CHAPTER 144: CHAPTER 144: NOT A SACRIFICIAL PAWN

The carriage swayed as it drove towards the Duke Yan Mansion.

Tang Xiaobai lifted the curtain and looked at the profile of the little master.

There wasn’t much to see, he didn’t show any sign of disappointment, just had his eyelids lowered, expressionless.

Tang Xiaobai coughed lightly twice and said, "I heard Pei Jiu could recognize a thousand characters at three and recite a hundred articles at five. He’s several years older than you, so it’s normal for him to know more than you. Don’t mind it too much. When you reach his age, you’ll definitely be better than him!"

The debate about "innate goodness" and "innate evil" had just ended, and ultimately the little master had lost.

She thought it was quite normal, given the age and experience difference, winning would be strange.

But her young friend seemed to have a strong sense of self-esteem. When he was stumped, his face looked extremely unpleasant.

However, he seemed better now. After hearing her consolation, the corners of his lips curved into a slight smile, he nodded and said, "I won’t lose next time."

Tang Xiaobai smiled and patted his head.

The competitive young boy was really adorable...

"Are you sure you want to learn ’Xunzi’ with Pei Jiu?" Tang Xiaobai asked.

After Pei Xuan won the debate, he didn’t say much to Ah Xiao, just instructed her to come to Jingsi Hall every afternoon starting tomorrow to explain ’Xunzi’ to her.

Tang Xiaobai didn’t even have time to refuse before the little master interjected: "Senior Brother Pei is indeed erudite, Tang Xia humbly admits defeat. Could I also join Second Miss to listen to Senior Brother’s lectures?"

This sentence sounded quite polite, humbly unlike himself.

But Pei Xuan responded a bit slowly and was immediately teased by him: "As the saying goes, ’teaching without discrimination,’ since Senior Brother Pei is willing to teach, he shouldn’t mind having one more, right?"

Pei Xuan didn’t refuse, so Tang Xiaobai said nothing more.

When asked now, Li Mu nodded and confirmed: "Men and women have differences, how could Second Miss be left alone with Pei Jiu?"

Tang Xiaobai was stunned: "I wasn’t planning to agree!"

Li Mu suddenly turned his head, his expression shocked.

"Didn’t we agree yesterday?" Tang Xiaobai laughed, unable to cry.

Although she reconciled with Pei Xuan today and the little master lost the debate to Pei Xuan, she didn’t plan to change her mind!

Seeing the little master showing a look of regret, Tang Xiaobai patted his shoulder with amusement and said, "Senior Brother Pei has extensive knowledge, I’m sure he has unique insights. Listening to his lectures could also be greatly beneficial."

Li Mu, however, didn’t agree: "Even if Pei Jiu has insights, they are just his insights."

Tang Xiaobai laughed and said, "In that case, ’Mencius’ is just Mencius’ insights, ’Xunzi’ is just Xunzi’s insights. Why do we need to read them? Only by listening to a wide range can we see clearly; partial beliefs lead to darkness. Without gathering thoughts from various sources, how can one discuss their merits and faults?"

Li Mu stared at her for a while, then responded with a nod.

Tang Xiaobai, seeing that he was receptive to her words, felt a bit pleased, moved slightly outward, and lowered her voice, "Do you think it’s quite interesting that Pei Jiu is reading ’Xunzi’?"

Li Mu’s eyes shifted.

"Second Miss is back!" came the familiar call from the gatekeeper of the Duke Yan Mansion.

Home at last.

Tang Xiaobai, not wanting to leave the conversation unfinished, arranged to meet him: "Wait a moment at the Book Collection Pavilion—" Then thought again, "Never mind, wait for me, I’ll go with you to the East Garden to find my brother!"

With that, she got out of the carriage and asked, "Is madam in? Has she awoken from her nap?"

The academy usually dismisses students at Shen hour, which is around three in the afternoon.

Upon arriving home, if Gu Ning was awake, she’d first go to Ningchun Court to pay respects to her mother.

After receiving confirmation that "madam is awake," Tang Xiaobai headed towards Ningchun Court as usual.

