RMBLCUCS – Chapter 26: Are You Satisfied with My Arrangements?
Yan Shimao, Xie Changyou, and Wei Ye were all well-versed in social etiquette. After chatting with the Xin family for a while, they tactfully took their leave, not wanting to disturb the family’s private time together. Before leaving, they repeatedly invited the Xin family to join them for dinner that evening as a token of their sincerity. Xin Kuan agreed.
As they departed, Xin Kuan praised the three young men for their genuine loyalty and then remarked, “Friendship isn’t always determined by status. You’re already somewhat aware of our family’s situation. A son-in-law is half a son—if you ever need my help, just ask.”
Tang Mo immediately stood up, took a step back, and bowed deeply. “Your son-in-law is deeply grateful, Father-in-law.”
Xin Kuan chuckled, motioning for him to sit back down and drink tea. “We’re family—no need for such formalities. I don’t expect much, only that you continue to improve and prosper. As long as my daughter lives a good life with you, when people talk about the marriage switch in the future, they’ll only say she was destined for fortune.”
Xin An felt a pang of emotion. Her family was always thinking about her, planning for her future, while she—she had been an unworthy daughter.
Tang Mo glanced at her briefly before attentively refilling his father-in-law’s teacup. He then spoke of his future plans—essentially, his determination to forge a successful path for himself. “I want to make something of myself, not just for my own sake, but so that those who care for me can also share in my success.”
Xin Kuan was deeply pleased. The atmosphere in the private room became even warmer and more harmonious.
Leaving the teahouse, Tang Mo led the group to a jewelry and cosmetics shop to buy small gifts to take back to Huai Jiang. Afterward, he indulged Xin Huan’s wish to go boating on the lake, listening to music and watching performances by singing courtesans. They even had lunch on the boat. The lake breeze was gentle, the occasional fish leapt from the water, and the soft melodies of the guqin lingered in the air. It was pure tranquility.
Xin An sat comfortably, enjoying the fresh air. Beside her, Xin Huan chattered endlessly, laughing without pause. Unknowingly, a smile crept onto her lips.
“How is it? Are you satisfied with my arrangements?”
Tang Mo, too, was at ease. Though he had planned this outing for his in-laws, he himself needed the break just as much. He hadn’t been back for much longer than Xin An—his previous life had ended early, and to make matters worse, he had later learned that the wife he had devoted himself to had been entangled with his most hated enemy, Tang Rong, until old age.
What man could accept that? Could easily let it go?
And worst of all, she had spent his money!
An insidious brother, a biased father, and a wife who had betrayed him—it was all a nightmare. Just thinking about it left a bad taste in his mouth. So when he first realized that his bride had been switched for Xin An, his feelings were complicated. But among those emotions, there had been a sliver of relief, which he had immediately noticed. At the time, he had thought that it didn’t matter who he married—so long as it wasn’t Tao Yiran.
Yet in these past few days, the surprises Xin An and the Xin family had brought him were far beyond what he expected. The feeling of having someone protect him, respond to his efforts, and stand by his side was intoxicating. The ease and unspoken understanding he shared with Xin An made him genuinely happy. That was why he had planned today’s outing.
Xin An turned her head slightly, smiling. “More than satisfied. I have to say, you’re quite good at arranging these things. When we visit the estate, I’ll be counting on you to handle everything properly as well.”
“Of course.”
Tang Mo exhaled slowly, breathing in the fresh air—it was refreshing, invigorating.
That evening, they attended the banquet hosted by Yan Shimao and the others, drinking the fine wine sent by Tang Mo’s grandmother. As Wei Ye put it, “Everything has been arranged perfectly.”
The three hosts had even taken into account the presence of Madame Xin and Xin An, worrying that they might feel uncomfortable. To make them feel at ease, they had gone back to fetch their own younger sisters to accompany them. They even arranged a separate table for the ladies. One of the girls was about Xin An’s age, while the younger one, Xie Changyou’s sister, was only nine.
When Xin An saw this arrangement, she couldn’t help but chuckle—it was clear they had put in a great deal of effort.
The Xin family felt genuinely welcomed and respected, making them even more satisfied with Tang Mo as their son-in-law. Since they had purchased many accessories that day, Madame Xin took the opportunity to gift each young lady two pieces of jewelry as a meeting present.
