RMBLCUCS – Chapter 39: Tang Rong Beaten into a Pig’s Head

That evening, Tang Gang took Tang Rong along to a banquet with Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites. Naturally, such gatherings included other officials and companions, and after a long night of drinking and feasting, someone suggested going somewhere to relax.

The smiles exchanged among the guests made the meaning clear.

Tang Rong, as the only junior present, politely excused himself first, earning a few teasing remarks from the older officials.

Who could have guessed that not long after his carriage left, a group of men blocked the road?

“The streets were already empty, and those men rushed forward without a word—just started beating and smashing everything,” said Qing Mo, Tang Rong’s personal attendant.

“They dragged the heir out of the carriage and gave him a thorough beating.”

Qing Mo, sporting a swollen eye, a bruised cheek, and a bloodied lip, winced as he spoke, pain evident in his expression.

“Halfway through, one of them suddenly said, ‘Wrong person! Not this one!’ And that’s when they finally stopped. But instead of just leaving, they turned on me and beat me too. Then they tossed us a small piece of silver, saying it was for our troubles.”

Tang Gang had been urgently summoned back.

The moment he saw his son’s bruised and swollen face, his fury exploded.

His gaze snapped toward Tang Mo.

“You—what do you have to say for yourself?”

Tang Mo immediately shrunk back like a quail, putting on an innocent expression.

“I was just leaving Grandmother’s courtyard, and from afar, I saw two men limping toward the house, moving suspiciously. Naturally, I assumed they were thieves and called the patrol guards.”

“How could I have known it was Big Brother?”

“It was dark, I couldn’t see clearly. Besides, Big Brother has always carried himself with dignity, his posture as upright as a pine tree. How could I have ever imagined him sneaking around like that?”

The gathered servants and officials turned their eyes to Tang Rong.

His injuries were truly appalling.

His eyes were swollen shut, his nose slightly crooked, his hair disheveled, and his luxurious silk robes wrinkled and covered in footprints.

Tao Yiran sobbed uncontrollably, tears flowing down her face.

Tang Rong barely managed to twitch his lips, but the pain that shot through his face was so unbearable that his expression twisted horribly.

Qing Mo hurriedly spoke on his behalf.

“The heir said it’s just superficial wounds—there’s no need to alarm everyone. That’s why we deliberately avoided the patrolling guards when entering the estate. It wasn’t suspicious behavior—we just didn’t want to cause a commotion.”

Tang Gang, however, kept his piercing gaze locked onto Tang Mo.

“You dare say you had nothing to do with this?”

Tang Mo immediately fell to his knees, his voice ringing with righteous indignation.

“I swear I am innocent!”

“For so many years, when have I ever done anything like this? Even when I’ve had minor disputes with Big Brother, I’ve always addressed them openly. Whenever I encounter him outside, I show him every courtesy, just as Father has always taught me—no matter what happens within the family, we must never let outsiders see us divided.”

“Besides, I have no deep grudge against Big Brother. This was simply a misunderstanding.”

Tang Gang’s chest heaved with suppressed fury.

First, his beloved son had been beaten into this miserable state—he was heartbroken.

Second, Tang Rong was supposed to start his post at the Ministry of Rites tomorrow—but how could he show up looking like this?

Now, he would have to personally explain the situation to Minister Wang.

And once word got out, it would surely become a laughingstock.

An heir of a marquisate, beaten like a common street thug—where was the dignity of the Marquis of Wei Yuan’s household?

Wang Shi stepped forward to calm him.

“Marquis, please don’t be angry. The most pressing matter is to get the heir cleaned up and treated—the physician will be here soon. His face mustn’t be neglected.”

“There is nothing more important than his injuries right now.”

Tang Gang nodded grimly.

“Everyone dismissed. The guards who laid hands on the heir will receive twenty lashes each and forfeit three months’ salary.”

Then his voice hardened.

“Tang Mo, you stay.”

Wang Shi wanted to intervene, but Tang Gang shot her a warning look.

Concerned, she turned to Tang Mo, but he subtly shook his head, signaling her to leave.

Once the room was cleared, Tang Mo remained kneeling, while Tang Gang stood silent for a long time.

His anger was still there, but something else stirred beneath it.

