Chapter 058

Chapter 58: Now, take me to make her acquaintance

After leaving Tang Yong’s residence, Tang Mo and Xin An first escorted Madam Wang back home, then the two of them went on to the Xin family estate. They also sent word that they would not be home for dinner, [the whole point being that once you go out, it is awfully hard to go back].

Madam Wang not only saw nothing wrong with their staying out, she even encouraged them to grab an early bite and stroll the night market: “Summer heat is best spent at the night market; two guards are enough.”

Given that last time Xin An had gone on a buying spree at the night market, Tang Mo brought four bodyguards without hesitation. He looked the four over, all broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, and was very satisfied, [they looked strong, the sort who could carry things].

The Xin family estate was slated for renovation. Wang Jin and his son Wang Fu had been busy there of late, and the preliminary plan was already set: “If we want a larger garden, we should demolish one of the side courtyards. There are plenty of rooms in the compound, so it will not matter if one is removed.”

“The son-in-law wants an extra covered corridor in the courtyard. The corridor can be integrated with the pavilion, which will create another leisure spot…”

Tang Mo had already invited craftsmen to review the renovation plan, and Wang Jin and his son supervised throughout, actively offering opinions: “Master Fu says the drawings can be ready in two days. Once they are approved, we can break ground.”

Tang Mo said they should add an extra wine cellar or two so he could store some fine wine here, and he proposed making two large tables that could seat more than a dozen people each: “A warming room is a must. We will use it as a heated parlor in winter, and in summer it can serve as a resting place for the ladies.”

Xin An agreed. This estate was being outfitted for the convenience of their future entertainments, so every detail should be thoughtful and meticulous. When the Xin family arrived in the capital, they would certainly be hosting as well. If the mansion had suitable spaces, there would be no need to go to restaurants. After all, conversation was never as comfortable in a restaurant as it was in one’s own grand garden.

With Tang Mo and the Wang father and son handling matters, Xin An became a complete hands-off shopkeeper, [other than covering all the renovation expenses, she had nothing else to worry about].

At dusk, with the sunset just right, Tang Mo took Xin An out to a restaurant. The wealthy and idle pair could hardly have been more carefree. Meanwhile, Tang Gang learned that Tang Mo had helped Tang Yao Ming pull strings to secure a post, news that came when Tang Yong arrived in person with generous gifts to tell him.

They had not planned to disturb him, but since he would find out sooner or later, Tang Yong made the trip to avoid needless misunderstandings: “It started out as a feeler. I did not expect it to succeed. Eldest Brother, rest assured, I have taken care of all the necessary arrangements and greasing of wheels. I would never have the second lad help only for us to end up paying more.”

Tang Gang almost could not keep a straight face. If this had been Tang Rong’s doing, he would naturally have basked in reflected glory and rejoiced with him. But it was Tang Mo who had accomplished it. The son he doted on was now convalescing in the courtyard from his injuries, while the son he had not managed closely was becoming more and more capable. Remembering the things Madam Wang had scolded him about earlier, his cheeks burned.

“I have always kept Yao Ming’s matter in mind, only this month the household has truly been swamped and I could not get away. I had been thinking to consult Vice Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites in a day or two.”

“It is good that it is done. The Censorate’s Inspection Court is an excellent posting. Tell Yao Ming to serve diligently. If there is anything he does not understand, he can come to me.”

He managed to salvage some face for himself, and the thought of having a nephew serving as an imperial censor was not bad either; his attitude became much improved.

It is easy to add flowers to brocade and hard to send charcoal in the snow. Tang Yong understood this perfectly, and he could not help feeling a touch of triumphant satisfaction.

Unaware that this one matter had thrown both his father and elder brother into disarray, Tang Mo was leading Xin An through the night market. Contrary to his expectations, because the offerings were similar to their last visit, Xin An’s desire to buy trinkets had waned, but her appetite for small snacks surged. Each time she saw something novel, she wanted to try it. She only tasted a little, then handed the rest to Tang Mo. He ate from one end of the street to the middle and finally declared he could not eat another bite.

It felt wrong to throw food away, and it seemed improper to feed it to the bodyguards: “My dear grandaunt, these little snacks are utterly ordinary. Let us stop, shall we?”

Xin An nodded readily, mainly because the last few had indeed been quite average.

They strolled a bit longer and were about to head back when Tang Mo, sharp-eyed, spotted Liu Mingyuan accompanying his wife at a small stall, talking with the owner. He quickly told Xin An, and she glanced over: “Yan Wen Hui?”

“You know her?”

As soon as he said it, Tang Mo felt he had asked a foolish question. In her previous life as a marchioness, Xin An had cultivated connections everywhere on Tang Rong’s behalf. How could she not know the capital’s noble ladies?

“I do.”

Xin An’s lips curved. She leaned closer and lowered her voice: “Now, take me to make her acquaintance.”

Tang Mo slanted a look at her and smiled: “I was thinking the same. Come on.”

They turned simultaneously, faces lifting into perfectly decorous smiles as they walked toward the Liu couple. When they were three steps away, Tang Mo greeted them with a laugh: “Brother Liu.”

“Second Younger Brother Tang?” Liu Mingyuan was a bit surprised: “What a coincidence.”

Tang Mo said: “My wife finds the capital’s night market amusing. We did not see enough last time, so here we are again.”

He cupped his hands to Yan Wen Hui: “Sister Yan.”

Yan Wen Hui had seen Tang Mo many times and was fairly familiar with him: “Second Younger Brother Tang has steadied since marrying. Well then, are you not going to introduce your wife to me?”

Beaming, Tang Mo drew Xin An forward: “This is my wife. Her given name is Xin An. I will be indebted if Sister Yan will look after her in the future.”

Xin An offered a formal curtsey: “Young Madam Liu.”

The matter of Tang Mo’s swapped bride was much discussed in the capital. Yan Wen Hui had heard that the official’s daughter had been replaced by a salt merchant’s daughter and had felt it a pity. Later her younger brother had told her that Tang Mo cherished this newly wedded wife, which piqued her curiosity.

She could not help examining Xin An closely. Seeing that her features were striking and that her smile bloomed like rosy clouds, she and Tang Mo together were like a golden boy and jade girl. “Then call me Sister along with Second Younger Brother Tang,” she said.

Xin An complied readily and curtseyed again: “Greetings to Sister Yan.”

Only then did Yan Wen Hui’s gaze shift from Xin An’s face to her attire. One glance was enough to recognize the outer robe as a rare square brocade. Though her hair bore only three hairpins, one was an especially eye-catching butterfly set with gems. It echoed the embroidered butterflies and blossoms on the brocade, and at the tips of the butterfly’s antennae were two pearls. They swayed slightly, rendering Xin An altogether more lively.

Fine objects are never cheap; the Xin family’s wealth was plain to see.

Liu Mingyuan valued Tang Mo and wished to befriend him. He also knew his own wife had a playful streak, and Xin An seemed similar. [What new bride goes to the night market twice within her first month of marriage?] The two of them might well enjoy each other’s company. He said to Yan Wen Hui: “Those trinkets I brought home last time were gifts from our younger sister-in-law.”

Then to Tang Mo and Xin An he added: “Your sister-in-law has been wanting to stroll the night market because of those trinkets. There are many amusements in the capital. If our younger sister wishes to go anywhere, she can arrange it with your sister-in-law.”

Yan Wen Hui understood at once, and her gaze toward Xin An turned warmer: “Sister, when you have time, do come find me for a chat.”