Upon hearing that Xin An was making clothes for Tang Mo, Wang Shi was in excellent spirits. She opened her private stores, selected a few bolts of fine fabric to send over, and even tucked in a thousand taels of silver from her own purse. Xin An tried to decline, but Wang Shi was earnest in her gesture.
“Of course I know you’re not lacking in silver, but this is a mother’s token of care. As a married couple, there will always be expenses. One can never have too much silver.”
Xin An had no choice but to accept it. In a pleasant mood, she inquired about the Wang family’s current situation. Wang Shi let out a sigh.
“They’ve fallen on hard times. Only two of my nephews seem promising, and even that is uncertain.”
Xin An knew well that Tang Gang did not want the Wang family riding on the marquisate’s coattails, but she feigned ignorance and asked lightly, “With Father and Mother’s support, how could they possibly have declined?”
Wang Shi explained that her brother once had potential, but Heaven had not shown him favor and he passed away early.
“Our family foundation was always fragile. None among my generation accomplished much. We can only pin our hopes on the next. At least for now, we are not wanting for food or clothes.”
The reputation of the marquisate continued to offer the Wang family a measure of protection.
Xin An was asking with such interest because she recalled something from her previous life: one of Wang Shi’s nephews, named Wang Shi, had a stroke of fortune the same year Tang Mo passed. He ranked highly on the imperial examination’s Dragon and Tiger List and was even noticed by the emperor himself—becoming one of the Son of Heaven’s disciples, a rare honor.
Had Wang Shi not been devastated by Tang Mo’s death and fallen into despair, she might very well have risen again through that nephew’s success.
“I was thinking… about Second… Tang…”
Only then did Xin An realize she didn’t know how to refer to Tang Mo in Wang Shi’s presence. Every option felt awkward.
“Second Master…?”
“Just call him ‘husband.’”
Wang Shi chuckled. “There’s nothing to be shy about. If you feel it’s not proper enough, we can always redecorate your bedchamber as a bridal suite, have you wear your wedding garments again, and go through the ceremony anew.”
Xin An’s eyes widened. She hadn’t known such a thing was even possible. “That… won’t be necessary, for now.”
“I just meant to say ‘husband.’”
Wang Shi smiled. “Then say it—‘husband.’”
“Yes, husband,” Xin An relented. “Since he could assist Second Uncle, he might also help the Wang family. After all, we are one family—shared interests, shared burdens.”
“I only thought it wise to keep more than one path open.”
Wang Shi took her hand, deeply comforted. “For you to think this way—it is truly my son’s blessing. As you’ve seen, the marquisate isn’t exactly flourishing. The elder son isn’t mine, and the younger doesn’t enjoy his father’s favor. He’s practically unsupported. It’s only right that he gather more allies.”
“If among our kin you find someone worthy of contact, don’t hesitate. Beyond kin, consider seeking ties with retired military men as well.”
The old marquis, Old Master Tang, had earned great military merit—but that honor was not his alone. Many brothers-in-arms had risked their lives to support him.
“Though he no longer commands troops, the bonds remain. But such bonds won’t last forever.”
Most of those who had fought alongside Old Master Tang were already in their twilight years.
“Many have died, others are ill—few remain. And once they’re gone, who among their descendants will still remember him?”
“Though the marquisate has offered them aid over the years, as you know, our means are limited. Most of them live modest lives.”
Xin An understood this well. “If we reach out to them, Father is sure to find out. Would he approve?”
Wang Shi reassured her with ease. “Leave such small matters to your mother.”
Xin An smiled warmly. “With Mother thinking of us in all things, we are truly fortunate.”
Wang Shi was filled with joy. She had long felt that Xin An was meant to be her daughter-in-law. With such a girl by her side, her days had become far easier.
The two women quickly reached a shared understanding. After Wang Shi left, Xin An reclined lazily on her beauty couch, completely at ease.
Wang Shi had sent fabric to Autumn Harvest Courtyard but not to Spring Blossom Courtyard. It was a small matter, not one she cared to hide.
Nanny Liu sighed deeply. Back when Madame Tao had chosen Tang Mo, it had been not only because he was the most suitable candidate but also because he was the son of the marquisate’s main wife—sure to receive favor.
Though Tang Gang favored Tang Rong more, as a marquis, he had no control over the inner residence. If Wang Shi were ever to grow harsh, what good days could Tang Rong’s wife possibly expect?
Such was fate.
“Why sigh, Nanny? It’s only a few bolts of fabric.”
Tao Yiran flipped through a book as she spoke. Nanny Liu stepped forward to counsel her.
“Young Madam, the heir’s wounds have nearly healed. You should pay respects to Madam tomorrow morning. If you keep avoiding it, rumors may start. It would damage your reputation.”
A flicker of annoyance crossed Tao Yiran’s eyes. Just as she was about to reply, Nanny Cai entered.
“Young Madam has worked hard these past days caring for the heir. Now that he’s improved, you ought to take some rest. Your complexion has grown noticeably wan. The Madam is a kind and understanding person—she’ll surely sympathize with your exhaustion.”
These words struck right at the heart of Tao Yiran’s concerns. If she went, she would only be slighted. Why bother seeking such unpleasantness?
“Nanny Cai speaks wisely.”
Nanny Cai looked smug. Nanny Liu was fuming. Time and again, she had lost in her subtle battles with this woman.
Tao Yiran had always been one to shirk responsibility—lazy and sly. As a child, she always claimed she was studying, learning chess, or practicing music to avoid chores. Now grown, she complained of all manner of discomforts, feigning frailty. And after marriage, she’d only gotten worse.
With that scheming Nanny Cai ever at her side, she now avoided even the most basic duties—such as morning and evening greetings to her mother-in-law.
Thinking of all this, Nanny Liu grew anxious. She resolved at once to return to the Tao family and speak with Madame Tao.
The Second Young Madam was already making waves in the household—how could her own family’s First Young Madam remain idle and unseen?
Tang Rong was unaware of these matters—and even if he had known, he likely wouldn’t have said anything. Ever since Tang Mo’s marriage, however, a vague sense of unease had crept in. Though he had always looked down on the Xin family, he could not deny the usefulness of their wealth. With silver, anything could be accomplished.
He suspected that Tang Mo had only succeeded in arranging matters for Tang Yaoming by paving the way with money.
Xin Kuan must have supported Tang Mo financially in private.
Realizing this, a twinge of regret struck him. His original planning had been too careless. If only Tao Yiran had been made the principal wife and Xin An a concubine, he could have had the best of both worlds.
But alas—it was too late for regrets.
“Send someone to keep an eye on Second Young Master. I want to know who he’s associating with.”
Qingmo nodded in agreement but didn’t leave. Tang Rong looked up. “Is there something else?”
Qingmo offered a sycophantic smile. “Young Master, gathering information costs silver—quite a bit, in fact.”
The reliability of news, after all, often depended on how much silver changed hands. As Tang Rong’s personal servant, Qingmo had never known shortage—until the purse passed to another master. Since then, not a single coin had reached his hands.
“Didn’t the Young Madam give you some last time?”
“She did. But only that once—nothing more.”
Tang Rong frowned slightly, then took some silver from his private stash and handed it over.
When Tao Yiran came in, he brought it up at once.
“Qingmo is in charge of watching affairs outside the residence. He needs silver for that. Make sure to give him a bit more next time.”
The moment money was mentioned, Tao Yiran lost all interest.
“I’ll give him two taels later,” she replied flatly.
Juju’s Note:
Missed me? 😅Thank you for being patient! Translation nap is over! There’s an update about the translation schedule.