RMBLCUCS – Chapter 24 – Father-in-law, Your Son-in-law is Here Again

“Grandmother, look at this! This is the latest beauty cream from the Imperial Medical Bureau. They say it’s made from rare medicinal herbs and pearl powder. If you use it, you’ll look ten years younger.”

Seizing the rare opportunity to show his attentiveness, Tang Mo eagerly presented the small porcelain jar to Old Madame Tang. She took it, sniffing the fragrance. “Hmm, it smells nice.”

“It’s rare for you to be so thoughtful. I’ll accept it,” she said.

Who wouldn’t want to stay young? The old madame also wished to delay aging for a few more years. Looking at Tang Mo, she found him more pleasing to the eye, thinking that getting married truly made a difference—he had become even more filial. Taking the opportunity, she once again promoted Tang Mo to Xin An. “See? This boy is attentive and cares about you. I suppose I’m benefiting from your presence.”

Xin An smiled brightly. “It is indeed a pleasant surprise.”

The old madame laughed and invited both of them to have a meal together. They eagerly assisted her, one on each side, supporting her toward the dining table, all while remembering to invite Tang Rong and Tao Yiran as well.

Tang Rong had originally come to curry favor with the old madame, but Tang Mo had stolen the spotlight again. Tao Yiran, after greeting the elders, remained silent. Even if Tang Rong wanted to say something, he had no opening.

“You two join us as well. Waking up early to accompany an old woman like me must be tiring. Don’t just stand there,” the old madame said.

“Grandmother, don’t say that.”

Finally, Tang Rong found an opportunity to speak. “It is my honor to accompany Grandmother. Yesterday, Yi’er wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t come. She felt very apologetic and kept mentioning it last night.”

The old madame did not make a fuss about it—after all, he was her grandson. However, she wasn’t particularly fond of Tao Yiran. Though her eyesight was old, she wasn’t blind; she could see the disdain in Tao Yiran’s eyes. Clearly, the girl looked down on her.

“Everyone sit. Help yourselves to the food; no need to be reserved.”

Xin An and Tang Mo helped the old madame to her seat and then busied themselves serving food. One scooped porridge while the other set dishes, ensuring the old madame was well taken care of before sitting down themselves.

Tang Mo had drunk wine the previous night and his stomach felt a bit unsettled. However, the warm vegetable porridge soothed him instantly. He quickly finished a bowl and went for another. Xin An, who always had a good appetite, also ate heartily. In contrast, Tao Yiran, who took five or six bites just to finish a single crystal dumpling, appeared overly reserved.

Tang Rong ate at a normal pace. After the meal, he stayed behind to chat with the old madame. Meanwhile, Tang Mo announced that he and Xin An were leaving early, as the Xin family was preparing to return home soon. Not knowing when they’d see each other again, he wanted to take Xin An to spend more time with her parents.

“We won’t be back for dinner today, nor for supper.” Tang Mo said.

The old madame, understanding, instructed Ganlu to bring out some tea leaves and wine. “These are good-quality tea and wine. Take them as a gift for your father-in-law.”

Tang Mo happily accepted, expressing his gratitude with a series of sweet words before taking Xin An along.

Xin An was surprised. “You didn’t tell me beforehand that we were going to visit my family.”

“Aren’t you happy about it?”

Tang Mo, looking rather pleased with himself, leaned in close and whispered, “You’ve lived two lifetimes but have barely stepped outside the marquis’s residence. Don’t you feel stifled?”

“Going out, meeting new people, seeing new things—it keeps us young. Otherwise, holding onto past grudges would be suffocating.”

Xin An chuckled. “Well planned. I’ll give you credit for this.”

It was a fresh experience, and she didn’t overthink it. Happily, she followed him to the Xin family’s residence.

When Madame Xin saw her, she was surprised, unable to hide the joy in her eyes. “What brings you here?”

“Your son-in-law brought me. He said that since you’ll be leaving soon, we should take the chance to see each other more while you’re still in the capital.”

Saying this was both a joke and a way to reassure her parents. Madame Xin’s eyes turned red with emotion, gazing at Tang Mo warmly. “Good son-in-law, thank you.”

Xin Kuan, who had just arrived, overheard the conversation. His impression of Tang Mo improved even more.

Tang Mo stepped forward and cupped his hands. “Father-in-law, your son-in-law is here again.”

It’s good that you’re here. You’re thoughtful.”

Tang Mo grinned. “Does Father-in-law have any plans today? If not, how about I take everyone around the capital to experience its sights and culture?”

Yesterday, he had taken Xin Huan for a tour. Today, it would be a family outing.

“Great, great!”

Xin Huan was thrilled. “Yesterday, we barely saw a few places. Didn’t you say that the capital has boat rides on the lake with musicians playing? Let’s do that today!”

“You just want to go everywhere,” Madame Xin chided.

“Yesterday, you tired your brother-in-law out. Can’t you let him rest today?”

“If Brother Huan wants to go, we’ll go,” Tang Mo said cheerfully. “Today is about having fun. We can go anywhere—leave it to me.”

“Brother-in-law, you’re the best!”

Xin Huan was delighted. Soon, the whole family set out.

Xin An and her mother shared a carriage. Once inside, Madame Xin took her daughter’s hand with a face full of relief. “At first, I was truly worried. But after observing these past two days, your husband is actually quite good. Regardless of achievements, his attitude toward us shows he is a decent man.”

“Did you see how he accompanied your father drinking yesterday? Your father was so pleased, calling him the perfect son-in-law. Would that marquis’s heir ever lower himself to please his father-in-law like that?”

Xin An smiled but said nothing.

Madame Xin patted her hand, thinking she was still holding onto past grievances. “What’s done is done. You mustn’t have any lingering thoughts about Tang Rong.”

“I understand.”

Just mentioning Tang Rong dampened Xin An’s mood, so she swiftly changed the topic. “Mother, this will be our last time seeing each other for a while. We must enjoy today! But I left in such a hurry—I didn’t bring any silver. Since my dear husband didn’t warn me, you’ll have to pay for everything I pick today.”

Madame Xin tapped her daughter’s forehead playfully. “You’re still the same. You’re my precious girl—whatever you want, I’ll buy it for you.”

The mother and daughter laughed as they arrived at a teahouse.

Tang Mo smiled and introduced it. “This is Yuxian Teahouse, the best location in the capital. Sitting in a private room on the second floor, you can view multiple streets while listening to lively discussions from tea drinkers below.”

Following the waiter, the family went upstairs. The moment they sat down, tea and pastries were served.

Xin Kuan sipped his tea and leaned back contentedly. “I’ve visited the capital many times, but it’s always been rushed. Teahouses are the places I frequent most, but I’ve never truly sat down and enjoy the scenery.”

No need for socializing or scheming—just drinking tea and basking in the sun. It was already a great luxury.

Xin An also felt at ease. It had been a long time since she truly relaxed. Just sitting there, looking at the bustling street below, was incredibly comforting.

As she was about to withdraw her gaze, a group of flamboyantly dressed noble youths entered her line of sight. She turned to Tang Mo. “Did you invite some friends?”