Chapter 335

Chapter 336: Luck Is Also Part of One’s Ability

When Tang Gang learned that the Emperor had come to view the porridge relief, he thought that the porridge his household was serving this year could certainly take first place, so he thickened his skin and invited the Emperor to visit the marquisate.

The Emperor grew interested; since he was already out, it would do to look in on a minister’s home as well. Tang Gang had achieved his aim and smiled so broadly that two more creases appeared at the corners of his eyes.

Sure enough, the moment they reached the marquisate’s gate they saw that the line of commoners there was longer than at any other residence. The people were ladling the porridge themselves, then taking the buns themselves, two apiece, with no one taking extra. After alighting from the carriage, the Emperor found it amusing and had Eunuch Zhao queue up and bring back a bowl: “Heh, it is quite thick.”

Tang Gang said respectfully that he was carrying on his late father’s wishes and had never dared forget them, shamelessly claiming the credit as his own. Unfortunately no one stepped forward to stop him at that moment, so he could only keep gilding his own face.

Hearing some of the commoners express their gratitude to the marquisate, the Emperor had Eunuch Zhao send someone to chat with them, and learned that the porridge had been this thick since the very first day of distribution. The Emperor was quite satisfied with Tang Gang and thought: [He has not forgotten his roots.]

Tang Gang said with care: “Your Majesty, please come inside.”

In high spirits, Tang Gang carefully invited the Emperor into the residence. The Emperor did not want to alarm the household and said he would simply speak a few words with the Grand Matron, then take a turn through the marquisate’s courtyards.

In Chun Rong Hall the womenfolk were seated together, chattering and laughing. The Emperor heard the laughter even before he crossed the threshold. Tang Gang hurriedly sent someone inside to announce him, then earnestly invited the Emperor to walk in.

When they learned the Emperor had arrived, the women in the room were all astonished. Madam Zhao even thought to hide with a few young ladies, but Madam Wang held her back, saying: “In a moment, simply follow to offer your respects, then keep your head bowed and do not look around.”

This was the inner court; the Emperor would not linger here, most likely.

Only after stepping inside did the Emperor feel it was improper, but since he had come, he entered anyway. The Grand Matron was already leading a roomful of women to receive him. As they were about to kneel, the Emperor raised a hand in a light gesture of support and said: “I have come abruptly today, Old Madam; there is no need for excessive ceremony.”

The Grand Matron replied with composure: “Your Majesty’s presence is the blessing of the marquisate; the rites cannot be omitted.”

After the Grand Matron completed the salute, Madam Wang supported her to her feet.

The Emperor did not go in to sit, but stood in the courtyard and exchanged a few words with the Grand Matron. He asked after her health, said that Tang Gang had handled matters well and that this showed the Grand Matron had taught her sons ably, then remarked that Tang Mo was promising and had the bearing of the late Old Marquis, and so on.

The Grand Matron was delighted and also knew that at this moment she should bring up the deceased patriarch. She quoted a few classical phrases and expressed a few words of loyalty. The Emperor was gratified and added that the marquisate had done well with the porridge this year. Smiling, the Grand Matron said the credit belonged to her daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law; it was the truth, and besides, the two of them had truly worked hard and ought to have something to hearten them, for the sake of family harmony.

Tang Gang’s expression changed, and Xin An gave a quick sidelong glance, already guessing what lay beneath it. She supplemented smoothly: “It was also Father’s idea. Father said that when Grandfather was alive he felt the people’s hardships most keenly, and told Mother and me to handle the porridge honestly. If more grain was needed, we could economize a little at home and there would be enough.”

Madam Wang smiled and agreed, and this time Tang Gang felt at ease, thinking: [The second daughter-in-law knows the situation and sees the larger picture.]

The Emperor naturally praised Tang Gang a few more times. As for the several young ladies standing with heads lowered, he only glanced over them without asking more, then said he would go look around the marquisate’s courtyards.

