RMBLCUCS – Chapter 33: Tang Mo’s Intentions

Xin An had been diligently working to please Old Madam Tang, arriving at her courtyard early each morning to accompany her for breakfast. Whenever Tang Mo was free, he would go along as well.

After breakfast, Tang Mo brought up his plans for the day. “Father-in-law and Mother-in-law are leaving the capital tomorrow. I originally planned to invite them for a meal, but Father-in-law already has prior arrangements today. I thought I’d buy some gifts and visit them instead, then see them off in the morning. It’s the least I can do.”

Old Madam Tang truly felt that Tang Mo had matured. He handled things with such thoughtfulness, completely unlike his scoundrel of a father. That man only knew how to take money from his in-laws without a second thought—never once had he arranged a proper farewell banquet. He wasn’t even worried about whether those taels might burn his hands.

“Go on, then,” the old lady waved her hand. “Take your wife with you. She’s married so far away—who knows when she’ll next see her parents? Go.”

Most of the time, Old Madam Tang was surprisingly easy to talk to.

Xin An smiled and thanked her before leaving the estate with Tang Mo. It had only been a little over ten days since her wedding, yet this was already the second time she had gone out—more than she had in an entire month before.

Meanwhile, Minister Xu from the Ministry of War had recently formed ties with Xin Kuan. The two had grown quite close over the past few days, and upon learning that Xin Kuan was departing tomorrow, Minister Xu had even arranged a farewell banquet in his honor.

When Tang Mo arrived at the Xin residence, he happened to run into Xin Kuan just as he was heading out. No words were needed—father-in-law and son-in-law naturally went together, with Xin Huan trailing behind them.

Inside, Madame Xin pulled Xin An into the house. “If there weren’t urgent matters waiting for your father back home, I doubt he’d be willing to leave.”

“And your brother is even more reluctant. He talks about your husband all the time.”

Madame Xin sighed as she held her daughter’s hand. “Your father is truly pleased with this son-in-law.”

Lowering her voice, she added, “Much more so than with your father-in-law.”

Xin Kuan had never thought highly of Tang Gang. To him, the Marquis was a selfish and shortsighted man. As a titleholder with no real power, the benefits he could offer were limited, yet he always expected much in return.

“This isn’t the first time your father has come to the capital, but tell me—has Tang Gang ever made the effort to host him properly? It’s always been your father footing the bill for their drinking.”

“He’s never once introduced your father to his connections. He’s too afraid of people mocking him for marrying into a merchant’s family. But when it comes to spending our silver, he certainly doesn’t feel embarrassed.”

“Your father has decided to cut back on the money sent to the Marquisate. From now on, he’ll hand it directly to your husband. If Tang Gang thinks we’ll keep funding his eldest son’s ambitions, he’s dreaming.”

Tang Gang assumed that marriage had bound the Xin family to him, so he saw no need to put in any effort. But what he failed to realize was that the Xin family saw things the same way.

Now that they were in-laws, everyone knew it. The Xin family could openly use the Marquisate’s name for leverage. And what could Tang Gang do about it? Would he dare sever ties with them?

“Your father believes that supporting your husband is the best course of action. If he can stand on his own, you’ll have both him and your maiden family as your backing. Even if your father-in-law is unwilling, he’ll have no choice but to accept it.”

Hearing Madame Xin repeatedly call Tang Mo “son-in-law,” Xin An couldn’t help but reflect on how much effort he had put into this over the past few days. In such a short time, he had completely won over her parents—how could anyone say he wasn’t capable?

“Mother, you don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be fine in the Marquisate—I won’t be mistreated.”

“As for your son-in-law… I suppose he’ll manage to hold his own.”

Madame Xin chuckled. “You shouldn’t bully him too much.”

She knew they hadn’t consummated their marriage yet, but she didn’t push the matter. Some things happened naturally with time, and as long as the relationship developed, the rest would follow.

Xin An then brought up her business plans. “Mother, you know the Marquisate has more than just my husband in it. If I do this openly, it’ll inevitably attract attention. I want to handle things differently and create a backup plan for myself. I can’t just sit here and let my dowry run dry.”

