RMBLCUCS – Chapter 34: Favoritism Becomes Second Nature
By the time Tang Mo returned to the Marquisate, Tang Gang and Wang Shi were still in Spring Glory Hall, speaking with Old Madam Tang. The topic of discussion was Tang Rong—his appointment to the Ministry of Rites had been confirmed, but since they had relied on connections to secure it, they now needed to properly express their gratitude. Naturally, their eyes were set on the treasures in Old Madam Tang’s collection.
Old Madam Tang was a woman who could be both generous and miserly. If someone pleased her, she could gift them valuables without a second thought. But if she disliked someone, no amount of persuasion would move her.
Right now, she was displeased with both Tang Rong and Tao Yiran. How could she possibly offer anything to help pave the way for Tang Rong?
Seeing that she remained unmoved, Tang Gang grew impatient. Just as he was about to make his case more bluntly, Tang Mo arrived.
Already in a foul mood, Tang Gang turned his irritation toward him without hesitation.
“I heard you were drinking at Ten Mile Fragrance today with your father-in-law. The Ministry of War officials were there as well?”
“The Xin family is the purse left to the Marquisate by your grandfather. Don’t think that just because you’ve married into their family, you can do as you please. And don’t get any ideas about monopolizing them for yourself.”
Unlike before, Tang Mo didn’t react with immediate defiance. Instead, he bowed respectfully.
“Father, Minister Xu from the Ministry of War happened to run into my father-in-law the other day. Uncle Tao was also present at the time.”
“Tomorrow, my father-in-law is leaving the capital. Originally, I had planned to take Xin An to see him off over a farewell meal. But when we arrived, we found that Minister Xu had already invited him for a send-off banquet. My father-in-law then brought me along. Minister Xu had also invited several esteemed officials, and during the banquet, they treated my father-in-law with great respect, engaging in lively conversation.”
Tang Gang’s brows knitted together. On the one hand, he was frustrated that officials at court were so blatantly trying to pull the Xin family into their circle. On the other hand, he was annoyed that Xin Kuan showed no restraint—despite being in-laws with the Marquisate, he still maintained such broad connections.
Old Madam Tang, who had remained silent until now, let out a cold snort.
“Even outsiders know to properly send off a member of the Xin family, yet you, their legitimate in-law, have done nothing. And now you have the audacity to blame your son for handling what you failed to do?”
“Your father once said that the Xin family did not rise because of the Tang family. On the contrary, the Tang family thrived thanks to the Xin family’s unwavering support. If anything, the Xin family has done us a great favor. You’ve got it all backward—if the Xin family were to abandon you and seek another ally, it would be entirely justified.”
“There may be those who look down on the Xin family, but there are even more people eager to form ties with them. Do you really think marriage alone will ensure your peace of mind?”
Old Madam Tang had been dissatisfied with Tang Gang for a long time. He had been hopelessly stubborn as a young man, and now that he was older, she had long given up on trying to change him. She had no other son to replace him with, so as long as the Marquisate remained intact, she turned a blind eye and focused on enjoying her later years.
“At least the second boy understands the stakes and acts accordingly. Have you not noticed how he has been working to win over his father-in-law these past few days?”
“Of all people, he had the most reason to resent the marriage swap. Have you, as his father, ever comforted him even once? He lost a high-ranking official as his father-in-law and ended up with a merchant instead. Yet, not only did he put aside his grievances, but he also took the initiative to strengthen ties with the Xin family. Isn’t that enough to prove his sense of responsibility? Isn’t that enough to show that he is helping to ease your burdens?”
“If he hadn’t been spending time with them, the Xin family might have been pulled away by others already. You would do well not to be so biased.”
Tang Mo stiffened, immediately adopting an expression of silent grievance. Inwardly, he was filled with regret—how had he not thought of this angle sooner?
He wasn’t ingratiating himself with his father-in-law. No—he was nobly swallowing his immense suffering and working hard for the sake of his father!
That sounded much more dignified.
Tang Gang’s gaze swept over him. “Is that truly what you think?”