A part of him whispered—this is also your son.

Your legitimate son.

You should treat him with more kindness.

But another voice countered—this son has always been unruly.

He has never been dependable.

Spending effort on him is a waste.

At last, Tang Gang spoke.

“Do you hold a grudge over the bride swap?”

“No.”

“Tell the truth.”

“Yes.”

Tang Mo didn’t hesitate.

“I’m not a saint—of course I can’t pretend it never happened. Big Brother handled things disgracefully. He did it on purpose.”

“So you hired people to beat him out of revenge?”

Tang Mo shook his head.

“It really wasn’t me.”

“Do I dislike him? Yes. But because of what he did, I also benefited. And honestly, I think Xin An isn’t bad at all. Who’s to say I won’t actually have a good life with her? These past few days, I’ve been trying to get along with her more. Things have already played out this way—what else can I do?”

“I’m also not blind—I can see Tao Yiran has always liked Big Brother. She never had any regard for me, and I can’t force that to change. If Father insists I admit to something, then I’ll say this—seeing Big Brother beaten into a pig’s head today truly made me happy. So, I’d like to thank whoever upheld justice on my behalf.”

His frank attitude actually made Tang Gang’s anger subside a little.

At least this reaction felt real.

If Tang Mo had pretended he felt no resentment, that would have been more suspicious.

“You’ve been spending quite a bit of time with your grandmother lately.”

Tang Mo stiffened his neck and replied,

“Father doesn’t like me. No matter what I do, I can’t win your favor. Since Grandmother dotes on me, of course, I should stay close to her.”

Tang Gang’s brows furrowed deeply.

For a moment, he seemed unsure how to respond.

Just then, Ganlu, one of the Old Madam’s personal maids, entered the room.

After offering a respectful bow, she conveyed her mistress’s message.

“The Old Madam has heard about the heir’s injuries and has instructed that he be properly cared for. As for Second Young Master, he has spent the entire day by her side, fulfilling his filial duties. The Old Madam says that if the Marquis still wishes to punish him, she asks that he go easy—after all, Second Young Master must accompany her for breakfast tomorrow and prepare for the estate retreat.”

Tang Gang rubbed his forehead, frustration evident.

“I understand. Tell my mother to rest early—this is a minor matter, she needn’t worry herself over it.”

Ganlu promptly took her leave.

Meanwhile, Tang Mo sat smugly, exuding an I have Grandmother backing me up kind of air.

Tang Gang bristled at the sight.

“Get out of my sight!”

Tang Mo rose at once, walking away without so much as a backward glance.

Watching him leave, Tang Gang stood there, hand on his hip, muttering under his breath—

“This unfilial brat.”

Back in Qiushi Courtyard, Tang Mo stormed inside, dramatically slamming the door shut.

Still fuming, he grumbled about his father’s favoritism.

But the moment the servants left, his expression shifted completely.

Smiling, he eagerly walked over to Xin An.

“I handled what you asked me to. Satisfied?”

“It really was you?”

She had suspected it all along.

After all, how could Tang Rong, completely fine one moment, suddenly get ambushed and beaten?

And then there was the excuse—‘wrong person’?

The Marquisate’s carriages bore their insignia. How could someone mistake it?

“You’re quite clever,” she admitted.

“And I have to say, seeing his swollen pig-face today was immensely satisfying.”

Tang Mo beamed.

“I set it up a while ago, thinking I’d have to wait longer for the opportunity. Didn’t expect karma to come knocking so quickly.”

“Karma?” Xin An raised an eyebrow.

“That’s right,” Tang Mo said smugly.

“I am his karma.”

“Honestly, the moment I saw him tonight, I recognized him immediately. I even considered giving him another beating.”

“I nearly ran up and kicked him myself—but, alas, I have my status to maintain. I couldn’t risk doing it personally.”

Xin An poured him a cup of tea and handed it over.

“Second Young Master is truly a man of great wisdom. My respect.”

Tang Mo took a sip, feeling immensely pleased with himself.

“Tomorrow, send some silver to the guards who got punished because of you,” she said.

“This is a great opportunity to win their loyalty.”

Tang Mo waved a hand.

“Why wait for tomorrow? I’ll have Lailai go right now.”