Chapter 027

Chapter 27: An incident at Chun Hua Courtyard

Tang Mo was more than willing for his father-in-law to cultivate more officials. In his heart, he looked down somewhat on his own father: wanting the Xin family’s silver while putting on airs. It was only natural for the Xin family to turn to another camp. [Since that was the case, if he, as the son-in-law, stepped forward to share his father-in-law’s burdens and took a share for himself, did that not also count as working for the marquisate’s good? As long as the benefit landed on his head, it had not left the marquisate; if the old man at home was displeased, what could he do about it?]

As for how to befriend officials of the Imperial Court, Xin Kuan was an old hand; before one meal ended, the next was already taking shape, and Tang Mo naturally kept him company. As the introducer and the man very likely to be Xin Kuan’s spokesman in the capital, Assistant Minister Xu’s attitude toward Tang Mo shifted; his words were full of praise, and Xin Kuan, looking pleased, praised Tang Mo’s consideration and thoroughness in handling matters.

After a round of commercial flattery between father-in-law and son-in-law, Assistant Minister Xu clearly understood that despite the swapped marriage, the two were quite satisfied with each other; a hint of teasing crept into his gaze toward Lord Tao.

Lord Tao’s toes curled inside his shoes with embarrassment. As a father-in-law, who does not want his son-in-law’s respect and, within that respect, an extra measure of closeness, more filial even than one’s own son? He was nearly certain that Tang Rong would never hoist him so high in public as to inspire envy in others. Now he wanted both Tang Rong’s identity and reputation and Tang Mo’s respectful filial devotion; so many flavors churned in his heart that even the smile on his face turned stiff. He could not relax at all.

Yan Shi Mao and his two friends took responsibility for escorting the young ladies and the Xin family’s mother and daughter home. At the restaurant door, Xin An proposed that each man see his own younger sister home, saying: “It is late, and their families will worry. We have maids, attendants, and a driver; there will be no problem.”

The trio were close to Tang Mo, and his conduct today taught them how they ought to treat Xin An. Xie Chang You said: “Second Younger Brother Tang gave orders; we must personally see Aunt and our younger sister-in-law safely back to the residence.”

Yan Shi Mao said he would escort the three younger sisters, and the other two would escort Madam Xin and Xin An; Xin An did not demur. After seeing Madam Xin back, Xie Chang You and Wei Ye took the initiative to chat with Xin An, their words probing her attitude toward Tang Mo. For a woman, when the intended husband is suddenly replaced, time is needed to adapt, and she indicated that she too would need some time.

Unable to help himself, Xie Chang You spoke earnestly, saying: “Younger sister-in-law, do not believe those ugly rumors outside. There are hidden reasons. Second Younger Brother Tang is actually quite good.”

Wei Ye seconded him: “Second Brother Tang is of fine appearance, handles matters carefully and thoroughly, and is loyal to his friends. Although he sometimes goes out with us for entertainment, he always keeps himself clean. He has set foot in a flower house but has never embraced a courtesan; he has visited a gambling den but never taken a hand. He is a proper man. Those malicious rumors were steered by contemptible people; do not take them as truth.”

Raising an eyebrow with interest, Xin An asked: “Is he really that good?”

“That he is,” the two replied, nodding solemnly. “Spend time with him and you will know; we are not deceiving you.”

Xin An smiled and said she would consider carefully, adding: “He is fortunate to have you brothers.”

The two grew pleased with themselves, saying: “We have years of friendship,” and looking as if being friends with Tang Mo were something extraordinary.

Back at the residence, Xin An went to report to Madam Wang, only to learn she was not there. Asking the gate maid, she learned Madam Wang had gone to Qiu Shi Courtyard an hour earlier. The maid said: “An hour ago there was an incident at Chun Hua Courtyard, and the Heir Apparent is not in the residence. Madam went over and has not returned yet.”

Xin An asked, lowering her voice: “Do you know what happened?”

The maid glanced around and then whispered: “It is said that Xue Yu from the Heir Apparent’s courtyard is pregnant, and the Eldest Young Madam will not tolerate that child.”

No sooner had she finished than she shrank back. Without Xin An even signaling, Chun Yang rewarded the little maid with silver. Startled and delighted, the girl thanked them repeatedly. After telling her to mind her duty well, Xin An hurried back; [coming home late, she had missed the spectacle].

As soon as she stepped through her own gate, Auntie Wang came out to greet her, visibly in good spirits. Once Xin An entered the room, the woman spoke of the business next door, saying: “It is not unheard of, though unseemly, for a bedchamber maid to get pregnant before a concubine. But the household has just had a swapped marriage, and the outside has been abuzz these two days. If we add this on top, who knows what stories they will spin. The Tao family coming to demand justice is the lesser worry; what we fear is that someone with an agenda will seize on this to attack the marquisate. I suspect that is why they were suppressing the news next door. Who knew Xue Yu lacked patience. Perhaps she feared she could not keep the child; after waking from her nap today, she clamored for sour apricots. Auntie Cai scolded her, and she ran to Madam to tell everything, weeping like pear blossoms in the rain and saying the Eldest Young Madam would not tolerate her and meant to harm her child.”

“Half an hour ago, she started yelling about stomach pain and cried for quite a while. Madam sent for a physician, and he still has not left.”

Xin An looked toward Chun Hua Courtyard. She had already discussed this with her mother-in-law, and both of them had decided to feign ignorance. As Auntie Wang had said, the marquisate was at the eye of the storm these two days, and another such piece of news would only make things worse; Tang Gang would not escape being impeached twice at the Imperial Court. Though Tang Gang had his faults, he was the true pillar of the marquisate. If he fell, no one would come out well. Though mother-in-law and daughter-in-law did not like Tang Rong or Tang Gang, they had never wanted to bring the marquisate down. The best solution was to suppress the news; once Tao Yi conceived, the matter could be handled with calm.

She ordered, saying: “Have everyone in our courtyard keep their mouths shut and not speak a word of this outside.”

Then she said: “Auntie Wang, go to Steward Wu and have him order that the servants in the residence are not to discuss this matter, much less leak it.”

As for herself, she went next door, and this time it was not to watch a lively scene.

Chun Rong Courtyard was shrouded in gloom. Tao Yi Ran sat weeping in the room. Judged by this incident alone, she had indeed been wronged. Madam Wang’s face was frosted with displeasure; she inwardly hated that Tao Yi Ran could not even keep a bedchamber maid in her place, letting the matter become a public uproar, and still had the face to sit here and cry.

When she saw Xin An arrive, Madam Wang stepped down and came to her, asking: “How do you think this should be handled?”

Before her mother-in-law, Xin An did not hide her judgment, saying: “Elder Brother and Elder Sister-in-law are newly married and deep in affection. At this time a bedchamber maid has become pregnant, and Elder Sister-in-law must feel greatly aggrieved. The Tao family will be sure to make a fuss and may well put forward excessive demands. In your daughter-in-law’s humble opinion, this matter should be resolved by turning a big problem into a small one and a small one into no problem.”

Madam Wang patted the back of her hand and said: “Mother did not misjudge you.”