Tang Gang led the way, with Madam Wang and her daughter-in-law following behind. In the courtyard all kinds of chrysanthemums were in splendid bloom, with plum blossoms set among them and a faint fragrance of wintersweet drifting on the air. The Emperor was in an excellent mood and said: “Though small, this courtyard is exquisite and very well kept.”

Tang Gang reciprocated courteously, saying that Xin An oversaw and tended the place: “Your subject also comes to sit here during spare moments; the garden’s quiet fragrance puts one at ease.”

Seeing a pavilion set amidst the plantings, the Emperor walked there at an easy pace. Braziers had already been arranged while the Emperor was still at Chun Rong Hall; tea and fruit were laid out as well. Steward Zhang was, as always, meticulous in his work.

The Emperor said simply: “Be seated.”

He truly thought the courtyard delightful. The Imperial Garden was fine too, but one lost interest after seeing it too often. The marquisate’s garden, at first glance, had a freshness to it.

The Emperor lifted his eyes to Xin An and asked: “Former Commander Liao sent two pots of pale-pink chrysanthemums into the palace. The Lin household said she had them as well. Were those from you?”

Xin An answered with a smile: “The seedlings were given to me by Madam Liao. Our gardener tended them with great care. When I saw how pretty the blooms were, I sent Sister Lin two pots. She loves novel flowers best.”

“You are close with Madam Liao?”

“Madam Liao and I both come from merchant families, so we have things to talk about.”

Xin An was a little nervous. [Her heart thumped; she did not dare look directly at the Emperor, and could only answer with care.]

“I hear you have gone into business together as well. How is the trade doing?”

The Emperor sounded as if he were making casual conversation, but Xin An had to muster all her attention to respond: “I own a row of five adjoining shops. The Lin family runs caravans that bring goods to the capital. We partnered to open a general store. The stock is fairly complete. We opened before the New Year, and business has been consistently good. We rely on small profits and quick turnover.”

“Born into a merchant family, even a woman can have a talent for business. Good.”

The Emperor drank his tea with a smile, and Xin An’s heart thudded. She said meekly: “It is also thanks to Grandmother’s kindness and to Father and Mother’s generosity that they allow me to act as I please.”

The Emperor laughed again. Just as Xin An allowed herself to relax a fraction, Tang Rong arrived—more precisely, he had been summoned by Tang Gang.

He approached to pay a respectful salute, and Xin An, tactful as ever, rose to yield her seat.

The Emperor did not invite him to sit, so Tang Rong could only stand respectfully. Tang Gang spared no effort to speak for him, saying that even while idle at home he had not neglected to study, and that he had been sorting through the tasks he had handled in the past to draw out lessons and insights.

Tang Gang added earnestly: “Your subject is thinking that, after the New Year, I should secure a post for him, so he might have a chance to share Your Majesty’s burdens.”

He was thinking that if the Emperor personally assigned a post, that would be far better than seeking one himself. But the Emperor did not relent; he only praised Tang Rong’s ambition.

One must know that the Emperor had always looked down somewhat on those who sought office through family maneuvering. There were many such people, but to win his approval one had to show real ability, like Tang Mo.

Tang Rong was obviously not in that class. He had an armful of rakish reputations, and not one of them was of any use.

Even so, the Emperor gave Tang Gang face and asked Tang Rong what insights he had gained. Tang Rong had none to speak of. If he had realized anything, it was that Tang Mo threatened him and must be eliminated as soon as possible. What he said, however, amounted to nothing beyond being diligent in duty and cautious in conduct. The Emperor’s interest faded; he felt that Tang Rong was indeed not fit for great responsibility.

It would be one thing if he lacked ability, but his luck was poor as well. The Imperial Court also valued an official’s fortune. If a man was ill-starred himself, he had best not brush against the fate of the realm. Luck was also part of one’s ability.

The Emperor turned the subject and asked: “I have heard there are a few outstanding lads in your household?”

Xin An could not help wanting to laugh. Tang Gang had toiled so long, only for others to benefit. [At this moment his heart must be at a simmer.] Fortunately, Tang Gang could hold his composure. His expression did not change as he praised the five young men and sent someone to summon them at once.