Chapter 161 - Brother You've Done This
Tang Yue's first instinct was to bring Zhang Chun along with him.
“Didn't you promise to educate him in literature and martial arts so that he can serve the nation in the future?” Crown Prince Zhao demanded angrily, his face pale with frustration.
He had finally managed to separate that troublesome boy from Tang Yue, so why was he still entangled with him?
“He has no interest in those matters, and I believe he's still quite young. Join me and explore the world for a while; it'll benefit your future if you gain some worldly experience,” Tang Yue said as he peeled an orange for Crown Prince Zhao. He broke off a piece and fed it to him.
Crown Prince Zhao knew that Tang Yue was attempting to placate him, but he still accepted the offering without a change in expression. “He's already ten years old. In three or four years, he could marry and have children. He's not that young anymore. If he doesn't study diligently now, will he end up as a marquis waiting for his death?”
Tang Yue thought to himself, “There's nothing wrong with that. Many people wish they had that opportunity.”
However, he didn't voice that thought. “What's most important is his personal ambition, isn't it? Perhaps one day he'll have a change of heart and want to learn. Besides, being with me doesn't mean he's learning nothing. It's just that he's not following my formal lessons.”
“Oh? I wonder if Crown Princess can teach him literature and martial arts?” Crown Prince Zhao asked, casting a sidelong glance at Tang Yue.
Tang Yue coughed dryly, his face shifting from red to green. He glared at Crown Prince Zhao. “I can't do it. Aren't there others around me?” That Mr. Xuan Jing received your praise. Tang Shan's martial arts are even superior to Wang Dingjun's. Why isn't anyone teaching him?”
“He didn't learn peacefully. How can he learn anything while spending his days fishing and basking in the sun?”
Tang Yue pursed his lips. “That depends on his dedication.”
Because of Crown Prince Zhao's words, Tang Yue became more stringent in Zhang Chun's education. Both the scholarly and martial aspects were pressing on his studies. He had transformed a young duke who was initially lacking in both into a well-rounded individual skilled in both academic and martial pursuits, as well as worldly matters. Of course, this was the latter part of the story.
Thus, the matter was settled. Zhang Chun gladly became Tang Yue's shadow. Even if Tang Yue instructed him to study for four hours every night, he never grew tired of it.
On the fifteenth day of the second month, the weather was clear and sunny—the perfect day for the Yueyang Marquis's Mansion to marry off their daughter.
Based on their previous experience, Tang Ya's marriage was arranged swiftly. Furthermore, her marriage had been planned several years in advance, and Zhao Shi had already prepared the dowry.
Even though Tang Yue was already married, he took on the role of carrying his sister onto the bridal sedan chair on behalf of their family. As he looked at his sister, resplendent in her crimson wedding attire, Tang Yue couldn't help but sigh with mixed emotions.
He felt a sense of emptiness. Watching Tang Ya embark on married life at such a young age weighed heavily on his heart.
However, during the procession to State Duke Heng's Mansion, Tang Yue seized the opportunity to drink with Ping Shun. He repeatedly urged Ping Shun to take good care of Tang Ya, making it clear that he wouldn't hesitate to intervene if necessary.
The marriage was a significant event for State Duke Heng's Mansion. Ping Shun had previously maintained a sizable harem, even though he had refrained from interacting with his concubines due to his changed behavior.
In preparation for the wedding, Ping Shun had voluntarily dismissed all his concubines. This gesture not only made the new madam feel important but also showcased Noble Heir of State Duke Heng's true transformation.
“Don't worry, brother… your son-in-law will treat your sister well,” Ping Shun repeated this phrase numerous times with his slurred speech. Eventually, Zhao Sanlang couldn't tolerate it any longer and pulled Tang Yue away, assisting him outside.
Tang Yue didn't take offense. He turned his attention to persuading Zhao Sanlang to join him for another drink, despite being teased by Zhao Sanlang for some time. Zhao Sanlang remarked, “Someone who doesn't know any better would think Noble Heir of State Duke Heng had married his beloved.”
“You're clueless. A woman's heart is fragile. If that guy starts fooling around in the future and tarnishes her reputation, Tang Ya might die of grief.”
“But he wouldn't dare to do such a thing now,” Zhao Sanlang understood Ping Shun. He knew that Ping Shun regarded Tang Yue more with respect than friendship, almost like a mentor.
“People can change easily, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.”
A wry smile played on the corner of Zhao Sanlang's lips. How could a man speak of such matters so casually? Did this mean he was no longer a man?
Leaning closer, he inquired softly, “Could it be… you're concerned that the Crown Prince might have a change of heart in the future?”
Tang Yue was nearly intoxicated, his thoughts in disarray. He responded without much thought, “Him? What's there to worry about? I can survive without him. After all, I'm the sole heir to the Yueyang Marquis's Mansion.”
