RMBLCUCS – Chapter 31: Tang Mo Wants to Help Tang Yong
Tang Yong was an upright and honest man, somewhat simple-minded. Tang Mo recalled Xin An’s words—this uncle, who had rarely benefited from the Marquis’ household, had spent his entire fortune and tirelessly worked when trouble arose in the family. Though Tang Mo hadn’t witnessed it firsthand, it didn’t stop him from wanting to treat this sincere and loyal uncle better.
“Uncle, you’re treating me like an outsider. Even if I weren’t here to make amends today, shouldn’t I, as your nephew, still come and show my filial respect?”
“I was ignorant and reckless in the past, but now that I’m married, I need to learn to take responsibility. My mother also says that you are an upright and steady person and has encouraged me to visit you often to learn from you.”
“Just don’t find me too slow-witted, Uncle.”
Tang Mo’s attitude took Tang Yong by surprise. He didn’t know much about this nephew, but he had certainly never been treated with such respect before. While he did keep his guard up, he also felt a sour ache in his heart. He was part of the Marquis’ family, and all he had ever wished for was recognition from them—something that had never materialized.
“As long as you don’t find me useless.”
Ah, his nose was already tingling.
The uncle and nephew sat together, drinking tea. Tang Mo was skilled in conversation, and before long, they were chatting and laughing. Sensing the moment was right, Tang Mo inquired about his cousin, Tang Yaoming.
“Your cousin…”
Speaking of his most outstanding son, Tang Yong looked troubled. Though his son had finally made it onto the list of successful candidates, he was struggling to secure an official post. “I’ve inquired at the Ministry of Appointments, but they say there are too many candidates waiting, and your cousin’s ranking is too low. He can only wait for an opportunity.”
“I checked, and there are still over three hundred people ahead of him from previous examinations. Who knows how long it will take for his turn to come?”
“There are ways to pull some strings, but the positions available are in extremely remote areas. It would be difficult to make any achievements there, and even harder to transfer back.”
Tang Yong frowned. If his elder brother, Tang Gang, were willing to help, securing a position for Tang Yaoming wouldn’t be a problem. After all, his son had passed the imperial examination through merit, unlike Tang Rong, who was praised for his literary talent but had never actually taken the exam, relying instead on recommendations to enter officialdom.
“Does Cousin have a preferred location?”
Tang Mo calculated in his mind. As long as the request wasn’t too high—such as a position in one of the Six Ministries—he could probably manage something.
Tang Yong replied, “Your cousin wants to gain experience in an administrative role. He’s not asking for much—just a mid-sized county with around two thousand households.”
Tang Mo nodded. “Father has been busy lately. Since the opportunity to train with the Northern Garrison was given to me, he now needs to find a new arrangement for my elder brother. He’s occupied with that matter and likely won’t have time to help elsewhere.”
Tang Yong nodded. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t disappointed. Over the years, he had never taken advantage of the Marquis’ household, nor had he asked for any favors. Even during the family’s division of property, he hadn’t received much. But in the end, he was still their father’s son, still part of the Marquis’ family—why couldn’t they lend a hand when it mattered most for his son?
“If Uncle trusts me, I can try to make some arrangements for Cousin. I may not have much influence, but I do know a few people. Perhaps I can make it happen.”
Tang Yong looked up, surprised by Tang Mo’s offer. His heart was touched—he knew this nephew was not particularly favored by his father. A child who wasn’t doted on had a hard life.
“Uncle thanks you on your cousin’s behalf. He went out to meet some friends today, so we won’t wait for him. Stay for a meal before you leave.”
“The last time I had a meal here was during the New Year festival. You even saved some good wine—let’s have some later.”
This nephew of his, despite his own struggles, still thought of helping him. Regardless of the outcome, Tang Yong would always remember this kindness.
Tang Mo cheerfully agreed to stay. Soon, You Shi came in from the backyard, delighted to see him. When she noticed the many gifts he had brought, she was even happier. “Did you inform your mother about this?”
