Chapter 333

Chapter 334: Xin An Has Grown a Lot

No one knew exactly when it began, but Tang Gang went from visiting Tang Rong every single day, to going every other day, then every few days; now he scarcely wanted to go at all.

The second son made him angry, the eldest left his heart heavy. Not one of them let him rest easy.

After Tang Mo had infuriated him, Madam Wang did not even ask about it. Families in the city had already begun distributing porridge, and she was busy ordering people to put up a shelter. The porridge barrels would be set out the next day. The cooks at the great stove were kneading dough until their arms were swollen, and at the thought that the porridge distribution would last until New Year’s Eve, they felt a little like life had lost its flavor.

At dawn the next morning, clanging gongs and beating drums sounded at the gate of the Marquis’s residence. Several great barrels of porridge were carried out. Steamed buns mixed with coarse grains puffed fragrant steam, and two big baskets of shredded pickles were ready. Before long, beggars and poor common folk who had heard the news arrived with bowls in hand.

With guards maintaining order, there was no scrambling or snatching. Seeing that the buns were big and soft, with a generous amount of white flour, and that the porridge in the barrels was thick enough for chopsticks to stand upright, those waiting in line were visibly delighted.

The attendants called out: “One ladle of porridge per person, take two buns yourself, then come here for pickles.”

The Marquis’s residence did not have enough people to ladle porridge, so Xin An suggested preparing an oversized ladle and letting people serve themselves. One big ladle filled one bowl, just right.

This saved manpower and earned a good name besides; all they needed was someone to keep watch. As for the pickles, those still had to be handed out. Pickles might look humble, but they were salt. If everyone grabbed a big handful, the basket would be empty in no time.

Someone in line asked: “Serve ourselves?”

Another voice followed: “Then can we scoop out the solids?”

It was the first time anyone had been allowed to ladle their own porridge at a charity stall, so those at the back of the line wore hopeful grins. People at the front explained, laughing: “What solids are you fishing for? It’s a mixed-grain porridge with white rice added, thick enough for chopsticks to stand upright. There’s no need to fish.”

“Chopsticks won’t fall?”

That was an unexpected joy. Plenty of households gave porridge, most of it thin gruel. In previous years, the Marquis’s residence had done the same. Two slurps and it was gone. Porridge that could hold a chopstick upright was something no one had seen.

A grand matron with patches all over her clothes smiled as she said: “If it really won’t fall, then once you’re home you can add water and simmer it again. One bowl will become three, and the whole family can fill their bellies.”

Even in the capital, beneath the Son of Heaven’s feet, those who could not manage three meals a day were not few. When the household’s strong laborer fell ill, the family’s meals became a problem.

The thick porridge pleased everyone. To say nothing of the two big buns; anyone who received pickles would bow toward the Marquis’s residence. Grand Matron, who had come out to look, felt her eyes sting. Somehow, whenever she saw the poor express their thanks for a bowl of porridge and two buns, her nose went sour.

She said softly: “This year’s porridge distribution is well run. We must do it this way from now on, and not cut corners.”

Supporting her, Madam Wang explained that the porridge was so thick and the buns were half white flour because Xin An had made up the difference with her own money: “That child is kind-hearted. She made no fuss about it, just sent silver to buy a large quantity of rice and flour and had it delivered to the great stove, telling them to add more rice and beans when cooking the porridge so it would be filling.”

“The cooks kneaded dough until their arms were swollen. When she learned of it, she gave extra rewards. That child is truly as kind and considerate as could be.”

Madam Zhao echoed the praise for Xin An: “People say she has money, and that sort of silver is nothing to her. But there are plenty of wealthy people. Having a heart like hers is rare.”

“She is a good child,” Grand Matron said with deep satisfaction, though the thought of the late Old Master tugged at her and brought a pang of grief.

News of the Marquis’s porridge stall spread quickly. A few who were not poor but wanted a free meal came as well. The household did not drive them away. The New Year season called for cheer, and in this bitter cold, anyone who had walked several streets surely deserved a bowl of porridge.

