Chapter 1622 — Failure After Failure
The Blossom Guardian · Page 2 of 2
The entire household found it bewildering. Ever since Old Master Tang had become a Tian-tier expert, he had not once set foot outside, devoting himself entirely to closed-door cultivation at home and rarely troubling himself with family affairs. That he should suddenly announce a departure -- and take Tang Yuyu and Xiao Ming along -- was startling indeed.
Had he taken only Tang Yuyu, it might have been understandable. But Xiao Ming, that daughter-in-law the eldest branch's principal wife had cast into the cold palace years ago? Bringing her along was almost beyond comprehension.
Tang Yuyu's father, Tang Ling Tou, stopped short of speaking several times, itching to ask his father what this trip was truly about, yet not quite daring to ask. Although Old Master Tang was no longer the family head, in truth the Hidden Tang family's affairs still ran through him -- and if he did not give his nod, the title of family head on Tang Ling Tou's shoulders was worth nothing.
Old Master Tang had not said where he was going or why, which only deepened the family's bafflement.
Daring not question the Old Master, Tang Ling Tou had no such scruples about his own son. In private, he found an opportunity and drew Tang Yuyu into his room. Lowering his voice, he asked, "Yuyu, what exactly is the Old Master taking you to do? Why so sudden? Not a whisper of warning?"
"Father, do not put me in such an awkward position. Grandfather's decisions are not mine to speak of carelessly. And I know very little myself. You know Grandfather's temper -- if I said anything, wouldn't I just be inviting his wrath?" Tang Yuyu offered a rueful smile and explained.
Tang Ling Tou sighed. He understood the Old Master's ways -- once a decision was made, it was made, and no one's words would change it. Besides, Yuyu was just a child; he could hardly know much of anything. At best, he was simply there as company.
But Xiao Ming being summoned along as well -- that was genuinely strange. Xiao Ming was his concubine. By rights, Old Master Tang was her father-in-law. Taking her out with him, was that not a touch improper?
After racking his brain, Tang Ling Tou decided his only recourse was to ask Xiao Ming herself. He sighed and told his son, "Never mind, Yuyu. Go about your business. There is nothing more."
Once Tang Yuyu had gone, Tang Ling Tou strode quickly toward the courtyard where Xiao Ming lived. He had not set foot in this courtyard in more than ten years. He was a timid man, and after his wife had flown into her rage, he had never dared to meet Xiao Ming in secret again. He had all but forgotten this concubine of his. Had today's questions not pressed upon him, he would never have come here.
"Family Head, please stop!" Tang Ling Tou was walking with his mind in turmoil when a voice suddenly rang out. A dark shadow drifted soundlessly before him, blocking his path.
Tang Ling Tou was about to flare with anger at being stopped, but the moment he made out who stood before him, his expression froze. Hastily he replaced it with a smile. "Why, it is Uncle Da! Uncle Da, whatever brings you here? I've come to see Xiao Ming..."