Chapter 401: Isn’t That Asking for Trouble?

Chapter 401: Isn't That Asking for Trouble?

Madame Xie and Xi Hua rode the carriage back home, and Madame Xie inquired, "Have you given everything to Yu Ming?"

Xi Hua nodded, to which Madame Xie said, "After your marriage, you'll probably move to the northwest, but I suppose the Duke and his wife will often reside there in the future as well."

After all, Xiao Yu Ming has not yet come into his own, and Xiao Huai, as the commander of the northwest army, cannot stay in the capital indefinitely.

"I notice the Duchess seems to get along quite well with Princess Jia Ning," remarked Xi Hua.

A daughter's marriage, no matter how mature she is, brings with it a degree of trepidation, as it means facing a strange environment and a completely new life. And the daughter-in-law will mostly interact with her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law, so today I carefully observed the Duchess and Princess Jia Ning.

Madame Xie smiled, "The Duchess and Princess Jia Ning seem to have a clear understanding regarding financial matters. At first, I thought this might make them seem distant and open to gossip, but on reflection, it's a good practice. Even brothers should settle accounts clearly; it prevents many conflicts. You should learn from them in the future."

Xi Hua nodded again, and Madame Xie, taking her hand and smiling, said, "After all, this marriage is a very good match."

Xi Hua smiled slightly; she too felt it was very good.

………

In some time, Xiao Yi Yuan and Tang An Le are to be married. Although Xiao Yi Yuan's household is separate, they are not well-versed with the customs and networks in the capital, so Lady Tang and Princess Jia Ning will need to assist them.

After breakfast today, Lady Tang took Xiao Yu Zhu and Princess Jia Ning to visit Xiao Yi Yuan's family. She handed over a booklet detailing the connections in the capital to the Lu family and had Princess Jia Ning explain it. By the time they finished, it was almost lunchtime, and the Lu family invited them to stay for the meal. Considering her afternoon engagements, Lady Tang decided to stay.

As the meal was served and everyone sat down to eat and chat, Madame Tao sat beside Princess Jia Ning and asked with a smile, "Princess, are you expecting yet?"

Her question silenced the room momentarily until Madame Lu scolded her, "Can’t you keep quiet even with food in your mouth?"

Realizing she might have spoken out of turn, Madame Tao didn't mean any harm. In her village, it was common to inquire if a newlywed hadn’t announced a pregnancy after a few months. It was just an innocent question, but she hadn't realized it was a faux pas here.

"I'm in no rush for grandchildren," said Lady Tang at that moment. "As long as the young couple is happy, they can have children whenever they're ready."

Jianing's face turned a shade of red as she lowered her head. Lady Lu gave Madame Tao a severe glare before turning to Tang Shuyi with a smile and said, "You are right."

After the minor disturbance, everyone resumed eating, though the atmosphere was no longer as pleasant as before. In the afternoon, after attending to necessary matters, Tang Shuyi, accompanied by Jianing and Xiao Yuzhu, returned to their residence.

Once at Shi'an Garden, she took Jianing's hand and said, "What I said earlier was true. I'm really not in a hurry to have grandchildren. Besides, you two should enjoy your newlywed bliss, and we can talk about children later."

"Thank you, mother," Jianing replied with a blush, "Yuchen and I... we haven't discussed having children yet."

After their grand wedding, the couple was in perfect harmony, as sweet as honey in each other's company, and not ready to consider children amid their precious moments together.

Tang Shuyi chuckled, "Moreover, having children is a matter for you and your husband to decide. When to have them, and how many, that's up to you both. Neither I nor the Duke will interfere, and nobody else has the right to, either."

Jianing's face was touched with emotion, and she affectionately linked her arm through Tang Shuyi's, saying, "Thank you, mother."

Tang Shuyi stroked her head, "As long as you and Yuchen live in harmony, nothing else matters."

"Yuchen is very good to me," Jianing said softly, her face a picture of shy delight.

Seeing the happiness on Jianing's face made Tang Shuyi's smile even broader. She genuinely didn't mind when her sons would have children, or even if they didn't.

Sometimes she wondered about those other mothers-in-law who were so eager for grandchildren. What benefits would they really gain? It would just mean more children playing at their feet. If the family was wealthy, there were others to help raise the child, but if not, it would mean hard work for them. Wasn't that just asking for trouble?

As for the issue of continuing the family line, shouldn't that concern the men? But often, it is the mothers-in-law who press the issue.

After chatting for a while and sensing that Xiao Yuchen would soon return from the Hanlin Academy, Tang Shuyi suggested that Jianing head back. She then reclined on the brocade couch, picking up a book to read, with Cuizhu and Cuiyun attending her.

Indeed, how could enjoying the tranquility of reading compare with the commotion of tending to a grandchild?

Back in Qingfeng Garden, Jianing had just changed her clothes when Xiao Yuchen returned. Hearing she was in the bedroom, he hastened inside. Greeting him with a smile, she said, "You're back."

Xiao Yuchen hummed in acknowledgment, taking her hand and asking, "Was everything alright at home today?"

Jianing nodded, "I went to help mother with some things at the other house today."

They sat down together on the couch, hand in hand. Jianing softly recounted the day's events, and Xiao Yuchen listened attentively. When Jianing mentioned Madame Tao's inquiry about her pregnancy, he first looked startled, then his expression darkened, "I’ll have to discuss this with Yi Yuan later."

Knowing he wanted to stand up for her, the smile on Jianing's lips grew, "There's no need. He'll probably know about it as soon as he gets home. But mother said..."

Leaning back into Xiao Yuchen's embrace, she relayed Tang Shuyi's words in a gentle voice, then added, "Mother is truly wonderful."

Xiao Yuchen embraced her, whispering into her ear, "I don’t want children so soon either. I want to be with you."

Jianing looked at him with a smile, "Me too."

Xiao Yuzhen's heart grew warmer as he gazed at her delicate face, and he bent down to press a kiss onto her rosy lips…