Chapter 070

Chapter 70: Tang Rong Was Deeply Provoked

Tang Gang had never found Tang Mo pleasing to the eye, but ever since Tang Mo helped Tang Yao Ming secure a post, he looked at him a little more favorably. Even if Tang Mo lacked decorum in front of him, it no longer grated the way it used to.

Madam Wang, unconcerned with what Tang Gang thought for the moment, asked with care about Tang Mo’s first day on duty: whether anyone had bullied him and whether he felt unaccustomed to the work.

Speaking to his own mother, Tang Mo’s attitude changed entirely; he said: “Not quite used to it. Mother, you know this is my first posting. I was very excited, but once I arrived I felt uneasy and did not know what exactly to do. Give me a couple of days to get familiar and it will be fine.”

Madam Wang felt a pang of pity and said: “Your second aunt brought me some jerky and sugar cubes today. Take them back in a while, wrap them in oil paper and tuck them in your pouch. If you get hungry, you can pad your stomach a little…”

Tang Gang could not listen any longer and said: “An indulgent mother ruins her son. He is already grown; a few missed meals will not kill him. You would even send jerky and candy with him to work? Why not assign him a wet nurse as well if you are set on making him a laughingstock.”

Madam Wang replied evenly: “It is fine whether he takes them or not. You two bring them back, and when there is nothing to do you can have a bite.”

Tang Mo agreed with a grin and said: “Second Uncle’s shop makes the best jerky. It is fragrant and filling. He already said last time he would send some for me. When I finish this, I will go ask Second Uncle for more.”

Madam Wang laughed and said: “Your second aunt also said that if you want anything, just say the word.”

In the midst of this, Steward Zhang entered carrying a basket of grapes and said: “These were sent by the steward from Second Master’s residence. He said the grapes in Young Master Yao Ming’s courtyard have ripened. He asks Second Young Madam to have a taste.”

“These are from my cousin-in-law,” Xin An stepped forward to take the basket, smiling as she said: “When I went over last time the grapes were still sour. Cousin-in-law said she would send some when they were ripe.” She picked one to taste and said: “They really are sweet. Last time they were indeed tart.”

Madam Wang said: “Quickly wash a few clusters and bring them in.”

Before the washing, Tang Mo handed two clusters to Steward Zhang and said: “I remember Elder Madam Zhang is fond of these. Take some back for her to try.”

Steward Zhang thanked him delightedly and said: “Many thanks, Second Young Master.”

Chun Yang’s hands were quick. Soon she returned with the washed grapes. Xin An set them before Madam Wang. Madam Wang picked one, peeled it, and tasted it, and said: “Truly sweet.”

Tang Mo leaned in to eat as well and praised the flavor. Mother and son enjoyed them merrily while Tang Gang looked on from the side without a word. Xin An gave Tang Mo a look, and only then did he hold out a cluster to Tang Gang and say: “Please try some as well. They are better than what you can buy outside.”

Xin An chimed in: “Cousin-in-law said they were cultivated by Lord Gu. They are not only large and juicy but also delicately sweet, eight parts sweet and two parts tart. Father, have a taste.”

Tang Gang took it, plucked one grape, and put it into his mouth. He said: “I know these grapes. Lord Gu sends some to the palace every year. His Majesty the Emperor has mentioned them twice, saying that of all the grapes in the capital, the ones from Lord Gu’s residence are unique.”

He was not acquainted with Lord Gu, had never eaten them before, and did not know that his second brother’s household had them as well. At this moment he felt a little sour in his heart at the closeness between Tang Mo and Tang Yong.

Tang Mo asked with curiosity whether the grapes from Lord Gu’s own residence tasted even better. Xin An sat down with the plate, eating as she nodded and said: “Cousin-in-law said her vines were planted by Lord Gu himself, yet no matter how she tends them, these grapes still are not as good as the ones Lord Gu grows. She said that when she returns to the Gu family, she will bring back two clusters for me so I can taste the difference.”

Tang Mo said: “Remember to leave me some then.” Xin An said: “All right.”

When Tang Rong arrived, he saw a warm scene: a family of four sitting together, each holding a saucer of grapes, chatting and laughing as they ate. It struck him sharply, so much so that he stood there stunned for a moment.

