Chapter 139

Chapter 139: Another Month in Bed

Talk of a spouse jinxing a husband or a wife is the fastest way to stir up interest, and this was gossip about a noble household. In no time, several older women had gathered to whisper, speaking with great authority. So-called relatives and so-called truths all came down to slick tongues. Outside the house, one’s identity was whatever one claimed, and the spittle flew as they talked.

At this moment, the household physician of the marquisate was stupefied. He thought, how could the Heir Apparent be so unlucky? He had only just recovered from a beating; how had he now been bitten by dogs?

Either event should not befall a marquisate’s Heir Apparent.

Large wolf-dogs bite without mercy. The flesh of Tang Rong’s arm was torn and rolled back, and his chest had a bite as well. Fortunately, that bite was not deep. Luckiest of all, his face was untouched. Even so, when Tang Gang rushed back, he flew into a great rage. Seeing Tang Mo standing to the side, he demanded sternly, “What happened? What exactly does your Northern Garrison Army do? How can there be dogs roaming a proper street?”

Before Tang Mo could speak, Zhuang Shi was already displeased. He had helped bring the injured man back, yet heard no thanks, only a scolding. Tang Mo’s temper flared as well, and he retorted, “Which law says there cannot be dogs on the street?”

“You insolent wretch.”

Tang Gang, incensed, jabbed a finger at Tang Mo and thundered, “Of all the people on the street, that beast did not bite any of them, only your elder brother. Speak. Did you orchestrate this?”

Tang Mo gave his father a thumbs-up in his heart. [Right on the nose. The old man has some discernment, but…] He said aloud, “Father, what do you mean? Do you suppose I released those dogs? Even if you are biased, you should speak reasonably. What reason would I have to do such a thing?”

Zhuang Shi could not stand it. He had long heard that Marquis Wei Yuan was partial, but he had not witnessed this degree of partiality; it was a pity that Second Younger Brother Tang still called him a good father. Zhuang Shi stepped forward and said, “Marquis, the Heir Apparent being bitten by dogs has nothing to do with Second Younger Brother Tang. I can explain the situation to you.” In short, he and Tang Mo had been out on routine patrol and only learned something was amiss when they heard the cries of the people. After the incident, they immediately sent the injured man home. “How could Second Younger Brother Tang have the power to control two wolf-dogs? Moreover, Second Younger Brother Tang holds the Heir Apparent in great respect. In daily conversation, he speaks of how the Heir Apparent helps you support the household and has never said a single ill word about the Marquis or the Heir Apparent. I beg the Marquis not to chill Second Younger Brother Tang’s heart.”

“Many thanks to Young Master Zhuang for speaking up,” said Madam Wang as she entered, supporting the Grand Matron. Both women looked displeased, clearly dissatisfied with Tang Gang’s outburst.

Madam Wang stepped forward with a strained smile and said, “Young Master Zhuang, thank you for bringing my son back. I will prepare a generous gift and call to express our thanks another day.”

Zhuang Shi cupped his hands and replied, “Aunt, there is no need to be polite. This is my duty.”

“The Heir Apparent’s health is paramount. I must return to my post,” he added. He told Tang Mo to stay in the household and keep watch, promising to handle Tang Mo’s share of duties as well. Tang Mo thanked him and personally escorted him to the door.

At the gate, Zhuang Shi patted Tang Mo’s shoulder and said, “Do not take it to heart.”

Tang Mo smiled wryly and said, “I am used to it. I have let Brother Zhuang see a joke.” [Inwardly, he was laughing. He had labored in the Northern Garrison Army for months, and the fruits were about to show. His father’s attitude today was an unexpected delight.]

He had not yet turned back when Steward Zhang hurried out holding a written order from Tang Gang, saying he was off to invite an imperial physician. Tang Mo was indifferent. Even the best physician could not have Tang Rong well by morning.

The slighted household physician was just as unconcerned, only waiting for the imperial physician to arrive so he could learn a trick or two. Unfortunately, faced with wounds that looked severe yet were not life-threatening, the imperial physician reached the same conclusion he had: the patient would need to rest in bed for at least a month.

