RMBLCUCS – Chapter 54: You’ll Be the Death of Me One Day

The entire Zhao family of three was sold off. Though the villagers sighed with pity, no one truly thought it unjust—most believed they had it coming. Old Man Zhao came hoping to plead for mercy, but Ershan stopped him.

In the eyes of the Zhao family, Ershan had suddenly become the most promising person among them. Now able to speak directly to the Young Master, and even serve at his side, his words began to carry weight. After weighing his options, the old man offered a few carefully chosen words of concern to Ershan, then turned and went home.

Intent on proving to Tang Mo that most people on the estate were still decent and law-abiding, Steward Yang rushed to report after swiftly handling the matter. He began by apologizing, then detailed the couple’s previous offenses—among them, stealing grain.

“Stealing grain?” Tang Mo frowned.

Theft from the estate’s stores was a serious offense. “How did they do it?”

Steward Yang explained, “No matter how meticulous, no farmer can gather every grain at harvest. When harvesting wheat, the stalks are brittle and the ears fall easily. Kind-hearted families, after collecting their share, allow others to glean the fallen ears—whatever they pick is theirs.”

“But some harvesters deliberately drop more ears, so their family members can come after and ‘glean’ what was never lost to begin with. It’s theft in disguise.”

He added that most of the villagers were honest. People weren’t perfect, of course, and some families did favor sons over daughters. But even then, they weren’t outright cruel. There were several households on the estate where the girls were raised well, bright and lively.

“I used to think—apart from the occasional petty theft, they weren’t so bad. How they treated their children was their own business. I never imagined they’d be so shameless as to dream up something like this.”

This was a young master of the Marquisate. What kind of beauty had he not seen? Let alone distant examples—just look at the Second Young Madam, whose beauty made the servants blush to lift their eyes. The Zhao couple must have lost their minds.

Newly appointed, Tang Mo would surely make his mark. Everyone knew it, and yet they had to go and give him the perfect excuse. Serves them right.

Steward Yang spoke sincerely, though inwardly he was anxious. Fortunately, Tang Mo chose not to pursue the matter further and simply warned that if anything like this happened again, it would not be tolerated.

Though the matter had passed, Tang Mo remained fuming well into the night. Even in bed, he couldn’t calm down.

Xin An sighed. “Why is your temper so bad? It’s not worth the anger. Bad for your health.”

“Besides, this incident helped you establish authority and produced results. A blessing in disguise, wouldn’t you say?”

He’s already died once from sheer anger—how has he not learned to temper it?

Tang Mo turned over, then abruptly sat up, seething. “Then you take the blessing! The dashing and noble heir of the Marquisate—me—was rumored to be some dirt-poor farmer’s son-in-law! I’m livid!”

He jabbed a finger at her. “Your man was being dreamed about by someone with yellow teeth—and you’re not the least bit angry?”

“Can’t you imagine it from my side? What if some squinty-eyed, red-nosed, yellow-toothed, buck-toothed drunk came shouting that you were his wife? Wouldn’t you be furious?”

Xin An blinked, startled—then burst into laughter.

Before she could even speak, Tang Mo grew more indignant. “You’re laughing? We’ve shared a bed for days now—don’t I deserve a little sympathy? Where’s your heart?”

“I came here hoping to assert a little authority,” he grumbled. “But this… this wasn’t the plan.”

Suppressing her smile, Xin An replied, “Who doesn’t want to strike it rich? It’s just a passing fantasy. And besides, the yellow teeth only meant you’d be his brother-in-law—not like he was going to pounce on you or anything. What’s there to fuss about?”

“What did you just say?!”

Tang Mo looked horrified, now even more revolted. “You really will be the death of me!”

Xin An pressed a hand to her forehead. Now she finally understood: yes, this man was handsome and capable, but he was also petty and hot-tempered. If she didn’t learn to manage him carefully, she’d be the one burying another husband early.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to soothe him. “Alright, alright—they’re already sold. What else do you want to do? Go chase them down and beat them again?”

