Chapter 261

Chapter 261: Tang Mo’s Promotion

Tang Gang was summoned back by Steward Zhang. Since the second young master of the household had been so badly wounded, both sentiment and propriety dictated that the boy’s father be informed.

Tang Gang asked: “How is he? Is it life-threatening?”

Steward Zhang stepped forward and said: “It does not endanger his life. Physician Qin is treating him. The second young master has also caught a bit of a chill. At present, because of blood loss, he has fallen unconscious.”

Hearing this, Tang Gang slowed his steps. He also asked about Tang Rong’s situation that day, and Steward Zhang answered each point. Then he added: “Second Master and Second Madam have already arrived. Your great-uncle’s family on the maternal side has come as well. They are all in Qiushi Courtyard.”

The unspoken message was clear: the uncle from the second branch and the relatives had hurried over as soon as they heard, whereas you, the boy’s father, are walking neither fast nor slow—is that quite proper?

Tang Gang’s brows drew together, a touch of displeasure on his face as he said: “Rare guests indeed.”

Tang Rong had run into trouble several times before, and neither of those families had come to visit; now that Tang Mo was injured, they both suddenly appeared.

As if that were not enough, Steward Zhang added: “The Qing and Chang marquisates have sent people to inquire after him, and they’ve brought fine medicines for wounds. Even some men from the Northern Garrison Army brought tonics to visit.”

By comparison, Tang Mo’s connections were far better than Tang Rong’s, and not by a little. Tang Gang said not a word, only lengthened his stride toward Qiushi Courtyard.

Many people had come, and the gifts piled high on the tables. Fortunately, Qiushi Courtyard was spacious; even more guests could have been seated.

At that moment, everyone clustered together discussing Tang Mo’s injuries. Wang Mian and Tang Yong spoke in tones of concern, while Madam Wang and Madam You, eyes reddened, invoked the protection of the ancestors.

Xin An dabbed at her tears as well; this was not the time to stand cool and detached, which would seem too unfeeling.

The Grand Matron sat off to the side. Learning that Tang Mo was out of danger loosened the tightness in her chest; seeing so many people come to visit him made her even happier for this grandson.

The situations were different. When Tang Rong had been injured, it was by an anonymous beating in the dark, somewhat disgraceful; neither the Grand Matron nor Tang Gang had wanted visitors or even word to spread. But Tang Mo was different; he had been wounded on duty. So long as he had not flinched, such an injury was an honor. With the courtyard full of visitors, the Grand Matron felt gratified.

When Tang Mo had been carried home, Auntie Cai had still been in Qiushi Courtyard making Xin An’s stomach turn; naturally she saw Tang Mo’s sorry state. Taking advantage of the bustle, she slipped back to Chun Hua Courtyard to tell Tang Rong what she had witnessed with her own eyes, grossly exaggerating the severity until it sounded like a brush with death.

Tang Rong was full of schadenfreude, with only one regret: [What a pity they didn’t just cut him down.]

He had never been satisfied with a post in the Northern Garrison Army. Either it was filled with sons of military families or with idlers marking time; the daily work meant dealing with peddlers and the rabble, and there was danger to boot, not to mention it was under Liao Zhi. It didn’t suit him at all. Tang Mo, on the other hand, treated it like a treasure, showing up early in all weathers, as if it were some rare prize.

Tang Rong said with a sneer: “He’s only suited to dirty, backbreaking work.”

Then he recalled how few had come to visit him when he was hurt; even those who came had only wanted to fish for news. His brief glow of pride vanished. Now, even the Tao family had not come to inquire after him. [So much for the warmth of the world.]

“Marquis, men from the palace have arrived,” the gatekeeper rushed into Qiushi Courtyard just as Tang Gang reached it, having exchanged a few greetings with Wang Mian and Tang Yong and before he could go inside to see Tang Mo.

The eunuch sent to deliver the imperial edict had reached the marquisate. Tang Gang first thought the Emperor had sent someone to question them about the masked men, but the gatekeeper added: “It’s an imperial messenger with an edict, and he brought many gifts.”

At that, everyone’s minds began to race. Madam Wang hastened to summon them all to the front courtyard to kneel and receive the edict. Tang Gang did not dare be remiss. By the time they arrived, Eunuch Zhao was already standing before the main hall.