How could Tang Gang accept that?

At this point, Steward Zhang thought of Qin Bai. Seeing the Marquis so anxious and irate, he blurted it out and said, “It is said Physician Qin has the reputation of matching the King of Hell himself, so his medical skill must be extraordinary.”

Prompted by Steward Zhang, Tang Gang remembered that such a man existed and shot Tang Mo a look, clearly ordering him to see to it. Tang Mo refused at once and said, “Given how malicious I supposedly am, I am not fit to handle such a task. Besides, my elder brother’s injuries are external wounds. Treating external injuries is the simplest matter for either our household physician or Imperial Physician Wu. If Physician Qin comes, will he have my brother fully restored by tomorrow morning?”

Steward Zhang had always been smooth, but today he was muddle-headed. To bring up Physician Qin in front of Imperial Physician Wu was to slight the imperial man. Would he be easy to invite next time?

Tang Mo cast a sidelong glance at Tang Rong, who was still waiting to have his medicine applied, and said, “Since Imperial Physician Wu has said my brother is in no danger, I shall return to my post. There is much work today. I cannot truly leave Brother Zhuang to handle it alone.”

Without the least regard for Tang Gang’s look, he turned on his heel and left. Anyone with eyes could see his displeasure.

In the end, Imperial Physician Wu was offended by Tang Gang. He told his young page to pack the medicine chest and said, “The Heir Apparent’s external wounds can be treated by your household physician. There are still duties at the palace. I shall return first.”

Steward Zhang suddenly realized he had spoken out of turn and looked quickly toward Tang Gang, but Tang Gang only had eyes for Tang Rong. Fortunately, Madam Wang kept a clear head. She sent Steward Zhang to escort Imperial Physician Wu out and pay double the fee, saying, “The Marquis is anxious about the Heir Apparent’s safety. If there has been any discourtesy, I beg Imperial Physician Wu’s forgiveness.”

Imperial Physician Wu said, “I understand. Please apply the medicine to the Heir Apparent’s wounds as soon as possible to prevent complications,” then turned to leave, with Steward Zhang leading the way with exaggerated courtesy.

In the end, it was the household physician who dressed Tang Rong’s wounds. Layer upon layer of white cloth wrapped him up like a rice dumpling. Tao Yi Ran wept broken-heartedly. With the experience of last time, she personally handled every matter this time, leaving not the slightest opportunity for Concubine Yue.

As for Xin An, she did not show her face once.

The Grand Matron kept vigil at his side. With her grandson in such a state, of course she was heartsick. This looked much worse than the last beating.

“Grandmother,” Tang Rong murmured, his voice unfocused. Slowly he remembered that he had been bitten by dogs. “Dog, dog…” In terror, he instinctively raised his arms to guard his head. Tears sprang to the Grand Matron’s eyes as she soothed him and said, “Good child, it is all right. You are at home.”

The drilling pain invaded his mind. Only then did Tang Rong notice he was tightly bound in white bandages. Tao Yi Ran stood to the side, dabbing at her tears, pathetic and plaintive. The Grand Matron grew annoyed and said, “It is only a minor injury. Why are you crying like that?” Unlucky creature. Since marrying her, there had not been a single day of peace.

Tao Yi Ran’s voice vanished without a trace.

“By the ancestors’ blessing,” the Grand Matron said, “the injuries are not serious. With a month of rest you will recover. Do not worry about outside matters. Your father is there.”

That one sentence nearly made Tang Rong faint. [Another month?] He had not been married long, and already two months had been spent recuperating. His gaze fell on Tao Yi Ran, and he could not help but begin to suspect that she not only failed to bring prosperity, she was jinxing him.

Seething with anger and with lawsuits crowding his mind, Tang Gang offered only a few perfunctory words of comfort before taking his leave. Too many matters awaited him, and a heavy sense of powerlessness rose in his heart.