Chapter 038

Chapter 38: Father and Son Each with Their Own Designs

Grand Matron’s belongings were never ordinary; when Gan Lu brought out that matched pair of Tianhuang stones, everyone present could not hide their astonishment at the lustrous, oily sheen and spiritlike translucence, the fine, dense texture with red veining scattered beneath the surface, and someone breathed: “Is this top?grade Tianhuang ‘dong’?”

Ordinary Tianhuang already fetched three taels of gold for one tael of stone, while top?grade Tianhuang “dong” commanded ten taels of gold per tael and had always been tribute. Tang Mo grew hesitant, not daring to accept it as he said with a bow: “Your grandson thought it was just an ordinary pair of Tianhuang stones; with something this precious, he truly does not dare accept.”

Tang Rong’s gaze fastened on the Tianhuang “dong” and would not move away; desire filled his eyes and could not be concealed. Xin An maintained her faint smile as her gaze slid past Tang Rong; [the cool, aloof Heir Apparent wants it, yet cannot bring himself to speak], and seeing him bind himself up in pride, she lifted the corners of her lips; [how satisfying].

Feigning humility, Tang Mo said with a laugh: “Such fine things would be wasted on your grandson.”

Grand Matron picked up one of the stones and toyed with it, saying evenly: “Grandmother cannot truly appreciate this; it merely looks prettier than other stones. Grandmother is happy today, so she is rewarding you. You are not allowed to refuse.”

Tang Mo’s face showed deep feeling as he choked up: “Grandmother treats her grandson so well, her grandson… her grandson…” His eyes reddened before he could finish, and Grand Matron looked at him with great fondness as she said, smiling: “Look at this pitiful sight, he really draws one’s affection.”

In truth, Tang Mo was a touch better looking than Tang Rong, yet on ordinary days everyone’s attention fell on Tang Rong and overlooked Tang Mo. Now that he deliberately played to the gallery and acted endearing, Grand Matron’s heart melted on the spot. Who does not favor a handsome grandson who is close to her?

Under his sleeve, Tang Rong’s fists clenched tight. The pair of Tianhuang he owned was a world apart from this pair; [Grand Matron is truly too partial].

After a round of banter, Tang Mo cheerfully accepted the pair of stones, then, in front of Grand Matron, winked at Xin An as he said: “When I find a master to carve them with care, you will have one and I will have one.” Xin An forced out a shy expression that made Grand Matron laugh until her face bloomed.

When it was time to set the table, Tang Mo piped up brightly: “Grandmother, I am craving crispy pastries today.”

Grand Matron laughed until she could not close her mouth as she chided him: “You little monkey, do you take Grandmother’s place for a canteen?” Then she turned to Gan Lu and instructed with amusement: “Hurry and tell the small kitchen, otherwise this monkey will throw a tantrum when he cannot eat his crispy pastries.”

Gan Lu smiled as well. Tang Rong felt he ought to echo the laughter and add a few pleasing words, but after straining for a while he managed only: “Second Brother is as amusing as he was in childhood, still childlike at heart.”

Tang Mo took the line with self?deprecation as he smiled: “All the major matters at home are borne by Father and Eldest Brother. I am a dull fellow; apart from eating, drinking, and idle amusement, I truly do not know what I can do. If I can make Grandmother laugh, I am content.”

Grand Matron rose as she advised with indulgent sternness: “You had best anger your father less, that would be better than anything.” Tang Mo hastened forward to support her and said cleverly: “Your grandson has been reforming lately. Next time Father wants to beat me, Grandmother must shield me.” Grand Matron laughed again. Breakfast passed in lively good cheer, though only for Tang Mo, Xin An, and Grand Matron; as for Tang Rong and Tao Yi Ran, it was like sitting on pins and needles. One who had ever been the one all stars revolved around suddenly saw a younger brother he disdained become so winning, while he himself sat on a cold bench. The gap in his heart was no small thing, and a sense of crisis took root; ever since the wedding, Tang Mo simply was not the same, and in recent days he had been quite pleased with himself, while in contrast unpleasant matters had multiplied for Tang Rong.

After the meal, Tang Mo and Xin An stayed at Chun Rong Hall. They had nothing else today and planned to eat lunch with Grand Matron, then go back to nap, wake up, and return to wait there again for dinner. Grand Matron called them clingy to her face, yet the joy in her eyes could not be hidden.