Tang Mo smiled. “My mother prepared these gifts herself. She also said that once she has some free time, she wants to invite Second Aunt to go watch an opera together. It’s been a long time since she last went out.”
“Wonderful! I love watching operas. I’ll definitely take her along when the time comes.”
“Your other two cousins are at the academy. If they knew you were here today, they’d be overjoyed.”
Hearing that he was staying for a meal, You Shi beamed and went to make arrangements. Tang Yong chuckled. “Your Second Aunt enjoys hosting guests.”
“She seems to be in great spirits. Oh, by the way, my mother asked me to bring her some beauty-enhancing pills from the Imperial Medical Bureau. I’ll give them to her later.”
As the uncle and nephew chatted and walked inside, their bond grew closer. Soon, their laughter echoed through the courtyard, and before long, You Shi’s cheerful voice joined in as well.
Tang Mo once again felt the warmth of being cared for by elders. The last time he had experienced this feeling was with his father-in-law and mother-in-law, and he had become quite fond of it.
That afternoon, after leaving Tang Yong’s residence, he went to meet Yan Shimao and a few others.
Once they were seated in a private room at a teahouse, Tang Mo got straight to the point. “My cousin is talented and capable. My old man is too busy to help him, so I thought I’d give it a try. Brothers, do you have any ideas?”
This was a serious matter, and although none of them had much experience in this area, they were intrigued. Wei Ye was the first to speak. “My father can’t help, but my elder brother might. I’ll ask him.”
Xie Changyou added, “My father never likes dealing with these kinds of things, and my elder brother is too rigid to be of use. But my uncle might be able to help—I’ll go talk to him.”
The others turned to Yan Shimao. He coughed lightly. “You all are making things too complicated. I’ll just ask my brother-in-law—he works in the Ministry of Appointments.”
Among them, everyone had family members in high positions. For them, helping with Tang Yaoming’s issue wasn’t a big deal.
Tang Mo stood up and poured tea for them. “My father doesn’t care about me, but my father-in-law and my uncle do. I just want to do something for them. I wouldn’t be able to handle this alone, so thank you, brothers.”
They all knew that Tang Gang, in his favoritism toward Tang Rong, had deliberately kept Tang Mo away from the family’s connections and power. As his friends, they couldn’t say much about it.
Yan Shimao clapped his shoulder. “We are brothers—your concerns are our concerns. If we work together, what problem can’t we solve?”
Tang Mo took out a banknote worth a thousand taels. “I can’t just let your brother-in-law help for nothing. Whether this works out or not, this is just a token of appreciation.”
Of course, Yan Shimao initially refused, but Tang Mo chuckled. “Didn’t you say your sister keeps a tight rein on him and he can’t even get his hands on two taels of silver? This isn’t much—just a little something for him to keep privately. We won’t tell anyone.”
This time, Yan Shimao didn’t decline. “Then I’ll thank you on my brother-in-law’s behalf.”
Xie Changyou teased, “Tang Second Brother is quite well-off now. I must say, your new father-in-law is truly remarkable.”
The others nodded in agreement. “And your brother-in-law seems quite interesting too.”
Seizing the opportunity, Tang Mo sang endless praises of his father-in-law. Seeing how genuinely pleased he was, Yan Shimao and the others exchanged glances, sincerely happy for him.
Needless to say, that night Tang Mo returned home reeking of alcohol once again. Seeing Nanfeng still standing outside the door, he frowned. She flinched and instinctively stepped back, but then, remembering that she now belonged to the Second Young Madam, she stepped forward again. “Second Young Master, I now serve Second Young Madam and am handling matters for her.”
Tang Mo said nothing and entered the room, immediately asking about the matter. Xin An nodded and admitted, “I think Nanfeng is quite capable. Since you don’t want her, why shouldn’t I take her?”
“Nanfeng, you may go rest now. No need to worry.”
Outside the door, Nanfeng bowed and quickly withdrew. Tang Mo sat down and poured himself a cup of tea. “You really know how to pick things up.”