“And honestly—when have the villagers ever seen someone as refined and dashing as you? A little daydreaming is to be expected. Really, it’s your fault for being too good-looking. Just standing on the rice embankment—how many men and women do you think you made swoon?”

Tang Mo
…did not feel the least bit comforted.

Xin An leaned closer, teasing, “No, but really—you are quite the handsome young lord. Even an old lady like me finds her heart fluttering.”

That one line immediately brought Tang Mo back to the events of that morning. His expression shifted into something strange.

“A woman with a slick tongue,” he muttered. “Hmph. I’m going to sleep.”

Xin An grinned. Other than her younger brother, this was the first time she’d ever tried coaxing a man. Suddenly, she understood the late Princess Qionghua from her past life—how her palace was always full of pretty young men, and how she’d while away the hours teasing them, laughter echoing through her residence.

So this is how fun it can be.

Even lying down, she was still laughing to herself. Tang Mo shot her a suspicious look. “What are you thinking about?”

Xin An turned to face him. Taking in his fine, well-shaped features, she reached out and lightly stroked his cheek. Tang Mo froze completely, eyes wide in disbelief.

“I knew you were thinking nothing good!”

Dammit, she’s teasing me!

Just how bold is this woman?!

Xin An burst into laughter—bright, carefree, unrestrained. Tang Mo sat up, both angry and flustered. “You wicked creature! Stop thinking nonsense!”

But Xin An only laughed harder, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes. “Oh heavens… I can’t stop! My cheeks hurt! Hahaha~~”

Watching her laugh until her face contorted, Tang Mo’s anger melted into thin air. He let out a helpless sigh. This woman is completely mad.

Xin An’s laughter was so loud, it carried into the next room. Wang Shi’s curiosity itched terribly. Had it not been for years of cultivated restraint, she might have gone to press her ear against the wall—just what could be so funny?

Chunyang, who did lean in to listen, looked utterly confused. They weren’t saying anything special… so what could be that hilarious? Could the Second Young Master have performed some sort of acrobatics?

Worn out from laughter, Xin An rubbed her sore cheeks. Tang Mo scowled at her. “Keep rubbing like that and your face will be ruined. Hideous.”

Just looking at him made her want to laugh again. “Turn around and sleep, will you? I can’t look at you right now—every time I do, I want to laugh.”

Tang Mo rolled his eyes. The Xin An before him was nothing like the one from his past life. That Xin An had been like a nun—always dressed like a widow, expressionless and reserved, calculating and cold. He couldn’t recall a single time she had laughed like this. Honestly, he was starting to wonder if the woman before him was even the same person.

“Then I will face you—laugh yourself to death.”

Xin An broke into laughter again. Even as she drifted into sleep, the corners of her lips remained faintly lifted. In the middle of the night, half-asleep, Tang Mo was roused by her arm flopping across his chest. He opened his eyes and sighed—even asleep, she doesn’t settle down.

The next morning brought clear skies and high spirits. Xin An, radiant and full of energy, had dressed herself with particular care. She looked quite charming.

Tang Mo, never one to hold his tongue, muttered, “We’re just riding back in a carriage. Who’s going to see you? Isn’t all that effort exhausting?”

Xin An turned to him. “Just tell me—do I look good or not?”

Then, with a wink, she added, “Don’t you think I’m elegant and ethereal? Ravishing and refined? Let me tell you—even if I get sick from the jostling, I’ll be the most beautiful, delicate sickly beauty you’ve ever seen.”

Her hair was meticulously styled, adorned with an exquisite hairpin. Her eyes sparkled, her teeth shone like jade. A string of pearls circled her fair neck, making her skin look all the softer and more delicate. And further down…

Tang Mo exhaled sharply and looked away.
He had to admit—she really was stunning.