For these girls, it was an unexpected delight. Though they came from noble families, getting new accessories often required waiting for a special occasion, such as a festival or a joyous event in the household. What’s more, the pieces Madame Xin gifted them were by no means inexpensive—this was a rare stroke of luck.
Xie Changyou’s little sister, Xie Yuhuan, was especially overjoyed. Her name meant “joy and delight,” and at this moment, she was truly living up to it. She had received a pair of exquisitely crafted pearl hairpins and a bracelet adorned with a delicate goldfish charm.
“Second Sister-in-Law, help me put them on quickly! When I go home, I’m going to show off to Mother. This goldfish bracelet is my absolute favorite!”
She was absolutely thrilled. Originally, her sister-in-law was supposed to attend the banquet, but due to an unexpected matter, she couldn’t come—so Xie Yuhuan had ended up benefitting from the opportunity.
Xin An helped her put on the pearl hairpins and fastened the bracelet, nodding in approval. “It looks beautiful.”
The little girl was like a freshly bloomed flower in the morning, full of energy. Watching her, Xin An couldn’t help but feel as if she had become much younger herself.
From the adjacent table, the sound of clinking cups and lively toasts filled the air. Yan Shimao and the others were skilled at entertaining, effortlessly keeping the conversation flowing while ensuring the drinks kept coming. Xin Kuan’s face was flushed with warmth from the alcohol, clearly enjoying himself. In high spirits, he extended an invitation to the group.
“When you visit Huai Jiang, you must stay at my residence! I will make sure everything is arranged perfectly for you.”
The three young men were grinning ear to ear, immediately setting a date for their trip.
Madame Xin smiled and shook her head. “Your father is rarely this cheerful. Your husband’s friends are truly good people—loyal and warmhearted.”
They were all noble-born sons, yet they treated a merchant family with such sincerity.
Why?
Because they wanted to give their sworn brother face.
That was a friendship worth cherishing.
Xin An nodded in agreement. The dynamics had completely shifted—before, she had been at odds with these people. But now, they were all on the same side. Naturally, her perspective had changed as well.
Slowly, she was beginning to see that Tang Mo actually had some good people around him. If she could pull them into a shared cause—one that combined friendship with mutual benefit—it would be a tremendous asset for Tang Mo.
A plan was already forming in her mind.
But it wasn’t time to act just yet.
As the banquet reached its latter half, everyone was slightly tipsy. Tang Mo and Yan Shimao stepped outside to relieve themselves and happened to run into Minister Tao, who was dining with his colleagues.
Catching a whiff of alcohol from Tang Mo, Minister Tao’s expression immediately darkened. In his eyes, it was improper for someone who had just been married for a few days to be out drinking. At the same time, he felt relieved—thank goodness his daughter hadn’t married this man. A son-in-law like Tang Mo would have been a complete waste of the careful upbringing Tao Yiran had received.
Noting the hint of disapproval in Minister Tao’s gaze, Tang Mo remained cheerful, stepping aside to make way. “Uncle Tao, please go ahead.”
Accompanying Minister Tao was Vice Minister Xu from the Ministry of War. He had heard about the Tang family’s recent events. Any keen observer could see that Tang Mo had been on the losing end of the bride switch. Yet, instead of causing a scene, here he was, drinking and socializing, which intrigued Xu.
“Second Young Master Tang, out with friends tonight?”
Tang Mo cupped his hands in greeting. “My father-in-law is returning to Huai Jiang in a few days, so I took him around the capital today. We’re having dinner here this evening.”
“Xin Kuan?”
“Yes.”
Vice Minister Xu gave Tang Mo a once-over before smiling. “If it’s convenient, would you be willing to introduce us?”
Xin Kuan wasn’t just a salt merchant—he was also the vice president of the Huai Jiang Chamber of Commerce. The wealth and resources he could mobilize were significant. The Ministry of War was always short on funds, and having connections with major merchants could prove useful when negotiating military supplies.
Besides, while the Xin family was related to the Marquis of Wei Yuan, that didn’t mean they were bound solely to that alliance. There was still an opportunity for others to establish ties with them.