Chapter 426: “What do you think about me having a child?”

Chapter 426: "What do you think about me having a child?"

Although Xiao Huai had a strained relationship with Qi Liangsheng, their collaboration over the years had never been problematic, so Tang Shuyi was not the least bit worried when he went to the Qi household to arrange the marriage. However, she was surprised when Xiao Huai returned after only a short while.

Curiously, she asked, "Didn’t you send the card yesterday? Wasn’t Lord Qi at home?"

"He was. He agreed to the marriage. In a few days, we’ll compare their birth charts and proceed with the proposal," Xiao Huai said, sitting down beside her.

Tang Shuyi: "You were out for just a quarter of an hour, and you've settled the matchmaking?"

The Qi residence wasn’t far from the Duke's mansion, but even on horseback, the round trip would take Xiao Huai about ten minutes. There hardly seemed enough time for pleasantries, let alone settling a marriage.

Xiao Huai recounted his conversation with Qi Liangsheng, and Tang Shuyi didn’t quite know how to react. The fathers and the matchmaker were remarkably nonchalant. But whatever the case, it was good the marriage was agreed upon.

She also said, "He Guang may not achieve greatness, but his kind nature and temperament promise a happy married life."

As an heir of privilege, contentment and satisfaction often lead to a life even happier than those with grand ambitions.

Xiao Huai nodded, "Prince Yong plans to visit Lake Pavilion tomorrow. I'll invite Qi Liangsheng as well. Once they're acquainted, they can discuss any matters themselves in the future."

Tang Shuyi: "...Your efficiency as a matchmaker is truly remarkable."

Xiao Huai snorted lightly, only deigning to glance at Qi Liangsheng when he felt like it.

Seeing him brimming with jealousy, Tang Shuyi suppressed her laughter and continued reading.

After the early morning court session, Xiao Huai left the palace with Prince Yong. Passing by Qi Liangsheng, he paused and said, “Prince Yong and I are going for a drink. Would Lord Qi care to join us?”

Qi Liangsheng turned around, saw Xiao Huai standing with Prince Yong, and after exchanging courtesies, they all headed to the Lake Pavilion. Prince Yong glanced between the two, sensing that their relationship seemed tense. Yet the information he had gathered indicated that the households of the Duke of Dingguo, the Duke of Tangguo, and the Qi family were allied.

They soon arrived at the Lake Pavilion, where Qi Er, as the host, naturally took charge of the reception. He felt somewhat embarrassed; after all, he was discussing a marriage alliance with Xia Dailan, and now, facing her father, he was tinged with the anxiety of being under scrutiny.

Prince Yong indeed surveyed him from head to toe meticulously before nodding in approval. The young man had a good presence and manners, and his approach to social interaction was measured. The fact that he had not entered officialdom didn't concern the prince—after all, Qi Liangsheng was still young, and his presence was sufficient.

Qi Er led the three to the best private room. Just before they arrived, they ran into Princess Changping. Both parties were taken aback before exchanging pleasantries. Princess Changping glanced at Qi Liangsheng, who maintained an indifferent facade. With a huff, she turned to Xiao Huai and said, “Please convey a message to your wife for me; I miss her company and wish to gather when she's free.”

Xiao Huai nodded, “Certainly.”

Princess Changping’s gaze lingered on Prince Yong for a moment before she left, surrounded by her entourage. Qi Er continued leading Xiao Huai and the others into the private room. Although Xiao Huai and Qi Liangsheng didn’t show much warmth towards each other, they did not let it interfere with business.

Three days later, the birth charts of Qi Liangsheng and Prince Yong were compared and found to be excellent. After a few more days, the Qi household formally proposed to the household of Prince Yong, and Qi Er’s engagement to Xia Dailan was officially settled.

Meanwhile, Tang Shuyi was listening to the Countess of Nanling lament. Of the former trio of wastrels, Xiao Yuming and Qi Er had settled their affairs of the heart, leaving only her son, Yan Wu, causing her great concern.

"I've considered so many girls, and it's either he disapproves of them, or they disapprove of him. It's utterly vexing," the Countess of Nanling sighed.

"Marriage is a matter of fate; when it’s the right time, it will happen," Tang Shuyi could only offer such consolation.

The Countess of Nanling was merely sharing her worries with Tang Shuyi, seeking to alleviate her inner turmoil. The marriage of Yan Wu was not to be hastily decided—not about finding the best match, but the right one.

……

Before the New Year, Tang Shuyi had met with Princess Changping, noticing that the princess seemed much changed, lacking her usual entourage of young admirers and appearing more refined herself. Surprised, Tang Shuyi asked, "Has something happened to the princess?"

Princess Changping poured herself a glass of wine, "What could possibly happen to me? I'm just tired of the same old lifestyle."

Tang Shuyi nodded in understanding—it was as if one had tired of rich, heavy meals and longed for something simpler. But then she heard Princess Changping add, "What do you think about me having a child?"

Taken aback, Tang Shuyi replied, "It's a good idea if the princess is pleased with it."

Princess Changping downed her wine and declared, “But the father of my child cannot be a man of low status.”

Tang Shuyi was startled, feeling the need to offer some advice. If she still harbored feelings for Qi Liangsheng, or even sought out someone similar to him, any ensuing scandal would put Li Jingyi in a difficult position.

After a moment of thought, she said, “The selection of a candidate... Your Highness should be cautious, and not repeat the mistakes of the past.”

Princess Changping snorted, “I know that the current Emperor does not hold me dear, and now I am merely Princess in name. Rest assured, I will not cause the Emperor any trouble.”

What could Tang Shuyi say? Bearing children was her own right. Moreover, if Princess Changping were to have a child, it would indeed be beneficial for her. She raised her cup and said, “May the Princess’s wishes come true.”

Princess Changping laughed heartily, “I knew you would understand me.”

Tang Shuyi smiled, actually quite admiring Princess Changping for her indifference to others' opinions, living freely and unbound.

…………

In the blink of an eye, it was New Year’s Eve, and the family gathered at Shi'an Yuan to see the year out. First, Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu set off fireworks in the courtyard, then the whole family gathered to play Madiao, joyously celebrating until midnight before retiring.

On the first day of the new year, a royal banquet was held. Early in the morning, Li Jingyi sent Xiao Yuzhu a set of head ornaments and jewelry. It was only upon entering the palace and seeing Li Jingyi that Tang Shuyi realized Xiao Yuzhu's hairpin and jade pendant matched those of the Emperor. In her heart, she sighed at the tender machinations of young love.

Throughout the year, the calls for the Emperor to select consorts never ceased, even though Li Jingyi clearly stated he would not marry before twenty, the petitions of the ministers could not be stopped.

Today’s palace banquet saw many ministers bring their daughters, vying for the attention of the Great Empress Dowager. In reality, they would have preferred to draw the Emperor’s attention, but had no such opportunity.

Yet some still found their chance, like the Ming family. The banquet was at midday, but the Mings had entered the palace early in the morning. Lady Ming took Ming Yu to pay respects to the Great Empress Dowager, while Lord Ming visited Li Jingyi in the imperial study.

After conversing for a while, Lord Ming said: “Your aunt has not seen you for a long time. Taking advantage of the New Year, she wishes to see you.”