Tang Mo deliberately lowered his voice. “Father, you gave me the opportunity to train with the Northern Garrison, a chance that should have gone to my elder brother. Because of that, you now have to continue working even harder. I am unworthy and cannot offer much help, so I must at least do what little I can.”
Tang Gang’s expression eased slightly. “At least you’ve become more sensible.”
Seeing that Tang Mo remained standing there, deferential and composed, Tang Gang’s mind wandered to the porcelain famille rose vase in his son’s hands. He wanted to say something but ultimately held back—he was biased, yes, but he still had his pride.
Tang Mo didn’t linger much longer and quickly excused himself.
Tang Gang was about to continue persuading Old Madam Tang when she stood up. “I’m tired. You should both retire for the night.”
With that, she left.
Tang Gang and Wang Shi also rose to leave. As they walked back, Wang Shi remained silent, deep in thought. Originally, she had planned to send two young, beautiful concubines to drain her husband’s energy. But after some consideration, she decided against it—her son still needed his father to hold the line for now.
“Concubine Yang mentioned she wasn’t feeling well today. Would you like to check on her, Marquis?”
Tang Gang had no interest in such matters. His thoughts were preoccupied with how Old Madam Tang had suddenly taken a strong liking to Xin An and seemed to regard Tang Mo in a new light.
Tang Rong, on the other hand, had not risen in status since his marriage—if anything, he had fallen behind.
“I won’t go. I have things to attend to. You should rest early.”
Watching him head toward his study, Wang Shi’s lips curled into a subtle smile.
No need to ask—he was undoubtedly going to work on his eldest son’s affairs again.
Tang Rong had been in his chambers, indulging in intimacy with Tao Yiran, when a servant suddenly summoned him. He had already removed his shoes and was half-reclined when he was forced to get up.
Seeing his father’s sour expression, Tang Rong didn’t hesitate to speak.
“Father, are you upset over Second Brother again? Now that Uncle Xin is his father-in-law, it’s only natural for him to be on his side. I’m sure he knows better than to let Uncle Xin be pulled away by others.”
Tang Gang let out a sharp “Hmph.” “I have my own plans regarding the Xin family. But you—what exactly have you been doing since your wedding?”
Apart from accompanying his father on official matters, Tang Rong had spent all his time nestled in Spring Blossom Courtyard.
A man too caught up in romance would never accomplish great things.
Tang Rong straightened and bowed. “Father, I—”
“Since the day your wife entered this household, the two of you have only paid your morning and evening respects to your grandmother once. One day, she is feeling unwell; the next, she is feeling weak again. What—do you think the Feng Shui of my Marquisate is so poor that it cannot accommodate her?”
His words were directed at Tao Yiran.
“I had hoped that after your marriage, you would have someone to manage the household matters for you, so you wouldn’t have to worry about such things. Yet now, she’s only succeeded in keeping you confined to your courtyard, unable to step outside.”
It was precisely because of his favoritism that Tang Gang’s words were so harsh. His discontent with Tao Yiran had already taken root—she had completely failed to meet his expectations for a Marquisate’s future matriarch.
“You are the heir to the Marquisate. One day, you will inherit the title. Your wife cannot simply be a delicate flower that is pleasant to look at but utterly useless. She must be capable of managing both the household and external affairs with skill. You cannot afford to spoil her too much.”
Tang Rong could not even remember the last time he had been reprimanded like this. He wasn’t sure how to feel about it.
“I understand, Father.”
Tang Gang gave his next order.
“In your wife’s dowry list, there is a famille rose vase. Find a way to have her give it to you for your career. You are husband and wife—what’s hers is yours.”
Tang Rong’s brows furrowed slightly. Using his wife’s dowry so soon after their wedding felt improper.
“Could Second Brother not part with his instead?”
Tang Gang’s gaze turned ice-cold.
“If you have the ability, go ask your sister-in-law for it yourself.”
Even he, as their father, found it difficult to make such a request.
And yet this son of his—who had taken another man’s intended wife—actually thought it appropriate to ask that same man to give up something for him?
What, did he expect his father to have no shame?