Chapter 093

Chapter 93: Tang Mo Paves the Way for Xin An

The Tao Family’s shameful secrets were not something Madam Tao dared speak aloud; she could only stew over them in her heart.

But the legitimate daughter on whom she had placed such hopes still had that naïve temperament, thinking she could control a man simply by crying and saying sweet words. If she had married Tang Mo, that would be one thing, and she could have enjoyed a life of wealth and leisure. But Tang Rong is the Heir Apparent, and his wife is destined not to live idly.

She said: “Mother knows you do not like to hear this, but even so Mother must say it to you. Girls study, play the zither, and play chess mostly in order to find a good husband, to raise their own worth. But after marriage it cannot continue that way. You must be filial to your parents-in-law, manage the household accounts, raise children, and help your husband by going out to make connections, gathering information, and offering strategies…”

She went on: “It is not easy to be a woman; to be the mistress of a marquisate is even harder. Moreover, the title has not yet fallen upon his head and everything can change. You should understand this. It is truly improper to use physical discomfort as an excuse to avoid these petty affairs…”

Out of regard for Tao Yi Ran’s dignity, she did not say that she was lazy and feigning illness, only set out the stakes as she said: “No one can claim that the couple next door has no ambition for the title. If the title falls elsewhere, how will you establish yourself in the capital?”

She asked: “Do you intend to stay indoors all your life?”

Tao Yi Ran took in some of this. Over the month since the marriage, she had clearly felt Tang Rong’s pressure. He had expectations of her, and it seemed that relying on affection alone would not hold his heart.

After a moment’s thought, she nodded.

Madam Tao finally breathed easier and said: “It is good that you can see reason. There is no need to worry too much. That one next door cannot surpass you. Leaving aside the Xin Family’s low status, not one of them is even in the capital. When something arises, she has no one to rely on. At the Water Blossom Banquet in two days, you will see her embarrassment.”

She added: “You have the whole Tao Family behind you. Speak to the young lord about your Father’s matter. If he can be retained in the capital, you can watch over each other in the future. It will be good for everyone.”

Tao Yi Ran said: “I understand.”

Feeling relieved, Madam Tao began to chirp about Madam Wang and Xin An. Mother and daughter held little back, and hearing her Mother belittle Madam Wang and Xin An made Tao Yi Ran feel more comfortable. Her mood gradually improved, and she thought it was time for her to go out as well, to let Xin An see that the wife of the marquisate’s Heir Apparent is not a role a salt-seller’s girl can fill.

They talked and forgot the time. When Madam Tao saw it was late and was about to leave, someone from Madam Wang’s side came to invite her to dine together and chat, and so she stayed.

As night slowly fell, aside from Tang Mo returning to change clothes and taking Xin An out, neither Tang Gang nor Tang Rong came back, each having his own banquet to attend. Madam Wang, unperturbed, invited Madam Tao to take her seat. Seeing that Xin An had not come, Madam Tao asked after her, and Madam Wang smiled and said: “The second has taken her out to eat. Tonight it is just us, no need to mind them.”

Curious in spite of herself, Madam Tao asked: “Out to eat?”

Unable to hold back, she asked again: “Just the two of them?”

Madam Wang did not tell the full truth, only smiled and said: “The second spoils his wife. Whenever he has time, he takes her out to enjoy themselves. They have even gone to the night market twice. Who knows where they will go tonight. The boy is grown, I cannot control him.”

At last, Madam Tao understood why Madam Wang had been so warm in keeping her for dinner. It was deliberate flaunting, meant to make the two of them, mother and daughter, feel regret.

She had intended not to lose the battle even if she lost face and to bring up Tang Rong as well, but not knowing what to say, she could only awkwardly echo the praise and commend Tang Mo for a while. She ate without tasting the food.

Under the strong rule of the Monarch for many years, the Great Qian Dynasty had grown more powerful with each passing day. Countless merchants from foreign states traveled thousands of miles to the capital of Great Qian just to behold this flourishing age.

