RMBLCUCS – Chapter 58: Take Me to Meet Her
After leaving Tang Yong’s residence, Tang Mo and Xin An dropped Wang Shi off at home before heading to the Xin family estate. They also let it be known they wouldn’t return for dinner—once out, it was hard to head back early.
Wang Shi didn’t find their fondness for going out problematic in the slightest. On the contrary, she encouraged them to eat early and stroll through the night market. “Summer nights are made for wandering the stalls. Take two guards with you—that’s enough.”
But recalling Xin An’s last spree at the night market, Tang Mo didn’t dare be unprepared. He brought four bodyguards this time, all broad-shouldered and strong. Just by looking at them, he was confident—they could definitely carry.
The Xin family estate was being prepared for renovation. Wang Jin and his son Wang Fu had been busy managing the work. The plan was already taking shape.
“If we want a larger garden, we’ll have to tear down one of the side courtyards,” Wang Jin explained. “There are enough rooms in the main house. It won’t be a loss.”
“The Young Master suggested a covered walkway in the courtyard. We could link it to the pavilion, creating a leisure space for all seasons.”
Tang Mo had already invited skilled craftsmen to draft the renovation plans, and Wang Jin’s family had been actively involved throughout. “Master Fu says the drawings should be ready in two days. Once finalized, we can begin.”
Tang Mo added, “We should include a wine cellar. I’ll stock it with good vintages. Also, let’s have two large tables made—big enough for a dozen guests each. And a warm room is essential. In winter it’ll be heated; in summer, a resting place for the ladies.”
Xin An agreed. The estate was meant to host guests comfortably. Once the rest of the Xin family arrived in the capital, they’d need to hold gatherings. Having their own space would spare them the trouble of using public teahouses or restaurants—no place compared to one’s own elegant garden.
With Tang Mo and the Wang family managing everything, Xin An played the perfect hands-off role. Aside from approving expenses, she had nothing to worry about.
As the sun set, the couple headed to a restaurant for dinner—wealthy and carefree, enjoying the ease of their young married days.
Meanwhile, back at the Marquis’ residence, Tang Gang had just learned that Tang Mo had helped secure an official post for Tang Yaoming. Tang Yong himself had come bearing lavish gifts to deliver the news.
He hadn’t meant to involve Tang Gang, but knowing the news would reach him eventually, he decided to be upfront. “It was a shot in the dark, but it worked. Don’t worry, Big Brother. I made all the necessary arrangements. Mo’er helped, yes, but I wouldn’t let him take a loss.”
Tang Gang could barely keep his composure. If it had been Tang Rong’s doing, he would’ve been delighted. But Tang Mo? His neglected son growing more capable by the day, while the favored one lay in bed nursing wounds. Remembering the scolding he’d received from Wang Shi, his cheeks burned.
“I’ve always kept Yaoming’s future in mind,” he said stiffly. “It’s just that things at home have been hectic this month. I’d been planning to consult Vice Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites in a few days.”
“But it’s done now—and well done at that. The Censorate is a fine post. Tell Yaoming to do his best. If he ever needs guidance, he’s welcome to come to me.”
He managed to save some face, and the thought of having a Censor in the family helped soften his pride.
After all, it’s easy to celebrate success—but rare to lend a hand in hardship. Tang Yong understood that perfectly and couldn’t help but feel a flicker of satisfaction.
Unaware that his recent act had rattled both his father and brother, Tang Mo was now strolling the night market with Xin An. However, the market offerings were more or less the same as last time, so Xin An’s desire to shop had waned. Her appetite, however, had not. She wanted to try every snack that looked the least bit interesting—just a bite each time, leaving the rest for Tang Mo.
He ate from stall to stall until he finally groaned, “I can’t eat another bite.”
Tossing the food would be wasteful, and feeding the guards wouldn’t be appropriate.
“My lady, these snacks are all quite ordinary. Can we please stop?”
Xin An nodded cheerfully. Most of what they’d tried had been underwhelming anyway.
They were just about to head back when Tang Mo spotted someone. “That’s Liu Mingyuan—he’s with his wife at that vendor. Looks like they’re haggling.”
Xin An followed his gaze. “Yan Wenhui?”
“You know her?”
The moment he asked, Tang Mo realized it was a redundant question. In her past life as Marchioness, Xin An had forged connections with all the capital’s elite wives—how could she not know Yan Wenhui?
“I do,” she said, lips curling in a playful smile. Leaning closer, she whispered, “Now—take me to meet her.”
Tang Mo gave her a sidelong glance and grinned. “I was just thinking the same. Let’s go.”
At once, they turned with polished smiles and approached the couple. From three steps away, Tang Mo called out, “Brother Liu!”
“Second Brother Tang?” Liu Mingyuan was surprised. “What a coincidence.”
“My wife said the capital’s night markets are too fun,” Tang Mo replied with a laugh. “She didn’t get enough last time, so here we are again.”
He turned to Yan Wenhui and offered a bow. “Sister Yan.”
Yan Wenhui had met Tang Mo several times before and was reasonably familiar. “You’ve grown far more composed since getting married. Now, aren’t you going to introduce your wife?”
Tang Mo beamed and pulled Xin An forward. “This is my wife, her name is Xin An. I hope you’ll look after her.”
Xin An bowed gracefully. “Young Madam Liu.”
There had been much gossip in the capital about Tang Mo’s bride swap—from noble daughter to merchant’s girl. Many had pitied the change, Yan Wenhui included. But her brother had told her how much Tang Mo cherished this new wife, which piqued her curiosity.
She studied Xin An closely. Her features were radiant, and when she smiled, it was like sunlight breaking through clouds. Standing beside Tang Mo, they looked every bit the golden couple.
“You may call me Sister too, just like Tang Mo.”
Xin An obeyed smoothly and offered another bow. “Greetings, Sister Yan.”
Only then did Yan Wenhui’s gaze shift from Xin An’s face to her attire. One glance told her the outer robe was made of rare fangfang brocade.1 Though she wore only three hairpins, one featured a jeweled butterfly—its pearl-tipped antennae swayed gently as it caught the light, perfectly matching the embroidered butterflies on her robe. The coordination was subtle, tasteful, and exquisite.
Such craftsmanship did not come cheap. The Xin family’s wealth was evident.
Liu Mingyuan, increasingly impressed with Tang Mo, sensed potential friendship. His wife, too, seemed intrigued. What new bride visits the night market twice in one month? Clearly, Xin An was no dull bird.
“They’re from your sister-in-law,” he told his wife. “Those little trinkets I brought back last time—Xin An gave them to me.”
Then he turned to Tang Mo and Xin An. “My wife was so taken with them, she insisted on visiting the market herself. There are plenty of fun places in the capital—next time you want to go out, take her with you.”
Yan Wenhui immediately understood his intention. Her gaze toward Xin An grew warmer. “Sister, you must come visit me sometime.”
- A rare and luxurious traditional Chinese brocade distinguished by a satin base and evenly spaced, colorful squares woven into the fabric. Within these squares, elegant circular or oval designs—such as plum blossoms, magpies, flying phoenixes, or scenic landmarks —add both artistic charm and symbolic meaning. Once prized among the nobility, this luxurious fabric signified wealth, refinement, and elevated status.
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