perceptive enough not to belabor the topic or insist on an immediate answer. After the court session, Xiao Huai intended to return home directly, but at the palace gate, he was intercepted by the current head of the Chen family, Chen Taiyan.

Chen Taiyan greeted him with great deference, "This official pays respects to the Duke Dingguo."

Xiao Huai stopped and looked at him, emitting a noncommittal hum. Chen Taiyan, slightly stooped, inquired, "I wish to ask, what is Duke Dingguo’s view on the Emperor's consort selection?"

Xiao Huai looked at him as if he were a fool. This pawn seemed determined to dig his own grave!

"The Emperor's matrimonial affairs are a matter of the royal household, beyond my purview," he declared.

Chen Tairan found Xiao Huai's hypocrisy intolerable. "So, your daughter wishes to be the Empress? That's well and fine! But you mustn't prevent other ladies from entering the palace to serve His Majesty just because your own daughter is too young to do so!"

He chuckled and said, "The Emperor is the ruler of the nation; hence, his marriage is a matter of state."

Xiao Huai hadn't expected him to be so audacious. Narrowing his eyes, he retorted, "Whether the Emperor's marriage is a matter of state or a household affair is for the Ministry of Rites to discuss, not for a commander like me to interfere."

As he spoke, he strode over to his horse. Chen Tairan followed, bending at the waist, and attempted to continue, "His Majesty and your esteemed daughter..."

"Smack!"

"Ah..."

With a swift motion, Xiao Huai lashed out with his riding crop, striking Chen Tairan across the face and leaving a deep gash. He then mounted his horse, looking down imperiously at Chen Tairan, and declared, "I had thought to let you, a mere pawn, flounder a while longer. But if you are so eager to meet your demise, then I shall oblige."

Having said that, he flicked the reins and rode off into the distance. Behind him, Chen Tairan clutched at the bleeding wound on his face, pain seizing him in spasmodic waves. He had hardly comprehended what Xiao Huai had said; however, the term "mere pawn" rang crystal clear in his ears.

Seeing Xiao Huai depart, the servants of the Chen household hurried over to assist their master into the carriage.