Chapter 399: Probing for Information

Chapter 399: Probing for Information

"I will have someone investigate the Chen family," Xiao Huai told Tang Shuyi.

Dealing with the Chens required a just cause, of course, under the assumption that the investigation would surely reveal issues. If nothing was found, then other means would be necessary to punish them. Xiao Huai never considered himself a saint.

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Good."

As they were discussing, the steward Zhao came to say that a eunuch from the palace had come with a message. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai went to the front courtyard hall, where they saw Ye Deben.

Upon seeing them, Ye Deben quickly stood up and bowed, then smilingly said, "His Majesty has sent this servant to pass a message to the Duke and Duchess, stating that he has begun investigating the Chen family."

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai exchanged a look, understanding that Li Jing Yi was informing them that the Chen family was his to deal with, and they need not concern themselves. Hence, Xiao Huai replied, "Inform His Majesty that his servant acknowledges the message."

“Yes.”

Ye De acknowledged with a nod, and Xiao Huai instructed Steward Zhao to escort him out before turning to Tang Shuyi, saying, "It's a relief when children grow up; they spare us a great deal of worry."

Tang Shuyi nodded in agreement; it appeared that Li Jingyi was indeed performing admirably. In terms of temperament, he was composed and discreet, ambitious yet not overly competitive—suitable for a ruler in peaceful times. Morally, he was kind-hearted and grateful, a person unlikely to commit deeds that would incite public wrath.

As elders, it was right to let the younger generation pursue their endeavors. Therefore, when Li Jingyi began investigating the Chen family, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai genuinely stepped aside. A few days later, they visited the Xie family to discuss the wedding date for Xiao Yuming and Xie Xihua.

Previously, Tang Shuyi had already shortlisted several auspicious dates and asked the Xie family to choose from them. Eventually, both families agreed to hold the wedding on the eighth day of the second lunar month of the following year.

Having settled on the wedding date, Tang Shuyi and Madam Xie sat down for a chat. Tang Shuyi said with a smile, "The Duke’s intention is to send Yuming to the northwest after some time."

"It is only natural for a boy to prioritize his future prospects," Madam Xie remarked. She had mentally prepared herself for the fact that Xiao Yuming and Xie Xihua would live in the northwest year-round after their marriage.

"I will have the northwest residence prepared when I return. Just let me know whatever Xihua likes, and I will make the arrangements," Tang Shuyi added. As a mother herself, she fully understood the sentiment of having a daughter away from home for extended periods.

Indeed, Madam Xie felt a pang of distress at the thought of her daughter living in the northwest year-round. But she could not display this emotion in front of Tang Shuyi; after all, they had actively sought this marriage, and aside from this one aspect, the union was flawless.

"Ah, she has been pampered over the years, but she adapts easily, comfortable anywhere," Madam Xie said with a smile.

After chatting for a while longer, Madam Xie leaned in closer to Tang Shuyi and asked softly, “Yuzhu is eleven now, isn’t she?”

Tang Shuyi nodded, and Madam Xie continued, “We are family, so I will speak plainly. Recently, Lady Anjin of the Fan family visited to see her relatives, bringing her eldest son. He is the direct grandson of the current head of the Fan family and excels in both appearance and learning. Lady Fan asked me to feel out your thoughts.”

Tang Shuyi was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this. She was aware of the prestigious Anjin Fan family, a centuries-old noble lineage with resources comparable to the Xie's, their roots just not based in the capital.

After a moment of contemplation, she replied, “Yuzhu is still young; I prefer to wait a few more years before discussing her matrimonial prospects.”

Considering that the new Emperor had been reluctant to select his consorts, Madam Xie was uncertain about some matters and thus added, “Indeed, Yuzhu is still of a tender age.”

The two no longer pursued this topic and shifted the conversation to other matters. They dined at the Xie estate and after the midday meal and some further conversation, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai took their leave.

Once home, Tang Shuyi relayed Madam Xie’s probing conversation to Xiao Huai, who responded, “Even if it isn’t the Emperor, it can’t be the Fan family either. Anjin is too far away.”

Tang Shuyi thought the same; ancient times were different from the present. Traveling from one city to another, which now takes just a few hours by plane, could take a month or two in the past. Most importantly, if a daughter faced any hardships, her parents and brothers couldn't immediately know and support her.

At the Xie residence, Lady Xie spoke to Lord Xie about the matter, "The Duchess immediately refused without hesitation, saying Yuzhu is still young. The Emperor has been reluctant to choose concubines, could it really be that Xiao Yuzhu is to enter the palace?"

Initially, she had thought that given the Duke and Duchess of Dingguo's doting nature, they wouldn't allow their daughter to enter the palace, where few women find happiness. But Tang Shuyi's immediate refusal made her uncertain.

Master Xie leaned back in his chair, sipping tea slowly. After listening to her words, he said, "Who knows, the Duke and Duchess might view things differently than others."

Mrs. Xie pondered and then added, "Could it be that they dread the distance to Anjin and dislike the idea of their daughter marrying so far away? I did not mention to the Duchess that the Fan family plans to have Fan Li serve at court."

Master Xie placed his teacup on the table, "Don't meddle in this affair; it will be resolved once you return to the Fan household tomorrow."

Mrs. Xie nodded but still remarked, "If the Emperor harbors affection for Xiao Yuzhu, the Fan family's intentions might be thwarted."

Yet Master Xie responded to her comment, "As long as the Duke and Duchess agree, the Fan family has nothing to fear."

Mrs. Xie was momentarily taken aback, then realization dawned upon her. The young Emperor's stability on the throne relied on the Duke's support and his royal lineage, while the Fan family's confidence stemmed from centuries of familial heritage. Without the Duke's backing, the Emperor would temporarily be unable to contend with the Fan family.

The next day, Mrs. Xie spoke with Lady Fan, conveying Tang Shuyi's stance. Lady Fan appeared disappointed upon hearing this, but still managed a smile and said, "That's alright, the child is still young, it's better to speak of marriage in a few more years."

Mrs. Xie wasn't sure if she had given up, but her goal was just to probe; she did not wish to meddle further. After a brief conversation, she took her leave.

Lady Fan called her son to her side and said, "The Duchess claims her daughter is too young, preferring to consider matrimonial matters a few years later. This is a polite rejection; you must let go of this notion."

The young Master Fan, a youth of about fifteen or sixteen with a tall stature and refined features, sat there in his purple brocade robe, exuding an air of nobility. After listening to Lady Fan, he lowered his eyes and said, "This is the Duchess's wish; perhaps I should ask the Duke himself through another intermediary."

Lady Fan looked helpless, "Haven't you heard that the Duke is henpecked?"

Master Fan clenched his fists in silence, prompting Lady Fan to persuade gently, "Before the current Emperor ascended the throne, he was tutored by the Duchess. Do you think there are feelings between the Emperor and Xiao Yuzhu?"

"As long as they are not married, nothing is certain," the young Master Fan stated.

Seeing his determination, Lady Fan furrowed her brows, "As the Fan family's eldest grandson, you know your responsibilities. You should be clear about what you should and should not do, what to persist in, and what to let go of."

Master Fan sat in silence for a long time before saying, "Your son understands."