Chapter 94: Time to Lay It All on the Table

Chapter 94: Time to Lay It All on the Table

Tang Yuan couldn't care less about Tang Wu; she certainly didn't have the patience to counsel him as those grassroots officials in literary works do, oh, those officials would probably try to persuade Tong Xue to be content and not always think of running away.

As for whether Tong Xue would abandon her husband and child after getting into college, that was none of her concern.

Tong Xue had been supported by Tang Wu this year, but she had also been his wife for several years, fulfilling his need for a wife.

Tang Wu had raised her illegitimate child for a few years, but she had also given him a daughter.

Let them sort out their grievances themselves, as long as it didn't affect the brigade's production. If it did, they wouldn't be lenient.

The Tang family finally sat down for a meeting after two rounds of arguments between Tong Xue and Tang Wu.

Tang Bingde and Liu Hongxia presided over the small meeting.

Tang Bingde: "Even a fair judge finds it hard to resolve family disputes. Each party has their own reasons. I'm not here to judge, just to ask what you plan to do. You can't keep living like this, bickering all the time, right?"

It affects the brigade's reputation!

In recent years, the brigade's reputation has been excellent, making it much easier for young men and women to find partners and get married compared to previous years.

For example, the son of Old Chen, who is neither handsome nor tall, looking like a black potato, in the past, he might not have found a wife or would have had to pay a large dowry.

Now?

He married a tall, good-looking, filial, and capable wife who works diligently without gossiping.

The couple works in the mushroom greenhouse, earning full work points.

They lead a prosperous life, discussing matters together, loving each other, unlike these two.

One moment they're all lovey-dovey, the next they're at each other's throats.

Tong Xue insisted on taking the college entrance exam, asking her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law to take care of the child and do household chores so she could focus on studying at the primary school.

Tang Wu was worried she would leave home once she went to the city, causing friction. He didn't argue openly, but Zhang Lianhua did it for him.

The elder sister-in-law slapped her thigh and shouted, "What kind of family are we? Why take the college entrance exam? The eldest couple is content with farming in the brigade, aren't they?"

Sister-in-law now works in the feed workshop at the farm with Mother Tang. Mother Tang is kind and often helps and protects her, making her closer to the second aunt than to her own mother-in-law.

This made the elder sister-in-law very jealous and angry, but she had no recourse.

The eldest brother is skilled, whether it was planting rice with Dad Tang before or learning to maintain the generator from Feng Chen later. When the brigade bought a car, he learned to drive.

Although he didn't attend training, he was willing to study on his own, noting down problems and seeking advice when needed.

He has become the head of the agricultural machinery team through his abilities.

The elder sister-in-law thought that since the eldest couple was doing well in the brigade, the second couple would surely do well too. After all, in her eyes, Tang Wu was strong and capable, and Tong Xue, with her education, could definitely become an office cadre.

The reason the second couple hadn't developed was because Tang Yuan deliberately suppressed them, and their second uncle didn't help.

She had caused trouble before, but it was useless. She was either scolded by Tang Bingde or disciplined by Old Lady Tang. Uncle Tang also became quiet because Tang Yuan didn't promote him, leaving her with no response and only resentment.

"Don't look at Tang Yuan, she's a factory manager, but she didn't go to school, and she read less than you. That didn't stop her from becoming an official," the elder sister-in-law shot a defiant glance at Tang Bingde.

Tang Bingde usually didn't allow anyone to speak ill of Tang Yuan, but, being the elder sister-in-law, it was natural for her to criticize her niece!

Tang Bingde ignored her and said to Tang Wu and Tong Xue, "Alright, I understand your intentions. Tong Xue, write a guarantee promising not to seek a divorce within five years if you pass the college entrance exam. If you do, you'll have to compensate Tang Wu." His sharp old eyes looked at both of them, "Is that acceptable?"

Both were somewhat dissatisfied.

Tang Wu thought five years wasn't enough; it should be a lifetime.

Tong Xue frowned slightly. If she passed the exam and worked in the city, did she have to stay with a brute for life?

Though she and Tang Wu had their sweet moments, they were insignificant compared to her entire life.

But if she refused, she wouldn't get the chance to take the exam.

She nodded in agreement, pretending to be relaxed as she scolded Tang Wu, "I never thought of divorcing you. It's you who keeps bringing it up. If you don't trust me, then I won't take the exam, and we'll divorce."

