“How was your outing today?”
Tang Mo, who’d spent the whole day working like a beast of burden, sat down for tea. “No one mocked you, did they?”
Though he didn’t voice it much, he genuinely worried. He feared that, because he had little to show for himself, Xin An might be looked down on by others—dragged down by his lack of prospects. After all, in her past life, she had been the wife of the heir and later Marchioness of the household. When she walked outside, most people had shown her great respect.
He feared she might start comparing again. What if, blind and foolish as before, she set her sights on Tang Rong once more?
Xin An smiled. “Did you throw that banquet just to have people laugh at him?”
“Don’t worry. I didn’t just push my way in—I received a proper invitation. Even if they didn’t like me, they wouldn’t say so to my face.”
“But what about you? How did things go on your end?”
Tang Mo said it was much the same as yesterday. “Until Liao Zhi returns, everything’s fine. I did some asking around—turns out he really can’t stand privileged young officers in the Northern Command. He doesn’t go easy on anyone. I think I’ll hold off on pulling strings for now. Once he’s back, I’ll speak with him myself.”
“You didn’t say anything about me, did you?”
There was a flicker of both hope and worry in his voice. Not even he knew what he wanted the answer to be.
Xin An nodded. “I did—I praised you to the skies.”
“You didn’t mention anything about the Northern Command, did you?”
She shook her head. “They asked on their own. I said you were doing well, that everyone there was kind. Whether they believe me or not isn’t my concern.”
Tang Mo’s mouth lifted into a smile. “So, what exactly did you praise me for? Why praise me at all?”
Xin An gave him a look. “I said you’re handsome, kind, attentive, capable. If I didn’t make you sound good, wouldn’t it imply that I wasn’t good enough to deserve a decent husband? That I should have been left to the scraps?”
“Basically, if you look good, I look good. When you’re out there, remember to talk me up too—we’re in this together.”
“Of course.”
At this point, Tang Mo’s smile couldn’t be suppressed. He was already fantasizing about the day he, too, would be known for his sterling reputation.
Nanny Wang returned to report that the gifts had been successfully delivered to the Liu household and personally handed to Madam Liu. “She was very pleased.”
“Good. Go rest now.”
Once she left, Tang Mo immediately asked what had been sent. Xin An didn’t hide it. She explained that since Yan Wenhui had personally introduced her to capital nobility, she had to make a proper gesture of gratitude. “What we picked up at the night market was amusing, but hardly suitable as a thank-you gift. So I selected an ivory fan, a porcelain figurine, and a handwritten manuscript by Master Yuan of Huai Jiang.”
“And a pound of tea. That’s the proper etiquette.”
Tang Mo stood up, went to her drawer, and took out a silver note. “You were doing it on my behalf too. Half the cost is mine.”
“As for the figurine—pick whatever you like from my storehouse.”
Xin An took the silver with a smile. “What do you mean your storehouse? You don’t have one. It’s all mine.”
“The keys are in my hands, so I get to take what I like. See that figurine on the shelf? I took that from the storehouse.”
Only now did Tang Mo notice the new addition. He picked it up—it was one of his prized collectibles. As he cradled it, he warned her, “Tell your maids to be extra careful. This one’s particularly delicate.”
“Oh, look how pained you are. What’s the use of locking good things away in a dark cabinet? Don’t worry—I’ll swap it out in a few days. Staring at the same one gets boring.”
Placing the ornament carefully back, he grinned and walked over to her. “Of course I’m pained. It took so much effort to acquire.”
“I’ll go to my mother and ask her to give me a few more things from the estate’s storehouse. Maybe even get some silver allocated from the household account. If I’m contributing to the family, shouldn’t I enjoy some resources too?”
Xin An fully agreed. The family’s assets shouldn’t all benefit Tang Rong alone. He shouldn’t be the only one enjoying the perks.
And Wang Shi agreed as well. At that very moment, she was speaking with Tang Gang.
“Our Second Young Madam is starting to socialize now. She’s using her own dowry to manage everything. It may be generous, but as elders, we can’t just stand by. We should start thinking more about their future.”
Steward Zhang had already informed Tang Gang of Xin An’s gift. That alone had left him unsettled. Now, with Wang Shi’s reminder, he grew even more irritated. He raised his teacup and took a sip.
“Has she ever given you any of that tea?”
“Huai Jiang Silver Blossom Tea.”
Wang Shi didn’t know the exact name. “She sent over a pound.”
“Where is it?”
Wang Shi glanced at him. “In your hand.”
Only then did Tang Gang realize the cup he was drinking from held that very tea. No wonder it had tasted different recently.
“So you just drank it?”
Wang Shi laughed in disbelief. “My daughter-in-law gave it to me. I liked it. Of course I drank it.”
“What, am I not worthy of it?”
Tang Gang wanted to say the marquis household could afford good tea—but this tea wasn’t easily bought. It was rare. Perfect for gifting. Especially now that Tang Rong was about to take up a post at the Ministry of Rites—where most officials adored fine teas. Even the emperor had praised this one.
If Tang Rong brought it along, it would bring the household great face.
He thought about asking Wang Shi for half a pound but couldn’t bring himself to say it. He considered writing to Xin Kuan and requesting a batch for the household next year—but that too felt beneath him. He weighed the matter back and forth and, in the end, left with a sigh.
“Unbelievable,” Wang Shi muttered.
Driven by curiosity, she went to Autumn Harvest Courtyard. Xin An and Tang Mo were sitting beneath the veranda, watching the sunset. When they saw her, they rose to greet her.
Wang Shi smiled. “Nothing serious. I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”
“This boy didn’t complain when he came home, did he?”
Xin An replied, “Not at all. He said he wants to work hard, refused to ask anyone to speak to Liao Zhi for him—he wants to go directly and prove himself. Looks like he’s ready to build a future.”
Wang Shi’s face lit up. “Then you should support him. Say sweet things. Encourage him. Now that you’re married, he’s a husband who must shelter his wife. It’s time he shouldered some responsibility.”
The two women sat beneath the eaves. Wang Shi glanced toward Xin An. “That tea you gave me—was it called Huai Jiang Silver Blossom Tea?”
“Yes.”
Xin An explained the origins of the tea. When Wang Shi learned it was a tribute tea, everything clicked into place. Internally, she gave a cold chuckle. Xin An observed her expression and asked gently, “Does Mother need some?”
“I sent a bit out today. There’s not much left—I’m afraid we’ll have to wait until next year.”
Wang Shi forced a smile. “I suppose I’m living a blessed life now—enjoying the fortune of having a thoughtful daughter-in-law.”
Xin An instantly understood why Wang Shi had come. In her past life, Tang Rong had frequently taken this tea from her to use as social currency. Clearly, now that Tang Gang had learned she had gifted it to the Liu household, he had his sights set on it too.
“My father once heard, somewhere, that Father doesn’t care for tea—and thought these were just the leftover batches. He felt they weren’t appropriate for gifting, so he never sent any.”
In truth, Xin Kuan simply believed that giving tea to Tang Gang was a waste—and had never even considered sending it.
Wang Shi nodded approvingly. “Your father was right. That man of mine really doesn’t enjoy tea. He doesn’t know how to live in comfort. Says tea is bitter and hard to swallow.”