“If that day comes, he'll be the young master returning to the Yueyang Marquis's Mansion. He'll be free to live life as he pleases.”
Yet, it was different for women. Even if they had family support, they could still become the targets of public scrutiny.
Women were exceptionally demanding in this era.
Zhao Sanlang's mood was far from good. He stood stiffly, his gaze fixed on the space behind Tang Yue, gradually distancing himself.
He forced out an awkward laugh. “Ha… Where are we? His Highness isn't that type of person.”
Tang Yue placed a hand on his shoulder and drew him back. “Don't console me. It may seem fine now, but one day he'll have children with other women. He's the crown prince of a nation. How can he forsake his heirs?”
“Ahem. You're the only man in the Marquis of Yueyang's residence. Do you want to carry on the family line too?” Zhao Sanlang felt like their relationship was equal, but after saying this, he wanted to slap himself for his foolishness. It was one thing to utter such words in front of Tang Yue, but speaking them in front of that person was another matter entirely.
“Yes…” Tang Yue let out a long sigh and altered his tone. “However, I can't be intimate with women. I can only disappoint my elders.”
He understood that both Yueyang Marquis and the elderly lady desired for him to have both sons and daughters. Considering the values and beliefs of this era, it was commonplace for both him and Crown Prince Zhao to have a few more women.
Zhao Sanlang felt like weeping. He wished he could take back his words. Tongue-tied, he said, “Crown Princess, don't think about it.”
Tang Yue rolled his eyes at him. “Why do you call me that? Be careful I sever ties with you!”
Bitterness welled up within Zhao Sanlang, leaving him speechless. He thought, even if Tang Yue didn't want to sever ties, he'd be compelled to do so.
He managed a strained smile and spoke to Tang Yue's back, “Crown Prince, you're late.”
Crown Prince Zhao regarded him with a cold gaze. “Yes, had you not arrived later, how would you have known someone had the audacity to suggest that Crown Princess find a woman?”
Tang Yue heard a familiar voice and slowly turned around. When he laid eyes on Crown Prince Zhao's stern countenance, he even grinned. “Why did you arrive only now? The banquet is nearly over.”
“I came to escort you,” Crown Prince Zhao replied. He was supposed to attend the wedding banquet, but his status was unique. He had only made a brief appearance before leaving. Therefore, he decided to wait until the banquet was concluding to pick up someone.
He hadn't anticipated overhearing such a conversation. It was truly vexing.
Tang Yue's reaction was somewhat sluggish. He propped himself up on the table and slowly rose to his feet, his body swaying a little. Zhao Sanlang stood by his side, providing support.
Despite Tang Yue's efforts, he couldn't maintain his balance and tumbled forward, their heads colliding in the process.
The Crown Prince's expression darkened as he observed the two of them closely. Without a word, he pulled Tang Yue into his embrace, securing his waist for support as he assisted him in walking out. Before departing, he cast a meaningful glance at Zhao Sanlang.
Zhao Sanlang remained rooted to the spot for a while, feeling as though he had been doused in icy water. It took him quite some time to regain his composure.
“Well done, my friend. You've truly risked it all,” Zhao Sanlang praised their camaraderie and resolved to seek compensation from Tang Yue for his losses the following day.
If the Crown Prince took a step, Tang Yue would have to come forward.
Crown Prince Zhao escorted Tang Yue to the carriage and helped him inside. He then threw a coat over him and secured the horse to the carriage.
Although Tang Yue was feeling the effects of the wine, he was still lucid. His mind was just a bit sluggish.
Therefore, Crown Prince Zhao remained silent during the journey and didn't detect any unusual signs. Instead, he leaned against Tang Yue, feeling dizzy and wanting to sleep. Tang Yue's earlier words echoed in his mind, and the more he thought about them, the sadder he felt. Their relationship appeared to be less stable than he had believed.
It seemed that he had always considered the Yueyang Marquis's Mansion as his escape plan. If that were the case… Crown Prince Zhao's eyes revealed a tinge of madness and cruelty.
Without the Yueyang Marquis's Mansion, would Tang Yue still harbor such thoughts?
After contemplating for a while, Crown Prince Zhao ultimately pushed aside this insane idea. If he went through with it, it would mark the end of his relationship with Tang Yue.
He lowered his head and caressed Tang Yue's face, murmuring to himself, “Tang Yue, how can you give your heart to me?”
Tang Yue's eyelids twitched, but he kept his eyes closed.
“I didn't hear… I didn't hear…” He self-hypnotized. He couldn't answer such a question, or perhaps he didn't want to. He chose to act as if he hadn't heard it.
The source of this c𝓸ntent is fr(e)𝒆webnovel