Tang Gang bowed and said: “Eunuch Zhao.”

“Marquis,” Eunuch Zhao replied, holding the edict in his hands. Seven or eight attendants stood behind him, each cradling an item. Tang Gang, puzzled, asked: “Eunuch Zhao, to what do we owe your visit today…”

“Marquis, is the second young master within the residence?” Eunuch Zhao asked.

Tang Gang clasped his hands and said: “My son is injured. He has lost much blood and lies unconscious.”

“In that case, Marquis, receive the edict,” said Eunuch Zhao.

Everyone dropped to their knees. Eunuch Zhao began to read the decree. It commended Tang Mo for diligence in his duties and for apprehending human traffickers, and further praised him for going out on assignment with Commander Liao, unafraid of death, displaying the Old Marquis’s spirit. By imperial order, he was promoted to Deputy Commander in the Northern Garrison Army.

Liao Zhi commanded twelve deputy commanders under him, each responsible for different sectors. Two had been promoted last month; Tang Mo would fill one vacancy.

The remaining vacancy went to Zhuang Shi.

“Marquis, accept the edict and give thanks,” Eunuch Zhao concluded.

Tang Gang’s mind buzzed. Tang Yong, Wang Mian, and the others were all smiles. After the rite of acceptance, Madam Wang invited Eunuch Zhao to take tea, but he declined, saying: “His Majesty has ordered me to visit the second young master in person. Madam, please lead the way.”

Those bearing the gifts naturally followed, and as the boy’s father, Tang Gang could not do otherwise than accompany them.

In Qiushi Courtyard, Eunuch Zhao entered smiling, and Xin An came forward to receive him. He handed over the imperial gifts to Xin An and then approached Tang Mo’s bedside.

He asked: “Is the second young master’s injury a serious one?”

He had already asked this once before; Xin An’s answer was much the same as Tang Gang’s. Eunuch Zhao nodded and said: “His Majesty’s instruction is that the second young master should recuperate well. Once the wounds have mended, he is to return to the Northern Garrison Army promptly. The end of the year is a busy time.”

Xin An said: “Please report to His Majesty that my husband’s injuries have been properly treated. The physician says that after seven or eight days of rest he can return to duty; so long as he does not swing his arm vigorously for a month, there should be no serious issue. Being injured in service is something we long anticipated; we never expected His Majesty’s special concern and are deeply humbled.”

Eunuch Zhao leaned in for a closer look and said: “The second young master is richly blessed. With the Old Marquis’s spirit watching over him, misfortune turns to fortune, and trials become blessings.”

“Thank you for your auspicious words, Eunuch,” Xin An replied.

After a few more questions, Eunuch Zhao satisfied himself that Xin An knew nothing of Tang Mo’s recent movements; he then smiled and took his leave, saying: “His Majesty is waiting for me to return and report. I shall not linger.”

“Eunuch, please wait,” Xin An said as Chun Yang came forward carrying a small chest. Xin An explained: “These are a few local specialties from Huaijiang. They are not grand things, only a novelty. Please accept them.”

“The second young madam is most gracious. I shall accept,” said Eunuch Zhao.

Tang Gang personally escorted them out. On the way, he quietly asked for details; learning that the recommendation had come from Liao Zhi, he felt a tangle of emotions. People always said Liao Zhi was unfeeling and hard to win over; who would have thought that catching his eye would bring such benefits.

At the gate, Eunuch Zhao paused and said: “Today His Majesty remarked that the Old Marquis’s illustrious military merits having no successor is lamentable. If Commander Liao is willing to promote the second young master, His Majesty is pleased to see it. His Majesty also ordered that once the second young master has recovered, Commander Liao is to bring him into the palace. His Majesty wishes to meet him.”

Tang Gang started, then bowed and said: “Many thanks for the message, Eunuch.”

Steward Zhang had already prepared tea and a purse of silver. Eunuch Zhao accepted them and departed with his entourage.

Once in the carriage, he opened the chest Xin An had sent. Inside, alongside a row of silver ingots, lay tea from Huaijiang and two exquisitely crafted trinkets. Eunuch Zhao toyed with them for a moment, then closed the lid and tossed Steward Zhang’s money pouch to his men to divide.