CH 19

C19 – Don’t be Sad, It’s Not Your Fault

The carriage swayed for hours before coming to a halt. Tang Yue was the first to jump off and take in the sight of the imposing red door, which was even grander than the one at Yueyang Marquis’s Mansion. As usual, the words on the door plaque were inscrutable.

After helping his sisters down from the carriage, Tang Yue asked, “Should I not enter? I’m sure as a stranger who suddenly appeared, I’ll be scrutinized like a monkey.”

Tang Ya glared fiercely at him and retorted, “Do you dare not?” before yanking his sleeve and dragging him inside.

Tang Yue sighed helplessly, “Alright, alright, I’ll go. Just don’t be too high-handed… Mind your reputation!”

The moment they stepped inside, they heard a woman cry out in surprise, “Ya Tang, whose young master are you pulling? Aren’t you already engaged to the Noble Heir of State Duke Heng? How dare you bicker with another young master in public?”

“What’s it to you?” Tang Ya was not one to keep her temper in check, and did not feel the need to explain herself when misunderstood by others. Instead, she became even more fiery.

Tang Yue could tell from the outset that these two girls were not going to get along. Adhering to the principle of familiarity and indifference, he immediately bowed to the girl and said, “Please excuse my sister’s behavior. Ya has a bold and unbridled personality, and isn’t inclined to sweat the small stuff. I am her elder brother.”

In this day and age, people revered audacity and camaraderie, and those who were too timid were looked down upon. Thus, while Tang Yue appeared to apologize for his sister, he was actually praising her.

“What nonsense! When did the Yueyang Marquis’s Mansion ever have a young master?” The girl was probably using this as a way to mock Tang Ya. She spoke arrogantly, “Who are you exactly? Tell me your name! The heir of Duke Heng’s estate is also here today. Be careful not to let him catch sight of you.”

“I’m Tang Yue, and I am indeed Ya’s brother. It’s normal for this lady not to know me. I just returned home,” Tang Yue explained before being dragged away by his sister. He listened to her nagging and scolding him, “Why are you explaining yourself to that slut? She only has an aunt in the palace, and she dares to act so impudent. What on earth!”

Tang Yue believed that his sister’s temper would get her into trouble sooner or later. She didn’t know how to be discreet and hadn’t inherited any of their mother’s strengths. How would she ever find success in the future?

“There were so many people around just now, I had to tell her,” he replied anxiously. He was worried that the news of the Yueyang Marquis having a son would spread quickly.

Tang Ya agreed with his reasoning. By word of mouth, the news of the Tang Family having an heir would soon be known by all the nobles in Ye City. This was precisely why she had brought Tang Yue here today.

“Let’s go see County Princess Huizhu first. You…” Tang Ya didn’t know what to say and frowned as if she was facing a difficult situation.

Tang Yue urged her forward and took Tang Wan’s hand. “Let’s hurry and leave. It’s not good to keep Master’s house waiting.”

Tang Ya rolled her eyes and gave him a quick introduction. “County Princess Huizhu is the eldest daughter of the princess and was granted the title of princess her entire life. She is a noblewoman, thirty years old this year. The princess’s husband was once a renowned scholar but unfortunately passed away at a young age. He had a son who is now twelve years old. Remember not to mention the late husband in front of the princess, don’t smile too much, and don’t stare at her. You definitely wouldn’t want to become the stepfather of a twelve-year-old brat, would you?”

Tang Yue shook his head firmly, conveying that he had no interest in women whatsoever. The likelihood of him developing feelings for the princess was even lower than that of him developing feelings for her son.

Obviously, he could not harbor any romantic feelings towards a twelve-year-old child.

Tang Yue gleaned a few crucial pieces of information: firstly, the princess held a noble position and was not someone to be underestimated. Secondly, she was a widow and might have a penchant for sexual gratification. Thirdly, if the princess took an interest in him… he would need to keep his distance.

Tang Yue chuckled to himself and gestured towards his own face, questioning, “Are you sure the princess is fond of my appearance?”

After spending some time in the area, he came to realize that the current trend favored men who presented themselves in a more neutral manner. The more effeminate-looking they were, the more desirable they were. On the streets, it was common to see men with oily hair and rosy cheeks.

Tang Ya pondered over the few princesses she had encountered before and acknowledged that they were quite dissimilar to her brother. In an effort to console him, she remarked, “Don’t be upset. It’s not your fault that you look this way.”

Tang Yue’s lips twitched as he thought, Which one of your eyes saw me looking sad? If he appeared more masculine or feminine, he might genuinely feel sad.

Upon reaching a large garden, Tang Yue finally laid eyes on the mistress of the estate. At first glance, he comprehended why Tang Ya was apprehensive. If he had a normal sexual orientation, he would surely fall to his knees under the weight of this princess’s ruby-red dress.

In this era, a thirty-year-old woman was considered middle-aged. However, the princess seemed to maintain her youthfulness remarkably well. Her skin was smooth and milky-white, and she didn’t appear to age when standing next to the young girl. What set her apart, though, was her sophistication and allure, which the little girl lacked.

Tang Ya pinched him and ushered him to bow before the princess.

“Eh, Ya, who might this young dandy be…?”

“This is Ya’s older brother, Tang Yue. He spends most of his time traveling the world and only recently returned a few days ago. Since Ya thought that you had yet to meet her brother, she brought him here to see you.”

“Oh? Let this princess take a closer look, then…”

Tang Yue had been observed before and was not embarrassed. After everyone had finished watching, he inquired, “Did you happen to see the princess?”

“Haha… Ya, your brother is quite amusing.” County Princess Huizhu was a bit older than Tang Yue, but did not speak as an elder. Looking at the young girls present, all under 20 years old, it was enough. It was the princess’s preference.

“Princess, please excuse my brother. He is not well-versed in etiquette.”

“How could that be? Your brother is quite impressive. His gaze is clear, his features are noble, and he carries himself with dignity without being overbearing. He exudes the bearing of a distinguished family.”

This remark implied that Tang Yue was not captivated by her beauty, hence his clear eyes. His appearance was average and only passable. His daring statement just now revealed a certain level of boldness, barely earning him passing marks.

Tang Yue accepted her praise with pleasure. “Thank you for your kind words, princess. Your brows are like mountains, your eyes are like paintings, your nose is like jade, your skin is like snow, and your manner resembles a graceful fish or bird.”

Tang Yue knew that complimenting a woman’s beauty had been the norm for centuries.

County Princess Huizhu beamed at him. “Tang Xiaolang, I appreciate your forthrightness. I look forward to visiting the Prefecture more often in the future.”

“I cannot wait to welcome you,” replied Tang Yue, bowing once more and expressing regret. “I arrived in haste today and was not able to prepare a proper welcome. I shall make amends next time.”

The County Princess was not concerned with his gift, but thanked him warmly nonetheless and instructed her personal maid to take him to the garden on the other side.

The siblings bid farewell for the moment. Before departing, Tang Yue instructed Tang Ya to look after his younger sister and fetch them after the banquet was over.