“People say you cannot have both fish and bear’s paw. My husband has neither a title to inherit nor extraordinary talent; I may never receive an official rank in this life. Only his steady companionship is something to be praised.”…
Leaning lightly against Tang Rong’s knee, Tao Yiran spoke of the past—of her admiration, her joy.Her voice was soft, her smile serene. The slender curve of her hand brushed against his cheek, her eyes brimming with yearning. “My wish was…
“Is this what you’ve been doing all day?” After a long and tiring day, Tang Mo finally returned home. The moment he stepped inside, Xin An eagerly showed off her new hair ornaments and freshly tinted nails. “Don’t underestimate this,”…
The sun rose in the east; birds chirped among the branches.After a restful night’s sleep, Xin An was in the courtyard feeding her goldfish. Rouqiu was chasing a ball of yarn around, tail wagging like a banner of joy. Chunyang…
After calming herself, Wang Shi reviewed the facts and suddenly everything about Tao Yiran’s mannerisms fell into place. She truly was the legitimate daughter of an official house—but raised under the influence of an elder of disgraceful origins, taught the…
Compared to Tang Gang’s lonely evening at home, Wang Shi was in high spirits.The cuju match had been thrilling to watch, the tavern’s dishes were delicious, and—best of all—she was surrounded by her son, daughter-in-law, and her maiden family. The…
The menu alone listed several varieties of chilled desserts. Tang Mo declared that since it was a rare outing, everyone should choose whatever they liked.Wang Mian, who usually frequented nothing more than teahouses and taverns, found the novelty delightful and…
The Wang family lived in the eastern part of the capital. Their estate was not large, and the current head of the household was Wang Shi’s elder brother. Since their parents had long passed away and there were few siblings,…
Wang Shi could scarcely keep her composure. She did not favor Tao Yiran, true—but the girl had already entered the Marquis’s gates. For the Countess of Changning to show no mercy at all was to slight the Marquis’s residence itself.…
A sweeper from the front yard? Madame Tao suddenly understood everything. The housekeeper-matriarch at her side stepped forward to tip the lowly sweeper and had someone see him out. By then, Madame Tao had sunk into a chair, her face…