Chapter 092

Chapter 92: Xin An vs Madam Tao

People always want more. When she first settled on Tang Mo as her son-in-law, Madam Tao regretted that Tang Mo was not as exalted as Tang Rong; when she obtained Tang Rong, she regretted that he was not as thorough as Tang Mo and that he did not value the Tao Family enough.

She kept thinking that if her son-in-law could combine Tang Rong’s nobility with Tang Mo’s thoughtfulness, that would be perfection.

In her heart, she rather wanted to see the two of them at odds. After all, Tang Mo had been the son-in-law she chose first; if the match was switched and he showed not the slightest lingering attachment to the Tao Family, it left her feeling out of sorts.

Madam Tao said: “I evaluated Second Young Master before, he is a fine young man. What happened in the past is the work of fate. Your parents are not in the capital, so if you meet with difficulties in the future, come to me. Our Tao Family will certainly not refuse any help we can give.”

Xin An thought: [Is this woman not ill in the head, coming to me to play the good person? And what right does she have to say such things?]

She decided that to deal with someone like this, one could only act even more “ill” than she.

Xin An lifted the corners of her lips high, as if she had finally found someone to confide in, and said: “Just as Aunt says, my husband truly is wonderful, witty in speech, attentive and considerate, and his looks are excellent too. He treats me well and is filial to my parents as well.” She brightened and went on: “Only a couple of days ago he had people send a good many things to Huaijiang. I told him there was no need to trouble himself, that they could be bought here, but he said the sentiment is different. Truly there is not a single thing to be dissatisfied about.”

She added: “Speaking of it, I suppose it is a blessing in disguise for me. Any remnants of unwillingness have vanished. You do not know, my husband is truly interesting…”

Madam Tao smiled a little stiffly. Their Tao Family had gained Tang Rong as a son-in-law, yet apart from the day of the return visit he had not set foot in their door. Feeling sour and uncomfortable, she did not wish to continue speaking. Yet Xin An took the initiative to tug at her and would not stop, praising how good Tang Mo was, how broad-minded her mother-in-law was, and how loving Grandmother was. Words poured forth without end, vexing her greatly, and she deeply regretted having provoked this chatterbox.

At last, when they reached the gate of Qiu Shi Courtyard, Madam Tao hurried to say: “Knowing you are living well puts Aunt’s heart at ease.”

Xin An replied: “Aunt’s concern moves me. Meeting you today felt like old friends at first sight, truly so warm. Why don’t I accompany Aunt to chat with Elder Sister-in-law together?”

She added: “Elder Sister-in-law rarely leaves her courtyard. Come to think of it, I have hardly exchanged any words with her.”

Xin An was very enthusiastic and even made as if to head toward Chun Hua Courtyard. The corner of Madam Tao’s mouth twitched; she forced a smile and barred the way, saying: “You have just come from your mother-in-law’s place and must be tired. One sleeps well at noon; take a short nap and you will have energy for the afternoon. When we have time later, we can have a proper talk.”

She was, in truth, a little afraid.

Xin An sighed and said: “Aunt is right, I am a bit drowsy.”

Before Madam Tao could breathe a sigh of relief, Xin An changed tack and said: “But to keep Aunt company, this little drowsiness is nothing.”

Smiling, she slipped her arm through Madam Tao’s and said: “I have only just come to the capital and do not know many people. It is rare that Aunt should take a liking to me, I am delighted. In the future I must ask Aunt to look after me and introduce some relatives and friends for me to get to know.”

Regretting ever coming over, wondering why she had approached this muddle-headed girl in the first place, Madam Tao patiently extricated her arm and said: “The cicadas are shrill and the sun is fierce. Do not stand here any longer. Go and rest quickly. Later Aunt will come and find you to talk.”

Xin An said: “Aunt must keep her word.”

Madam Tao said: “I will. Go and rest now.”

She escorted Xin An into Qiu Shi Courtyard as if she were sending off an Ancestor, then hurried away.

