Chapter 348

Chapter 349: The Mantis Stalks the Cicada While the Oriole Waits Behind

Once items have been pawned, even if the aggrieved owner has solid proof, getting them back from a pawnshop is unrealistic unless one brings silver to redeem them.

Tang Rong did not even have that much silver on hand; even if he did, he did not intend to redeem anything. Old pieces redeemed would only gather dust in the storeroom.

He took Tao Yi Ran’s hand, eyes full of apology as he said: “This happened because I failed to manage my people strictly, but do not worry. Though we lost a great deal this time, there are still some items in the storeroom, the household pays its monthly stipends, and I have an extra five thousand taels for discretionary expenses this year.” He added with soft emphasis: “I will not let you be wronged.”

Tao Yi Ran smoothly withdrew her hand, supported her belly, and sat to one side as she asked calmly: “Should we inform Father?” If Grand Matron could be told, perhaps Grand Matron would provide a subsidy. Thinking of Grand Matron made her think of those yellow jade peony ornaments. Tang Rong had said he would give them to her, yet they had ended up in the hands of Xin An next door. She asked, measuring him: “And should we let Grandmother know?”

Of course they should know; the best outcome would be for Tao Yi Ran to go and shed a few tears before Grand Matron. But Tang Rong could not say that outright, or he would look greedy and petty.

He answered after a thoughtful pause, wearing concern on his face: “Better not. Grandmother’s health is poor. If she learns of this, she will only worry.”

Tao Yi Ran did not think much of that, but she could not bluntly say she wanted Grand Matron to provide support either, or she would look crass and calculating. Each waited for the other to speak the thought in their heart, yet both insisted on preserving their image. Matters stalled there until, after a while, Tao Yi Ran rose and said with composure: “I will speak with Mother to see how Auntie Cai and her son should be dealt with.”

It was proper to inform Madam Wang, the managing mistress of the household, of such an incident. If Madam Wang knew, then Grand Matron might learn of it as well. Tang Rong nodded, then added, a touch hesitant: “Thank you. I will also speak with Father this evening. It is just that…” He continued, choosing his words: “Auntie Cai slandered Mother so casually just now. I fear Mother may misunderstand when she hears of it. Please help explain a little.”

If Madam Wang was perceptive, she would know what to do. He could not believe that, with so many things in her custody for years, Madam Wang had never touched a thing. As for his Father, he had been the one to use the most.

Tao Yi Ran nodded. In its way, this counted as a small step forward for the couple; at least he knew enough to ask for what he wanted.

When she heard the news, Madam Wang first instinctively thought Xin An had made a move, but on second thought she found it unlikely. If Xin An had acted, it would not have drifted by so lightly. Most likely the Auntie Cai thunderbolt had been discovered early and never served its purpose. She asked levelly, mind already tallying: “How much was lost?”

Tao Yi Ran said that from several large chests, more than half of the items were gone, and the remainder were either worthless or had been switched for fakes.

She added, frowning: “Full chests of objects, yet that old Cai woman insists there was never that much and even claims some were empty. How is that possible? My husband said he personally inspected them. That old Cai woman is truly hateful.”

Madam Wang’s expression did not change, but she understood. This was to be planted on Auntie Cai.

Tao Yi Ran continued, voice properly deferential: “My husband says Mother has always been kind and careful. She kept the dowry without a single mistake and handed it over to him intact. How could we allow that old Cai woman to slander Mother?” She added with a dutiful dip of the head: “If Mother hears any idle gossip, please do not take it to heart.”

Madam Wang’s eyes flickered and she finally understood the purpose of Tao Yi Ran’s visit. She said with even tone: “This shows the two of you have not been strict in managing your people. You have been focused on your pregnancy, and the eldest has not supervised the courtyard, leaving one old maid to control all affairs.” She continued, summing up crisply: “Now that the truth is out, recover what should be recovered and punish who should be punished. Either hand them directly to the authorities or sell them off. It is nothing more than a word.”

Having said what needed saying, Tao Yi Ran rose and returned to Chun Hua Courtyard. Madam Wang sat for a time, then ordered the storeroom opened. She selected some items, then drew two thousand taels from the public accounts. When Tang Gang returned, she was ready and told him about the matter first.

She assessed the situation aloud, calm and practical: “That old Cai woman is far too bold and cannot be kept under any circumstances. The eldest used this to cover over the dowry business, which is, in a way, a good thing.” She added, matter-of-fact: “But he suddenly lost so much. I think we should make it up to him somewhat. I have taken some items from the storeroom and prepared another two thousand taels in silver. What does the Marquis think?”

Tang Gang had used a good portion of that batch of dowry, and Madam Wang had taken her share as well. Tang Rong had kept silent, likely waiting for just such an opportunity. Handling it himself served a simple purpose: he wanted compensation. He had even had Tao Yi Ran bring just the right words. He could not be underestimated.

Tang Gang did not overthink it. He felt his eldest son had preserved his face, and once this was settled, no one would be able to mention it again. He said with a nod: “Do it that way. His courtyard has many people, and expenses are high.” He added, generous in the moment: “Give him another thousand taels from my private treasury.”

Madam Wang agreed and soon personally took the items and silver to Chun Hua Courtyard. Tang Rong first blamed himself, then offered polite refusals, saying with correct modesty: “This is a matter within my courtyard. How can we use household funds to make it up? It would be unfair to my second brother.”

Madam Wang answered with her customary warmth: “You are the Heir Apparent of our marquis’s household. We can do without anyone else, but not without you. Your courtyard has so many people, and the costs are not small. If the household were not tight, we would give you more. Your second brother would agree as well.” She soothed him further, voice gentle: “Do not grieve too much over your birth mother’s lost dowry. People must look forward. So long as you are well, your mother’s spirit in heaven will be comforted and will not begrudge such worldly goods.” She concluded, drawing a line: “What is past should be allowed to pass.”

Tang Rong understood what she meant. The matter of the dowry was now turned completely over; no one was to mention it again. He bowed his head and said with appropriate gratitude: “Mother’s words have opened my eyes. They say, give up wealth to avert disaster. The rest of this year will surely be smooth.”

After a few more consoling words, Madam Wang left the items and silver behind and went to Grand Matron’s quarters to report the matter and the household’s subsidy. Grand Matron first cursed Auntie Cai, then had Gan Lu send Tang Rong some fine things and two thousand taels in ready silver. Soon Tang Yu heard as well and duly sent his regards.

Tang Mo was full of regret as he grumbled to Xin An: “This is why one should not hold onto leverage for too long. Now look, after all that effort he ended up filling his coffers to the brim. Could those things of his really be worth so much silver?” He scowled, frustrated: “He managed to wipe away the stain of an incomplete dowry, showed the old man a good face, and got all those benefits for nothing. Once he confiscates the Cai family’s property and gathers every coin, he will make a killing.”

Xin An listened to his muttering and waited until he had vented himself before she spoke, tone mild: “When I sent Nan Feng to tip off Cai Quan, I also dispatched Chun Yang to the Xin residence. The silver Cai Quan carried off should be in our hands by now.” She smiled, eyes serene as she concluded: “This is called the mantis stalking the cicada while the oriole waits behind.”