Tang Rong was beginning to feel weary. After spending many days as husband and wife, he was gradually discovering that Tao Yiran was not only lazy, but also rather petty.
Up to now, aside from those within their own courtyard, not a single person in the residence had anything positive to say about her. She couldn’t even win over the household servants—how then could she possibly help him win favor and support from outsiders?
“Qingmo needs silver to gather information. And a few of the stewards in the outer courtyard—if there’s a chance to curry favor with them, we should. It would benefit us both.”
He went over the details with Tao Yiran, one matter after another, pointing out where she needed to take charge. But Tao Yiran only grew more impatient.
“These things can be handled by Nanny Cai. She’s an old servant of the household and knows everyone below well enough,” she replied dismissively. “Nanny Liu can assist too.”
With that, she summoned both Nanny Cai and Nanny Liu into the room and told Tang Rong to repeat everything he had just said—so they could take care of it. Tang Rong was momentarily stunned, anger bubbling up in his chest.
He wanted to say that as his wife, she couldn’t spend her days thinking only of poetry and beauty. There were many things he couldn’t personally attend to that she ought to take on in his stead. Yet seeing her so indifferent only fueled his frustration.
“Then let Nanny Cai handle it,” he said coldly. “Nanny Cai, come with me to the study.”
Although Nanny Cai’s status was inappropriate and her experience lacking, he had no better choice for the moment. Perhaps using her would serve as a warning to Tao Yiran.
“Nanny Cai, Yiran is new to this household and unfamiliar with many things. I hope you’ll guide her well in daily matters.”
Nanny Cai responded confidently, “Rest assured, Young Master. The Young Madam was pampered in her natal home and hasn’t yet adapted to her new responsibilities. I’ll be sure to remind her.”
Tang Rong gave a nod. “You’ve been by my side for years, and I trust you the most. There are several things I’ll need you to keep an eye on.”
Nanny Cai brightened immediately. She had always known the Young Master couldn’t do without her. How could a wife who only knew how to enjoy life possibly help him with anything?
“If there’s anything you need, Young Master, please don’t hesitate.”
And just like that, Nanny Cai assumed authority over Spring Blossom Courtyard. Nanny Liu could only stand by helplessly. Tao Yiran, on the other hand, felt utterly at ease. In her eyes, everything a servant had came from their master—and if they didn’t perform well, they could simply be replaced. No matter how capable Nanny Cai might be, she was still just a servant.
Unable to swallow her frustration, Nanny Liu found an excuse to leave and headed straight for the Tao residence.
Tang Mo was out at the time, so the person responsible for relaying news brought the latest updates directly to Xin An. She had been selecting fabrics for new clothing when she heard the report. She paused, then smiled faintly.
In her previous life, Tang Rong had always spoken of Tao Yiran as lofty, graceful, and serene. Yet when his desires were denied, he had rushed toward her like a moth to flame—desperate, even if his heart wasn’t in it.
Now that those desires had been fulfilled, boredom would only breed new cravings. Whether Tao Yiran could continue to satisfy him remained to be seen.
Nanny Wang placed the selected fabrics to one side and commented:
“I’ve also heard a few things over the past few days. They say that in her maiden home, the First Young Madam never concerned herself with mundane matters. She spent all her time on poetry, music, and the arts. That Nanny Cai…”
She didn’t finish her thought, but the implication was clear: a mistress who left everything to a stewardess was hardly a good omen.
Xin An moved to sit nearby. “Then, Nanny, I suppose I should be grateful I didn’t end up marrying Tang Rong.”
Nanny Wang chuckled and nodded. She had once felt a trace of regret, but now she was thoroughly content with Tang Mo. So what if he wasn’t the heir? As long as he treated her young mistress well and honored the Xin family, that was worth more than any title.
Nanfeng entered and reported that Steward Zhang had arrived.
“He said he’s carrying a message from the Young Madam.”
“Invite him to the main hall.”
Xin An rose. Nanny Wang turned toward the cabinet, retrieved a silver ingot, and, using a sharp household tool, trimmed off a piece of silver—neither too small nor too large.1 She then selected a pair of finely twisted silver bangles and a bolt of fabric. Placing them on a tray, she covered them with red cloth and followed Xin An into the hall.
