Chapter 400: Intimate Friends Within the Boudoir

Chapter 400: Intimate Friends Within the Boudoir

Neither Tang Shuyi nor Xiao Huai took the Fan family seriously. As long as Li Jingyi's feelings for Xiao Yuzhu remained unchanged, and he could manage the affairs of the harem well, they would consider no one else.

However, the proactive Master Fan Li frequently encountered either Xiao Huai or Xiao Yuchen during the following period. Nonetheless, they pretended to be unaware of his intentions, maintaining normal relations with him.

Xiao Yuming was about to depart for the northwest, and Tang Shuyi began to prepare his travel necessities. Actually, these were trivial; what was essential was to arrange the right people to accompany Xiao Yuming.

Xiao Huai instructed his two personal attendants to henceforth follow Xiao Yuming. These two, without a doubt, possessed exceptional martial skills and could offer personal protection.

"In addition to personal attendants, arrange a squad of bodyguards as well," Tang Shuyi said while packing her belongings and speaking to Xiao Huai.

Xiao Huai nodded, "I had already arranged a squad of soldiers at his disposal, and they've gotten quite accustomed to each other by now. When the time comes, he can simply take them with him."

Even so, Tang Shuyi remained concerned, and she added, "Arrange for two more advisors; so he has someone to consult with in case of any matters."

Xiao Huai helplessly wrapped his arm around her shoulder, "This time he heads northwest, partly to suppress bandits and accumulate military merits, and partly to integrate with the northwestern army. If he can't do it, he'll just come back to be the prodigal he is."

"What prodigal," Tang Shuyi was dissatisfied, "Although my son is not the best of the best, he is still considered a promising young talent."

Xiao Huai chuckled, "Don't worry, the northwest is stable now. There are just some remnants of bandits, nothing too dangerous."

Tang Shuyi knew she was overly worried, but as a mother whose son was going to war, how could she not be? Yet she also knew that no matter the worry, once a child is grown, they must be let go; otherwise, how will they succeed?

Before departure, Lady Xie and Xie Xihua visited the Duke's mansion, and Tang Shuyi arranged for the betrothed couple to meet. Now, they sat in the pavilion in the garden, conversing comfortably. Having met several times since their engagement, their initial shyness had faded.

Xiao Yuming handed Xie Xihua a pastry, "The journey from the capital to the northwest passes through many places. I'll have interesting items sent to you."

Xie Xihua, nibbling on the pastry, nodded and then placed a bundle in front of him, "I've made some clothes for you."

Xiao Yuming laughed heartily as he opened the bundle. Inside were two sets, one dark green and one black. He held them up against himself and remarked, "These colors are good, they hide the dirt well."

After all, such clean colors would be impractical in the military camp.

Xie Xihua chuckled. Xiao Yuming, unembarrassed, sat beside her, "Once I reach the northwest, I'll have the residence there sorted. If you have any requests, just write to me."

Xie Xihua knew he was prompting her to write to him, but she pretended not to understand and said, "I'll be fine with anything."

Xiao Yuming: "........."

He scratched his head, at a loss for words. Seeing his dumbfounded expression, Xie Xihua couldn't help but laugh again. This time Xiao Yuming realized she was teasing him, yet he wasn't annoyed and instead moved closer, "I'll write to you once I'm settled."

Xie Xihua's heart felt warm and full, she smiled and replied, "Alright."

With Xiao Yuming going to the northwest, she was worried but also reluctant to part; yet she knew she must support him, for it was his future at stake.

Hearing her consent, Xiao Yuming grinned again, and Xie Xihua passed him another piece of pastry, "Don't worry too much about arranging the house, just ensure your safety; swords and spears have no eyes."

Xiao Yuming nodded while eating the pastry, "I understand."

"One must not act rashly," Xie Xihua advised.

Xiao Yuming replied, "When impulsive, I shall repeat 'calm down' thrice in my heart."

Seeing him like this, Xie Xihua couldn’t help but laugh; being with Xiao Yuming always seemed to provoke smiles.

As the young couple conversed, in the serene confines of Shi'an Garden, Tang Shuyi and Jia Ning were in the company of Lady Xie, engaging in conversation. Lady Xie observed Tang Shuyi and Jia Ning subtly, noting their interactions.

They spoke and moved with an affection that was neither maternal nor in-law-like; rather, it resembled that between close confidantes.

"Our home has few occupants. When Yuchen was married, we joined two courtyards; the same goes for Yuming," Tang Shuyi shared with a smile to Lady Xie. "You should visit their courtyard sometime."

In about a year's time, Xiao Yuming and Xie Xihua were to wed, and surely the Xie family was busy preparing the dowry. Measuring the house would allow for furniture to fit more suitably.

Lady Xie smiled agreeably, "Of course."

"Furniture for the distant northwestern residence can be crafted locally," Tang Shuyi added. "If there are any dissatisfactions, Xihua can always have them altered later."

Lady Xie nodded in agreement, and at that moment, Jia Ning offered, "In a few days, my brother and father will return to Yangping. Should you need any timber, my brother could assist in sourcing it."

"That would be wonderful," responded Tang Shuyi. "Yangping is renowned for its quality timber."

Jia Ning said, "I own a mountain in Yangping with plenty of fine timber; it can be felled as needed."

Tang Shuyi nodded, "Let me know the cost, and I'll compensate you."

Jia Ning, without demur, accepted, "Agreed."

Having been married into the family for some time, Jia Ning had come to understand Tang Shuyi's nature quite well. Tang Shuyi was unconcerned with trivial matters and never quibbled over minor things. However, she was meticulous with certain affairs, such as financial transactions, insisting on clear separation even with her own children.

Initially, Jia Ning felt uncomfortable with this, but she came to appreciate the clarity. Clear financial boundaries made living together easier. Lady Xie, however, was somewhat surprised; she had not expected such frank and efficient handling of monetary matters between mother- and daughter-in-law.

Yet while puzzled inwardly, Lady Xie showed no sign of it and thanked Jia Ning with a smile. Jia Ning responded, "There's no need for thanks among family; we are meant to support one another."

………

After Lady Xie and Xie Xihua had lunch and left, Tang Shuyi and Jia Ning sat down to discuss, "Although the wedding is a year away, we should start preparing now. You're familiar with Xihua; invite her over again to look at their courtyard and make arrangements according to her preferences."

Jia Ning nodded, "Certainly."

She had been the same in the beginning.

"There's no rush with the house in the northwest," continued Lady Tang. "After they are married, they'll need to stay in the capital for a while before moving to the northwest."

If the couple is diligent, they may conceive early, and it would be best to move to the northwest after the birth of the child. After all, they are young, and it's preferable to have elders around during childbirth. Moreover, Xi Hua likely wishes to have her own mother by her side during such a time.

But these things are unpredictable.