Chapter 215

Chapter 215: The Splendor on Opening Day

Xin An had overlooked one thing. Though noble ladies looked glamorous and lacked nothing, in truth they all needed to get out for some air or to make acquaintances and talk. On ordinary days they had no ready pretext to go out, so once the couple said they were inviting guests, these ladies came with children in tow to join the fun. What they ate was secondary.

Before the meal, everyone chatted in the small courtyards. In their mouths, the Herbal Cuisine House was mentioned only briefly, and soon they moved on to anecdotes from their various households. It was just a pity the venue was not large enough today; they could not quite spread their wings.

Laughter rippled through the Herbal Cuisine House. At this time, outside, Tang Gang and Tang Rong, father and son, arrived together. Tang Rong had not intended to come. He harbored resentment toward Tang Gang, who, knowing that many outside were waiting to laugh at him, nevertheless forced him, newly recovered from a serious illness, to come support Tang Mo.

Was Tang Mo so noble and remarkable?

Tang Gang had said it was necessary to present to the outside world a picture of the marquisate’s family harmony, with not half a thought to Tang Rong’s situation.

He had come, but his mood was poor.

Seeing Tang Mo at the door chatting and laughing with Yan Shi Mao, Wei Ye, Xie Chang You, and others, and seeing him so spirited, he thought, [A petty villain feeling his oats, and an eyesore.]

Upon entering and taking in the refined décor of the Herbal Cuisine House and the guests, each wealthy or noble, his chest grew more stifled. He thought, [Tang Mo took advantage of me by marrying Xin An and is now strutting, tail cocked high, ever more adept at currying favor.]

“Marquis, prosperity on your opening day, congratulations, congratulations,” several officials of the Imperial Court who were on good terms with Tang Gang arrived, smiling as they entered. Marquis Qin and Marquis Yong Shuang also came in with smiles. Tang Mo, Yan Shi Mao, and the others hurried up to greet them. The scene was so lively that, to an outsider, it might have seemed some grand gathering.

One voice remarked with good humor: “So this property belongs to Second Young Madam. Marquis, you are fortunate.”

Another added with appreciation: “I have heard the Xin family of Huai River is outstanding among merchants; I did not expect a girl of the Xin family to be extraordinary as well.”

A third praised with a laugh: “Second Young Master Tang is lucky; it makes one envious.”

Originally, Xin An had wanted to hang the businesses under Fang Da’s name and retire behind the scenes. But in the capital there are no secrets, and she could only step to the front. She bowed to the assembled elders and said, measured and courteous: “It is our honor to be graced today by so many uncles and lords. If there is any shortcoming in our arrangements, I beg your indulgence.”

The dignitaries gave ample face: “Second Young Madam is too polite. It is you who are spending to entertain us today; it is we who should thank you.”

Another elder, half teasing Tang Gang, said: “Marquis, your daughter-in-law is quite capable.”

The Herbal Cuisine House had not only an excellent location but also very dignified décor, and the guests were distinguished. Tang Gang felt very much flattered and could not help modest boasting couched as courtesy: “The youngsters are only dabbling. In the days to come, I must ask all of you to look after them.”

A lord replied genially: “Marquis is too modest. With such a first-rate location and design, and with the Marquis’s presence, business is sure to prosper.”

Tang Mo stepped forward, smiling as he saluted: “To be able to invite all you uncles and lords today is our couple’s honor. In the future, we must also ask for your guidance.”

People took turns praising Tang Gang and Tang Mo. As for Tang Rong, once the star who drew every eye, no one called him over. He could only stand aside.

When the hour came, Tang Mo invited the lords to the largest private room to be seated. Fang Da took charge of arranging his own friends and the guests brought by Tang Yong and Wang Mian. After everyone squeezed a bit, they managed to free up one more private room. Only then did Yan Shi Mao lead several extra young masters into a box. So long as those brought by Liao Zhi, Tang Yao Ming, and Wang Shi did not exceed expectations by too much, there would be no problem.