“Greetings, Young Madam. The First Young Madam of the Liu family sends her invitation. She requests your company the day after tomorrow at Baoyin Pavilion to enjoy the opera.”
Nanny Wang accepted the invitation and handed it to Xin An. After reading it, Xin An smiled.
“Please tell Steward Zhang that I shall attend as scheduled.”
Steward Zhang bowed and said that, from now on, all her invitations would be delivered directly to Nanny Wang.
“If the Second Young Madam has any instructions, she need only pass them through Nanny Wang.”
Xin An nodded. “I’ve heard Steward Zhang is one of my father’s most trusted aides, managing many affairs within the estate. You’ve even taken time to come personally today—it must have been a lot of trouble.”
“To ease my mistress’s burdens is never trouble.”
Steward Zhang was a plump and genial man, always smiling—easy to underestimate. But Xin An knew better. He had been personally appointed by Old Master Tang when he was still alive to assist Tang Gang. He could sway Tang Gang’s decisions and, unlike most of the staff, had never signed a servitude contract with the marquisate.
“I’ve heard from the servants that your mother’s birthday is in two days. Are you planning a celebration?”
Steward Zhang bowed. “I appreciate the Second Young Madam’s thoughtfulness. We had considered something modest. My mother said it’s just a regular birthday. She only hopes the Marquis will kindly grant a day off so our family can gather for a meal. That would be celebration enough.”
Nanny Wang stepped forward, holding the tray in her hands.
“The Second Young Madam sends her well wishes,” she said with a warm smile. “She says that the health and longevity of one’s elders is a blessing for all their children. She sincerely hopes the Old Madam enjoys a long life of a hundred years. To that end, she has chosen a couple of gifts, in the hope of partaking in this good fortune. Steward Zhang, we hope you will not find them unworthy.”
The fabric wasn’t made of any rare brocade, but both its pattern and texture were perfectly suited to the status of a steward’s mother. The silver bangles were exquisitely crafted—it was clear that their workmanship was more valuable than the silver itself. It was a gift that struck just the right balance—not ostentatious, yet not meager—and it reflected thoughtfulness and care.
Steward Zhang, upon seeing it, couldn’t help but admire Xin An. Truly a daughter of a salt merchant’s household, he thought. She knows how to give a gift that’s both easy to accept and genuinely useful.
He cupped his hands in a deep bow.
“Many thanks to the Second Young Madam for her thoughtfulness. My old mother will surely be delighted—she’ll probably be chattering about it for the rest of the day.”
“You are too kind, Steward Zhang. As long as the Old Madam is pleased, that’s all that matters.”
Nanny Wang personally saw him to the door. When they reached the entrance, she handed the tray to Steward Zhang and discreetly passed him the piece of silver.
“Steward Zhang, our Young Madam is still new to the household and unfamiliar with many of the customs. We ask that you kindly look after her and offer your guidance when needed.”
Steward Zhang replied with a genial smile, “The Second Young Madam is sharp and quick-witted. A little guidance is all she’ll need. She needn’t worry—there aren’t too many rules in the marquisate, and the household is fairly simple. The masters are all easy to get along with.”
Nanny Wang nodded. “Indeed. Our Young Madam often speaks of the Old Madam’s kindness and the Marchioness’s gentle nature. She also says it’s no small thing for the Marquis to bear the weight of this household, and encourages Second Young Master to do his part in easing his father’s burdens.”
“Still, both my mistress and the Second Young Master are young. There are bound to be some oversights. In the days to come, we’ll truly be relying on Steward Zhang to help us make things more complete.”
Steward Zhang nodded in satisfaction. “But of course.”
He left the residence with the fabric in plain view—after all, a gift from one’s master was something to be proud of. That very afternoon, he casually mentioned it to Tang Gang.
Naturally, he said nothing about the silver.
- In imperial China, silver was often stored in large ingots or “sycees,” which could be clipped or cut into smaller pieces for everyday use. This method allowed for flexible payments before standardized coinage became widespread. The act of “clipping off a piece of silver” was a common practice among households managing daily expenditures. ↩︎