Before she even reached it, she saw the silhouette of the eldest miss pacing anxiously outside the courtyard gate, as if wanting to go in but was restrained by some reason.

Tang Xiaobai was about to call out to her when suddenly she saw her stomp her foot, seemingly having made a major decision, then picked up her skirt and went in.

What is she up to?

Tang Xiaobai quickened her steps to the gate of Ningchun Court and peered inside—

Her bright and heroic elder sister was holding up her skirt, treading stealthily and furtively along the side room, approaching the main hall.

Inside the main hall, faint voices could be heard.

Tang Xiaobai looked at the main hall, then at her sister.

Why does she always want to eavesdrop?

Just as Tang Xiaobai was about to follow her sister’s route to eavesdrop together, a laugh came from the main hall, followed by someone loudly saying, "Isn’t it Jiaojiao and Xiaobai?"

The speaker was Tang Ziqian.

Tang Jiaojiao’s body stiffened, then she nonchalantly straightened her back, put down her skirt, patted it, turned to look at Tang Xiaobai, blushed slightly, raised her chin, and said, "Why didn’t you say a word when you came? Hiding to scare people? Childish!" Then she flicked her sleeve and quickly walked towards the main hall.

Tang Xiaobai giggled and followed her.

Inside the room, there were only Gu Ning and Tang Ziqian, seemingly discussing something.

What could it be?

Tang Xiaobai couldn’t help but glance at the eldest miss, pretending she hadn’t intended to eavesdrop, and thought of the last time they had eavesdropped.

Gu Ning gently said a few words and then let the three siblings leave without mentioning anything.

But just because she didn’t mention it, doesn’t mean she can’t ask!

"Brother, is mother discussing your marriage with you?" Tang Xiaobai asked as soon as she left Ningchun Court.

Tang Ziqian glanced at her and smiled, "What marriage? Are you thinking of getting married?"

Just as he said that, he felt a sharp gaze coming from the front.

Looking up, Tang Ziqian saw, ten steps ahead, the young Crown Prince standing outside the inner residence, looking this way with slightly furrowed brows, seemingly displeased.

"What are you doing here?" Tang Ziqian asked him.

The young Crown Prince lowered his gaze and calmly replied, "Second Miss asked me to wait here."

Tang Ziqian, amused, turned to look at his younger sister, "How come he listens to you?"

Tang Xiaobai ignored his teasing, "Is mother discussing your marriage?"

Hearing this, Li Mu finally relaxed his clenched palms.

"Yes!" Tang Ziqian candidly nodded.

"And what do you think?" Tang Xiaobai asked, walking alongside him.

Tang Ziqian paused, assessed her for a moment, then looked at Tang Jiaojiao, and with a smile asked, "What do you two think?"

Tang Jiaojiao, lowering her head, fiddled with her sleeve and murmured, "She doesn’t deserve brother..."

Tang Xiaobai shook her head, thinking, "Sister complex is beyond reason."

Tang Ziqian chuckled heartily, "This matter has to wait until father returns to discuss further!"

"Is father coming back?" Tang Jiaojiao asked in surprise and delight.

Tang Ziqian smiled and nodded, "The petition to return to the capital for duty reporting has been submitted, barring any surprises, he should be back by the second or third month of next year."

Second or third month of next year?

Tang Xiaobai’s heart stirred.

Ye Qingrong is set to enter the capital in early March of next year. She’s unsure if she can prevent Tang Ziqian from falling deeply in love with Ye Qingrong, but if Tang Ziqian’s marriage can be postponed until then, it might be clearer.

"What are you thinking?" Tang Ziqian noticed her thoughtful expression and asked with a smile.

"Thinking about Cousin Wanwan... hoping that no matter what happens, everyone will be okay." Even if the major plot can’t be stopped, she hopes Gu Wan won’t become collateral damage between the male supporting character and the female protagonist.

Tang Ziqian laughed, "Don’t worry, nothing bad will happen—"

Before he finished speaking, a servant hurriedly reported, "Young Master! Eldest Miss! Third Miss Gu is in trouble!"