Chapter 111

Chapter 111: Learning the Tao Family’s Enormous Secret

Madam Wang’s expression grew strained. She did not like Tao Yi Ran, but Tao Yi Ran had already entered the marquisate’s gates; for Countess Chang Ning to be so merciless was to show not the slightest regard for the marquisate itself.

Seeing her face darken, Countess Chang Ning had no intention of letting the matter rest. She said with cutting frankness: “Madam Tang, I speak plainly and may not be pleasant to the ear. Your eye for choosing a daughter?in?law is truly not much to boast of.”

Somewhat distracted, Madam Wang reflexively wanted to refute her. To make this visit only to lose both courtesy and face, for a marchioness to be scolded to her face by a countess?

She collected herself and said with rigid composure: “What do you mean by that, Madam Ning? My eldest daughter?in?law is known throughout the capital for her talent and education. She is well read and proper, pretty in countenance and unassuming in temper. Yesterday she was indeed somewhat remiss, but her overall propriety is acceptable.”

Countess Chang Ning raised her brows: “It seems Madam Tang knows nothing, then.”

Madam Wang’s frown deepened: “What do you mean, Madam Ning? Please speak clearly.”

Her heart grew even more unsteady.

Observing her expression, Countess Chang Ning let a cold smile curl her lips. She thought that perhaps Madam Wang truly did not know. Since she did not, the countess would kindly inform her and use her hand to deal with Tao Yi Ran. Since that girl had publicly slapped her daughter’s face, she would not let her go lightly.

She began unhurriedly: “That Tao Family girl once shone in the capital. Everyone praised her as well read and talented. Such a girl ought to have had a hundred suitors. Yet few sought to marry her. Did Madam Tang never find that suspicious?”

Madam Wang replied doubtfully: “Previously, Madam Tao said the girl’s standards were rather high and she declined proposals.”

Countess Chang Ning laughed, laughing at Madam Wang’s naiveté: “Your Tang Family has only been prominent for about ten years. It is normal that there are things you do not know.”

Madam Wang drew a steadying breath and held down the anger that threatened to rise: “Then I must ask Madam Ning to enlighten me.”

After taking a sip of tea, the countess said, “I tell you this because I cannot bear to see you this muddled. The Tao Family’s Grand Matron is not Old Master Tao’s original wife. To speak plainly, when Old Master Tao was posted away from home years ago, she was his bed companion. No, not even that. She was the daughter of a brothel courtesan, taken in as a concubine, and the girl herself was sent to warm his bed.”

Madam Wang gasped and hastily covered her mouth, clearly badly shaken; she truly had not known this.

She managed to ask: “But was it not said that the Grand Matron’s mother’s family was an old lineage from another province?”

Countess Chang Ning’s face was full of scorn: “An old lineage?”

“A courtesan who plied a trade of the flesh had the luck to conceive a rich merchant’s child and was taken into his house as a concubine. Later, to curry favor with Old Master Tao, that rich merchant sent this concubine?born girl to warm the official’s bed, and she ended up pregnant.”

“It happened to be a time when Madam Tao had been married for years without bearing a child and her health had failed, her lamp’s oil nearly spent. That bed?warming girl inherited all her mother’s tricks and had real means. Her identity was altered, she gave birth to a son, and she became the Tao Family’s successor wife.”

The blow was so great that Madam Wang’s head buzzed. She stammered: “So the Tao Family’s Grand Matron was that bed?warmer, and the son she bore is the current Master Tao?”

“Precisely,” Countess Chang Ning said, giving her a meaning?laden look. “A merchant’s concubine?born daughter transformed into a legitimate daughter and married into the Tao Family. The Tao Family permitted it because the ancestral line was too important. But such a thing is easy to do and difficult to talk about; naturally they polished and covered it for her. Yet there is no wall without a crack. There are plenty in the capital who know the truth. Among those not included, however, is the Marquis of Wei Yuan’s household.”

As for Madam Wang’s own maiden family, it had long since declined, and all the more had no way of knowing.

Before Madam Wang could recover, Countess Chang Ning added: “There is something else you seem not to know.”

Madam Wang’s heart pounded loudly. As if that were not enough, was there still more with the Tao Family?

The countess did not care what she thought and spoke directly: “It is said that the courtesan was raised in a brothel and knew not who her father was. From childhood she learned the arts of seduction. Tell me, what sort of refined young lady could such a person possibly raise?”