Tang Wu immediately panicked, "Xue, that won't do! We can't divorce!"

The elder sister-in-law wanted to cause more trouble, but Old Lady Tang decided it was fine.

Tang Bingde watched as Tong Xue wrote the guarantee, and both parties pressed their fingerprints and signed.

"Alright, I'll keep this to avoid any trouble. Let's put this behind us and live as usual," Tang Bingde put the guarantee away, told Tong Xue to continue her studies, asked the elder sister-in-law to support the second couple more, and then left.

Outside, Liu Hongxia laughed, "Captain, your temper has improved."

Tang Bingde, hands behind his back, showed a rare smile on his stern face, "With a bright future ahead, why would I cry instead of laugh?"

Liu Hongxia: "I don't think Tong Xue will stay with Tang Wu for life."

Tang Bingde: "That's uncertain. Even couples who have been together since their wedding day don't necessarily stay together forever. As the women's committee director, you shouldn't be rigid in your thinking. Learn more from the radio."

Liu Hongxia hurriedly nodded, "Yes, I will definitely study hard."

What else is there to learn? She now spends her days figuring out how to fatten pigs, how to determine if a pig is sick, and what pig manure indicates.

Well, studying pigs is easier than studying people.

Tang Wu and Tong Xue's situation is not unique. Any educated youth who married a villager now faces similar issues.

Even if the spouse is reasonable, the in-laws may not be happy.

After all the commotion,

The three brigades were still fine, influenced by Tang Yuan and Tang Bingde, the other two brigades also had the same attitude, but there were quite a few family conflicts in those brigades.

There were cases of mothers-in-law burning their daughters-in-law's application forms, others refusing to issue letters of introduction, and some even planning to steal their parents' admission tickets when they were issued later.

Several incidents even led to the mobilization of county public security and commune militia.

Amidst this atmosphere, the candidates from the Ecological Farm were very comfortable.

They came to school every morning to review, bought lunch at the Cannery canteen, and could even have dinner there. Those without good study conditions at home could rent beds in the Cannery dormitories.

A group of college entrance exam takers living together could encourage each other and study together.

At this moment, He Songtao demonstrated great coordination skills, "Let's be clear, we're all soldiers on the same ship. No one should keep secrets or envy each other. If you don't understand something, ask; if you have good test papers, share them. Our opponents are the countless candidates outside, not these few dozen of us."

The educated youth who had been harboring small calculations were instantly enlightened.

Right, what's the point of focusing on these few classmates? Their failure doesn't guarantee your success.

Instead of dragging each other down with jealousy, why not work together, improve each other, and maybe everyone can pass?

Feng Yi, who was a good student, was often surrounded by others who borrowed her notes and asked her to organize key points for them.

Tang Yuan entrusted Ji Hongyue, Wei Mingqi, and others to get real test questions from different places, not sparing even Secretary Wen and Factory Director Lu, as their families also had candidates.

She didn’t ask Professor Cheng because he had been invited to set the questions and was under full lockdown management, not even allowed to contact his own children, let alone her.

One day, Ji Hongyue brought two cadres to inspect the Cannery's operations and brought some review materials along.

"I went to the provincial capital a few days ago and brought some for Sister Mingqi too."

Tang Yuan and Wei Mingqi maintained frequent contact, as the Cannery needed technical support from the Agricultural Machinery Factory, and Wei Mingqi was their technical advisor.

Wei Mingqi had also spent a lot of time at the Cannery, staying for half a month at the end of last year and enjoying several days of pork dishes.

Holding a thick stack of materials, Tang Yuan suddenly had an idea and asked Ji Hongyue, "Aren't you taking the college entrance exam?"

The registration hadn't ended yet.

Ji Hongyue was taken aback, "Me? Do I need to take it?"

Tang Yuan smiled, "Of course not, but if you pass, it would benefit your future career."

A better resume.

If not a regular university graduate, most resumes would list self-study degrees, which were often questionable.

Most cadres from the 1960s and 1970s pursued further education in the 1980s and 1990s to enhance their resumes.

Of course, people in politics didn't necessarily need to attend university, but she just wanted to see if she and Feng Chen could go.