By day, the blazing sun seemed to bury itself in every street and alley, scorching the earth. By evening, it reluctantly sank behind the clouds, scattering ten thousand bands of afterglow that drove off the heat. People greedy for coolness poured out of their homes, and the lanterns along both sides of the streets were lit one by one, the vista like the Milky Way at a glance.

Yue Ke Pavilion had reached its liveliest hour for the day. The carriage stopped, and the ushering server approached with a beaming face and asked: “Honored guests, have you reserved a private room?”

Lai Lai hopped down and said: “East Wind Intoxication.”

That was Yue Ke Pavilion’s largest private room. The server set a stool in front of the carriage and said: “Please alight, Second Young Master Tang.”

His attitude was exceedingly attentive.

Tang Mo alighted first, then extended his hand to help Xin An down. The server led the way. Lai Lai handed over a tip, and Er Shan, who had come along to broaden his horizons, stared wide-eyed. That server had merely bobbed and bowed a couple of times and already gained several tips. The money came too easily. Coming back to his senses, Er Shan stood up straight and tugged at his new clothes. He was now a man of the marquisate and would in time become the Second Young Master’s trusted aide; he must not behave like someone who had never seen the world.

The private room was spacious, furnished with two tables and a partition door between them. Its décor was exquisite, with vases of fresh flowers. Attendants moved to and fro throughout the building, and the lights glittered brilliantly.

Seeing Tang Mo, Xin An asked: “Hungry? Have a piece of pastry to tide you over.”

The pastries had been bought by Lai Lai and plated by the restaurant’s server. After a day on duty, Tang Mo was already so hungry that his chest seemed to stick to his back; in just a few bites he had sent a piece of pastry down.

Ladies of rank like Xin An rarely felt hunger, for wherever she sat there were always tea and snacks, so she asked him: “Did you not eat enough at lunch?”

Tang Mo said he had: “Today Liao Zhi came and said he wanted to see how we all measured up. He drilled us all afternoon. My legs are still jelly.”

Earlier, Xin An had told him to get up early every morning to practice boxing. Lai Lai called him on time, but he did not get up. The grand words he spoke evaporated as soon as they were out and never came to anything. Today his true colors were exposed, and he said: “A little embarrassing, but not too bad. There are plenty who are worse than me.”

Xin An stood by the window and said: “As long as you understand. Do not just talk without doing, or in the end you will be the one to suffer.”

He said: “I know. I have been easygoing and never paid any price for it. To suddenly become diligent is not a habit yet. Urge me more in the future.”

No sooner had he finished than the server led in Yan Shi Mao and his wife. As soon as he opened his mouth, Yan Shi Mao teased: “I was wondering why you came so early. Turns out you were accompanying your wife to enjoy the night view. Newlyweds really are enviable.”

Tang Mo smiled, saluted the woman at his side, and said: “It has been many days. Sister-in-law is even more radiant.”

Lin Yao laughed and said: “You have a slippery tongue. Hurry and introduce your wife to me.”

Yan Shi Mao’s wife was named Lin Yao and was not from the capital. Xin An remembered her deeply. Back then, after Tang Mo breathed his last, this group of his friends had all come to make trouble for Xin An, and the ladies of their households bore great hostility toward her. Among them, Lin Yao’s hostility was the strongest. Whenever they met at the theater, she would mock Xin An with a few words, and she often spoke ill of her behind her back. She was straightforward, with a streak of chivalry. It was said that her Father was a military officer.

Cheerfully, Tang Mo introduced Xin An, then introduced Lin Yao, and added in particular: “Sister-in-law is frank and forthright, the easiest to get along with. After you get to know her, you will see.”

Then he clasped his hands playfully to Lin Yao and joked: “Sister-in-law, do not on a whim teach my wife fists and kicks. She is formidable enough already. If she learns a few moves, I will not be able to live.”

Xin An’s mouth twitched as she thought: [Scoundrel, ruining his own reputation!]