“Once transformed into an official’s wife, she would never allow her base origins to be mentioned. To control her daughter?in?law, she forcibly took her granddaughter to her side… to teach her personally.”

Those four words were laden with meaning. The countess added, “Have you not noticed that no noble household ever invites the Tao Family’s Grand Matron to banquets?”

“If Tao Chang Ci had not possessed some ability and made a decent reputation in office over the past years, even your mother?in?law would have had few opportunities to attend various gatherings. In truth, she entered the Tao Family without knowing the inside story; just think how she must regret it.”

The scorn on Countess Chang Ning’s face was too thick to miss. She looked at Madam Wang as if at a joke: “In short, what Tao Yi Ran has learned is the repertoire of a brothel girl. How many daughters of noble houses would nearly risk half their life training the qin simply to steal the limelight and flirt with men?”

“And another thing,” Countess Chang Ning added, as if the previous shocks were not enough and she must press one more. “Tao Yi Ran once tried to entangle the Second Prince. She was rebuked to her face by the Second Princess Consort. Many households know this as well.”

“Madam Tang, you really must get out more.”

“And I might add: at this moment, you should feel fortunate.”

Having finished airing the secrets of Tao Yi Ran that could not bear the light, Countess Chang Ning felt a fierce satisfaction. Anyone who offended her would have to be ready never to lift her head again.

Madam Wang said nothing for a long time. Sweat seeped down her back. Her first feeling on learning the truth was not schadenfreude but fear. She suddenly wanted to go to the Bodhisattva and knock her head on the floor a few times; she had never been so thankful for her earlier scheming.

She had always felt that Tao Yi Ran’s conduct did not resemble that of an official’s legitimate daughter: feigning illness, feigning delicacy, acting the weak willow in the wind, tears falling and fainting at the drop of a hat. Now she understood it was… family tradition.

She asked in a hushed voice, shaken to the core: “Madam Ning… are these things all true? It is truly horrifying.”

Countess Chang Ning did not answer directly. She said, “You should be able to tell for yourself, should you not?”

“Whether one has received good upbringing or not becomes clear when you look a few times.”

The words struck like a club, and Madam Wang almost fainted. At the end, Countess Chang Ning offered her a morsel of comfort: “Though your second daughter?in?law comes from a salt merchant’s household, she knows her bounds and moves with decorum. Her bearing is what a legitimate daughter of a great house ought to have.”

“Compared side by side, the gap is more than a little.”

Madam Wang exhaled a long, turbid breath and steadied her mind. She had no desire to continue sitting; she feared Countess Chang Ning might say something yet more unbearable. Matters of the Tao Family no longer touched only Tang Rong but implicated the entire marquisate. She understood well that one suffers, all suffer. Rising slowly, she said, “Thank you for telling me.”

“I shall take my leave for today. Another day, I will invite Madam Ning to hear an opera.”

Countess Chang Ning did not try to keep her and smiled faintly: “Madam Tang, travel safely.”

Under the sun Madam Wang felt somewhat better; once she climbed into the carriage, sweat ran down her brow. A senior maid hurried to blot it and murmur reassurance: “Madam, please be at ease. Fortunately our Second Young Madam is a good one and there is nothing to worry about.”

Madam Wang’s mind churned with the countess’s revelations. Families in the capital had passed down through generations; which of them did not harbor a bit of shameful privacy?

But this of the Tao Family was… absurd.

If Tang Gang were to learn of it, would he not die of rage on the spot?

For no clear reason, a sly, guilty pleasure crept through her heart.

She composed herself and said, “Let us stop by the Wang Family. It has been some time since I went back to see them.”

In that moment she had no desire to return to the marquisate. The carriage turned toward the Wang Family, and as it rolled along Madam Wang gradually calmed her emotions and pondered her next steps.

The Wang Family lived in the eastern quarter of the capital. The residence was not large. The current head was Madam Wang’s elder brother. Their parents were gone, and with few siblings, the household was simple.

The Wang Family’s eldest son, Wang Shi, was a scholar, diligent by nature. With his younger brother and younger sister, he read day and night, intent on bringing honor to the family.

On ordinary days the Wang household was quiet, yet today it was livelier than usual. Laughter floated from within as soon as one reached the gate. Madam Wang was surprised and asked the porter, “Do we have guests today?”

The old butler smiled: “The young master from the maternal side has come with his young wife. They are in the hall talking with the master and the young masters.”

“Honored Grandmother, please come inside.”

Madam Wang’s eyes brightened with a real smile: “How long have they been here?”