Returning to Chun Hua Courtyard, Tang Rong and Tao Yi Ran were both in poor spirits. Tao Yi Ran spoke with guilt as she asked softly: “I feel I am not as good as Second Sister?in?law. Have I embarrassed you?”

Tang Rong gave a light smile and said in comfort: “Do not compare yourself with her. She comes from a merchant family and can afford to lower her stance.”

He added calmly: “Second Brother has been unruly since he was little, and comic banter comes easily to him. Their way of doing things is just to announce their intentions upfront; you and I could not learn it even if we tried.”

He concluded with quiet assurance: “Grand Matron may like that way, but people outside do not. Do not brood on it. Your talent and poise are not something she can match.”

Tao Yi Ran smiled and said with warmth: “Though speaking behind others’ backs is not quite proper, I am exceedingly glad I married you today. You are a gentleman, bright as the moon. It is hard to imagine you stooping and playing the sycophant. Fortunately, you are you.”

At this, Tang Rong’s heart was greatly satisfied. After another bout of tender murmuring, they parted reluctantly. Once outside, Tang Rong continued to dwell on that pair of Tianhuang, and his resentment over Grand Matron’s partiality smoldered. That afternoon, while talking with Tang Gang, he mentioned the Tianhuang as if in passing: “Top?grade Tianhuang ‘dong’ is only found in the palace. Grandmother’s objects truly are all extraordinary. Second Brother is very pleased.”

Tang Gang’s face darkened; he knew nothing about Grand Matron still having Tianhuang “dong.” He said, displeased: “Back then your grandfather returned from the battlefield with quite a few treasures, and it is said everything was entered with His Majesty the Emperor. Because of your second uncle, your grandfather also felt guilty toward your Grandmother, so he gave all those things to her.”

He went on, tone edged with irritation: “The Empress Dowager knew that your Grandmother loves gold, silver, and jade. Every time she went to the palace, she would reward her with some. After so many years, I fear even your Grandmother does not know how many good things she has in her hands.” This was also the source of his dissatisfaction with Grand Matron. The household was not flush; expenses cropped up everywhere, and they sometimes had to pinch and scrape, yet she hoarded those objects and would not bring any out.

Lifting his eyes to look at Tang Rong, he asked bluntly: “What do you think?”

Of course Tang Rong hoped Grand Matron would bring out the treasures, even half would do, but he dared not say so, since speaking it would be the height of unfiliality. He answered with dutiful restraint: “Your son has no opinion. Grandmother’s things are hers to give to whomever she wishes. She gave them to Second Brother today because he knows how to delight Grandmother. Hereafter your son will also often go before Grandmother to perform filial duty, that is all.”

Tang Gang’s hope fell flat. He had thought that once Tang Rong spoke his true mind, he would scold him a few words, then go to Grand Matron to talk, and perhaps persuade her to bring out a few items. Tang Rong, for his part, was also waiting for Tang Gang to broach the subject; he had promised Tao Yi Ran a yellow?jade peony and still did not know how to ask for it.

Father and son each harbored their own calculations, and so the conversation petered out. Tang Gang raised a hand and said evenly: “Tonight I have an appointment with Vice Minister Wang. Go make your preparations.” Tang Rong, disappointed, could only withdraw unwillingly.

That evening, after dinner, Tang Mo, Xin An, and Madam Wang accompanied Grand Matron in a stroll around the courtyard to aid digestion. With Grand Matron in high spirits, they walked for nearly half an hour before returning. Tang Mo served Grand Matron with particular diligence that night and did not leave with Xin An until after Grand Matron lay down to sleep.

Passing the front courtyard, they saw, under the faint light of the lanterns, two people limping as they came toward them, moving somewhat furtively. Tang Mo brightened with interest and strode forward to bark in a carrying voice: “Where did these night prowlers come from to dare sneak into the Marquis’s manor? Men!” The patrolling bodyguards rushed over, and before the two could speak, a flurry of fists and heavy boots rained down on them. At once, cries of pain rose up. When more lanterns were brought to shine upon them, Tang Mo let out a startled exclamation as he blurted, half laughing: “Eldest Brother, what role are you playing today?”