Wang Shi knew very well—Tang Gang would never lower himself to ask directly. He wanted the tea but couldn’t bring himself to say it. So he would act just as he had earlier: full of hesitation, waiting for her to open the topic first, giving him the excuse to reluctantly voice his request—after which he would expect her to acquire it for him.
In the early days of her marriage, when Tang Mo was still young, she might have done just that—hoping that, in return, Tang Gang would show their son a little more care.
But now? Let him rot.
Xin An had even less reason to send anything on her own initiative. She held no fondness for Tang Gang. In her past life, he’d only ever eyed her dowry as a stepping stone for Tang Rong’s career. In this life, neither father nor son would see a single copper coin from her.
That evening, they went together to the front hall for supper. Just as they stepped out of Autumn Harvest Courtyard, they saw Nanny Liu from the neighboring Spring Blossom Courtyard seeing the physician out. Wang Shi inquired about Tao Yiran’s condition, and the physician explained that her weakness was congenital, carried from the womb, and needed careful management with plenty of rest—especially adequate sleep.
“The Young Madam has long struggled with insomnia. She must take calming decoctions to sleep. If rest is insufficient, it will hinder her recovery.”
Wang Shi nodded calmly, as if she had expected it. “Thank you, Doctor.”
“I dare not claim merit.”
Once the physician was seen off, Wang Shi turned with Xin An and headed toward Spring Blossom Courtyard. Tao Yiran was reclining against a cushioned chaise. Before she could rise, Wang Shi spoke.
“I’ve spoken with the physician. Your condition can be mild or severe depending on how it’s treated. You mustn’t overexert yourself. From now on, you’re excused from the morning and evening greetings. Focus on resting and restoring your health.”
“Rituals mustn’t be neglected. I’m fine, Mother.”
Tao Yiran offered a gentle, apologetic smile. “Since entering the household, I’ve been ill and unable to properly attend to you. That alone is unfilial. If I now skip the daily salutations too, people might say I’m disrespectful.”
Still concerned with appearances while avoiding effort—Wang Shi smiled faintly.
“Mother isn’t the sort to be harsh. Morning and evening greetings are just a formality. Your health comes first.”
“If you’re uneasy about it, then just offer a bow from afar toward my courtyard each morning. What matters is that you get well soon and bring good news—this household is counting on you to bear a son for the marquisate.”
Relaxed and reassured, Tao Yiran offered a respectful bow. “Mother is truly kind. I will follow your guidance and focus on healing, so you needn’t worry.”
“Good. I’ll be waiting for that day.”
Both women could play their parts well—the scene looked warm and harmonious. But Tang Rong sat beside them, suppressing a rising fury. He had truly believed Tao Yiran would stand united with him. Instead, she had summoned a physician just to gain a proper excuse to stop attending morning and evening greetings.
He could only watch, powerless, as Tang Mo slowly rose in standing—supported by Xin An and their mother.
And now he heard that Xin An had begun making social rounds. Worse still, she had already established a connection with the Princess Consort of the Prince of Cheng’s household. Regret quietly crept in.
The gap between Tao Yiran and Xin An was closing. If Tao Yiran continued to stay cooped up in her courtyard, soon the world would know only of the Second Young Madam—and not of the heir’s wife. For Tang Rong, that would be disastrous.
“Your mother knows you’ll be reporting to the Ministry of Rites soon, but don’t forget to spare some concern for your wife,” Wang Shi said gently. “Just because you have official duties doesn’t mean you can neglect everything else.”
“You are the eldest son of this household. The future of the marquisate rests on your shoulders. I know the burden is heavy—but the matter of heirs is of utmost importance. You must take it to heart.”
Facing Wang Shi’s earnest admonition, Tang Rong could only force down his discomfort and bow respectfully in acknowledgment. Wang Shi smiled and invited them to dinner. Tao Yiran declined, citing her health.
Tang Rong didn’t want to go either—but he couldn’t refuse. He even had to murmur a few gentle reassurances to Tao Yiran before following along.
On the way to dinner, Tang Mo stayed close to Xin An’s side, chatting cheerfully. One moment he spoke of the flower-and-bird market in the capital having new blooms; the next, of several recent cuju matches drawing lively crowds.
The two of them laughed as they walked, while Tang Rong trailed behind with a storm in his chest. Tang Mo looked positively smug—only a wagging tail was missing.
When Tang Gang learned that Tao Yiran once again hadn’t come to the meal, his displeasure grew. After dinner, he asked Tang Mo a few questions about the Northern Command, then dismissed the couple, keeping Tang Rong behind.
The day after tomorrow, Tang Rong would begin his post at the Ministry of Rites. Tang Gang took it seriously and handed him a booklet listing the preferences of key figures within the ministry. It was clear he had invested effort to help Tang Rong establish himself quickly.
“Memorize it well, and prepare what needs preparing,” Tang Gang instructed.
Tang Rong accepted it with both hands, just about to take his leave when his father spoke again—this time about Tao Yiran.
“Didn’t I speak to you already? You didn’t listen at all. I hear you even called in a doctor today—as if you plan to keep her shut away indefinitely? What, she doesn’t intend to show her face ever again in this life?”
“You need a capable wife—someone who can plan and navigate alongside you. If she remains like this, what will you do?”
“Your sister-in-law hasn’t missed a single greeting since her arrival. In under a month, she’s already made connections with noble ladies of high rank. She’s advancing rapidly. You know full well how things work in this household—if your brother continues to rise, the family’s resources won’t be yours alone.”
It was pressure, and Tang Rong knew it. Tang Gang might prefer him, but he had to consider the marquisate’s long-term future.
Tang Rong said nothing. He accepted the rebuke quietly. Tang Gang waved him off with a sigh. One misstep leads to another—as a father, he already foresaw the day Tang Rong would regret it all.
That second daughter-in-law… she’s no ordinary woman.
Had there been no mix-up—had she married Tang Rong as planned—how ideal that would’ve been.
The next morning, once again, only Xin An came for morning greetings. Wang Shi pulled her aside to help organize the estate’s storehouse. After a busy morning, Wang Shi handed her several carefully chosen ornaments.
“Display them as you like—or use them for gifts if needed. It’s up to you.”
Then, secretly, she slipped Xin An a pouch of silver. “You two must be spending a lot lately. If it’s not enough, come to me.”
Xin An smiled. “Yesterday I went out once and came back with a stack of silver notes from my husband. Now you’ve given me more—looks like I’m quite the earner.”
“Second Son gave you money?”
Wang Shi’s interest was piqued.
“He did,” Xin An replied. “He’d already handed over the household allowance earlier, and even gave me the key to his private coffer. He puts his silver in my drawer—doesn’t even worry I might spend it.”
Wang Shi laughed heartily. “That shows he truly has you in his heart.”
She knew her own son well. Ever since learning his father didn’t favor him, he’d always been keen on accumulating whatever advantages he could. He had managed to save up a decent sum over the years. The fact that he now willingly gave it to his wife meant that she had earned a place in his heart.
Xin An only smiled, offering no comment. At the moment, her relationship with Tang Mo was a partnership. That wasn’t to say it couldn’t become something more—but there was no rush.
After lunch, Xin An returned to Autumn Harvest Courtyard carrying several new ornaments. To silence any gossip, Wang Shi also had a few items casually sent to Tao Yiran. Whether Tao Yiran liked them or not was no longer her concern.
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