Chapter 285

Chapter 285: Tao Yi Ran Develops a Trauma

Tang Rong asked after returning to Chun Hua Courtyard: “Both cousins have reached marriageable age; do you have any thoughts?”

He rarely spoke to Tao Yi Ran about the Wei family, and what he wanted to say she might not wish to hear. Ever since she had seen Tang Rong lying in a bed fouled with filth, she had been unable to be too near him; even the thought of the two of them living in the same compound made her uncomfortable. She only wanted to send him out to work and earn glory for her.

Tao Yi Ran said: “This matter is for Uncle and Maternal Aunt to decide.”

Tang Rong wanted Tao Yi Ran to take the Wei sisters out for social calls so that the young gentlemen of distinguished families could see them.

But Tao Yi Ran did not wish to. She was pregnant and could not play the qin; Tang Rong outside was a bundle of jokes. If she went to banquets, would she not be offering herself up for ridicule?

She said: “These alliances still look to family status. I think husband looks better; perhaps after a few more days of recuperation, without waiting until after the New Year, you can go out. It is not that I do not worry for your health, only that year-end is the time to make the rounds, and if you can go out, you should.”

She added: “Just now Uncle has also come; he is a major local official and can support you somewhat. I see the momentum next door has been fierce these days. If husband continues to lie down like this, when spring arrives next year the situation will be different.”

These words struck at Tang Rong’s heart. Removing Tang Mo would only keep his position in the marquisate from being threatened, but matters outside still required him to show his face.

He said: “You are right. It is just that my body still feels somewhat strained. Let me rest two more days and see.”

His gaze fell on her face. Pregnant, Tao Yi Ran was even more charming than before, cheeks tinted like peach blossoms and skin delicate. Feeling his gaze, her heart gave a jolt; she hurried to pour him a cup of water and said: “Have the household physician look you over again and prescribe some tonics; you should recover faster.”

Tang Rong took the water and, in passing, took her hand. Inside, Tao Yi Ran’s heart churned like waves; she could not show it on her face and even forced a smile.

Tang Rong rubbed the back of her hand and said: “You have worked hard these days.”

She said: “As long as husband recovers soon, it is not hard.”

She added, urging gently: “Husband is tired today as well. Go rest early.”

Tang Rong had intended to move over and sleep together, but thinking his internal injuries had not healed, he set aside the idea. Feeling he had neglected Tao Yi Ran these days, he rose and drew her into his arms. In that instant, Tao Yi Ran felt a rush of feces and urine stench assault her nose. Even though Tang Rong gave off incense and soap-scent, she could not dispel the smell of filth. Like a nightmare.

Holding her was not enough; the tender Tang Rong wanted to kiss her again. Tao Yi Ran dodged and said: “Mind your body and bear with it a while longer.”

Smiling, Tang Rong kissed her forehead, then left the room content. Once he left, Tao Yi Ran retched, hurried to the basin, and washed her hands repeatedly, rubbing her brow hard. Auntie Liu came in, saw this, and sighed softly. The young madam had only looked from the doorway and had developed a heart-sickness; if she had seen that entire soiled bed being dragged out, could she have gone on living?

Unaware he was being disliked, Tang Rong was in a good mood; one could say it was his best day since being injured. Once Cai Quan succeeded, he would be even happier.

Cai Quan murmured in his sweetheart’s quarters: “Fragrant, truly fragrant.”

Under the inky night sky, the capital blazed with lights and households were filled with laughter. The much-expected Cai Quan was living in drunken debauchery. Cup after cup of liquor went down his throat; inhaling the intoxicating fragrance on his sweetheart, he wore a look of bliss.

He said: “Far more fragrant than that wife of mine who fell into the cesspit.”

In soft tones his sweetheart poured two more cups down him and said: “You are good with sweet words. As fragrant as I am, you still have not taken me back to your household. You cannot bear to lose that yellow-faced wife who has face before the Heir Apparent and can secure benefits for you.”

Cai Quan laughed heartily, handed her a jade pendant, then downed another cup. After receiving the pendant, she cooed and fed him two more cups, saying: “So this is the extent of your benefits.”

She added: “If you ask me, you are losing out. There is no gravy in serving at the washstand. If you could see the Heir Apparent often, would he not give you errands? You are a man and capable. How many more benefits could you take?”

Cai Quan could not accept being looked down upon and said: “Who says the Heir Apparent has not given me errands? He has entrusted me with great matters. The Heir Apparent trusts me most.”

She hooked her little finger at him. Cai Quan laughed and said: “A great matter, a matter as big as the sky.”

She said: “I do not believe it unless you tell me.”

Cai Quan still had a trace of sense. She fed him another cup, and soon he spilled everything. When he lay there like a dead pig, she opened the door. Outside, a disguised Luo Qi Wen handed over a banknote for ten taels. Taking it, she smiled and said: “This old thing cannot escape my palm. Guest, if you want to know anything next time, just come to me.”

Luo Qi Wen nodded, turned, and left, soon swallowed by the night.

The next day, Xin An rose early. When she rose, Tang Mo was still asleep. Thinking back, Xin An had no idea when he had returned the previous night. Seeing him sleep soundly, she did not wake him. Chun Yang, Chun Lv, and Auntie Cui Ping, who came in to attend her, also tried to make no noise.

Only when Xin An was nearly dressed did Tang Mo wake. He had drunk and then discussed great matters with Luo Qi Wen; now his head ached. Xin An turned and asked: “Awake?”

She asked again: “When did you come back last night?”

He said: “A bit late.”

Yawning, Tang Mo wanted to ask why Xin An was up so early, then suddenly remembered she was to enter the palace today. Rubbing his temples and looking miserable, he said: “Headache.”

Chun Lv smiled and said: “There is hangover soup warming on the stove. If Second Young Master drinks a bowl later, he will be fine. It is a new prescription the young madam specifically asked Physician Qin to prepare.”

Xin An said, adjusting the hairpin in her hair as she turned: “You must pace yourself when drinking. Especially with people like Liao Zhi; those men are soaked in liquor, drinking like water. How can you compete? When it is time to yield, yield. Do not try to show off.”

He said: “It was not with those men last night.”

Tang Mo explained that Yan Shi Mao had hosted, inviting those young lords who had joined the Cuju Team. He knew some and not others. With hot-blooded young men sitting together, it was hard not to get carried away. He added: “Fortunately, I have built up my tolerance in recent months; otherwise they would have had to carry me home.”

Lai Lai stood at the door and said: “Young master, the hot water is ready. You may wash.”

[Our young master does not even have the privilege to wash in the main room and has to use the side room, tsk tsk.]

Tang Mo did not mind. He threw on a robe and went out, turning into the next room. When he reappeared, he was fresh and clean. He drank a sip of warm water, then the hangover soup that had just been brought. Finding it unpalatable, he poured himself another cup of water.

Xin An was also dressed, unsurprisingly in new clothes and new jewelry again today, refined from head to toe. Looking at her with unabashed admiration, Tang Mo said: “When a person is good-looking, anything looks good. This dress is not particularly striking, yet it looks so good on you.”

He added with a grin: “It feels as if this dress is basking in your glow.”