Madame Xin thought she was overthinking things. “Why go through all that trouble? If you need money, just send word home.”

“I can’t rely on my family forever. It’s one thing for you to support me, but am I supposed to support my husband and his whole household too?”

“I don’t need much—just let me have Uncle Fang Da and Uncle Bai. Uncle Fang Da is originally from the capital, so I doubt he’d mind returning. As for Uncle Bai, just tell Father that I need him.”

Fang Da was one of the Xin family’s stewards. Xin Kuan had saved him years ago, and he had since sold himself into the Xin household. He was highly capable.

Uncle Bai, on the other hand, was a physician the Xin family had supported for years. Though he had acquired impressive medical skills, he had never been put to much use—a waste of his talent, in Xin An’s opinion.

Madame Xin could only sigh.

Once her daughter set her mind on something, she would see it through. “Fine. I’ll let your father know. Do you need extra funds?”

“No need. My husband wants half the profits, so let him contribute as well. It’s not like we’re setting up a major business right away—we’ll take it slow.”

Madame Xin let her be. As long as she was happy, that was what mattered.

The mother and daughter spent a pleasant afternoon together. When Xin Kuan and the others returned in the late afternoon, they brought back a pile of gifts. Xin Kuan was in great spirits—Minister Xu had invited several esteemed officials to the banquet, all of whom were familiar faces. It had restored the dignity that Tang Gang had stripped from him.

Tang Mo was equally pleased. Following his father-in-law, he had met several high-ranking officials, and to his delight, they treated him with warmth and respect. The kind of flattery he had only ever seen directed at Tang Rong was now being showered upon him. It filled him with pride and satisfaction.

Father-in-law and son-in-law grinned from ear to ear, completely lacking in composure. Madame Xin could only shake her head helplessly. To make matters worse, Xin Huan was also grinning like a fool, making her even more exasperated.

By the time Tang Mo woke from his nap, it was already evening. Despite his lingering headache, he was still beaming, though he regretted that his father-in-law was leaving the next day—he wouldn’t have more opportunities to bask in his reflected glory.

By the time Tang Mo woke up, it was already evening. Despite the lingering headache, he was grinning from ear to ear, though he regretted that his father-in-law would be leaving the next day—he wouldn’t have more opportunities to bask in his reflected glory.

“Alright, wipe that foolish grin off your face. Don’t get too carried away—try to keep yourself in check.”

Xin An walked in, carrying a bowl of millet porridge. “Here, drink this. I made it especially for you all. You should cut back on drinking after these two days—I fear that in this lifetime, you might—”

“Please, spare me the rest.”

Tang Mo cut her off immediately. “I’ll definitely live a long life.”

After finishing the millet porridge, it was time for dinner again. Tang Mo stood with his hands on his hips, staring at the sky, feeling as though his entire day had been spent eating.

That night, the family sat together, reluctant to part. They talked late into the evening, exchanging reminders and heartfelt words. As Xin An stepped out the door, Madame Xin discreetly wiped away tears. Seeing her mother like this, Xin An’s own eyes turned red.

Just as she boarded the carriage, Tang Mo pulled her back down.

“You’re making it seem like I’m some kind of heartless villain. Just stay here for the night. I’ll go back and explain things to my mother. I’ll also have someone bring over a change of clothes. I’ll come pick you up in the morning.”

It was rare for a married daughter to stay overnight at her parents’ house. At this moment, Xin An truly felt touched. “Thank you.”

Tang Mo led her back to Madame Xin, murmuring a few words before leaving. Madame Xin, her sorrow instantly replaced with joy, beamed with delight.

Xin Huan, overjoyed, immediately clung to Tang Mo’s arm. “Brother-in-law, you’re the best!”

Tang Mo shuddered as goosebumps ran up his arm. “It’s the least I can do. I’ll be heading back now—see you in the morning.”

“Brother-in-law, why don’t you stay too? We can sleep together!”

Tang Mo forced an awkward but polite smile. “Uh… I’m not used to that.”

As his carriage rolled away, the family finally went back inside, filled with happiness. Xin An wrapped her arm around her mother’s.

“Tonight, I want to sleep with you.”

“Alright, even after getting married, you’re still a child.”