Chapter 256

Chapter 256: Tang Gang Pays Dearly

Xin An also knew how to lower her eyes and sob; she had unconsciously learned most of Tao Yi Ran’s little techniques, and because she usually wore a smiling face and was seldom seen angry or displeased, seeing her cry now made her look even more aggrieved than Tao Yi Ran herself.

She said to the Grand Matron, tears trembling on her lashes: “Father dislikes my husband to the point of loathing. No matter what my husband and I do, Father is unhappy and assumes the worst of our intentions. Now he has even put a cap on me, accusing me of being jealous of my sister-in-law and plotting against my nephew. Grandmother, why don’t you let me move out? How am I supposed to live in this household from now on?”

The Grand Matron hated Auntie Cai for stirring up trouble and was angry at Tang Gang for being unkind. She patted Xin An’s hand and said: “Good child, Grandmother believes you. I have never doubted you and the second boy. Your mother has already investigated the matter; it has nothing to do with you.”

She added, voice steady and cold: “Those who deserved punishment have been punished. No one will dare say a word about you, and this matter will not spread beyond the gates. Anyone who dares to wag their tongue will be beaten to death and the matter ended.”

She went on, trying to set Xin An’s heart at ease: “As for your father, Grandmother will speak to him. He knows he acted improperly; he is only saving face and unwilling to admit it. Do not overthink it. Leave everything to Grandmother.”

The Grand Matron knew that only by soothing Xin An would the residence settle. Madam Wang, being Xin An’s natal mother-in-law, would naturally share her heart; if Xin An was reassured, Madam Wang would be reassured too.

Xin An knew when to stop. She sniffled and brought her crying to a halt, then rose and offered the Grand Matron a deep formal salute as she said: “Thank you, Grandmother, for trusting and protecting me. With you here, my heart finally feels a little steadier. My husband was not home last night, and then such a thing happened. Although in anger I spoke to Father with words that were not entirely respectful, I was extremely afraid.”

The Grand Matron said with a small smile: “Quickly, get up.”

Tang Gang, who had retreated earlier, came back in. Only today did he realize that this second daughter-in-law who always smiled was the difficult one. Tao Yi Ran might like to make a fuss, but in the marquis’s residence she was passably well-behaved and always deferential before him; when had she ever raised her voice to him? This one, however, had directly needled him with words and even dared to threaten him, utterly disrespectful and lawless, and yet her reasoning was airtight, every sentence pricking him where it hurt.

Xin An spoke first, her eyes still red as she called to him: “Father.”

Tang Gang grunted and ignored her. The Grand Matron, smiling, spoke up on Xin An’s behalf, saying that the girl knew she had behaved poorly last night and already regretted it.

Xin An took the offered step down and said: “Last night your daughter-in-law was presumptuous; please forgive me, Father.”

What else could Tang Gang say?

He forced out a concession and said: “I also did not ask clearly and scolded you first. Let us put the matter to rest.”

This, to him, was the greatest of magnanimity. He considered himself broad and generous, while on the inside he was laughing coldly at heart, and on his face he still put on a look of respect. [He sneered inwardly.]

The Grand Matron, all gratification, told Gan Lu to bring out a potted ornament inlaid with various gemstones and agates, exquisitely gorgeous: “This is your father’s treasured collection, his favorite piece. Take it to calm your nerves.”

In truth, the Grand Matron had ordered Gan Lu to fetch it from Tang Gang’s study. If he had offended his daughter-in-law, then as the father-in-law he must bleed a little. Gan Lu was a quick one; she knew what Xin An liked. She did not even look at the calligraphy and paintings and simply carried out the piece that looked most valuable.

Tang Gang felt a stab of pain. He had received it as tribute after helping a subordinate official. Leaving aside the gold and jewels, the craftsmanship alone was exceptional, a top-quality piece he particularly loved, displayed in his study for him to admire daily.