Ji Hongyue thought for a moment, "I've looked into it. Regular universities require four, sometimes five years of study."

Could he hold a position while studying?

What about after graduation?

Tang Yuan thought for a moment, "We can ask if it's possible to study off-campus and only participate in important exams, passing them is enough. Or, taking leave after being admitted is also an option."

Ji Hongyue thought about it. Indeed, he had subjects he wanted to study; he was eager to learn about international affairs, economic development, and more.

He felt his knowledge and experience were insufficient.

Especially with the significant changes in the domestic situation over the past few years, both politically and economically, policies, ideas, and culture had evolved greatly.

If he stayed in one position without learning, passively following orders and arrangements from superiors, he would undoubtedly become rigid and outdated, unable to keep up with the rapidly developing situation.

He nodded, his expression serious, "I will seriously consider your suggestion."

He wanted to discuss it with his parents and Uncle Shen.

Just then, Feng Chen returned from inspecting the motor group, washed his hands, and entered the room, nodding to Ji Hongyue as a greeting.

Ji Hongyue smiled, "Feng Chen, Tang Yuan wants to take the college entrance exam. Are you afraid?"

Feng Chen looked at Tang Yuan, "Decided already?"

Tang Yuan had been discussing this with him for the past few days, considering whether they should also take the exam.

Sometimes she wasn't very interested, other times she was highly motivated. He had even heard her mutter, "Taking the exam again is so annoying."

Tang Yuan smiled at him, "Will you accompany me?"

Feng Chen: "Of course."

Tang Yuan: "Do you think you can pass?"

Feng Chen: "Is it that hard?"

Tang Yuan: "Not really. I feel it won't exceed high school level."

In modern times, it might be equivalent to junior high school graduation, or even less.

But with the college entrance exam suspended for ten years, except for current graduates, other candidates had been away from books for a long time, especially the older generations who hadn't studied for about ten years. It would be incredibly difficult to pick up everything in a month and take the exam.

Similarly, this suggests that the questions wouldn't be too difficult.

At least for her, it shouldn't be hard; reviewing the key points should be enough.

In her previous life, when she was involved in poverty alleviation work, she would often be tested with phrases like “Let me test you” or “Comrade Tang, you’re so smart; we didn’t study properly, can you help us catch up?” One request would lead to many more, from elementary school students to high school seniors, it was quite a spectacle.

Apart from those who used studying as an excuse to avoid their parents and play games, there were genuinely enthusiastic learners who sincerely sought her guidance.

Thus, her foundational skills were quite solid.

As for Feng Chen, she wasn't worried at all. Although she didn't know how he studied, his learning ability was very strong, almost photographic memory, and his ability to apply knowledge by analogy was impressive.

Looking at it this way, the concern was more about Ji Hongyue.

Indeed, Feng Chen nodded, "No problem."

For him, participating in the college entrance exam was just accompanying her, an experience, not something crucial.

She turned to Ji Hongyue with a smile, implying that if he failed, they would laugh at him without mercy.

Ji Hongyue immediately had a bad feeling, sensing that he either shouldn't take the exam or must pass it, otherwise, he would lose face.

Since choosing a day is less important than seizing the moment, and they were still within the registration period, Tang Yuan and the others went ahead and registered.

Afterward, they waited for the first selection exam.

Given that the college entrance exam had just been reinstated, young people were all excited, believing they could pass.

There were too many people, and many of them were far below the required level, so it was unnecessary for them to try, as it would only delay their work and production.

Therefore, the local education bureau organized a preliminary selection exam, which served as a qualification test. If one couldn't even pass this, or fell far short of the passing line, they shouldn't bother trying.

This way, half of the candidates could be eliminated, allowing them to focus on their jobs or farming.

Sure enough, after the preliminary selection exam, more than half of the candidates dropped out, finding themselves too far behind.

Enthusiasm and the excitement of attending university weren't enough; one needed a solid foundation of knowledge.

Without a solid foundation, what could one learn in just a month?

Only those who had listened attentively in class, mastered and memorized the key points, could review and connect everything in a month.

Those who hadn't taken their studies seriously and had been slackers all along now had no reason to dream. If they truly wanted to take the exam, they should start studying from scratch and try again next year.

After the first round of selection, two-thirds of the prospective candidates from the Forward Brigade remained, eliminating those who were too far behind.

