Chapter 321

Chapter 322: Learn from Xin An

Wei Liang Cai wished he could leave right now. He had once found Madam Zhang at least tolerable, and she had indeed shown him kindness; who could have known that upon entering the marquis’s household she would be like someone steeped all day in a vat of vinegar, so sour she practically stank and nearly out of her mind.

In these days in the capital he had met many people and inquired about many matters, and he became convinced that Tang Rong was far from the gentle, modest face he showed in public.

As an uncle, he ought to clear the obstacles before Tang Rong so he could inherit the title smoothly; yet Tang Gang, in his prime and unwilling to let anyone meddle in the marquisate’s affairs, was also protective of his own. Even if he could not stand Tang Mo, he allowed only himself to scold or beat him; if others said a few more words, he would be displeased.

Therefore, as head of the Wei clan, he had to think more for his own prospects and for the Wei descendants, and keep himself as far as possible from entanglement in the marquis’s household affairs.

As for the two Wei girls, he did not intend to keep them in the capital to marry and end up as Tang Rong’s chess pieces.

Having thought this through, he kept a close watch on Madam Zhang. She had no head for such things and was easily bewitched by Tang Rong.

After a round of admonitions from him, the welcome dinner that evening passed without discordant voices. The Grand Matron was especially delighted; when one’s natal family sends people, it is naturally joyful, and even a single message from them brings cheer.

The busiest person remained Madam Wang. Just now three branches of relatives within the household required her to arrange everything inside and out, and she was run off her feet. Tang Gang also reduced his social engagements and even came to look forward to Tang Mo’s return, hoping he would come back soon to share the pressure. As for Tang Rong, his habit of bathing twice daily had succeeded in giving him a chill; the very night he returned from the welcome banquet he developed a fever and then took to his sickbed to recuperate.

On this day, Xin An brought New Year gifts to the Xu Family. With polite words but clear satisfaction in her eyes, Madam Xu said: “You could have sent someone to deliver these. In this bitter cold, there was no need for you to make the trip yourself.” Warm and affectionate, Xin An replied: “As the junior, this is my first time bringing New Year gifts to Aunt. If I did not come in person, my heart would be ill at ease. Mainly, too, it has been a few days since I last saw Aunt, and I have missed you very much.”

Laughing with delight, Madam Xu said: “No wonder people say you are such a pleasing girl. If you wish to see me, come anytime. Talking with you makes me feel several years younger.”

“Before the New Year our household received relatives,” Xin An said with a smile, “but after spring opens next year I will be able to see Aunt often.”

At this, Madam Xu asked a little more. After Xin An explained briefly, she laughed and said: “A few younger male cousins from the clan have arrived; each is decent-looking and agreeable in temperament, and the household has grown lively. Especially with three girl cousins added, delicate as blossoms, some striking and dignified, some sweet and adorable, I find my eyes dazzled and want to go look at them twice every day.”

Smiling and nodding, Madam Xu said: “Whatever else people may say, those of the marquis’s household are uniformly outstanding in looks. Your father, as a young man, was a handsome gentleman; even now he remains scholarly and refined. Your husband too is an impressive young man. Thinking on it this way, the Tang clan naturally does not lack for fine faces. When there is time, bring them out for me to see. Lovely, charming girls are universally beloved.”

“I am young and inexperienced,” Xin An said, “and my mother-in-law is too busy with household affairs to get away, so she has entrusted me with looking after the cousins. I am anxious in my heart, and thinking Aunt is kind, I have the cheek to ask for your guidance. If, in future when we are out, Aunt sees me making a fool of myself, please take me aside.”

Madam Xu laughed again and understood what she meant. Likely the Tang clan’s girls had reached the age for discussing marriage and had been sent to the capital to seek husbands, and the task of taking them out to become known had been given to this girl. It was a fitting arrangement.

A sister-in-law taking the younger cousins out to stroll was perfectly reasonable.

If Madam Wang were to bring them out herself, it would signal something else entirely.

“Set your mind at ease,” said Madam Xu. “If such a moment really arises, Aunt will not ignore you. But you are clever, so it should not come to that.”

After another round of cheerful small talk, Madam Xu introduced her daughter-in-law to Xin An. The young madam of General Xu’s household, Madam Jiang, was not striking in looks but exceedingly proper. From the moment she entered, she observed all the rules; her speech was measured and rigid, and without meaning to, she made Xin An a little nervous. No wonder that despite several visits to the Xu Family, Madam Xu had not introduced her earlier. It seemed they would not have much to say to each other.

Madam Xu offered a few polite phrases, and seeing the scene indeed just as she had imagined, did not press the matter. Her daughter-in-law valued rules above all, neither easy in expression nor given to smiles, with no close bosom friends. She kept to precepts all day long, her back and waist never relaxing. As a mother-in-law watching, Madam Xu felt tired on her behalf. She had wanted to introduce a more lively young lady to help her live more easily, but it seemed that, too, would be of no use.

After a few more words, Xin An asked to take her leave. Young Madam Xu rose to see her out. Smiling back at her, Xin An said: “When spring opens, I will invite you to go on a spring outing. If you are free, you must join.”

[Given the difference in status, could she really expect the other party to take the initiative to befriend her?] Young Madam Xu had intended to refuse. She did not like to go out and disliked noise, but understanding her mother-in-law’s good intentions, she nodded lightly. The smile in Xin An’s eyes deepened a little as she said: “Then it’s settled. I will go now.”

Once Xin An’s light steps had carried her away and Young Madam Xu turned back, Madam Xu said: “This Second Young Madam of the Tang Family is lively and clever, with some finesse; she is especially thorough in matters of human relationships. Her maiden family are salt merchants, and they now also do business with our household. You may as well cultivate ties with her.”

Young Madam Xu curtseyed and said: “I will.”

“Mm,” said Madam Xu. No sooner had the words fallen than another family arrived to pay a call. Madam Xu kept her daughter-in-law to receive the guests together, counting it as practice.

Leaving the Xu Family, Xin An went on to the Second Prince’s residence. She waited half a stick of incense before being received. After a few days without seeing her, the Second Prince’s Consort had changed somewhat; she was a little puffy. Noticing Xin An glance at her, the consort said in a low voice: “Do you also think I have grown ugly?”

Because of this, she had lately been unable to smile. She had tried many prescriptions from the palace, yet could not stop herself from growing uglier.

Before Xin An could speak, she added: “I have heard the physician in your household is quite good. Can you invite him to take a look at me?”

The matron by her side forced a smile and said: “Your Ladyship, several imperial physicians from the palace have treated many pregnant women. There is no need to have outsiders take a look.”

It was clear she did not trust any doctor from outside. Xin An said: “When one is with child, there will be some discomforts. Once the baby is born, they will pass. Please bear with it a few more months. Eat more, walk a little, relax your body and mind. Perhaps two good sleeps will help.”

The matron was finally satisfied with her. She feared Xin An might presume on knowing two doctors and try to claim credit without knowing her place, only to stir up trouble in the end. “Second Young Madam speaks very truly,” she said. “You are simply too anxious. With imperial physicians here, nothing will happen.”

The Second Prince’s Consort frowned slightly and asked Xin An: “Tell me, with the child in my belly, how can it grow well? It won’t be missing something, will it?”

She was truly worried. At first she felt life to be wondrous; later she fretted that the child might be missing an arm or a leg. The more she thought, the more uneasy she became, to the point she could not sleep at night.