Chapter 077

Chapter 77: Tang Gang Pressures Tang Rong

Madam Wang knew Tang Gang would never lower himself to ask outright. He wanted some, yet could not open his mouth; he would trail off like he had just now, then wait for her to prompt him so he could voice his difficulty and expect her to procure it for him. When she had been newly married and when Tang Mo was small, she might have done so, hoping he would show the child more affection.

Now, she thought with cool clarity and said to herself: [Let him manage on his own.]

Xin An would not take the initiative either. She had no fondness for Tang Gang. In the previous life he had eyed her dowry to pave the way for Tang Rong. In this life that father and son would not spend a single copper of hers.

At dinnertime they went together to the front courtyard. Just as they stepped out of Qiu Shi Courtyard, Auntie Liu from the neighboring Chun Hua Courtyard was sending a physician off. Madam Wang asked about Tao Yi Ran’s condition. The physician said: “Eldest Young Madam’s weakness was brought from the womb. She must recuperate carefully and avoid exertion. Above all, she needs sufficient sleep.”

The physician added with professional reserve and said: “Eldest Young Madam has long had difficulty falling asleep and requires a calming decoction to help. Too little sleep will hinder recovery.”

Madam Wang listened with eyes like a bright mirror and said: “Thank you, doctor.”

He bowed and said: “I do not dare claim credit.”

After seeing the physician out, Madam Wang led Xin An to Chun Hua Courtyard. Tao Yi Ran was half-reclining on a soft couch. Before she could rise, Madam Wang spoke first and said: “I asked the physician. Your condition can be serious or light depending on care. You must not overexert yourself. From now on you are excused from morning and evening salutations. Rest well and recover quickly.”

Tao Yi Ran, face contrite, tried to refuse and said: “Ritual cannot be discarded. I can manage. I have been ill since entering the gate and have not served at Mother’s side; that is already unfilial. If I am even excused from salutations, people will say your daughter-in-law is unfilial.”

She sought not to exert herself, yet still wanted a good name. Madam Wang smiled faintly and said: “Mother is not uncharitable. Salutations are a formality; nothing matters more than your health. If your heart is uneasy, at daybreak face Mother’s courtyard and make a bow from afar. Mother is counting on you to recover soon and conceive, to give the marquis’s household heirs.”

At ease in body and mind, Tao Yi Ran performed a respectful bow and said: “Mother is kind. Your daughter-in-law will follow your teaching, recover quickly, and spare Mother worry.”

Madam Wang nodded and said: “Good. Mother awaits that day.”

They both knew how to perform; the scene looked warm and harmonious. At the side, Tang Rong stifled his anger. He had truly thought Tao Yi Ran would be of one heart with him, yet she had found a physician so she could legitimately stop paying respects.

He watched with open eyes as Tang Mo, with the help of Xin An and Mother, stood taller by the day, and he was powerless. Upon hearing that Xin An had already gone out to make connections and that one of her contacts was the consort of Prince Cheng’s heir apparent, he felt a pang of regret.

The gap between Xin An and Tao Yi Ran was narrowing bit by bit. If Tao Yi Ran kept nesting in her courtyard and not going out, the outside world would soon know only the Second Young Madam and not the Heir Apparent’s consort. That would be very disadvantageous to him.

Madam Wang turned to him with measured gravity and said: “Mother knows you are about to take up duties at the Ministry of Rites, but you must also make time to care for your wife. Do not forget everything once you have official business.”

She stressed the point and said: “You are the eldest son of the household and will one day inherit the marquis’s honor. Mother knows the burden on your shoulders is heavy, but the matter of heirs is of utmost importance. Keep it in your heart.”

Faced with her admonition, Tang Rong felt even more stifled, yet he bowed and said he would comply. Madam Wang smiled and invited them to dine in the front hall together. Tao Yi Ran did not wish to go and pleaded ill health.

Tang Rong did not want to go either, yet he could not refuse. He had to murmur a few gentle instructions to Tao Yi Ran before following along.

On the way to the meal, Tang Mo kept close to Xin An, deliberately keeping up a lively stream of talk. He remarked and said: “The Flower and Bird Market in the capital has a lot of new blooms. Let’s go take a look.”

After a moment he added with boyish enthusiasm and said: “There have been several cuju matches lately. Very lively.”

The two talked and laughed. At the side, Tang Rong felt a tangled mix of emotions. Tang Mo was so pleased he nearly wagged his tail.

Learning that Tao Yi Ran would once again not join the meal, Tang Gang grew increasingly displeased. After dinner he asked Tang Mo a few questions about the Northern Garrison Army and dismissed the couple. He kept Tang Rong behind.

The day after tomorrow would be Tang Rong’s first day reporting to the Ministry of Rites. Tang Gang attached great importance to it and handed him a booklet listing the preferences of people in the Ministry of Rites. One could say he had spent considerable effort to help Tang Rong gain a foothold quickly.

He tapped the cover and said: “Memorize these. Prepare what must be prepared as soon as possible.”

Tang Rong received it with both hands and was about to take his leave when Tang Gang changed the topic to Tao Yi Ran and said: “You paid no heed to what I told you before. I hear you even had a physician in today and intend to let her convalesce indefinitely. What then, will she not go out and be seen in this lifetime?”

He pressed him hard and said: “You need a strong wife to plan and smoothe your path. If she goes on like this, what will you do?”

He drew a sharp comparison and said: “Your sister-in-law has never missed her morning and evening salutations, and within not even a month has already made connections with noble ladies. She is advancing aggressively. You know the situation of the marquis’s household. If your second brother continues to grow, the household’s resources cannot belong to you alone.”

This was pressure applied directly. He did prefer this son, but he had to consider the long-term future of the household.

Tang Rong kept silent and accepted the scolding. Tang Gang waved a hand to dismiss him, loosed a long sigh, and sat in heavy thought. [As a father, he had already foreseen the day when Tang Rong would regret.]

He murmured to himself and said: “The second daughter-in-law is no simple person. If nothing had gone awry and she had become Tang Rong’s wife, how fine that would have been.”

The next morning Xin An alone came to pay respects. Madam Wang took her along to straighten the mansion storerooms. After half a day of busy work, Madam Wang carefully selected several ornaments for her and said: “Take these. Display them if you like, or use them as gifts when needed. You and your husband can decide.”

Then she secretly pressed silver into Xin An’s hand and said in a lowered voice: “You two will have many expenses. If it isn’t enough, come to me for more.”

Xin An laughed and said: “I went out yesterday and came back to a stack of banknotes from my husband. Today Mother gives me some too. By the count, I have earned quite a lot.”

Madam Wang perked up with interest and asked: “The second one gave you money?”

Xin An nodded and said: “He did. Earlier he handed me the household funds and even gave me the key to his private stash. He keeps his private silver in my drawer and is not afraid I will spend it.”

Madam Wang laughed, genuinely delighted, and said: “That shows you are in his heart.”

She knew her son. Ever since he realized Father did not like him, he had always tried to secure advantages and, after several years, had saved a tidy sum. Now that he was willing to hand it over to his wife, it meant this wife had entered his heart.

Xin An smiled without pursuing the point. [Between her and Tang Mo, things were still a partnership. She did not rule out further development, but there was no need to rush.]

After they had eaten lunch together, Xin An returned to Qiu Shi Courtyard with several ornaments. To silence wagging tongues outside, Madam Wang casually chose a few pieces and sent them to Tao Yi Ran as well. Whether Tao Yi Ran liked them was not her concern.