Chapter 022

Chapter 22: Unreasonable Favoritism

Under Auntie Cai’s flattery, a faint smile touched Tao Yi Ran’s lips and she said nothing more. Outside, the workers kept stealing hopeful glances in her direction, waiting for her to speak and announce a reward. Under that expectation they worked with particular zeal, and before long all the dowry items had been moved into the storeroom.

Seeing them still standing around, Auntie Liu knew what they were waiting for. She felt the tips should be given; on an ordinary day it might be fine to let it pass, but this was the Second Young Madam’s first time directing the servants after entering the household, and the front-yard staff are not people one can offend lightly. Otherwise, they have ways to make you miss things even with your eyes open; unfortunately, our young mistress’s temperament is what it is. She said: “Thank you, lads. You’ve worked hard today.”

They were all quick to read faces. Noting her embarrassed expression, the serving lads said nothing, offered a polite word, and turned to go. At the gate they happened to meet the serving lads coming from Qiu Shi Courtyard, each grinning, biting at the silver in his hand, chattering about going off to drink wine. The sight left the first group, already unhappy, even more displeased.

Addressing Xin An as “Miss” yet again, Chun Yang muttered: “Next door didn’t give out any reward.”

Chun Yang and Chun Lv kept changing how they addressed Xin An, never remembering to say “Second Young Madam.” Planning to go to Chun Rong Hall again to make her presence felt, Xin An said: “Whether they give or not is their own choice; we cannot force it. But we’re new here and must smooth a few things over. For the next few days, you and Chun Lv should carry extra silver; when needed, treat the lower staff to a cup of tea.”

Turning to Auntie Wang, she added: “You should carry even more, Auntie Wang. The people around Mother and Grand Matron all need to be properly looked after. Also, allocate fifty taels to Uncle Wang so he can grease the wheels with the front-yard staff, especially the stewards and those close to the Marquis. Give Wang Fu twenty taels as well; all of it will be useful.”

The Uncle Wang and Wang Fu she mentioned were Auntie Wang’s husband and son; the whole family had come over as Xin An’s attached household.

She said: “Tell Uncle Wang that in a few days I intend to visit the suburban estate; he and Wang Fu are to accompany me.”

Auntie Wang nodded in agreement, remarking that one needs silver everywhere and only silver makes the people below work with true care; this was not a place to economize.

Auntie Wang went off to cut silver, while Xin An took the fabrics she had selected and headed to Chun Rong Hall.

In Chun Rong Hall, Grand Matron was appreciating the flowers. Seeing Xin An arrive, she beckoned her closer and said: “Come look at how well this hydrangea is blooming; later take a pot back and put it in your courtyard.”

Delighted, Xin An answered: “Then I want this purple one; it looks so opulent.”

Grand Matron nodded and said: “Good eye.”

Grand Matron was in fine spirits, and Xin An seized the chance to be sweet and attentive, saying: “Grandmother, I’m here to bring you a thank-you gift. I adore the famille rose bottle you gave me. While tallying the dowry today, I saw a few bolts of fabric that are especially lovely. See if they please you?”

Chun Yang set a tray on the side tea table and lifted the cloth. The first sight was a bolt of dark purple brocade woven with auspicious cloud motifs. Unfurling it and holding it before Grand Matron, Xin An smiled and said: “I knew Grandmother’s fair complexion and dignified bearing would carry this fabric. It truly looks wonderful.”

Grand Matron loved colors that felt regal without being flashy. Stroking the fabric, she praised it and said: “It is indeed a fine color. Gan Lu, quickly put it away. Once it’s made into clothing, I’ll wear it next month when I attend a banquet at Duke En’s residence.”

Smiling, Gan Lu stepped up to praise the hue and added that the other bolts would also flatter Grand Matron. Very pleased, Grand Matron clasped Xin An’s hand and would not let go, saying: “You young girls have the better eye. Every three months the silk shop sends in new fabrics; in the future, help Grandmother choose.”

Xin An agreed with a smile. Grand Matron then asked after Tang Mo, and Xin An replied: “My parents will be going home in a few days. Today he said he would take my younger brother around the capital for a proper tour.”

Patting the back of her hand, Grand Matron said: “The second boy is a good person. Don’t listen to the nonsense outside. After you’ve been with him longer you’ll know. Don’t be fooled by his glib tongue; he has an honest heart.”

Xin An nodded and said: “Yesterday he said that after my parents leave, he’ll take me to look around the suburban estate. He also wanted to invite Grandmother to come along, but he worries you might not be comfortable, since he doesn’t know what the estate is like.”

Grand Matron’s eyes lit up at once. Born the daughter of a landlord family, land was what her family had in abundance, and at her age she loved to reminisce. She said: “You may never have seen the waves of wheat under the wind. It’s a joyous sight. I haven’t seen it in years.”

Continuing in a pleased tone, she said: “There are sparrow nests and rabbit burrows in the wheat fields too. When it’s time to harvest, you can always catch fledgling sparrows. At that time, people are busy and the birds in the sky are busy as well…”

Xin An listened, absorbed. She had never seen such scenes of harvest, but the telling alone made her happy. She said: “With Grandmother saying this, I all the more want to go stay at the estate for a couple of days.”

She then asked: “Would Grandmother like to go with me?”

Grand Matron answered crisply: “Go.”

Grand Matron scarcely had chances to go out other than banquets, and even those were merely a move from this residence to another, the flowery bustle of which had long grown dull. She said: “Have the second boy make preparations. We’ll go stay together.”

Xin An asked: “What if Father doesn’t agree?”

Grand Matron, entirely unconcerned, said: “He cannot control me.”

Could Tang Gang rein in Grand Matron? [Absolutely not.]

As soon as he opened his mouth, he was blasted with a scolding. Grand Matron demanded: “What is filial piety?”

She pressed on, her tone cutting as she said: “To be filial is to follow my wishes. If you would pen me in this courtyard so I cannot go anywhere, is that your idea of filial piety?”

Tang Gang dared say nothing beyond, “Mother, please calm your anger.” Turning back, he urged Tang Rong to have Tao Yi Ran show attentiveness before Grand Matron, saying: “Now that you have married and established yourself, your mind should henceforth be more on affairs outside the house. The household trifles should be handled by your wife to ease your burdens.”

He continued, dissatisfied: “Today your wife has not taken a single step outside the gate of Chun Hua Courtyard. Your second sister-in-law not only paid respects to your mother in the morning, she also accompanied Grand Matron for breakfast and sent her several bolts of fabric, charming Grand Matron into great fondness.”

He added, his face dark: “The second couple are even taking Grand Matron to the suburban estate for a stay; that is quite an aggressive entrance. You and your wife have made not the slightest move.”

He concluded with instructions: “Today I sought out Vice Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites to settle your entry into the ministry. This is not difficult, but something should be presented. I hear he is especially fond of famille rose vases. Grand Matron has only one, and it already sits in Qiu Shi Courtyard; you will have to find another.”

A father’s favoritism toward his son admits no argument, especially when Tang Gang has pinned all his hopes on Tang Rong and naturally wishes him to soar. Tang Rong somewhat regretted that moment of courteous concession, yet prying out of Tang Mo’s hands what had reached them would not be easy, particularly with Xin An involved. Thinking of the things Xin An had said to him, his brows knit; her hostility toward him seemed rather excessive.