RMBLCUCS – Chapter 38: Father and Son, Each with Their Own Thoughts

The Old Madam’s possessions were never ordinary. When Ganlu brought out the pair of Tianhuang stones, everyone in the room couldn’t hide their astonishment.

The stones were translucent, lustrous, and smooth, their golden surface interwoven with delicate red veins—true Tianhuang Dong of the highest grade.

Even ordinary Tianhuang stones were worth their weight in gold, but Tianhuang Dong of this quality was ten times more valuable and considered a tribute item for the imperial court.

Tang Mo hesitated, suddenly unsure if he should accept them.

“Grandson thought they were just ordinary Tianhuang stones… but these are far too precious. I wouldn’t dare take them.”

Tang Rong’s gaze remained fixed on the stones, unable to look away. The desire in his eyes was impossible to conceal.

Meanwhile, Xin An kept her usual faint smile, her gaze briefly sweeping over Tang Rong’s face.

A man who always prided himself on his composure now found himself unable to speak up for what he wanted—how utterly satisfying.

“This kind of fine stone is wasted on me,” Tang Mo said hesitantly.

The Old Madam picked up one of the stones and studied it for a moment.

“I don’t understand its worth. To me, it’s just a pretty-looking rock. But today, I’m in a good mood, so I’ll gift them to you—you’re not allowed to refuse.”

Tang Mo’s expression turned deeply touched.

“Grandmother treats me so well… I—”

Before he could finish, his eyes turned red, making the Old Madam feel even more affection for him.

“Look at this poor child—so pitiful that it makes people adore him.”

Truth be told, Tang Mo’s features were even finer than Tang Rong’s. It was just that most people had always focused on Tang Rong, leaving Tang Mo overlooked.

But now, with his deliberate charm and affectionate display, the Old Madam’s heart melted completely.

Who wouldn’t love a handsome grandson who was sweet and affectionate?

Tang Rong clenched his fists beneath his sleeves.

The Tianhuang stones he had acquired were nothing compared to these imperial-grade pieces.

The Old Madam’s favoritism was truly outrageous.

After some lighthearted banter, Tang Mo happily accepted the Tianhuang stones.

Grinning, he turned to Xin An and winked playfully.

“I’ll have a master engrave them into seals—one for you, one for me.”

Xin An pretended to blush, putting on a shy expression, which only made the Old Madam laugh even harder.

As the servants began preparing for the meal, Tang Mo spoke up again.

“Grandmother, I’d love some crispy sesame cakes today.”

“You little rascal! You’ve turned my place into your personal dining hall, haven’t you?”

The Old Madam laughed so hard her shoulders shook, then turned to Ganlu.

“Hurry and tell the kitchen. Otherwise, this rascal will throw a tantrum if he doesn’t get his cakes.”

Ganlu also chuckled as she went to pass the order.

Tang Rong felt that he should laugh along and say something to lighten the mood.

But after struggling for a moment, all he could muster was:

“Second Brother is just as playful as he was in childhood… still with a child’s temperament.”

Tang Mo replied easily, still smiling.

“Father and Big Brother take care of all the important matters in the household. As for me, I’m not very bright. Other than eating and amusing myself, I really don’t know what else I can do. Being able to entertain Grandmother is enough for me.”

“You should focus on causing less trouble for your father,” the Old Madam said, shaking her head fondly.

Tang Mo hurried forward to support her as she stood up.

“Grandmother, I really am improving. Next time Father tries to punish me, you have to protect me.”

The Old Madam laughed again, thoroughly enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Breakfast was warm and lively, but this only applied to Tang Mo, Xin An, and the Old Madam.

Tang Rong and Tao Yiran, on the other hand, sat stiffly, feeling completely out of place.

Tang Rong had always been the center of attention, yet today, he found himself watching his younger brother bask in favor while he was ignored.

The contrast was jarring.

For the first time, he felt a genuine sense of crisis.

Ever since Tang Mo had gotten married, something about him had changed.

The past few days, he had been in high spirits, while Tang Rong himself had faced one setback after another.

After breakfast, Tang Mo and Xin An remained at Spring Glory Courtyard, planning to stay for lunch and even nap there before dinner.

The Old Madam pretended to scold them for being shameless, but the joy in her eyes was obvious.

Meanwhile, back at Spring Blossom Courtyard, Tang Rong and Tao Yiran were both in low spirits.