“For a while now. The young master said he brought the young madam to be properly introduced.”

The butler was delighted; the residence was truly lively today.

In the main hall, Tang Mo was chatting with his own uncle, with Xin An by his side. The topic was cuju. He said cheerfully: “Why don’t we all go watch in a bit? It will be lively. I’ve already reserved seats.”

Wang Mian laughed and waved a hand: “You young people go; it would not be proper for us.”

Tang Mo teased him with a grin: “Why would it be improper? We can all join the fun. I have also booked a private room for dinner. After the match, we will eat and then return. It won’t take much time.”

Bringing Xin An to meet his uncle had not been a spur?of?the?moment idea, nor was it to curry favor with Wang Shi. He simply felt that, with few relatives, one should visit more and look out for one another.

At Tang Mo’s suggestion, the three juniors of the Wang Family were eager. They had not been out for entertainment in a long time, and at their age they loved fun. At his words, they were tempted.

Wang Mian was still hesitating when Madam Wang stepped in with a smile: “Go on and agree. That way I can also tag along and enjoy the good fortune.”

Everyone rose to greet her with cries of “Elder Sister” and “Aunt.” Tang Mo was a little surprised and asked, “Mother, what brings you to Uncle’s today?”

Madam Wang said lightly: “I was on my way back from Count Chang Ning’s residence and it was still early. I thought I had not visited your uncle in some time, so I came.”

Tang Mo laughed: “What a coincidence. We went out for lunch. We had planned to admire the lotus, but seeing how fierce the sun was, we came to Uncle’s to sit for a while and let Xin An be properly introduced.”

Madam Wang gave him a mock glare: “And you boast of being thorough. Today you have not done well. Since you mean to bring your wife to meet her uncle and aunt, you should first send word and then come formally to pay respects. How can you just come when you think of it?”

Wang Mian hastened to say, “This only shows that Young Master Mo truly takes us as his own family. When you say you are going home, do you have to send a calling card? Do not stand on ceremony.”

Madam Wang of the Wang Family chimed in warmly: “We are delighted that Young Master Mo brought his wife. You must not scold him.”

Tang Mo listened and took the point. He cupped his hands with a half?bow to his mother: “Mother is right. I should have brought Xin An sooner and made it formal. I did not consider it properly.”

Wang Mian spread his hands in helpless affection: “Elder Sister, you are the one being formal. This is your brother’s house. Come whenever you want. If you say such things, is that not being distant?”

Madam Wang could only smile back: “Indulge him, then.”

Wang Mian laughed: “He is my only older nephew. Whom should I spoil if not him?”

Madam Wang countered with a playful challenge: “Then since your older nephew is asking you to watch cuju and to dine, will you not go?”

He laughed and said at once: “We will go, certainly. Who said we would not?”

At that, everyone brightened. Wang Shi, not yet a Presented Scholar, was steady by nature, but even his eyes showed delight. His younger brother, Wang Tu, was twelve and lively; days of study had made him prematurely solemn, but at this moment he became half a boy again. The ten?year?old Wang Bao’er stood demurely by, and when she smiled, a small dimple showed in her right cheek, most charming.

There was still some time before the cuju match, so everyone continued to chat. In such a pleasant atmosphere, no one mentioned anything upsetting. Harmony reigned.

Seated beside Tang Mo, Xin An listened to their talk and spoke when a topic turned to her. Madam Wang of the Wang Family leaned close to whisper a few words to Madam Wang, and then both looked over at Xin An with smiles.

Xin An felt helpless and thought with resigned humor: [They are discussing me right in front of me in lowered voices. I suppose I will have to endure this for half a year or so, until everyone decides I have nothing worth discussing.]

[Good thing my skin is thick now.]

Seeing the time, Tang Mo spoke up to move things along: “I think it is about time. Why don’t we all tidy up and head out?”

Since he had arranged the outing, he should oversee it. Everyone chatted a bit more and then rose to get ready.

The cuju grounds were the same ones where Tang Mo had taken Xin An last time. This time, however, there were more shade awnings. In the private boxes, those who could pay received ice basins, iced drinks, and even mountains of shaved ice.

When their party first arrived, nothing seemed especially new. Once they entered their private box, Tang Mo naturally took charge of arrangements. By the time the ice basins were delivered, the match was about to begin. Below, the stands were nearly full. People fanned themselves and carried water flasks, speaking loudly.

The box seats were excellent; one could sit and clearly see the entire match. Complimentary fruit and information booklets on the teams were provided. The service was thoughtful.

