RMBLCUCS – Chapter 27: Trouble at Spring Blossom Courtyard
Tang Mo was more than happy for his father-in-law to establish connections with officials. Deep down, he looked down on his own father—wanting the Xin family’s wealth while still putting on airs. If the Xin family chose to align with another faction, it was only natural.
Since that was the case, as the son-in-law, wasn’t it only right for him to ease his father-in-law’s burdens while also securing a share of the benefits? As long as the advantages landed in his hands, they technically remained within the Marquis Residence. Even if his father was displeased, what could he do about it?
Xin Kuan was well-versed in networking with court officials. Before one meal had even ended, another was already being arranged. Naturally, Tang Mo had to accompany him.
As the introducer—and potentially Xin Kuan’s representative in the capital—Vice Minister Xu’s attitude toward Tang Mo subtly shifted. His words became more complimentary, and Xin Kuan, with a pleased expression, praised Tang Mo’s attentiveness and ability to handle matters thoroughly.
After a round of mutual flattery between father- and son-in-law, the message was clear—though the marriage arrangement had changed, they were both quite satisfied with each other. Seeing this, Minister Tao’s gaze took on a hint of ridicule.
Minister Tao, meanwhile, felt a deep awkwardness. As a father-in-law, who wouldn’t want to be respected by their son-in-law? Even more so, to be treated with the kind of reverence that could make others envious, like being honored above one’s own son. He was almost certain that Tang Rong would never elevate him like this or display such outward filial respect.
At this moment, he found himself wanting both Tang Rong’s noble status and Tang Mo’s devoted respect. The conflicting emotions tangled within him, making even his smile feel forced.
There was no relaxing from this.
Yan Shimao and the others took responsibility for escorting the young ladies and the Xin family women back home. As they stepped out of the restaurant, Xin An suggested that they first see their own sisters home. “It’s getting late—your families might worry. We have our own maids, attendants, and a carriage. We’ll be fine.”
The three young men had grown even more aware of how they should treat Xin An after Tang Mo’s display that evening. Xie Changyou immediately replied, “Second Brother Tang specifically instructed us to personally escort Mother and Sister-in-Law back home.”
Yan Shimao volunteered to escort their three sisters, while the other two accompanied Madame Xin and Xin An. Xin An didn’t insist further and got into the carriage.
Along the way, Madame Xin praised Tang Mo again, saying how reassured she felt. Xin An, in high spirits after a pleasant day out, was even more delighted to see her father and brother being treated with such respect—more so than if she had been the one receiving such honor.
“It is a bit surprising,” she admitted. “But Mother, don’t keep praising him too much—his tail is practically wagging in the air.”
In the past, Tang Rong had always treated her family with a surface-level politeness. He had never privately invited them to meals or drinks. Back then, she hadn’t thought much of it, but now, experiencing something different, she had to admit—it made a difference. Whether Tang Mo was sincere or doing it for other reasons, she would acknowledge the sentiment.
After seeing Madame Xin safely home, Xie Changyou and Wei Ye started casually probing Xin An’s feelings about Tang Mo.
For a woman, having an arranged fiancé suddenly replaced with someone else would naturally take time to accept. Xin An expressed that she, too, needed time.
Xie Changyou couldn’t help but try to persuade her. “Sister-in-law, don’t believe the bad rumors out there. There’s more to the story—Second Brother Tang is actually a great guy.”
Wei Ye chimed in, “Tang Mo is well-mannered and sharp, loyal and dependable. While he has joined us on outings, he has always carried himself properly. He’s been to pleasure houses but has never held a courtesan in his arms. He’s visited gambling halls but never placed a bet. He’s an upstanding person. Any bad rumors you’ve heard were spread by those with ulterior motives—don’t take them to heart.”
Xin An raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Oh? He’s that good?”
“Absolutely.”
The two nodded solemnly. “You’ll see for yourself in time—we’re not lying.”
Xin An chuckled. “I’ll take it into consideration. It’s lucky for him to have friends like you.”
“Haha, we’ve been through a lot together.”
The two of them looked proud, as if being friends with Tang Mo was an exceptional honor.
When Xin An returned to the residence, she went to report to Wang Shi, only to find that she wasn’t there. A maid informed her that Wang Shi had gone to Spring Blossom Courtyard.
“There was an incident there about an hour ago,” the maid whispered. “The heir isn’t home, so the madam went over and hasn’t returned yet.”
“What happened?”
The maid glanced around before lowering her voice. “It’s said that Xueyu, one of the heir’s bed servants, is pregnant. The eldest young madam refuses to tolerate the child.”
After speaking, the maid quickly shrank back. Without waiting for Xin An’s orders, Chunyang stepped forward and handed the maid a silver reward. The maid was caught off guard but delighted, repeatedly offering her thanks. Xin An simply told her to do her job well, then quickly made her way back—arriving late meant she would miss all the excitement.
As soon as she entered the courtyard, Nanny Wang greeted her. The older woman’s mood was noticeably good. Once they were inside, she shared the gossip.
“A mere bed servant conceiving before a concubine—such a thing is scandalous, but not unheard of. However, given the recent bride swap, the rumors outside are already running rampant. If this spreads, who knows how it will be twisted?”
“Tao Yiran’s family showing up in outrage is a small concern. The real problem is that scheming hands might use this incident to attack the marquisate. I suspect that’s why the matter was initially suppressed. But Xueyu lacked patience—or perhaps she feared she wouldn’t be able to keep the child. This afternoon, she woke from a nap demanding sour apricots. When Nanny Cai scolded her, she ran straight to Wang Shi, crying her heart out, claiming the eldest young madam wanted to harm her child.”
“Half an hour ago, she suddenly started crying out in pain. She’s been screaming ever since. Wang Shi sent for a physician, but he hasn’t left yet.”
Xin An glanced toward Spring Blossom Courtyard. She had already discussed this with her mother-in-law. They both agreed that the best course of action was to feign ignorance. As Nanny Wang had said, the marquisate was already under scrutiny—if this news got out now, it would only make things worse. Tang Gang would undoubtedly be impeached at court.
Though Tang Gang had his faults, he was still the pillar of the marquisate. If he fell, no one would benefit. Neither Xin An nor Wang Shi liked Tang Rong or Tang Gang, but they had no intention of destroying the marquisate itself. The best course of action was to keep the matter quiet. Once Tao Yiran became pregnant, the issue could be dealt with more smoothly.
“Make sure our people keep their mouths shut—no one is to say a word about this.”
“Nanny Wang, go find Steward Wu and have him order the household staff not to gossip or spread any rumors.”
With that settled, Xin An headed toward Spring Blossom Courtyard—not to watch the commotion this time, but for more serious reasons.
The atmosphere at Hall of Glorious Spring1 was grim. Tao Yiran sat inside, shedding silent tears. From an objective standpoint, she had indeed suffered a grievance. Wang Shi’s expression was cold as ice—she was furious that Tao Yiran hadn’t even been able to control a mere bed servant. Now, the scandal was spreading, and yet she still had the audacity to cry?
Seeing Xin An arrive, Wang Shi stepped down from the hall and approached her. “How do you think this should be handled?”
Xin An didn’t hesitate in front of her mother-in-law. “Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law are newlyweds, deeply in love. For a mere bed servant to become pregnant at this time is an insult to Sister-in-law. Tao Yiran’s family will undoubtedly make demands, possibly excessive ones. In my humble opinion, we should minimize the impact—turn a big issue into a small one, and a small one into nothing.”
Wang Shi patted Xin An’s hand approvingly. “I knew you were the right one.”
- A main hall within Spring Blossom Courtyard ↩︎