Tao Yiran sighed with guilt.

“I feel like I’m not as capable as Second Sister-in-law… Did I embarrass you?”

Tang Rong smiled lightly.

“Don’t compare yourself to her. She’s from a merchant family—she knows how to lower herself when needed.”

“Second Brother, on the other hand, has always been mischievous. He’s good at joking around and making people laugh. That’s just their way of doing things—we couldn’t imitate them even if we tried.”

“Grandmother may enjoy that kind of behavior, but outsiders do not. You shouldn’t overthink it—your grace and refinement are beyond comparison.”

Tao Yiran smiled.

“It may be unseemly to speak about others behind their backs, but today, I truly feel fortunate to have married you. You are a true gentleman, like the bright moon in the sky—I can’t imagine you ever lowering yourself to flattery and pleading for favor. I’m glad it was you.”

At that moment, Tang Rong felt deeply satisfied.

The couple enjoyed a moment of tender affection before reluctantly parting.

But as Tang Rong stepped outside, his mind was still fixated on the Tianhuang stones.

He was also furious about the Old Madam’s favoritism.

That afternoon, while speaking with Tang Gang, he casually brought it up.

“Imperial-grade Tianhuang Dong… Only the palace has such stones. Grandmother truly has extraordinary treasures. Second Brother seemed quite happy to receive them.”

Tang Gang’s expression darkened.

He hadn’t even known the Old Madam possessed Tianhuang Dong.

“Your grandfather brought back many treasures from his military campaigns. All of them were registered with the imperial court, and because of his guilt over your Second Uncle, he left them all to your grandmother.”

“The Empress Dowager also enjoys gold and jade, and every time your grandmother visited the palace, she received even more as gifts. After all these years, even she probably doesn’t know how much she owns.”

“The Empress Dowager knows that your grandmother enjoys gold, silver, and jade, so every time she visits the palace, she receives gifts. After so many years, your grandmother probably doesn’t even know how much she owns.”

This was one of the reasons Tang Gang was displeased with the Old Madam.

The household was not particularly wealthy, and there were expenses at every turn. At times, they even struggled to gather the necessary funds for bribes and favors, yet the Old Madam hoarded all those treasures, never offering up even a single piece.

He looked up at Tang Rong.

“What do you think?”

Of course, Tang Rong hoped that the Old Madam would bring out her collection—even if she only offered half, it would be a great help.

But such words could never be spoken aloud.

Saying them would be the same as committing great disrespect.

Tang Rong’s response was careful.

“I have no thoughts on the matter. Grandmother’s possessions are hers to give to whomever she pleases. Today, she gifted Second Brother because he knows how to please her. I suppose I should make an effort to spend more time by Grandmother’s side as well.”

Tang Gang’s hopes were dashed.

He had expected Tang Rong to speak his mind, after which he could scold him in feigned disapproval and later bring up the matter to the Old Madam, perhaps persuading her to part with a few valuables.

Tang Rong, on the other hand, had been waiting for Tang Gang to say it first.

He had promised Tao Yiran a yellow jade peony, but he had yet to figure out how to ask for it.

Each had their own schemes, and so the conversation came to a deadlock.

Tang Gang waved a hand dismissively.

“I have an engagement with Minister Wang tonight. Go prepare yourself.”

Tang Rong, feeling disappointed, had no choice but to withdraw unwillingly.

That evening, after dinner, Tang Mo, Xin An, and Wang Shi accompanied the Old Madam for a walk around the courtyard to aid digestion.

The Old Madam was in high spirits, strolling for nearly half an hour before returning to her chambers.

Tang Mo went out of his way to be especially attentive, even waiting until the Old Madam had fallen asleep before leaving with Xin An.

As they passed through the front courtyard, they noticed two figures limping toward them in the dim glow of lantern light.

Their movements were suspicious, almost furtive.

Tang Mo’s interest was piqued.

Stepping forward, he called out loudly,

“Who dares sneak into the Marquisate in the dead of night? Guards!”

The patrolling guards rushed over immediately.

Without waiting for the figures to explain themselves, a flurry of fists and kicks rained down upon them.

The courtyard erupted with cries of pain.

It wasn’t until more lanterns were brought over to illuminate the scene that Tang Mo gasped in shock.

“Big Brother? What on earth happened to you tonight?”