Chapter 013

Chapter 13: Treated Differently

The moment one stepped into Grand Matron’s courtyard, a sense of opulent splendor struck at once. The garden was a riot of blossoms, vivid and fragrant. Setting foot there again, Xin An felt genuine delight; she liked this kind of unabashedly grand display of wealth and suddenly felt as if she had grown a little younger.

They crossed the courtyard, climbed the steps, and entered the main hall. The rich air of luxury surged more strongly still. Beyond the people present, the most eye-catching items were the two large beauty-shoulder porcelain vases in the corner, lustrous and smooth, with painted scenes of beauties appreciating flowers so lifelike that one could tell at a glance how valuable they were.

Next came the side screen; slanting morning light, having threaded its way through vermilion doors, fell on one corner of it. The white butterflies embroidered in gold thread flashed with pinpoints of light that dazzled Xin An’s eyes on the spot. Her gaze drifted on to the curio shelf on the other side: a spray of monthly roses stood in a sky-blue porcelain vase, petals still jeweled with dewdrops, and beside them were rare, top-grade ornaments. Bottles and jars of every kind filled each compartment to the brim.

Underfoot, it felt like walking on clouds. The heavy, gorgeous carpet blazed for attention with patterns Xin An could not name, but that did not hinder her from recognizing its expense.

Grand Matron, apparently all smiles, was in truth studying the expressions of her two new granddaughters-in-law. Tao Yi Ran’s brows were lightly knit, as if she looked down on such luxury that made no attempt at restraint and considered it low taste. Xin An, by contrast, was enraptured by wonders she had never seen. The Xin family was wealthy, but their status placed limits on them; at times, money alone could not buy the finest objects, and even if one bought them one could not use them, for that would be overstepping rank.

In her past life, after marriage, Xin An had worked hard to please Grand Matron, partly to win advantages for Tang Rong and partly because she loved Grand Matron’s extravagant things. Later, when the elders in the residence passed away one after another, these items naturally fell to her, yet she still could not use them because Tang Rong called them vulgar and tasteless.

Tang Mo, for his part, adored the treasures in Grand Matron’s rooms; to him, each piece was endlessly lovable. The two happened to be standing together and now, without meaning to, both wore the same look of rapt fascination, which made Grand Matron quietly breathe a sigh of relief.

Tang Yong’s wife, Madam You, was the first to speak and said: “It is said the two new brides in the residence are as lovely as clouds. Seeing them today, it is indeed so. Eldest Brother, Eldest Sister-in-law, you are truly blessed.”

Before the Old Master of the marquis’s household had fallen gravely ill, he had divided off Tang Yong’s family. He knew all too well that his old wife despised most in this life his inability to endure loneliness and his taking a woman outside; she disliked this concubine-born son intensely and feared that after his death the second branch would suffer. Yet Tang Yong failed to understand his father’s careful intent; he felt only that the Old Master was partial and looked down on him as illegitimate. Over the years, his dealings with the marquis’s household had remained cool and distant, though his wife had never given up courting the favor of the main branch, hoping to secure advantages for her son.

Tang Gang and Madam Wang both wore expressions of pleased delight, and Grand Matron’s smile brimmed as well. Seeing that both newlywed couples looked composed, Madam Wang replied kindly to Madam You and said: “We will rely on you to look after them in the future.”

Madam You laughed and said: “But of course.” Then she laughed again and said: “Marriage truly makes a man different. Just now, the way Second Young Master supported his wife was so considerate; he already seems much more steady.”

“From your lips to heaven,” Madam Wang answered with greater warmth in her smile, then turned her gaze to her two sons and said: “From today on, you are both men with wives. You must be all the steadier. Treat your wives with affection. When something arises, discuss it together. Do not act on impulse.”

Both men nodded earnestly and said: “Your son will remember.”

A waiting matron reminded with a smile and said: “The new brides should serve tea.”

A maid hurried forward with two soft kneeling cushions; the tea had been prepared early and was warm, just right to drink.

Tang Rong and Tao Yi Ran went up to kneel, received the cups from the maid, and respectfully presented them, saying: “Grandmother, please have tea.”

Grand Matron drank with pleasure, then gave gifts, and said: “You are both good children. Live in harmony from now on.”

After they had agreed and kowtowed, they moved to Tang Gang and said: “Father, please have tea.”

Tang Gang’s face was full of gratification, and because he had used Tang Rong’s mother’s dowry, he felt guilty and grew all the more benign toward Tang Rong. After he drank the tea from the newlyweds, he handed over a red envelope and said: “May you two live in concord, support each other, and uphold the honor of our marquisate.”

After they kowtowed again, they took up the cups and presented them to Madam Wang, saying: “Mother, please have tea.”

Madam Wang pretended not to see the marks on Tao Yi Ran’s neck; her expression was kindly, and after a few words of encouragement and blessing, she gave them a red envelope. When it was Tang Yong’s family’s turn, the moment grew awkward; Tang Yong said directly there was no need to kneel and that serving the tea would suffice. The main aim was to avoid offending Grand Matron.

Once Tang Rong and Tao Yi Ran had finished their bows, it was Tang Mo and Xin An’s turn. The two knelt before Grand Matron and, lifting their eyes, saw a translucent white-jade Guanyin; delight bloomed on their faces. Grand Matron happily drank their tea and gave them red envelopes; she said to Xin An: “If this brat bullies you, come to Grandmother. Grandmother will back you up.”

Xin An was wearing today the full pigeon-blood ruby headpiece set Grand Matron had given her; it lent her a striking nobility, and Grand Matron was very satisfied. She said: “This headpiece set suits you exceedingly well. So pretty.”

Smiling, Madam Wang chimed in at once and said: “What Mother gives is of course the best. This girl’s features are delicate, and the set complements her perfectly. Mother’s eye is discerning.”

A flash of envy crossed Madam You’s eyes. As an unwelcome concubine-born daughter-in-law, she had never received even a strip of cloth from Grand Matron, while this newcomer had, upon entering the door, been given such a magnificent set. The difference between near and distant relations could not be plainer. Unable to help herself, she glanced toward Tao Yi Ran. Tao Yi Ran’s gaze rested on Xin An’s headpiece, her expression faint and unreadable.

When it was Tang Gang’s turn, he drank their tea and said to Tang Mo: “Now that you are married, you must not behave as before. Always remember you are a son of the marquis’s household. In all things, place the marquisate’s reputation first. Be filial to your elders, respect your elder brother, and live a steady, quiet life.”

Tang Mo nearly wanted to stab him. Madam Wang almost failed to hold the smile on her face; biting down on a silver tooth, she decided to bring two concubines into his rooms in a few days and make his life miserable.

Fortunately, Tang Mo was already used to being treated differently and answered with docile compliance.

When it came to Madam Wang, her eyes reddened with joy as she said: “Now that you are married, you can stand on your own. From now on, be steady. Do not disappoint your father. You two must get along in harmony. Husband and wife are one body. The road ahead is long. You may rise.”

They rose, turned, and went to offer tea to Tang Yong. Xin An’s manner was deeply respectful. In her past life, when her Zi Xuan had been wrongfully imprisoned, it was Tang Yong who had asked favors everywhere to rescue him. Though he did not succeed, he had poured in much effort, and even the burial had been led by him. As for Tang Rong, that so-called father of the child… She cut the thought off. [Enough. If I keep thinking about it, I will not be able to stop myself from handing him a cup of poison and ending it.]

The instant that thought arose, it would not be suppressed; agitation surged in her chest. Without drawing notice, Tang Mo drew her back to stand off to the side and squeezed her hand hard, which finally brought her back to calm.