Madam Wang started to exclaim and then shook her head with amused honesty: “Heavens. The last time I saw so many people… In fact, I have never seen so many people.”

Xin An laughed and told her: “Aunt, you will soon know what clamor truly is. The first time I came, the noise almost blew the top off my head, and my heart pounded.”

Wang Bao’er asked curiously: “And then?”

Xin An answered with a smile: “Then I shouted along with everyone.”

Wang Bao’er laughed until her eyes became crescents. Wang Shi commented that the Imperial Academy had also hosted cuju matches, though never with this many people: “I have long heard this cuju ground is large and lively, but I never came.”

“I never came either,” said Wang Tu ruefully; studying every day, he had never gone anywhere and felt it a pity.

Putting down the booklet, Tang Mo encouraged them: “It is good to come here now and then to unwind, especially when your chest is tight with worry or when a question will not yield no matter how you think. Come out for a turn. In a while, follow the Rattan Ball with your cheers and shouts. I guarantee your head will be clear tomorrow.”

Madam Wang asked with mock concern: “After making such a racket for a day, surely one’s heart must become flighty?”

Tang Mo chuckled: “Flighty? No. There is a word for it: release. It is hard to explain. You will understand when you feel it.”

An attendant entered again, booklet in hand, and asked whether they would like some cold drinks.

After glancing through the menu, Tang Mo asked with interest: “Did your cuju ground change owners? You did not have these before.”

The attendant replied respectfully: “You have a sharp eye, sir. We did not change owners. We changed the manager. He said he wants honored guests to be more comfortable while watching.”

Tang Mo nodded and said, “I see.”

…

The booklet listed several varieties of chilled drinks. Tang Mo declared that since it was a rare outing, everyone should order what they liked. Wang Mian, whose usual haunts were teahouses and taverns, found everything novel. He ordered a cold drink and a dish of iced fragrant fruit for himself.

Xin An chose the Rainbow Cloud Confection, said to be made from milk and to melt on the tongue. She had never tried it.

Wang Bao’er ordered the same and showed a particular fondness for this not?yet?familiar sister?in?law.

The attendant withdrew to prepare their orders. After only a few sentences of conversation, a roar erupted from below as the cuju teams entered. Xin An peered down and said, “Is the team in blue the Hun Tian Yuan we saw last time?”

Tang Mo said it was. Wang Shi added that he knew of this team: “I have heard they are very strong. Among all the teams in the capital they sit steadily in the top three. Many of their players are retired soldiers.”

He was already excited.

Wang Mian said he had heard of them as well. He pointed to a place below where many had gathered and asked, “What are they doing there?”

Tang Mo answered casually: “Placing bets.”

He asked whether anyone else wanted to try their luck. Everyone immediately refused, and he exchanged a glance with Xin An. The two of them did want to bet, but in front of their elders they had to maintain the appearance of good behavior. Before either could speak, Madam Wang asked sharply, “You have not come here to gamble before, have you?”

“No,” Tang Mo said with righteous firmness, “am I that kind of person? I come to watch the match, not to bet.”

Only then did Madam Wang nod in satisfaction. Tang Mo smiled to himself and thought with wry resignation: [In future, I had better come to places like this less often with elders. It is too easy to expose my true nature.]

The gong sounded and the match began. All eyes fixed on the field. In short order, Tang Mo and the young men were thoroughly worked up, and even Wang Mian could not help alternately sighing and cheering, applauding loudly.

Xin An longed to let herself shout for release, but before her mother?in?law and aunt, it was better to present a quiet face; only the excitement in her gaze betrayed her. Soon their cold treats arrived. The dish holding the Rainbow Cloud Confection was exquisitely made. One bite of the milk?soft confection speckled with petals made Xin An’s eyes light up. She said with pleasure, “This is delicious. It seems the new shopkeeper does have some skill. In this heat, something cold is very comfortable.”

She thought with approving amusement: [He is very good at making money and has his channels. Not bad at all.]

Wang Bao’er took a small spoonful and was just as delighted, even feeding her mother one bite: “It is so good.”

Madam Wang reminded her gently: “A few bites will do. Do not overindulge in cold foods.”

On the field, the players’ clothes were soon drenched, yet they seemed tireless. The struggle was fierce. The stands boiled with noise, cheers and groans and directions and even a few curses all intermingled, washing over everyone. Those eating cold sweets finally understood what Xin An meant about the noise nearly prying off one’s crown.

