RMBLCUCS – Chapter 56: Tao Yiran’s Growing Discontent
Among all the pragmatic women, there was none more so than Wang Shi. She no longer cared whether Tang Gang took another concubine. What mattered to her was that the maid he’d laid hands on came from her own courtyard—a slap to the face.
And after enjoying himself, Tang Gang showed no intention of taking responsibility. The maid, humiliated and despairing, had already shown signs of suicidal intent. Wang Shi had a brief conversation with her, and regardless of what Tang Gang thought, she had the girl serve the formal concubine’s tea1. From that day on, the Marquis’ residence gained a new concubine—Concubine Huan—and she was promptly relocated to a small courtyard, with two young maids assigned to her service.
If a maid from her courtyard was to be defiled, she wouldn’t let it be in vain.
“There are two new daughters-in-law in the household now. It won’t be long before the Marquis becomes a grandfather. What to do and what to avoid—Marquis, I trust you know where the line is. Don’t make a fool of yourself before the younger generation.”
Tang Gang, already feeling guilty, especially in light of recent events, lost much of his former bravado before Wang Shi. In an attempt to make amends, he tried to stay the night. But Wang Shi, repulsed by the very thought, dismissed him politely.
“These are joyous days for Concubine Huan, are they not? Marquis, go keep her company. I’ve been a bit tired lately and wish to rest.”
Tang Gang, not truly wishing to stay either, muttered a few pleasantries and left.
Wang Shi raised her teacup, the corners of her lips lifting faintly. Men really are pitiful—treat them with cold disdain and suddenly they behave.
The next morning, Tang Yong arrived with news: upon learning Tang Mo had returned, he’d come to share Tang Yaoming’s good fortune right away.
“He’s already reported to the Censorate. Second Uncle doesn’t even know how to thank you.”
He had expected nothing—and yet it had worked out, and with such a promising position too. “Your Second Aunt’s preparing a little feast at home to thank you both. Are you free today?”
“Certainly,” Tang Mo replied, beaming. “Let’s have a proper drink today. It’s a joyous occasion for Cousin—we must celebrate.”
Tang Yong wanted to invite Wang Shi as well, but Tang Mo answered on her behalf. “You go ahead first, Uncle. We’ll get ready and follow shortly.”
“Very well.”
Tang Yong didn’t linger, leaving with a cheerful spring in his step.
When Wang Shi heard the news, she was surprised—and quietly proud. So her son truly was capable now. “I’ll prepare a gift. We’ll go together in a bit.”
Xin An, upon hearing the news, also began preparing a congratulatory gift. The family of three left home in high spirits. And just as they exited the gate, news reached Spring Blossom Courtyard, where Tang Rong and Tao Yiran sat.
“Do you know what’s going on?” he asked.
Tao Yiran shook her head. She’d never bothered to maintain relations with the household staff, so no one volunteered information. Tang Rong, still recovering from his injuries, knew even less. The only one running around trying to gather news was Qingmo, still limping from her beating.
Only now did Tang Rong realize something: once he was bedridden, the entire Spring Blossom Courtyard became deaf and blind. They knew nothing—not even the happenings within their own household.
“You’ll need to regularly reward and manage the stewards. We can’t afford to be so passive.”
He hoped Tao Yiran would begin shouldering some of the household responsibilities. But she found the very thought beneath her. In her eyes, once a servant had signed a deed of servitude, their life was their master’s—they should anticipate needs and ease burdens without being told.
That nonsense about tipping servants after every little task? Ridiculous. It only spoiled the system.
Tang Rong continued his gentle instruction, “Don’t be stingy when it comes to household stewards. Where rewards are due, give them freely.”
But Tao Yiran was growing impatient. Her days already felt like a series of compromises and indignities, and now he wanted her to curry favor with servants? It was degrading.
Seeing her hesitate, Tang Rong took her hand. “Once I begin work at the Ministry of Rites, I won’t be home every day. The household will be in your care. You’ll need to greet Grandmother each day—it doesn’t take much time. And you’ll have to connect with the noblewomen outside. If we work together as one, the future will surely be bright.”
Tao Yiran forced a faint smile. She neither refused nor agreed.
Tang Rong had always been the ideal gentleman in the eyes of the noble ladies of the capital. He was cultured, capable, upright in bearing and handsome to boot—graceful in every gesture. She had believed that marrying such a man would mean a life of bliss: strolls under moonlight, harmonious melodies, a love like the immortals.
But now, he wanted her to manage servants, flatter his grandmother, and network with other noblewomen—petty politics and lowly schemes. Utterly vulgar.
Still believing himself considerate, Tang Rong said gently, “You once said you wished to paint with me—why not today?”
Sharing brush and ink as husband and wife was considered a refined and romantic pastime. Before his injuries, Tao Yiran would have happily agreed. But with his face still swollen and bruised, there was little aesthetic pleasure to be had. What mood was there to paint?
“The physician said you should rest more. Painting may not seem tiring, but it drains the spirit. Let’s do it another day.”
She concealed her distaste well, and Tang Rong remained oblivious, touched by what he perceived as her tender concern.
By now, Tang Mo had already arrived at Tang Yong’s residence with Xin An and Wang Shi. The household welcomed them warmly. Tang Yaoming had even returned from the Censorate to share lunch together.
“I owe you deeply for your efforts, Cousin. I’ll never forget this kindness. If you ever need my help, just say the word.”
Tang Yaoming offered a formal bow of thanks.
Tang Mo quickly helped him up. “There’s no need for ceremony between us, Cousin. We’re family—of course we should support one another.”
Then, turning to Tang Yong, he added, “Even I was surprised it worked out. Second Uncle knows me—I’ve always been a bit aimless. Who would’ve thought I’d manage something like this?”
“Don’t belittle yourself,” Tang Yong replied, clapping him on the shoulder. “You’ve always been clever and sweet-tongued. Mischievous, yes, but kind-hearted. I imagine your friends are much the same. You’ve got real ability, boy.”
Tang Mo’s pride showed plainly on his face now—among family, he didn’t bother hiding it. The three men entered the hall, laughing.
Meanwhile, You Shi was all smiles as she spoke to Wang Shi. “We worried ourselves sick over Yaoming. After years of hard study, we feared it would amount to nothing. We knocked on every door and found none open. Then, just when we were about to give up—who would’ve thought it would turn around?”
“That boy of yours really is capable. When he came to speak with us, my husband was moved but didn’t dare hope. In the capital, every family is scrambling to secure posts for their sons. Even the Marquis couldn’t manage it—what chance did Tang Mo have? And yet—he did it.”
“Sister-in-law, I truly thank you—for raising such a fine son.”
You Shi was genuinely delighted. Not only had her son secured a post, but she now had a promising nephew to rely on. It gave the entire household hope.
Wang Shi’s nose stung with emotion. “He’s your nephew too—we’re all one family. For other matters, perhaps it’s different. But for something this important, of course we’d help. With strong bonds between brothers, they can support each other and go farther.”
“Indeed.”
The two sisters-in-law had never been particularly close. Their conversations were usually polite, nothing more. Today marked the first time they’d spoken with such warmth.
- In traditional noble households, when a woman was formally accepted as a concubine, she would serve tea to the principal wife (Madam) as a gesture of respect and acknowledgment. This ritual marked her official entry into the household’s hierarchy. ↩︎