The shameful secrets of the Tao family were things Madame Tao dared not speak aloud—she could only bottle them up.
Yet the daughter she pinned all her hopes on remained as self-assured and naïve as ever, believing that a few tears and sweet words were all it took to manipulate a man’s heart. If she had married Tang Mo, it might have been fine—she could have lived a life of ease and wealth. But Tang Rong was the heir to the marquisate. His wife was destined to shoulder far more than just leisurely days.
“Whether or not you like hearing it, I still must say it.” Madame Tao’s tone was earnest despite her daughter’s disinterest. “A young lady learns to read, play the qin, and play chess not for her own amusement, but to elevate her worth in seeking a good husband. But once married, that chapter ends. From then on, she must show filial piety to her in-laws, manage household affairs, raise children, and even help her husband make connections, gather information, and offer counsel.”
“Being a woman is never easy. Being the wife of a marquis’s heir is even harder. And let’s not forget—the title has yet to be secured. Everything is still uncertain. You must understand this. Using poor health as an excuse to avoid responsibilities is ill-considered.”
Though she refrained from outright accusing Tao Yiran of feigning illness, she made clear the stakes. “And you can’t assume the couple next door harbors no ambition for the title. If it ends up falling to them instead—how will you find your footing in the capital?”
“What, do you plan to stay locked indoors your entire life?”
Tao Yiran absorbed some of the words. In the brief time since their marriage, she had already begun to feel Tang Rong’s increasing pressure. He had expectations of her, and mere affection alone would no longer keep his heart.
After a moment’s thought, she gave a small nod.
Madame Tao finally relaxed. “As long as you understand. And there’s no need to worry too much—the woman next door will never surpass you. Her family name alone is already beneath yours, and not a single member of her household is in the capital. When trouble arises, she’ll have no one to rely on. You’ll see her embarrassment soon enough at the Water and Blossoms Banquet at the Duke of En’s Residence in a few days.”
“You, on the other hand, have the entire Tao family behind you. Speak with your husband about your father’s situation. If he manages to stay in the capital, both families can support one another—it would benefit everyone.”
“I understand.”
With Tao Yiran’s response, Madame Tao’s mood lightened, and she began speaking freely about Wang Shi and Xin An. There was little that mother and daughter didn’t say to each other, and every time Madame Tao belittled Wang Shi or Xin An, Tao Yiran found herself feeling a bit more at ease. Her sour mood began to lift. She decided it was time she stepped out as well—let Xin An see what a true heir’s wife ought to be.
The two women lost track of time while talking. When Madame Tao finally prepared to leave, a servant from Wang Shi’s courtyard arrived, inviting her to stay for dinner and have a proper chat. Madame Tao stayed.
As night descended over the capital, only Tang Mo returned home briefly—to change clothes and take Xin An out. Tang Gang and Tang Rong had not yet returned, each engaged with their own social engagements. Wang Shi was unfazed, having long grown used to it. She welcomed Madame Tao warmly and ushered her to sit.
When Madame Tao noticed Xin An wasn’t present, she asked casually. Wang Shi smiled. “The Second has taken her out for dinner. Tonight it’s just us—no need to wait for them.”
“They went out?” Madame Tao couldn’t help but probe further. “Just the two of them?”
Wang Shi didn’t give a direct answer. She merely smiled. “The Second is very fond of his wife. Whenever he has free time, he takes her out to stroll and enjoy the city. They’ve even gone to the night market twice already. I don’t know where they’re off to tonight—he’s grown now. I can’t control him.”
Only then did Madame Tao understand the real reason behind Wang Shi’s warm invitation—it was all a calculated show, meant to spark envy and regret.
She had hoped not to lose face, and even considered bringing up Tang Rong’s virtues to balance the scales. But in the end, she couldn’t think of anything worth saying. Begrudgingly, she joined in the praise of Tang Mo. Dinner tasted bland in her mouth.
The Da Qian Empire, after years under the guidance of a powerful and capable monarch, had become a thriving nation. Its strength drew merchants from far-flung lands, eager to witness the glory of its capital.