For example, Liu Laizi also wanted to give it a try. Over the past two years, he had learned basic arithmetic in the medicinal fields and mushroom greenhouses, and could read notices and newspapers, thinking he was as smart and good at learning as Feng Chen.

However, in the local selection exam, he scored 4 in math and 9 in Chinese, with abysmal results in other subjects.

On the political science paper, he filled it with slogans like "Long live the great leader" and "Long live socialism," earning him 5 points.

He stubbornly believed that the examiners were biased against him, accusing them of being blind.

The villagers mocked him for dreaming, wondering why he actually took the exam, thinking that being able to do simple calculations qualified him for the college entrance exam. Did he think the college entrance exam was like a first-grade primary school test?

Tang Yuan, Feng Chen, Feng Yi, He Songtao, and He Jianming naturally passed.

Liu Jinhui also participated, barely making it through, but his chances for the actual college entrance exam were slim.

Tang Zhonghe encouraged him to study hard, saying, "We don't aim for a bachelor's degree; even a vocational school would be fine, especially a medical school, which would suit you well."

In the following days, Tang Yuan and Feng Chen continued their work as usual, occasionally doing practice exams copied by Feng Yi and others. After gauging their performance, they felt confident and decided to go with the flow.

They didn't insist on attending University Jin or University Hua, so they applied to Provincial University, which would allow them to balance their work, as they often had to travel to the provincial capital anyway.

When the preliminary selection exam results came out, Tang Xiang was stunned!

She barely made it through!

She almost didn't pass!

It was thanks to the key points summarized by Feng Yi and others.

Impossible, how could she perform so poorly!

Even in her previous life, though she had graduated several years ago and hadn't used that knowledge since, she... was at least a bachelor's degree holder.

She shouldn't have performed this badly, right?

She had confidently assured Song Huazhang that she would definitely pass and enter University Jin based on her own abilities.

She had proudly told Tang Yuan that she would only apply to University Jin.

According to the plot of her novel, the protagonist Tang Xiang easily entered University Jin because, in her previous life, she was a genius who could ace exams with minimal effort, often playing games and reading novels while still topping the class!

That was her ideal self.

But she wasn't that person!

Learning was incredibly difficult for her!

What was worse, if she had been transported to 1973 or even a year earlier, she could have prepared in advance. After all, the college entrance exam questions in 1977 were very simple, and she and her classmates had seen those questions, which they could have answered to get into Tsinghua or Peking University.

But she had awakened just a month before the exam, and when the book version of Tang Xiang merged with her, her innate talent for studying vanished.

Tang Xiang was nearly driven mad.

Tong Xue had passed!

She stared at her scores for the entire morning, her mind filled with resentment and unfairness. Why didn't she awaken after the college entrance exam? Why not?!

Before they knew it, it was lunchtime, and the laughter of Feng Yi, Qiu Jinping, and others could be heard.

"I think the questions were quite easy; I'm sure I can pass."

"Yeah, after all, we only graduated a couple of years ago, so we haven't forgotten our textbooks. We've also been teaching literacy in the village these past two years."

"Fortunately, the director has always encouraged us to teach literacy to the members of the commune. Otherwise, I might have slacked off and forgotten everything."

Hearing their cheerful laughter, Tang Xiang became increasingly discontented. She scowled and rolled up several sheets of paper with notes on them as she headed to the Cannery canteen for lunch.

Seeing her heading towards the Cannery, Tong Xue called out, "Tang Xiang, why aren't you going home?"

Previously, Tang Xiang never came to the Cannery for meals. She ate at home, where her aunt always prepared delicious food for her, saying that as a future college student, her brain needed nourishment.

Tong Xue's diet had also improved.

With a jumbled mind, Tang Xiang ignored her and continued on her way to the Cannery.

Tong Xue pouted, wondering what was wrong with this person lately, as if she had become someone else.

At the entrance of the Cannery canteen, Tang Xiang ran into Xia Xiaoguang. An idea flashed through her mind, and she couldn't help but say, "Accountant Xia, do you regret going to Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University? With your level, you could definitely get into University Jin or University Hua."

Students from Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University were not allowed to take the college entrance exam again, as most had already been assigned jobs or were still studying.