Because he prized it so highly, Xin An naturally found it pleasing; seeing his heartache made her all the more satisfied, though she still spoke politely and said: “Since this is Father’s favorite, how could I accept it? The misunderstanding has been cleared; that is enough. Father is the head of the household, and affairs outside already trouble him. A moment of oversight is understandable. If blame is due, it is only that Auntie Cai’s mind is malicious, and it has nothing to do with Father.”

“What a considerate, sensible girl,” the Grand Matron praised, then looked to Tang Gang and asked: “Wouldn’t you say so?”

What could Tang Gang say?

The moment she saw a good thing, even her tone changed; did she think he could not hear that light, triumphant air in her words? In his heart, his hatred of Auntie Cai reached a peak. [If she had not stirred up such a mess, would I be losing so much?]

He forced himself to say: “It is merely an ornament. Take it and amuse yourself with it.”

“Many thanks, Father,” Xin An said, then pressed her advantage: “I heard Father has a Hundred Treasures Ruyi. If you were willing to part with it, might I exchange something with you for it?”

The piece was made entirely of gold, studded with various gemstones; the handle was hollowed, and marvelously, it could open like a box to reveal a Jade Ruyi inside, a very rare thing.

Tang Gang glared at her, wary, and asked: “What do you want it for?”

Xin An answered frankly: “My younger brother is to be married in the first half of next year. I want to send him a congratulatory gift. Ordinary gold and jade pieces are too common, so I hope to present him with a rare item that can carry the occasion.”

“So that’s all it is,” the Grand Matron said, recognizing a perfect chance to mend relations and, what was more, to give the Xin Family proper face. [Otherwise, this purse will run away sooner or later.] She said with warmth: “We are all one family, so do not speak of exchange; that would be too distant. For such a joyous event, the marquis’s residence should send a congratulatory gift. Let that Hundred Treasures Ruyi be delivered; it will be grand and elegant, and it will let our in-laws know the marquisate’s sincerity.”

“How could that be proper?” Xin An said with a look of anxious modesty: “I only happened to hear Father had such a treasure and thought to ask. I do not dare to snatch away what he loves.”

“You are too polite,” the Grand Matron replied with a laugh. “A happy event like this ought to be told to us early. The Tang Family and the Xin Family have been close for many years; is one ruyi not worth it?”

Watching the pair of them talk the treasure out of his hands in just a few words, Tang Gang felt dizzy, his vision going white; he nearly failed to keep his feet. In the end he clenched his teeth and said: “Mother is right. It is as it should be. The household is sending New Year’s gifts to Huaijiang; let the ruyi go along with them.”

“Many thanks, Father,” Xin An said.

Tang Gang decided he did not want to see Xin An again for some time, nor did he wish to say another word to her. He had smashed a tea cup and paid out two rare pieces; those two treasures could practically buy every tea cup in the capital. He was livid. As for that Auntie Cai of Chun Hua Courtyard, she had better pray she never erred again, or he would kill her.

He excused himself on the grounds of other business and left, leaving Xin An with the Grand Matron. Learning the Grand Matron had not yet eaten supper, Xin An, though she had eaten well outside, could hardly say so. She claimed she was hungry too and accompanied the Grand Matron for a bite. Seeing how little the elder ate, the Grand Matron sighed to herself and assumed Xin An still felt wounded.

Xin An spoke softly to reassure her: “Grandmother must put her mind at ease. You are the stabilizing anchor of the residence.”

She added, smiling: “As long as you are here, the marquis’s household will never fall into disorder. I recently received a box of sea cucumbers. I will bring some over and have Auntie Ganlu stew them with millet for you.”

The Grand Matron did not refuse and agreed with a smile. After supper, Xin An stayed to chat for a while before taking her leave. The Grand Matron’s heart felt much lighter by then. If Xin An was content, Madam Wang would keep the peace; when Tang Mo returned, Xin An would also persuade him, so no trouble would arise.

Thinking of Xin An, she could not help but sigh and murmur: “The Old Master had eyes like torches. If he could have lived a few more years, the marquisate would not be the shambles it is today.” [If only he had lived, things would not be like this.]