The ladies were all on the second floor. Xin An and Lin Yao handled the arrangements. Madam Liao also stepped in to help. Madam Gu, though not invited to assist, came forward when she saw Xin An busy. Xin An said with feeling: “Thank you, Cousin Sister-in-law.”

Madam Gu laughed lightly as she waved it off: “Why be polite with me? Do not treat me like an outsider.”

Madam Gu had a good temperament and a sweet tongue, and she recognized seven or eight out of ten of the guests who came. With Xin An smiling at her side, calling her Cousin Sister-in-law as they went in and out together, quite a few ladies praised her. Coming together with Madam You, Madam Gu smiled so broadly her eyes nearly disappeared. Madam Wang publicly praised Madam Gu’s capability, which gave her ample face.

Grand Matron sat with old friends. She smiled on the surface but sighed in her heart, thinking, [If only Tao Yi Ran could also help openly here, how good that would be. Unfortunately, she is not presentable. Even if she came, she would probably be thinking only of playing a tune on the zither for everyone.]

Wang Shi and Tang Yao Ming arrived late, leading Wang Shi’s teacher and classmates. These were all scholars; Wang Shi’s teacher in particular was a highly respected figure in the capital, a man with a name before the Emperor. The few dignitaries invited by Tang Gang went forward with enthusiasm to greet these elder scholars. Learning that Wang Shi was Tang Gang’s wife’s nephew, they praised him even more.

Tang Gang had not known that his wife’s nephew’s teacher had such standing. He was overjoyed and felt his face glow with honor.

As for Tang Yao Ming, there was even less to say; he had nearly invited the whole Censorate to support the occasion. The smile never left Tang Gang’s face. He introduced him as his nephew with affectionate words. Turning and seeing Tang Rong, who stood unattended, he could not help a flicker of displeasure.

Today was the time to show the marquisate’s unity from top to bottom. As the elder brother, Tang Rong ought to take on the elder brother’s bearing at such a time. Even if Tang Mo had not asked him, he should have taken the initiative to greet the guests, sweeping away the previous gloom, instead of watching Yan Shi Mao, Tang Yao Ming, and the others help busily and letting such a fine opportunity slip to them.

“Commander Liao has arrived,” someone announced.

Arriving with Liao Zhi, besides a few men from the Northern Garrison Army, was General Wang. Military men drew the eye as soon as they entered. As new favorites of the Imperial Court, they naturally commanded respect from the dignitaries present. Someone flattered Tang Gang with a smile: “I have heard Commander Liao is not easy to approach. His coming today shows he is giving the Marquis face.”

Tang Gang laughed out loud: “My second son now serves under Commander Liao. He is the one who invited him. It has nothing to do with me.”

Another voice chimed in with admiration: “Second Young Master did not sing, but when he did, it stunned everyone. Marquis, you are fortunate.”

Seeing that Tang Gang was truly delighted, Tang Rong clenched his fists tight. He cast a more searching look at Tang Mo, and when he glanced at Xin An, there was a shade of regret not meant for others to see.

At noon, everyone took their seats. There were a few more people than expected, but by squeezing a little they all sat down, and it was not considered discourteous.

With the crack of firecrackers, Fang Da led the servers outside to scatter coins, asking the neighbors roundabout to look after them. Then the dishes began to be served. Fifteen servers each carried a clay pot into a private room. In the largest private room at the rear, the dignitaries caught the scent of angelica. The server set the clay pot down, stepped back, and announced clearly: “Honored Guests, this is today’s main dish, Angelica and Ginger Mutton Soup, which dispels cold, warms the middle, and replenishes qi and blood.”

A placard was hung in the most prominent place, with the explanation of this soup written upon it.

After that, small soup cups were presented before each of the dignitaries. The server introduced them respectfully: “This is Chinese Yam, Ginkgo and Lily Bulb Soup, simmered together from lily bulb, Huai yam, dried lotus seeds, ginkgo nuts, radish, goji berries, and sugar. It nourishes without causing heat and warms without dryness, strengthening the spleen and nurturing the stomach. Honored Guests, please.”