Be A Virtuous Wife! So Tough! - Chapter 12

C12 – Only the Good Die Young

In the study room, Shan recounted to Yueyang Marquis everything that had transpired during their journey, including the incident where Tang Yue had fallen gravely ill and was on the brink of death, as well as the part where they had saved a disciple who was believed to be a member of the royal family. He also mentioned that Tang Yue had considerable medical expertise.

The memory of his son’s weak and frail form surfaced in Yueyang Marquis’s mind. It must have been arduous for him to undertake such a long journey.

“Wang Zizhao returned yesterday. Word has it that he suffered severe injuries to his legs after falling off his horse during the battle in Linjiang. Hu Noble Heir escorted him on his way back, and the journey was fraught with danger, with repeated assassination attempts. I presume you must have met them en route.”

“Indeed, there was a General Hu Jinpeng present at that time,” Shan said, taken aback. While he had suspected that the disciple they had rescued was of royal lineage, he had not imagined it to be none other than the renowned Wang Zizhao.

“Master, could this Wang Zizhao be the rumored Crown Prince?”

“Yes…” sighed Yueyang Marquis. “Wang Zizhao was Queen Madame Hu’s creation – talented in both literature and martial arts, he had achieved great things by the age of 14. There were even rumors that he would become the Crown Prince upon his victorious return. But now, after becoming a cripple, it seems that he won’t be able to keep that position.”

Any dynasty would never allow a crippled prince to ascend the throne, so Wang Zizhao’s life and future were ruined.

“Wang Zizhao has an exceptional bearing. If he were to ascend the throne, he would make a wise ruler.”

“I haven’t seen him in many years. But I do remember when he was ten years old, he had the audacity to declare himself a noble and ride into battle with his spear, even though he was no taller than a horse.” Yueyang Marquis couldn’t help but sigh with regret as he recalled the memory.

“The heavens are envious of geniuses!”

The master and servant duo both sighed. Queen Madame Hu only had one son, and if Wang Zizhao couldn’t inherit the throne, then the other princes would probably fight amongst themselves for the position.

“Did you say Yue knows medicine? The information we obtained did not mention that. Was there a mistake?” Yueyang Marquis redirected his attention to his son.

“When our servant went to the border, he discovered that the young master had been living alone for five years. He had no clothes or food, and his body was covered in scars. The young master claimed to have been sick for a long time.”

Yueyang Marquis felt even more remorseful. He could picture it in his mind – an orphan without any parents. “I have failed them. From now on, you shall follow and protect Yue’er.”

Shan was elated. He knelt down quickly to express his gratitude for Tang Yue’s kindness. During their journey, he had grown fond of this kind and gentle young master. He would buy clothes and cook for him. Such a good master was hard to come by.

“Serve him well. Today, I grant your family the right to bear a surname. Within three generations, one person may choose to renounce their status as a slave.”

Shan was taken aback. His face reddened with excitement. He kowtowed repeatedly, tears streaming down his face.

“Thank you, Master! I will take excellent care of the young master and serve him until my dying day!”

The maid was combing Tang Yue’s hair, but she stopped midway. It was fashionable for men to tie up their hair, especially when they were not yet of age for the crown. Tang Yue was wearing a long robe with wide sleeves, and leaving his black hair untied only made him look more charming and romantic.

Tang Yue was unaware of his untidy appearance. A man with hair hanging down like a ghost, looking quite feminine. “Why don’t you tie it up?” he inquired.

“Would you like me to tie it up, young master?” the maid asked.

“Why not?” he replied, wondering if it was a common practice for men to leave their hair disheveled like this. He had noticed a few men with untidy hair on the streets and wondered if they were all mad.

The maid was surprised for a moment, then quickly responded, “Certainly, I’ll tidy it up for you right away.”

The maid’s hands were nimble, and she quickly tied his hair into a bun on the top of his head using a cloth belt. Tang Yue examined himself in the bronze mirror, feeling energized with his modern-looking hairstyle.

“Excellent work,” he praised the maid generously.

The maid’s heart cleared, and she beamed with joy. “I’m glad you like it, young master.”

She couldn’t wait to share the news with her fellow maids. Their young master was easy to serve and kind-hearted.