Chapter 164

Chapter 164: The Restless Tao Yi Ran

Madam Wang’s voice brimmed with delight, and Tang Gang felt a little dazed: [How long had it been since he heard Madam Wang speak to him like this?]

Her smile ignored his confusion as if nothing unpleasant had ever happened between them, and she said to Tang Gang: “Fresh vegetables from the suburban estate have arrived along with some delicacies from the hills and a few chickens. I have had the kitchen prepare everything. Mother also said she will dine with us this evening.”

He had been about to go check on Tang Rong, then let the thought go and said: “In that case… very good.”

He added, a touch softened by her tone: “It has been some days since I saw you this considerate.”

Madam Wang’s sudden change left Tang Gang both pleased and uneasy; he was pleased she seemed once more the thoughtful, thorough wife of old, and uneasy because a doubt pricked at him: [Is she harboring some ill intent?]

She appeared to find an easy excuse for her past behavior and said: “I was stuck in a blind alley before, always thinking the Marquis despised the second son. I am his mother; how could I not be upset?”

She went on, as if laying everything to rest: “Later I learned the Marquis had not ignored the second son. He was merely angry at his lack of ambition. However much resentment I carried, it dispersed. After being married for so many years, could I truly wish the Marquis ill?”

She sighed with a show of empathy and said: “These days I have seen the Marquis run himself ragged; it pains me. I cannot be of much help, but I certainly do not wish to add to your worries at a time like this.”

Her words were reasonable, and Tang Gang harbored no great suspicion. He had never believed that a woman of the inner residence could truly overturn the heavens.

All of Madam Wang’s honor came by way of the marquisate; apart from relying on her husband, what else could she do?

Tang Gang said mildly: “The second son shows signs of wanting to improve. As his father, I will give him a hand. They are both my sons, and of course I hope he proves himself.”

He added, thinking of discipline and connections: “You must urge him not to spend his days on idle pleasures. I will take him later to meet a few people.”

Madam Wang smiled and said: “Rest assured, Marquis. That child knows his measure. With your word I am relieved. Please sit; I will go see how the chicken stew is coming along, and have last year’s osmanthus brew brought out so you may enjoy a small drink this evening.”

Tang Gang nodded. As soon as she turned away, the smile dropped from Madam Wang’s face. Now even her own polite sparring with Tang Gang felt sickening to her. It was bad enough with outside forces; that he behaved the same way toward his own son made it all the more repulsive: [Disgusting.]

At Qiu Shi Courtyard, Tao Yi Ran had taken a painting by a famous hand from her dowry and set it before Tang Rong, saying: “Lord Rong, second brother and his wife have already set out for the Moon Inviting Banquet.”

Tang Rong, who had just been about to admire the painting, instantly lost interest and asked curtly: “What do you want to say?”

Tao Yi Ran said evenly: “If Lord Rong had not suffered this misfortune, the invitation to the Moon Inviting Banquet should have been addressed to you. I imagine the Second Prince had no other option and so gave it to second brother.”

She added, driving the point home: “After all, before this second brother had never attracted the Second Prince’s favor.”

Her words landed exactly where Tang Rong was most tender. He could only blame ill fortune for letting Tang Mo pick up such a windfall. [What merit does Tang Mo possess to represent the marquisate at the Second Prince’s banquet?]

Tao Yi Ran continued calmly: “I want to go out now and deliver this painting to the Crown Princess in your name. The day after Lord Rong’s accident, people from the Crown Prince’s Manor came to visit. Let this be a token of thanks for His Highness’s concern.”

A flicker of suspicion rose in Tang Rong’s eyes as he asked: “You want to attend the Moon Inviting Banquet?”

“Not for me to attend,” she corrected, her tone respectful but firm, “for me to go on Lord Rong’s behalf. It is necessary to let everyone know that the marquisate is not under second brother’s control. Whether Lord Rong is injured or unwell, as long as you are here, you are the marquisate’s Heir Apparent and its future head. If I go, second brother and his wife will be more restrained. Otherwise, who knows what they might say or do that would bring trouble upon Lord Rong.”

Tang Rong did not wish to see Tao Yi Ran at the Second Prince’s residence. He carried a thorn in his heart; whether she had enticed the Second Prince or the Second Prince had initiated it, the two had once shared a murky entanglement. He refused to speak of it; he simply refused to see his dignity wounded. [If he did not voice it, he could pretend nothing had ever happened.]