Tang Mo greeted him with a smile and said: “Eldest Brother, you came at just the right time. Second Uncle’s residence just sent grapes. We saved two clusters for you and Sister-in-law.”

Seeing the betrayed look on Tang Rong’s face, Tang Mo felt delighted in his heart. [If getting close to the old man can needle you, then I do not mind staging a little fatherly kindness and filial piety with him more often.] [These grapes really did arrive at the perfect time.]

Tang Mo saluted everyone and then hesitated to speak. Madam Wang, considerate as ever, prompted him and said: “Do you have something to discuss with your father?”

Tang Rong had come to make his presence felt, to let his father know he was diligent and hardworking. But it was not easy to say so bluntly, so he said: “There are a few matters on which I wish to consult Father.”

Smiling, Madam Wang said to Tang Gang: “Since it is official business, why not talk in the study.” Then she added: “Shall we all dine together tonight?” Tang Gang nodded, and Madam Wang sent someone to invite Tao Yi Ran.

As soon as father and son left, Tang Mo laughed and said: “Did you see his expression? It looked as if I had stolen his father; it makes one want to laugh.”

Madam Wang shook her head helplessly and said: “You, never proper. He has his faults, but he also has strengths. You should see what he does well. Lately he has merely had poor luck.”

Tang Mo smiled with narrowed eyes and said: “I know his abilities. I am not underestimating him.”

In the study, Tang Rong behaved more than ever like a capable Heir Apparent who could inherit the title. He spoke about matters in the Ministry of Rites with clear reasoning and set out a detailed plan for how he would conduct himself upon entering the Ministry of Rites. Tang Gang, who had lately been a little disappointed in him, felt very gratified.

Tang Rong said: “Because my second younger brother is serving in the Northern Garrison Army, things are not easy for him at the moment. I would like to ask Father to choose an appropriate time to host a banquet for Commander Liao of the Northern Garrison Army, to make up for what happened before so Second Brother can have it a little easier.”

He added: “I am also preparing to visit friends and use connections to ask people in the Northern Garrison Army to look after Second Brother more.”

Who could say he was not a broad-minded elder brother who thought of his younger brother at every turn. Smiling, Tang Gang patted his arm and said: “I have arrangements in mind for your second brother. You only need to apply yourself to your duties and secure your footing in the Ministry of Rites as soon as possible.”

This son fulfilled all his fantasies of what an elder son should be.

Father and son were affectionate, and Tang Rong mocked himself inwardly: [I really have been jumpy, actually feeling a momentary apprehension toward Tang Mo.]

Tao Yi Ran arrived late. By the time she came, everyone was already seated. A moonlight-white dress made her look even frailer, and a single white jade hairpin added a touch of plain elegance. Tang Gang’s brows knit tightly. His marquisate might not be at the very height of its glory, but with the Old Marquis’s lingering prestige and capable descendants, it still bore a flourishing air. Dressing like this was purely asking for trouble.

Tang Rong rose to support her, carefully settling her into her seat. A loving husband to his wife, yet in Tang Gang’s eyes it took on another meaning. He felt that this son of his was good in every way except that he could not keep his inner quarters in order.

Madam Wang had no intention of playing the saint. As the mother-in-law, refraining from tormenting her daughter-in-law was already her kindness. She said to everyone: “Since all are here, let us begin.”

Tang Gang took the first bite, and only then did the others pick up their chopsticks. No one made a sound through the entire meal. Afterward, they did not walk together to digest; they each left separately.

Tang Gang remained seated. Once everyone had gone, he said to Madam Wang: “The eldest daughter-in-law is out of line. When you have time, instruct her more.”

Madam Wang sipped her tea, set down the cup, and said: “If it were the second daughter-in-law, I, as her mother-in-law, would naturally speak plainly and correct her when she is wrong. I would even scold her, as needed. But the eldest daughter-in-law will not do. If I speak harshly, I become the unkind stepmother. You saw it yourself: she grows frailer by the day and still says she will come pay her respects to me in the morning. If she faints in front of me, will I not become the wicked mother-in-law who torments her daughter-in-law? How then would we answer to the Tao family?”