Chapter 069

Chapter 69: The One Who Best Knows How to Handle Tang Mo

As the head of the Northern Garrison Army, Liao Zhi was someone Xin An felt they must find a way to connect with. Madam Wang’s little performance today had not been for nothing; they had gained something.

Madam Wang said: “Liao Zhi’s wife is a daughter of the Xu family, the wealthiest in Lin Prefecture, with ten thousand acres of good fields. The pomp when she married into the capital was grand and caused a sensation. I remember it. Her dowry was extraordinarily rich. Just the various grains totaled fifty thousand jin and blocked the capital’s wharf for quite a while.”

At that, Xin An recalled something and said: “I think I have heard of this. They say Madam Xu has a younger sister who married the second son of Prince Jin?”

Madam Wang was not sure about that, but it did not stop her from finding out quickly. Xin An took a sip of tea unhurriedly and said: “There is no need to rush. As long as we are in the capital, we will find someone who can connect us to Liao Zhi.”

Madam Wang nodded, lifted her eyes, and studied Xin An. Yet the more she looked, the less she could see through her. The face before her was young, but more than once she had the illusion she was dealing with a peer, especially when Xin An grew still. That feeling became even stronger.

Xin An asked: “Mother, is something the matter?”

Madam Wang smiled and said: “I was only thinking that you are someone who makes sound plans. There may not be many places where Mother can help you, but if you ever need me to come forward, just say so.”

Xin An did not stand on ceremony and said: “If my husband’s situation in the Northern Garrison Army does not improve for a while, we may need Mother to come forward and ask Father to resolve it.”

Madam Wang said: “That is not difficult. I could get it done today.”

Xin An shook her head and said: “If we can manage it ourselves, Father will see my husband’s ability.”

Madam Wang thought it over and agreed: “Then we will do as you say.”

After that matter, Xin An mentioned that Madam Tao had come by. Madam Wang praised Xin An for handling it extremely well, then said: “From now on, if I am not around, you may make decisions about the affairs of this household. Leave a little later tomorrow. I will take you to meet all of the stewards.”

After chatting for a while, Xin An returned. On the way she pondered Tang Rong’s intentions and concluded that he was simply shameless. In her previous life he had wanted nothing more than to turn into a butterfly and throw himself into Tao Yi Ran’s arms, believing there was no one better in the world. Now that he had gotten what he wanted, how many days had it been since the wedding that he already found her less fragrant?

Evening came soon. Seeing that Tang Mo had returned, she blurted out: “So the banquet invitation did not go through?”

He said: “No.”

On his first day on duty, Tang Mo was still a little excited. He said: “I did not invite anyone. It would have been too hasty. Better to watch for a few days first.”

He downed a cup of water before even sitting, then sat to rest and said: “But the food you sent today was good. A few people kept their distance from me in the morning, yet after eating the roast goose you sent, the ice broke and they spoke to me.”

He added: “Liao Zhi was not around today, and his trusted men were all out with him. They said they will not be back for three days. This is not an easy hurdle.”

Xin An said: “Every hurdle can be overcome. I am going to listen to an opera tomorrow and will ask around for more information. Who knows, perhaps we can settle this before they return.”

Tang Mo happily crossed one leg over the other. The feeling of not having to struggle alone was wonderful.

Fatigue washed over him and he yawned twice. Seeing he looked tired, Xin An asked: “What did you do today?”

He waved a hand and said: “Well…”

He felt embarrassed to admit that, having lived in comfort these years, he got tired just standing for the time it takes to burn two sticks of incense. He said: “I am still adjusting. I have to memorize the layout of all the streets in the capital. In seven days I will go on street patrol with the others.”

She teased: “You did not do much and you are already this tired? I told you you were weak, did I not?”

She proposed: “I suggest you get up early every day and run through two sets of boxing forms to loosen your limbs, and then hire a martial instructor to give you pointers. The capital is not always peaceful. What if they need you?”

She added: “Your grandfather won military merit and earned this marquisate from the saddle. When it is your turn to step up, if all you can show is flowery fists and embroidered legs, how shameful would that be.”

Tang Mo felt there was some truth in that, then remembered he would have to rise early for duty anyway and now would also have to get up to practice. He muttered: “I do not think I can stomach that hardship.”

Xin An leaned in until her eyes were level with his and said: “A grown man died because he fell into a Lotus Pond. How weak is that?”

Tang Mo…

This wretched woman.

Seeing he was angry, Xin An knew exactly how to handle him. She said: “The person across from you already has a reputation for flowery fists and embroidered legs. If you are different, people will praise you as having your grandfather’s bearing. What a compliment that would be.”

She added: “It would be an honor even your Father never had.”

Tang Mo was moved. He imagined himself stepping forward at a critical moment to seize a bandit like an unsheathed sword, then turning and landing with flair. Tsk tsk tsk. He wanted to applaud himself.

He said: “I will do as you say. Tomorrow morning I will get up early for martial training. When I have time I will go to a martial hall for training too. My old martial instructor opened his own hall. He has some real skills.”

Xin An straightened and said: “I knew you could do it. Of course, at your age it will not be easy to become a master, but you have a foundation. Even if you do not earn merit, it is good for your health. Then if you fall into the Lotus Pond again, you can spring out with style. A little Lotus Pond, what can it do to you?”

What had happened in the previous life had become a joke in this one. Who knew how long people would mock him for it. Tang Mo gnashed his teeth and decided: [When I am successful, I will have the manor’s Lotus Pond filled in.]

She said: “Enough, you have rested. Let us go pay our respects to Mother. She has worried all day.”

He said: “You are coming with me.”

As if dragging Xin An along could avenge him, Tang Mo grunted. Xin An laughed and said: “You sound just like the pigs on the estate, still grunting.”

Tang Mo rolled his eyes, then broke into a cheerful grin. Who knew what he was laughing at, only that he was happy.

Tang Gang happened to be there too and, for once, took the initiative to ask about Tang Mo’s day. Tang Mo’s mouth itched and he said: “Of course I was targeted everywhere. What, did you think they would line the streets to welcome me?”

The one line left Tang Gang speechless. He glared with anger darkening his face. Madam Wang shot Tang Mo a look and said: “Your Father is asking because he is concerned about you. Speak properly.”

She herself could quarrel with Tang Gang, but Tang Mo could not. Filial piety comes first. No matter what Tang Gang had done, he was still Father. To contradict him was to be unfilial. If word spread, how would they stand in the capital?

Reluctantly, Tang Mo said: “It was not as hard as I imagined. Some people targeted me, but some made friendly overtures. I am, after all, from a marquis’s household. They had to give me a bit of face.”

Tang Gang grunted: “You need not worry about Liao Zhi. He has gone out by imperial order. When he returns, I will invite him for a drink and smooth this over.”

Tang Mo was a little surprised. He stared with wide eyes. Tang Gang looked up, fuming, and asked: “What is that expression supposed to mean?”

Tang Mo rubbed his hands and said: “I am simply flattered.”

This was the first time ever. The old man was actually going to pave the way for him.

Tang Gang said: “I am your father. Would I harm you? There are priorities in all things. In urgent matters one must act expediently. Do not be petty.”

He was angry and felt mocked. Tang Mo quickly forced a smile and said: “You are absolutely right.”