The daytime sun blazed relentlessly, scorching every alley and stone. Yet when evening arrived, it lingered just a moment longer—its glow diffused through the clouds, casting golden light that drove away the day’s heat. People seeking relief began to pour into the streets, and the lanterns hanging from either side lit up one by one—stretching into the distance like a river of stars.
At this hour, Yue Ke Pavilion was at its liveliest. As a carriage pulled up to the entrance, the doorman hurried forward with a wide smile.
“Esteemed guests—do you have a private room reserved?”
“East Wind Drunk,” Lailai announced as he jumped off the carriage.
That was the most luxurious private room at Yuè Kè Pavilion.
A waiter hurried forward and placed a stool before the carriage. “Please, Second Young Master Tang, step down.”
His manner was exceptionally deferential.
Tang Mo stepped down first, then reached back to help Xin An alight. The waiter led the way ahead, while Lailai handed out tips. Ershan, tagging along to broaden his horizons, stared wide-eyed—just a couple of bows and pleasantries, and that waiter had already pocketed several coins? Money came too easily in this world! He quickly straightened his posture and tugged at his brand-new robe. He was now a member of the Marquis’s household, and destined to become the Second Young Master’s trusted aide. He could not afford to look inexperienced.
The private room was spacious, with two banquet tables and a decorative screen dividing the space. Elegant flower arrangements adorned the corners. From the windows, one could see the hustle and glow of lanterns below—lively and dazzling.
“Are you hungry? Have a pastry to tide you over.”
The pastries had been specially fetched by Lailai, and a waiter helped arrange them onto a fine tray. After a full day of official errands, Tang Mo was famished—he devoured a piece in just a few bites.
A noble lady like Xin An was rarely truly hungry—wherever she sat, there was always tea and refreshments. She raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t eat enough at lunch?”
“I did,” Tang Mo replied, chewing. “But Liao Zhi showed up today—he wanted to see how everyone was shaping up, and had us training all afternoon. My legs still feel like jelly.”
Previously, Xin An had insisted he rise early each day to practice martial arts. Lailai did call him regularly, but Tang Mo never managed to drag himself out of bed. The ambition he once spoke of had remained just that—words. Today, though, reality had struck.
“It was a little embarrassing,” he admitted, “but I wasn’t the worst one. Plenty were worse off than me.”
Among dwarfs, even a short man looks tall. That was the best he could tell himself.
Xin An stood by the window. “As long as you understand. Don’t just talk—follow through. Or you’ll be the one to suffer later.”
“I know. I was too lax before, never had to suffer much. Trying to be diligent all of a sudden is… hard to adjust to. You’ll have to keep pushing me.”
Just as he finished speaking, the waiter returned—this time leading Yan Shimao and his wife.
“I knew you came early for a reason,” Yan Shimao teased. “Turns out you were here to admire the night view with your wife—newlyweds like you make the rest of us envious.”
Tang Mo smiled and gave a polite nod to the woman beside him. “It’s been some time—sister-in-law, you’re looking more radiant than ever.”
“You silver-tongued rascal,” she replied, grinning. “Aren’t you going to introduce your wife?”
Yan Shimao’s wife was Lin Yao, not a native of the capital. Xin An remembered her well. In her past life, after Tang Mo’s death, his circle of friends had caused Xin An no end of trouble—and the same extended to their wives. Among them, Lin Yao had shown the most open hostility. Every time they crossed paths at a banquet, she would jab at Xin An with sharp words. Rumors and slander followed behind her like a shadow.
Lin Yao had a bold and upright nature, with a hint of chivalry—her father, as Xin An recalled, had been a general.
Tang Mo cheerfully introduced Xin An, then turned to introduce Lin Yao as well. “My sister-in-law is forthright and easy to get along with. The more you talk to her, the more you’ll see it.”
Then, with a playful bow toward Lin Yao, he quipped, “But sister-in-law, please don’t go teaching my wife any martial arts on a whim. She’s fierce enough as it is. If she picks up a few moves from you, I’ll never have peace again.”
Xin An’s mouth twitched slightly. Scoundrel! So quick to ruin my reputation!