The womenfolk managed better; the men, led by Wang Mian, could no longer sit still. They ignored their cold drinks and their stools, standing to shout loudly, now cheering and now lamenting. Even Madam Wang had her handkerchief clenched, looking very tense. Tang Mo felt a secret pang of regret and thought: [We should have placed a wager. It would be even more thrilling.]

While Madam Wang’s brows and eyes were all smiles, for being with her maiden family made her feel completely at ease, Madam Tao at that very hour was frowning so hard she could pinch a fly between her brows.

After the performance the marquisate had put on that morning, she could not avoid making this trip. When she learned that Madam Wang had gone to Count Chang Ning’s residence, she understood what that meant and felt all the more unnerved. Facing Tao Yi Ran, she did not even know what to say.

Tao Yi Ran no longer had any excuse to keep lying down. Half reclining on the beauty couch, she stared blankly out the window in a pose of sorrow. After a long time, Madam Tao spoke: “Your mother?in?law has gone to Count Chang Ning’s to apologize for your rashness yesterday. I do not wish to dwell on the past, but you must think carefully about how you will walk the road ahead.”

She added bluntly: “Use fewer of those indecent tricks you learned from your Grandmother.”

“Our household is now being implicated by you. Your younger brothers and sisters will be hindered in their marriage talks. As for what I mentioned last time, did you speak to your husband? If it can be done, it can temporarily steady your second uncle’s branch.”

Rising slowly, she said, “In the marquisate, you must rely on yourself. How you walk depends entirely on you. The family cannot help you.”

She had intended to advise her well, but she had already said such words too many times over the past month; she was exhausted. Seeing Tao Yi Ran sitting there half dead only made her angrier. She snapped, “I must return to prepare a generous gift to send to Count Chang Ning’s residence. Countess Chang Ning is hard to handle. When you go out and meet her in the future, keep your head down.”

As she was about to leave, Tao Yi Ran turned to look at her, her eyes reddening. A tear slid down her cheek as she asked, “Mother, are you going to abandon me?”

Madam Tao’s temper flared: “Put away those worthless tears. If you have time to cry, you might as well think about what to do.”

“You do have a talent, do you not? How long have you been married, and already you have stirred up so much? Are you addicted to feigning illness? If you mean to pretend, then pretend to the end. Why did you have to seek the limelight? Do you know what people say about you outside? Your Grandmother’s…”

She lowered her voice: “Your Grandmother’s affairs are known to many in the capital. Others may not say it aloud, but imagine the mockery in their hearts. And still you refuse to be sensible. Do you intend to drag down the entire Tao Family?”

She did not have only this one daughter. When this daughter could no longer bring honor or advantage to the family, she had to think of her other sons and grandsons. The Tao Family did not revolve around Tao Yi Ran alone.

She delivered her final injunction: “I tell you this: paper cannot wrap fire. Now the only thing you can do is hold on tight to Tang Rong. You must know in your heart what a proper, legitimate wife should be like. Your most important task is to bear a legitimate son as soon as possible.”

With that she turned and left. She feared Countess Chang Ning might reveal the Tao Family’s history or do something irreparable; she had to hurry back and make preparations.

Tao Yi Ran’s tears flowed all the more, to the point that she seemed likely to cry herself to death. Auntie Liu did not know how to comfort her. Originally Tang Rong should have been at home on his day off, yet he had gone out before lunch without saying where, his attitude plain to see.

As for who knew about the new hairpin on Concubine Yue’s head, she kept her own counsel.

At dusk, coming out of his study, Tang Gang found the residence unusually cold and still. He asked, “Has the madam not returned?”

“Not yet,” Steward Zhang answered, and in his heart he could not help thinking Tang Gang somewhat pitiable.

He reported smoothly, “The madam sent a message. She is with Second Young Master and Second Young Madam and will return only after dinner.”

He added, “The Grand Matron went out to hear an opera and has just returned.”

Tang Gang’s brows knit tightly. He was seized by a sense of being shunned by all. “Where is the Heir Apparent?” he asked.

“He went out and has not yet returned.”

Tang Gang took a few steps and then stopped, standing in the courtyard with a sudden chill running through him. Steward Zhang asked gently, “My lord marquis, shall I have your meal served?”

Tang Gang exhaled a long breath and said, “I will first go see the Grand Matron.”

Steward Zhang thought to himself with private amusement: [So, when one is lonely, one thinks of finding one’s mother. How curious.]