Chapter 310

Chapter 311: Madam Wang Is a Good Mother-in-law

Though all were relatives, the Tang family’s treatment differed entirely from that of the Wei family. They had courtyards that had been prepared long in advance, brand-new bedding and ornaments, rooms warmed by braziers, hot water already set out, and even cosmetics laid out for the young ladies. The moment they entered, they relaxed.

Seeing such thoughtful arrangements, Madam Zhao beamed and said with gratitude: “This is truly too thorough. Sister-in-law, you have worked hard to see to everything.”

Madam Wang was pleased to have her efforts recognized and replied modestly: “Most of it was arranged by the second daughter-in-law. In particular, the cosmetics on the dressing tables are in the capital’s most fashionable shades. See whether the girls like them. If not, later their second sister-in-law can take them out to choose for themselves.”

She added briskly: “If anything is lacking, send word to me. The maids in this courtyard will stay to attend you.”

Madam Zhao hurried to say it was too much trouble and added with a smile: “What their second sister-in-law picked will suit them just fine. These three girls also brought gifts for the two sisters-in-law; we will send them over later.”

“As for attendants, we brought our own. With the holidays approaching, your own hands will be full. There is no need for so many people here; just leave two errand-runners,” she said sensibly.

After the never-satisfied Madam Zhang, Madam Wang found the Tang clan folk refreshingly reasonable. They joked and exchanged courtesies without empty refusal, and indeed the marquis’s household could use the extra hands with two sets of guests newly arrived.

Suddenly remembering, Madam Zhao said: “I thought the elder son’s wife was supposed to have the surname Xin?”

When they first entered, she had been too happy to think of it. Madam Wang took her hand and, lowering her voice, explained the whole chain of causes and consequences, concluding gently: “It was fate, in a way. Our eldest had a rough year in some respects, but he prospers in heirs. A few days ago he had a sturdy little boy.”

“The elder daughter-in-law and another concubine are also pregnant at the same time. By this time next year, the eldest will be the father of three children.”

“At the start the second couple had some knots in their hearts, but after spending time together they came to see each other more favorably, and their feelings have grown better by the day. Right now they are sweet as honey. It is a pity the second is away on a mission and will be back in a few days.”

The news of the exchange of brides shocked Madam Zhao; she had never imagined such a thing could happen, and the circumstances were difficult to comment on. She asked a few more questions, and Madam Wang told her all she wished to know, then urged her to wash and rest, saying: “Now that you are here, there is no rush to return. We will have plenty of chances to talk. We have never spent the New Year together; this year, we must make it lively.”

Madam Zhao smiled and nodded. After a few more reminders, Madam Wang went on to the adjoining courtyard.

Xin An had already settled Tang Yu and the others. When Madam Wang arrived, the group had sat down to eat, but they rose again. Madam Wang quickly bade them sit, offered a few more cordial instructions, and then left with Xin An.

As they walked, Madam Wang said: “You will be busy from now on. Look in on those three girls and see whether they are worth supporting. If it is suitable, take them along when you attend banquets so they can broaden their horizons.”

“These three are not like the two from the Wei family; your father and Grandmother have both agreed,” she added.

Over time, Madam Wang had seen that Xin An was stronger than she in social dealings outside the household, so she intended to entrust such interactions to her. As a mother-in-law, she would simply hold the household together, attending only those banquets where her presence was necessary. Xin An did not need to help her manage domestic minutiae. Dividing their roles in this way made things easy for both of them.

Xin An said with proper deference: “The first time, it would still be best if Mother leads, so as to show due importance.”

Madam Wang agreed, then sighed with genuine pride for the clan’s juniors: “I had only heard they had some talent for study. I did not know they were already provincial graduates. Speaking of which, they should be sitting for the spring examination next year, yes?” Realizing this, she thought further: [Even without the Grand Matron’s letter, they would likely have come; she wondered whether Tang Gang had already received the news earlier.]

Xin An then thought of Wang Shi and said: “Since they are promising scholars, when my husband returns, let him bring Cousin Wang Shi to meet them. They are all bookmen and can discuss learning with one another.” In her memory, a young man of the Tang clan had indeed achieved high honors, but they had not come to the marquis’s residence; only after he passed did they send someone to announce the good news. [That they had come now must be because of the Grand Matron’s letter.]

“You think of everything,” Madam Wang praised. “Wang Shi’s father has spared no effort for his son. As long as it helps with his studies, he will obtain it no matter the cost. Fortunately, the child Wang Shi is intelligent and steady. If your cousin can earn a degree in the future, your uncle will at last see his years of struggle pay off.”

“A few days ago your maternal aunt came to speak with me. She said she wanted to arrange a bride for him, but your uncle would not agree. He said his studies and examinations must not be delayed, and the marriage should be postponed. He is in no hurry to hold a grandson.”

Speaking of children, Madam Wang comforted Xin An, fearing she might feel pressure because the neighboring Chun Hua Courtyard was flourishing with births: “Everything is fate. What is meant to come will come in its time. Your Grandmother is anxious because she is old and hopes to see all her descendants happy. Do not overthink. Let it take its natural course.”

Xin An was moved. Mothers-in-law were usually intent on setting rules for daughters-in-law at every moment, strict in instruction and relentless about producing heirs. A mother-in-law as understanding as Madam Wang was rare indeed.

“With Mother’s words, my heart is at ease,” Xin An said honestly. “I have discussed this with my husband. Next year my younger brother will be married, and my husband wishes to take me back to Huaijiang for the wedding. I long for it as well. We plan to prepare for children after we return from Huaijiang.”

She was frank, and Madam Wang thus had a clear sense of things. She laughed and said: “Though that boy can be a bit muddleheaded, he is considerate. It is right to go back for a visit.”

For a woman married far from home, returning to her mother’s house even once was difficult. If she did not go while her body was free, once she had children there would be many considerations, and often she would be unable to go as she wished.

“With a broad-minded mother and a considerate husband, I am fortunate,” Xin An said.

Madam Wang smiled, took her wrist, and walked on with her, saying: “With a capable, sensible daughter-in-law like you, both I and that second son of mine are fortunate.”

They walked on smiling, the atmosphere warm and harmonious. Unfortunately, it did not last long before Madam Zhang came to spoil it.

Approaching with the bearing of one coming to settle accounts, Madam Zhang stopped three paces before them and looked discontentedly at Madam Wang, saying: “Once the Tang family arrived, you turned generous. Is this not the time you said the marquis’s residence had no more charcoal?”

A few days earlier, Madam Zhang had used lack of charcoal as a pretext to demand an extra fifty catties per day. She claimed the capital was too cold, that the braziers had to be kept burning around the clock; she said even Wei Chuan Zong’s hands were so cold he could not grip his brush, that it would delay him from taking first place in the examinations, and that Madam Wang must take responsibility.

Seeing Madam Zhang bent on making trouble, Madam Wang had not bothered to argue. She had simply sent someone to repeat Madam Zhang’s words verbatim to Tang Rong. Tang Rong, helpless, had to pay out of his own pocket to make up the charcoal. Because of this, Madam Zhang had been roundly scolded by Wei Liang Cai. She then turned around and went to Tang Rong to square the matter away.