That day Xin An entertained guests. Tang Yong’s family and the Wang family arrived early. The private room was large enough for several families to converse, with braziers heating it through. A pot of blooming water narcissus and a few pots of chrysanthemums had been added, tasteful in every detail.

Tang Mo talked with five younger male cousins, with Wang Shi and with Tang Yao Ming. Tang Yong’s little son, Tang Yao Zhen, had always been nearly invisible. A boy of seven or eight had little to say to anyone. Now, though, a clansman had brought a son only a bit older than he was, and the two chattered away without pause.

Wang Bao’er of the Wang family was delighted to find so many sisters present, especially since she and Tang Ke’er hit it off at once. In just a few sentences they were making plans to go out and admire flowers together.

The Wei family came too. Their financial losses had been so heavy that Madam Zhang had grown noticeably thinner. When she saw Madam Wang and Xin An she no longer bristled, and she looked dispirited.

The Wei sisters stood awkwardly. Xin An smiled and beckoned them over: “Why are you standing? You’re all girls of about the same age. Naturally you have things to talk about. There’s no need to be restrained.”

The steady Tang Quan’er stepped forward and took the sisters by the hand: “We were just discussing a new coiffure. Come join us. You’ve followed your father on postings outside the capital, so you must have seen many distinctive styles. Tell us about them.”

Led away, the sisters breathed easier. Madam Zhang glanced at Xin An and said nothing.

Xin An asked with concern: “Maternal Aunt, are you feeling unwell?”

She added, frowning slightly: “You don’t look well.”

Madam Zhang stammered: “No… nothing…”

She had decided that her mother-in-law and Xin An brought her ill fortune and wanted no dealings with them, only to flee the Marquis’s residence as quickly as possible and never come again.

Xin An smiled: “Maternal Aunt, are you still regretting what happened before? It’s all right. We’re family. If there’s any misunderstanding, we talk it through and let it go. It’s not worth carrying in your heart. I’ve already forgotten it. In a while there will be a soup that boosts qi and nourishes the complexion; do have two bowls.”

People say the truly mature and steady do not show joy or anger on their faces, and even if they hate someone enough to wish them slow slicing, they still smile and never let it show. [She was practicing exactly that; Madam Zhang and Tao Yi Ran were excellent partners to train with.]

Sidling up to Tao Yi Ran, she asked gently: “Elder Sister-in-law, how are you feeling?”

She continued in a bright tone: “I’ve prepared bird’s nest and Deer Antler Soup for you. Bird’s nest nourishes the complexion, deer antler strengthens the child so the baby won’t fall ill easily after birth. It does have a slight gamey taste. If you can drink it, take a few sips. If you cannot, that’s all right. There’s also Four Substances Decoction and Tremella and Snow Pear Stew, light and soothing for the lungs.”

When she finished, she almost applauded herself. [Once she could talk to Tao Yi Ran without a ripple in her heart, she would be ready to go out and trade a few rounds with those scheming ladies.]

Tao Yi Ran could not bear such warmth from Xin An, but she forced a smile and thanked her. Grand Matron, seeing this, felt that Xin An truly had grown. No matter what one felt inside, outside one must preserve the Marquis’s face and not let others snicker. [Mm, and Tao Yi Ran looked more pleasing than before as well.]

Wei Liang Cai, talking with Tang Gang, Tang Yu, and the others, relaxed when he saw how poised and thorough Xin An and Tang Mo were.

Tang Rong stood properly among a group of younger cousins, jesting about something and speaking with Tang Mo now and then. Tang Mo kept his composure and did not needle him in this setting. This was the first time as a couple that they were entertaining relatives, and they had to make it as perfect as possible, shutting the old man’s mouth for good.

This satisfied Tang Gang, who had been a little worried. Even if he knew both brothers were putting on an act, being able to put on an act was a good thing. [If only they could keep it up forever.]