Chapter 106

Chapter 106: Tang Mo Steals the Spotlight

Someone remarked upon entering: “I thought I was early, but it turns out everyone arrived even earlier.”

At that moment more guests came in, among them Tang Mo, who began exchanging pleasantries the moment he crossed the threshold, and the hall grew livelier.

Tang Mo had deliberately gone home to change. Xin An had arranged for new clothes to be made for him, and once he put them on he stood straighter and looked every inch the gentleman, very pleased with himself.

Yan Shi Mao laughed as he came over: “Second Brother Tang, you arrived too late; did you go back to smarten up?”

He added with a grin: “Today’s outfit truly looks fine; it sets off Second Brother Tang, making you even more dashing.”

With decades more experience than others, Xin An naturally knew what would be fashionable in the coming years. The outfit she made for Tang Mo was different from the loose, easily wrinkled brocade finery he used to wear; the fabric was different as well, not prone to creasing and with a crisp, sculpted shape that made him look taller. Its only flaw was poor breathability, a bit stifling.

But compared with looking handsome, what was a little heat?

Already proud, Tang Mo grew even prouder at Yan Shi Mao’s remark. He flipped open his folding fan and struck a rakish pose, saying with a flourish: “Well, how is it? My wife made it for me herself. It’s a style I’ve never worn before, isn’t it especially distinctive?”

Men at a banquet rarely talk about clothes, but that does not mean they do not quietly assess one another’s attire. At Tang Mo’s words many eyes fell on him; everyone thought his outfit was indeed excellent, and not a crease on him. The material itself seemed novel.

Yan Shi Mao stepped forward with a chuckle: “Have my wife call on our sister-in-law for pointers some day and make me two sets as well. We are brothers, after all; you cannot be the only one strutting about, can you?”

Just then Liu Ming Yuan strolled in. Yan Shi Mao waved him over to look at Tang Mo’s clothes, saying with amusement: “His wife made them. See how pleased he is with himself, though Second Brother Tang really is imposing today, so he deserves to be.”

Smiling as he looked Tang Mo over, Liu Ming Yuan recalled that earlier he had received from Xin An a manuscript in the hand of a great scholar, as well as that rare Huai River Silver Blossom tea. He now felt very favorable toward the couple, especially Xin An, and thought she was not only adept in conduct but generous. Coupled with his own wife’s praise at his pillow, he was naturally willing to grant Tang Mo face on such an occasion. He said to Yan Shi Mao with a laugh: “Second Brother Tang truly cuts an imposing figure today.”

He continued lightly: “Later, simply invite your sister-in-law to call on Second Brother Tang’s wife for instruction, and before long you will be just as impressive.”

Yan Shi Mao smiled, pleased, and said that his wife had already met Xin An on a previous occasion: “They got on famously, and when she came home she would not stop talking about Younger Sister Xin. Eight or nine times out of ten they are together again today.”

At that moment the Prince Cheng residence’s Heir Apparent arrived, and everyone bowed in salute. Tang Mo’s new outfit was eye-catching, and the Commandery Prince’s Heir Apparent praised him with a smile. Tang Mo, overwhelmed by favor, hurried to return the courtesy with a few polite words. He then wondered if he had been too ostentatious today, but at once thought to himself: [I am not who I used to be. With my wife’s support and my father-in-law’s mountain of gold, my situation is far better than before.]

All the guests present had keen eyes and sharp instincts. Since the Prince Cheng heir had taken the initiative to speak with Tang Mo, whatever the reason, they ought to echo it. In an instant more men clustered around Tang Mo to talk.

Someone joked as he edged closer: “If we are to be handsome, let us be handsome together. I may not be as striking as Second Young Master Tang, but the love of beauty is universal.”

Tang Mo laughed heartily and answered with ease: “Well said, well said.”

He welcomed all comers: “Later I will ask my wife to arrange a gathering for the ladies of your households. She has only recently arrived in the capital and does not know many people yet, so I must trouble your ladies to look after her.”

His laughter was free and easy, yet his manners did not falter, and some present began to reassess him. Tang Rong, however, felt a tight blockage in his chest. In past banquets, where he was present there was little room for others to shine. When had Tang Mo ever drawn so much attention?

And when had the Prince Cheng heir ever condescended to notice Tang Mo?

Xin An’s outings to befriend noblewomen had indeed borne fruit, and it would have been a lie for Tang Rong to claim he did not regret it now.

When the princes arrived, the hall instantly fell silent. Everyone rose in a flash to pay their respects. Even if some princes were not particularly handsome, their bearing was beyond the reach of ordinary men, each one with a dragon’s presence and a phoenix’s posture, while still feigning modesty. Tang Rong adjusted his state in the shortest time possible; currying favor with a prince would be of immense benefit to him.

As he saluted the Second Prince, he noticed the Second Prince regarding him with an indescribable look, half-mocking, half-pitying. Before he could puzzle it out, the Second Prince was already speaking to Tang Mo. In the eyes of these princes, an official like Lord Tao was as common as cattle and of limited use to them, not as handy as a wealthy merchant of Xin Kuan’s stature.

Moreover, the Tang family not only lacked real power in the imperial court but had also lost their military command. There were still some in the army who remembered the old marquis of the Tang household, but the Old Marquis was dead, and the Tang family had long since had no successor in the ranks. Tang Gang was not fit for heavy responsibility. In this light, Tang Mo was a little more valuable than Tang Rong.

Tang Mo, honored and delighted, managed within a few exchanges to please the Second Prince and found himself standing at the prince’s side. He thought with swelling pride: [I must go home and show off to Xin An. The future Son of Heaven took the initiative to speak to me; what an honor this is.]

His tail-up-to-the-sky look made Tang Rong’s expression change. Tang Mo met his gaze and shouted inwardly with brazen defiance: [I will snatch it from you in broad daylight; what can you do to me?!]

That naked provocation made Tang Rong clench his fists and draw a hard breath. Unfortunately, he did not yet know that his reputation had been plunging ever since the incident of entering the wrong bridal chamber, thanks to rumors Madam Wang had quietly set afloat. The truth of stepping into the wrong room had to be known, and there were subtleties in deciding exactly who should know it.

The aim was a narrow spread with maximal force.

On top of that came Tao Yi Ran’s conduct today. The couple’s reputation suffered yet another blow, though they themselves were still in the dark.

By evening, Madam Wang took Xin An to bid farewell to their hosts. The Grand Matron, who had been in high spirits all day, now could no longer sit comfortably.

A steward came to report: “Young madam, the second young master says he will return later; please do not wait for him.”

Most of the men had not come at noon and would inevitably drink freely that night. Xin An nodded and said calmly: “Tell him not to overdrink.”

After the steward left, Xin An supported the Grand Matron as they departed the residence. It had been crowded when they arrived, and it was even more jammed on the way out. In front of the Duke En residence carriages and horses came and went without cease. A horse from who knew which family could not hold it in and left a heap behind; the sweepers were busy as could be, only hoping these fine gentlemen would hurry along home.

By the time they returned to the marquis manor, night had fallen. Upon entering, Madam Wang instructed Xin An to escort the Grand Matron back to Chun Rong Hall, then summoned Tao Yi Ran to follow her. Earlier that day, Tao Yi Ran had ignored propriety and stolen the limelight from a young lady of an earl’s household, which had forced Madam Wang to speak at great length to Count Chang Ning in the afternoon. If she did not speak up now, how could she let Tao Yi Ran’s showiness pass?

She sat and opened sharply: “Do you know your fault today?”

Tao Yi Ran bowed and said meekly: “Mother, please do not be angry; it was your daughter-in-law’s poor judgment today.”