Chapter 086

Chapter 86: Grand Matron’s Thoughts

Tang Gang kept his head lowered under Grand Matron’s scolding; in truth he felt a twinge of regret, yet since matters had come to this, regret was useless, and he consoled himself with a familiar idea: [Madam Wang has always been magnanimous; later I will send her a small gift and offer a few pleasant words, and it will pass.]

That craven look made Grand Matron’s anger surge; however she looked at him, she found him displeasing, and she said: “Your father was valiant all his life and suffered illness in his later years. If you had the least bit of backbone, he would not have died with his eyes open. He sheltered the marquisate while he lived, and for ten years after his death he still sheltered the marquisate. What about twenty years after his death, thirty years?”

She fixed him with her gaze and pressed on: “And what have you done for the marquisate?”

She added with bitter clarity: “The title of Marquis is not perpetually hereditary. If your son accomplishes nothing, then your son will no longer be a marquis.”

Three months after the Old Master’s death, Grand Matron had discovered Tang Gang secretly dallying with a maid; in her fury then she had spoken such harsh words. Saying them again today still made her heart ache. Tang Gang could no longer sit; he knelt honestly before Grand Matron, and she, eyes full of pain, said: “You said I kept too tight a hand on you, so I let go. I let go, and what have you accomplished?”

She asked with cutting disdain: “When something happens, do you have any method besides sending gifts?”

Tang Gang had complained more than once that his line was thin: only two sons, Tang Rong and Tang Mo; none of the concubines had borne children. He often thought it would be good to have a few daughters for alliance marriages, and at this moment he was grateful Grand Matron did not know his thoughts: [If only there were a few girls; they would make such useful matches.]

Grand Matron scolded and then felt it grow meaningless; [If scolding could wake him, he would have woken years ago.]

In her eyes, Tang Gang was not entirely without merit. Though mediocre, he had not disgraced the family outside and did not cause trouble. She only hoped he would proceed steadily enough that the next generation could inherit the title successfully; that alone would be a great deed. Thinking how low her expectations had fallen, she felt a touch of bitterness.

She waved a hand and said: “Up you get. You are not young. Whatever you do, you must have a measure in your heart.”

Tang Gang rose and stood to one side. Gan Lu came in to say that Tang Rong and Tang Mo were waiting outside. Grand Matron told them to enter and also told Tang Gang to sit, still giving him some face.

The two young men entered side by side and bowed in unison: “Your grandson greets Grandmother.” Both were well-favored, handsome and dignified; standing together with cupped hands, they were pleasing to the eye. Grand Matron’s mood lifted a little as she said with approval: “Mm. Holding office does make a difference; you look much more spirited.”

Tang Rong was the first to speak, asking gently: “Grandmother, were you well at the country estate?”

Grand Matron replied with a small smile: “Well enough. It would be better if it were not so hot.”

Tang Mo said matter-of-factly that if they went after autumn it would not be hot, adding with easy cheer: “Steward Yang says there are many maples on the mountain; when the leaves turn red it will be another beautiful scene.”

Grand Matron nodded with a laugh and said she would go see it then. Changing the subject, she said thoughtfully: “The other day I dreamed of your grandfather. He wore armor and held a long spear, magnificent in bearing, only his brows were tightly furrowed and he said nothing. When I woke, I thought your grandfather must have something on his mind.”

Such talk verged on the mystical, yet people are deeply respectful of the departed; none dared take it lightly, and all waited for Grand Matron’s continuation.

Grand Matron sighed softly and said: “Turning it over and over, I cannot think where your grandfather would be dissatisfied. You father and sons are sound in body, your posts are steady, and a newcomer has just entered the household, the joy of an added child. Thinking it through, perhaps he is only concerned for his old retainers.”

She turned to look at Tang Gang and asked: “Have you kept an eye on those people in recent years?”

Tang Gang nodded and answered plainly: “We have looked after the old generals who were close to Father, and the household allocates some money and grain every year to assist them. But Mother knows the household’s situation; it is impossible to care for everyone.”

He added with sober judgment: “If retired soldiers are to have security, the imperial court must take the lead. If our marquisate were to propose it, people would say that though we surrendered military command, we still seek to win soldiers’ hearts.”

In earlier years the marquisate had indeed aided quite a number of people, which led to visitors at the gate every few days begging for help. If the household had a mountain of gold, that would be one thing, but the situation was what it was; it was impossible to aid everyone. They could only choose those whose support would be more beneficial to the marquisate; it was a necessity, not a choice.

In this respect Tang Gang was not muddleheaded, and Grand Matron could understand it. Her gaze flicked to Tang Mo as she said: “These two children are grown. They are married and hold posts, so they can share your burdens. The elder is in the Ministry of Rites; I fear his duties are many and he has not yet found secure footing. As his father, you must support him a little more.”

Tang Gang nodded at once and said with humility: “Even if Mother did not say so, I would. I myself have little to boast of; I only hope he will be better than I am.”

Grand Matron made a thoughtful sound and said: “The second is in the Northern Garrison Army. I imagine that post is not as busy as the Ministry of Rites and it is easier to take leave. In my view, some matters should be entrusted to him.”

Everyone knew the Northern Garrison Army was a place where the city’s idle scions went to gild themselves; many went through the motions, and when the time came their families would find a way to move them to a better place. Grand Matron’s words were not wrong.

She addressed Tang Mo with calm authority: “Second child, you heard your father. Although the household is not so flush that we can care for everyone, those in dire straits should be helped a little. You have more free time. In addition to those whom the household aids each year, look to see whether there are other families in excessive hardship. We must not chill people’s hearts, and it will let your grandfather’s spirit in heaven be at ease.”

Before Tang Gang could speak, Tang Mo accepted the task at once, saying with crisp respect: “Affairs of the household are managed by Father and Elder Brother, and I do not know much, but I will do my utmost to share Father’s burdens and set Grandfather’s mind at rest.”

Tang Gang had no intention of stopping him. Those he needed had been supported for years; the rest were of no use except to drag the marquisate down. If someone would go placate those people, he was happy to be free of it. He even said generously that he would allocate some silver to him, adding with practical care: “But keep proper ledgers so they can be checked later.”

Tang Rong did not mind, so long as the key connections did not fall into Tang Mo’s hands. He cupped his hands toward Tang Mo and said with ease: “Then I must trouble Second Brother from now on.”

Tang Mo answered with frank goodwill: “To share the burdens of Father and Elder Brother, I cannot speak of hardship.” With brotherly harmony on display, he affirmed it again.

Grand Matron gave Gan Lu a meaningful look. Gan Lu led people to the storeroom and soon had three chests carried in. When they were opened, any eye would covet the rare treasures and jade within. Tang Gang’s lips twitched upward; Tang Rong controlled his expression with effort, presenting a calm façade; Tang Mo’s eyes brimmed with delight. Grand Matron took in the expressions of all three and said with measured warmth: “I seldom involve myself in household matters. With children and grandchildren all around, I only wish to spend my later years in peace. You will have to work harder.”

She indicated the chests and said: “These three chests, one for each of you. Although I do not approve of meeting trouble by taking shortcuts and sending gifts, normal social exchange is indispensable. Your grandfather left some things. After my hundredth year they would be yours anyway; take them now. How you spend them I will not interfere. Only this: within three years I will not give you anything else.”

[Three chests of goods to buy three years of peace; worth the price,] Grand Matron thought.