Going to university was for job assignments, and those who already had jobs naturally didn't want anything else. But Xia Xiaoguang was just an accountant at a small factory, which wasn't as prestigious as an accountant in a big city unit.

Tang Xiang imagined that Xia Xiaoguang must regret it and blame Tang Yuan for recommending her.

Xia Xiaoguang, who was not very robust, usually looked delicate and spoke softly.

She glanced at Tang Xiang and smiled, "Of course not. If I hadn't gone to Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University, I would probably be exhausted and sick by now. How could I even take the college entrance exam?"

Every time she worked under the scorching sun, she felt like she was living day by day, enduring great hardship. Being able to study at Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University and gain knowledge felt like being saved.

Although university graduates start with a salary of 55 yuan, she wouldn't earn less. The factory manager said he would raise her salary to 45 yuan by the end of the year and continue to increase it, ensuring she wouldn't earn less than other university graduates.

Tang Xiang sneered, "Ha, with your talent, if you took the college entrance exam, you would definitely get into University Hua or University Jin. Going to Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University is such a waste."

She didn't believe it.

She had more sinister thoughts. If Tang Yuan was also from another world, she must have known about the restoration of the college entrance exam this year. Yet, she still recommended Xia Xiaoguang to go to Workers, Peasants and Soldiers University. Wasn't that intentional harm?

If Xia Xiaoguang knew that Tang Yuan had known about the college entrance exam in advance, wouldn't she hate Tang Yuan?

No matter how grateful she might say she was, wouldn't she secretly resent it?

Would she feel balanced when she saw university graduates earning 50 yuan right after graduation?

Xia Xiaoguang remained unperturbed, "After the restoration of the college entrance exam, many students pass each year, and there are many students from University Jin and University Hua. For ordinary people like us, getting into University Jin or University Hua is impressive, but at the universities, they are just students surrounded by other students. Not every student is a top talent. Passing the college entrance exam is just a threshold; ultimately, it comes down to ability and performance at work."

Passing the college entrance exam is not the end; it's just an entry point. One still needs to learn skills and prove oneself through work.

As long as one studies diligently and keeps up with the times, one won't fall behind, and there won't be much difference from college graduates.

Compared to her, college graduates lack several years of work experience.

She wasn't afraid.

Not accustomed to arguing, she didn't say much to Tang Xiang, smiled, and went to get her meal.

During lunch, Tang Xiang sat next to her again, giving her a very uncomfortable look.

She found it unsettling. Tang Xiang was younger than her, yet she had such a... dark look.

It made her feel cold and uneasy.

She quickly finished her meal and hurried back to the office.

Thinking about it, she felt a bit uneasy and decided to talk to Tang Yuan.

She didn't care herself, but if others started spreading rumors and the factory manager thought she was resentful, she needed to clear things up.

She had experienced office politics and cherished sincere people like Tang Yuan.

Tang Yuan was having lunch with Feng Chen, Mother Tang, Dad Tang, and Dàyá (Feng Nai).

While eating, they discussed information about the college entrance exam, and Feng Nai shared what she had heard on the radio.

Though Tang Yuan and Feng Chen already knew, they listened attentively, occasionally responding and asking for details, making Feng Nai feel she had made a significant contribution to the children's college entrance exam.

Feng Nai: "Dàyá, have you registered yet?"

Dàyá laughed, "Nai, I don't think I have much hope. These past few years, I've focused on learning to read and veterinary knowledge, not mathematics, physics, or chemistry."

She hadn't studied politics either.

Moreover, she enjoyed working at the pig farm and didn't feel the need to take the college entrance exam.

Sister Yuan had said that if she didn't want to take the exam, it was fine as long as she had an ambitious heart, maintained a thirst for knowledge, and kept learning to enrich herself.

Sister Yuan also mentioned sending her to the provincial agricultural university to study veterinary science.

As long as she didn't pursue a full-time degree, she could attend classes and improve her professional skills by finding connections and paying fees.

Feng Nai: "Yes, I also think it's not necessary, but it's good if you want to. After all, whether or not you go to college is just one way of life. As long as you're happy, it's all good. Let me tell you about the past. We couldn't afford meals, while the landlords ate white flour every day. What happened later? And then, those who caused trouble and rebelled, looking so grand, how are they now? In the end, we old farmers are the best. As long as there's no war, we can eat our fill. If we can live in a big house and eat white flour and meat, like now, oh, life is beautiful."