Yet he could not deny she had a point. He was confined to Chun Hua Courtyard, unable to leave, while Tang Mo thrived outside. That boded ill for him. He asked, still wary: “Can you manage alone?”

Tao Yi Ran said: “I will first go to the Crown Prince’s Manor and look for a chance to accompany the Crown Princess, thereby borrowing her momentum. Once at the Second Prince’s residence I will deliver the gift and return without delay.”

Tang Rong studied her without blinking; he trusted her very little. [He considered sending Auntie Cai with her, but Auntie Cai rarely left the estate and lacked the polish and propriety for such an outing.]

Seeing he would not decide, Tao Yi Ran advanced by retreat and said quietly: “If Lord Rong feels this is unnecessary, then let it go. I merely offered the idea. How to proceed is for Lord Rong to decide.”

In the end Tang Rong nodded. If she succeeded, outsiders would see him as aligned with the Crown Prince; once he recovered, he could use this pretext to enter the Crown Prince’s Manor again and scheme further. Even if she failed, there would be little loss. He said, giving the only order that mattered: “Remember, above all, be steady and proper.”

Tao Yi Ran nodded again and again, then noted that the guards might not let her pass the marquisate gate. Tang Rong naturally arranged for her convenience and, unable to help himself, offered a few more reminders. Only then did Tao Yi Ran go off to dress to perfection.

She was a famed talent in the city, schooled in every art. [How could she possibly be content if confined forever to the back courtyard?] She had, after all, remembered Xin An’s earlier jibe.

At this time Tang Mo and Xin An also arrived at the Second Prince’s residence. At the gate Tang Mo murmured to Xin An, a smile in his voice: “I am riding your coattails today.”

The invitation had been delivered directly to Xin An; he was merely the add-on. Xin An kept her gaze straight ahead, a faint smile at the corner of her lips, and said: “Second Young Master is so courteous that I am not used to it.”

Tang Mo laughed and said: “When am I not courteous?”

They walked side by side, occasionally exchanging whispers, looking for all the world like a harmonious pair.

Many guests had already arrived in the gardens. The Second Prince and Second Prince’s Consort were not yet present, and the guests were free to stroll and converse. Xin An lifted her eyes and at a glance spotted acquaintances, but before she could go greet them, Tang Mo drew her aside.

A few young gentlemen came over, teasing with easy camaraderie: “I knew Second Brother Tang would wear something new today; this outfit is even better than the one at the Water Blossom Banquet.” Another laughed and said: “Second Brother Tang grows more and more like a jade tree in the wind; it must be your wife’s doing.” A third chimed in: “Indeed. Since marrying, Second Brother Tang’s days have grown ever smoother.”

People did not know why Tang Mo had appeared at the Moon Inviting Banquet of the Second Prince’s residence. In past years Marquis Wei Yuan’s household had always been represented by Tang Rong. Yet if he had come, he must have had his reasons. Whatever anyone thought, their expressions stayed convivial.

Tang Mo returned greetings with a smile, then introduced Xin An with proper formality. For many, it was their first time seeing Xin An. Among the young gentlemen present, several had only known that Tang Mo had been made to marry a merchant’s daughter and had pitied him for losing out. Seeing Xin An in person, they decided Tang Mo had not lost at all.

Xin An had dressed with great care. Everyone knew she was a merchant’s daughter, so she had never thought to be modest about wealth. Sometimes being flamboyant adds to one’s leverage. Her jewelry was exquisitely chosen, her clothing strikingly bright, and the material plainly not something sold in ordinary shops. Dignified yet lively, it flattered her figure and lent her a light, spirited air. By looks alone she matched Tang Mo well, to say nothing of her fortune. Those who attend such banquets have seen the best; whether Xin An’s ensemble was merely expensive or truly refined, they could tell at a glance.

Someone joked with friendly envy: “No wonder Second Brother Tang is always all smiles; his lady is so beautiful.” Another added: “When a man’s heart is pleased, he naturally smiles.” A third concluded with a laugh: “A second son who cannot inherit the title or estate, yet marries a wealthy, beautiful wife—that is a fine blessing indeed.”