Once inside, Xin An could not help laughing, and Chun Yang struggled not to laugh as she said: “When My Lady said you would go next door to chat together, Madam Tao’s face went green with fright.”

She added: “After this tangle, I fear that when she sees My Lady in future she will want to take a detour.”

Xin An said: “Who told her not to recognize her place. Do I need her to worry about me?”

Auntie Wang came forward with a smile and said: “The new outfit made specially for the Water Blossom Banquet has arrived. After My Lady rests a while, please try it on.”

Xin An said: “All right.”

It was true she felt somewhat tired after talking all morning. In this blazing summer afternoon, without a short nap one would have no energy for the rest of the day.

At that moment next door, Madam Tao had already begun talking with Tao Yi Ran, with much praise in her words as she said: “I said before, how can a single courtyard hold two managing matrons. Now that one is gone, and Auntie Liu is managing matters for you, the days ahead will be much lighter.”

In Madam Tao’s eyes, her own daughter had finally braced herself and stood tall, which was worth celebrating.

Tao Yi Ran was not in a good mood; Ying Yue’s cup of Concubine Tea stuck in her throat like a fishbone. After talking on her own for a while and seeing her daughter’s cool expression, Madam Tao asked: “What is the matter, is something weighing on you?”

When Tao Yi Ran spoke of Ying Yue, Madam Tao sighed and said: “I told you long ago that rather than waiting for your husband to bring it up, you should raise the matter yourself. The result is the same either way, and you can appear magnanimous.”

She said: “It is only a concubine, no need to take it to heart. What you should mind is your health.”

She added: “The proper business is to give birth to the legitimate eldest son early.”

Vexed and unwilling to listen to the nagging, Tao Yi Ran said: “We have been married only a little over a month. Why so anxious?”

Madam Tao said: “As long as you understand.”

After tea, she stated the purpose of her visit and said: “Your cousin Tao Hong is already nineteen. Your second uncle is anxious to find him a post and, after searching about, nothing suitable has turned up. Speak to the young lord later and ask him to keep an eye out. It would be best if he could enter the Censorate, any department will do.”

She added: “Or better yet, any one of the Six Ministries.”

Tao Yi Ran raised her eyes and asked: “Can Father not lend a hand?”

Madam Tao said: “You know the situation at home. Since your Father returned to the capital to report his duties, no new appointment document has come down. We are all asking your father-in-law for help.”

Sighing, she said: “Even if the marquisate is not what it once was, it is still stronger than the Tao Family. Old Master Tang’s merits are plain to see. Back then his timely retirement greatly facilitated His Majesty the Emperor. Even after so many years, the residual prestige remains. If your father-in-law is willing to help, your Father might well be retained in office in the capital.”

The elder sought Tang Gang’s help, and the younger came to seek Tang Rong’s; Tao Yi Ran’s brows knit slightly. No one understands a daughter better than her mother, and Madam Tao urged earnestly: “I know you have disliked such entanglements since childhood, but you do understand that only when your maiden family is strong can you live well in your husband’s house. Where you can lend a hand, you must not refuse. Your second uncle has aided your Father’s career before. We owe him a favor.”

Seeing that Tao Yi Ran’s expression still did not soften, Madam Tao cursed inwardly at the old woman of the household. That low-born hag, what had she turned her properly born daughter into?

She regretted even more not having inquired clearly into the Tao Family’s circumstances before marrying over. Hearing then that the Grand Matron would personally raise her daughter, she had been delighted, for she had heard the Grand Matron was from a renowned family in another province, which in itself suggested excellence in all respects.

But when she learned of the Grand Matron’s unpresentable origins, she regretted it to the core. Yet her daughter had lived by that woman’s side for long and had long been influenced by her, taught so that she no longer resembled a legitimate daughter, but instead like a little concubine intending to serve with her looks. Despite every effort, she could not correct her.