Mother Tang and Dad Tang agreed.

Dad Tang: "The old lady is right."

Life now is the same as it was before with his wife.

They have a good daughter, hehe.

At night, Dad Tang and Mother Tang would chat. They felt that their current good life was largely due to their daughter, and also because they had fewer children.

If you had more children, how could you ensure each one would be capable and successful?

Just one underachiever dragging everyone down, and you wouldn't have a moment's peace in your life.

Look at Tang Wu; he’s already a father of two, yet he still throws tantrums over every little thing.

Over the years, Dad Tang and Mother Tang have learned to listen to the radio, attended literacy classes, and met many leaders and foreign businessmen, broadening their horizons. They feel like they've undergone a complete transformation from their earlier selves.

In the past, Dad Tang didn't like to speak ill of his nephew, often defending him blindly, but now he can look at things more objectively.

Tang Wu just isn’t good enough, he’s no good. If Yuan found someone like that, how upset would he be?

Thinking about it this way, he increasingly appreciates Feng Chen as a son-in-law.

What a good son-in-law, always listening to his daughter.

His daughter and son-in-law don’t argue, their life is harmonious, and he and his wife are also happy, not having to worry about their troubles. Plus, the relationship with the in-laws is good.

They get along with Mother Feng as if she were family. Mother Feng treats his daughter like her own, always protecting her, which he finds very nice.

He once thought about helping his wife find her birth parents, but she didn’t want to.

So he let it go, thinking that over the years, if the in-laws hadn’t come looking, it might be because their circumstances were poor, or perhaps... they were no longer around.

If they truly didn’t care for their daughter, they wouldn’t hesitate to come asking for help even after selling her.

Not coming might mean they live too far away and can’t afford the journey, or they simply don’t want to disturb her, letting her live her own life.

He is, after all, a kind and honest man, never assuming the worst of others, and doesn’t think the in-laws have completely forgotten about their daughter.

At this moment, Feng Chen heard someone outside and the sound of knocking on the door.

Xia Xiaoguang came in with a smile.

Mother Tang asked if she had eaten and invited her to sit and join them.

Xia Xiaoguang smiled and said, "Mother, I’ve already eaten. I came to talk to the factory manager about something."

Tang Yuan had finished eating and was helping Feng Chen pick out the Sichuan pepper from the fish slices. She put down her chopsticks and went out with Xia Xiaoguang to talk.

Xia Xiaoguang briefly explained and apologetically said, "Factory Manager, I... don’t have any issues with Tang Xiang, but I feel she’s being a bit deliberate."

Tang Yuan smiled and said, "Thank you. Don't feel pressured; she and I don't get along."

She then comforted Xia Xiaoguang, "Don't worry, your college diploma is also recognized by the state. In a couple of years, you can train an assistant and even go on to graduate school. As long as you have the heart to learn, it's never too late."

Xia Xiaoguang's eyes lit up. The factory manager was indeed considerate, thinking of everyone's needs. She had no other concerns now.

Tang Yuan stood under the bare persimmon tree, her hands in her pockets, watching a few birds peck at the remaining persimmons on the tree top.

She decided to confront Tang Xiang and have a private chat with her.

Turning around, she saw Feng Chen coming down the stairs.

He draped a bright red cashmere cardigan over her shoulders, which Lin Fulong had brought from Hong Kong, saying it was the latest style and the most fashionable color.

Feng Chen also thought it looked festive and suited her well.

Tang Yuan clasped the front of the cardigan. "I'm going to talk to Tang Xiang."

Feng Chen took her hand. "I'll go with you."

Tang Yuan hesitated for a moment. "You might feel pressured if you come along. I want to talk about some private matters."

Feng Chen: "It's fine, I'll wait outside."

While Tang Xiang was stuck in a rut in the classroom, she heard Feng Yi say that Sister Yuan was looking for her. Her nerves jolted. Was Tang Yuan coming to confront her?

If Tang Yuan was also from another time, and given how much she hated her and her mother in the past life, wouldn't she want to take revenge now?

Could Tang Yuan be trying to sabotage her university entrance exams?

At the same time, a thought crossed her mind: If this were true, then failing the exam wouldn't be her fault, but rather due to Tang Yuan's interference.