“The Eldest Young Madam hasn’t sent anything?”
Housekeeper Zhang, a long-standing servant in the residence, had once enjoyed the Marquis’s favor. He had grown up alongside Tang Gang, and his status in the household was second only to that of the masters themselves.
Given that he managed nearly all affairs within the residence, even Tang Rong and Tang Mo treated him with utmost respect. Now that his elderly mother’s birthday had come around, it was only natural that the household would offer gifts.
“You jest, My Lord. To have Second Young Madam remember us at all is already a blessing. How could we possibly expect attention from all the masters?”
Tang Gang frowned deeply, sensing that everything he had said to Tang Rong previously had gone in one ear and out the other. There wasn’t the slightest sign of change.
Housekeeper Zhang still stood smiling pleasantly to the side. After observing the two young Madams over the past few days, he had gleaned a few insights. The heir might well come to regret things in the end.
In the end, Tang Gang could not bear to see his beloved eldest son fall behind. That evening, he summoned Tang Rong, and upon seeing that his injuries had mostly healed, nodded in satisfaction. He instructed him not to idle further and to thoroughly study the regulations of the Ministry of Rites, making up for lost time. Only then did he bring up the matter of Housekeeper Zhang’s mother’s birthday.
“Your sister-in-law already sent a gift today. She’s already ahead of you two. Don’t tell me you haven’t even prepared anything yet.”
Tang Rong truly had not known about this and quickly said he would prepare something upon returning and send it over first thing tomorrow.
“Hmph!”
Tang Gang let out a cold snort. “Even Autumn Harvest Courtyard got wind of this, and yet Spring Blossom Courtyard remained in the dark. Have you never thought to question why?”
Tang Rong lowered his head and said nothing. Tang Gang sighed and decided it was time to apply pressure.
“You are my firstborn son—born when I was full of hope and expectations. From the moment you came into this world, I have held high hopes for you.”
“Your mother isn’t wrong. Between you and your brother, I have always favored you. But you must prove yourself worthy of that favor. You’ve only just married, yet Autumn Harvest Courtyard has already taken initiative. Today, they even received an invitation from the Liu family. It shows they’ve been busy, both inside and outside the residence. And Spring Blossom Courtyard…”
He looked up at Tang Rong. “You know full well the state of things. In the residence, you’re deaf and blind; outside, even worse. Your younger brother has even helped your Second Uncle—Tang Yaoming has now joined the Censorate. Who knows how far he’ll go in the future? You’ve lost the advantage. If you continue with no strategy, then the resources of this household can no longer be yours alone. As your father, I must consider the future of the Marquisate.”
It was a reprimand, yes, but also the truth. If Tang Rong ended up failing entirely, even if it meant swallowing his pride, Tang Gang would have no choice but to rely on Tang Mo. He could not risk the future of the entire household.
Tang Rong’s heart dropped. He clasped his hands and bowed. “Your son understands.”
Tang Gang waved him off and, after a moment of thought, sent someone to inquire about where Tang Mo had gone that day.
At that moment, Tang Mo was hosting a banquet at a tavern for Liu Mingyuan. Liu had not only arrived on time but also brought two colleagues with him. After all, this matter could not be accomplished by one man alone. Yan Shimao and others were also present. Tang Yaoming, caught between excitement and nerves, felt more grateful than ever to Tang Mo. Though not a good drinker, he ended up downing several cups, his face as red as Guan Gong1, giggling foolishly at every jest.
Most relationships were forged this way—you help me with something, I introduce you to my circle. Once you’re acquainted, it’s easier to know whom to turn to when a need arises.
“My cousin’s not bad, right? Just one word—genuine.”
“Second Young Master Tang is a genuine man indeed. And since Brother Yaoming is also of the Tang family, no wonder he’s just as sincere. Look how red his face is! Hahaha!”
“Brother Yaoming, you should drink with us more often. The more you practice, the better your tolerance.”
The group of young men laughed heartily. Tang Yaoming stood with his cup raised high, intending to propose a toast—but forgot what he meant to say, staring at them foolishly before blurting, “I—I’ll drink this one for you all!”
With that, he downed the entire cup in one go, prompting another round of boisterous laughter. Everyone gave him face and drank with him. Even Liu Mingyuan and his companions were soon laughing along. When the time felt right, the banquet ended, and the tipsy group finally left the tavern, lingering at the entrance for a while before parting ways.
The two men who had come with Liu Mingyuan sighed in relief. “They say Second Young Master Tang and his friends enjoy their pleasures. I was half afraid he’d invite us to a brothel.”
Liu Mingyuan chuckled. “These few only gather to drink and eat. Though their families indulge them somewhat, they’re still disciplined. The red-light districts are off limits.”
The two nodded, changing their view of Tang Mo and his companions. They didn’t seem as wild or disreputable as the rumors suggested.
Yan Shimao pulled Tang Mo aside to offer a reminder, telling him to send generous gifts to those two officials. After all, no one could make this happen alone.
Tang Mo naturally understood. “I’ll take care of it tomorrow. I won’t let anything fall through. Liu Mingyuan deserves one too. As for you…”
“No need between brothers.”
“Now, that won’t do.” Tang Mo grinned. “I need to help you shine in front of your wife. I’ll leave that task to mine.”
Yan Shimao didn’t refuse. He was a married man too—what husband didn’t want to look good in front of his wife?
Tang Yaoming, completely drunk, had slumped against the carriage, about to fall asleep. Tang Mo helped him inside, waved the others goodbye, and escorted him back home.
It was the first time Tang Yaoming had handled such an important affair. Tang Yong and You Shi were both anxious and had come to wait in the front courtyard. Gu Shi was there too. When they heard Tang Mo had brought him back, they hurried out to meet him.
Tang Mo scratched his head sheepishly. “He was in good spirits and had a few too many drinks. Cousin is completely out. I’m afraid we’ll have to trouble Sister-in-law to prepare some hangover soup, or he won’t be getting up tomorrow.”
Gu Shi stepped forward to help. “Already prepared. Second Brother, why don’t you have a bowl too before you go?”
“No need. My wife’s already made some for me.”
Tang Mo helped get Tang Yaoming settled before stepping outside to report the identities and addresses of the two officials to Tang Yong. The latter beamed. “We’ll thank them properly tomorrow. You worked hard tonight—must’ve had more than a few drinks.”
Tang Mo laughed. “We’re kin. Helping each other is only natural. Now I have connections in the Censorate too. Just thinking about it makes me happy—no hardship at all.”
“If you ever need anything, come to me. By the way, do you have enough silver? I’ll send some over tomorrow.”
“I’m good.”
Tang Yong said he might not be particularly accomplished, but he did have a few businesses under him. “We’re not rich, but we live comfortably. You don’t need to worry about us. But if you ever need anything, come to your Second Uncle. Don’t always rely on your father-in-law.”
He didn’t want the Xin family to look down on Tang Mo.
Tang Mo accepted the advice with a smile, didn’t linger, and returned home. When he arrived at Autumn Harvest Courtyard, Xin An hadn’t yet gone to bed. Seeing him return, she mentioned that the hangover soup was warming on the small stove nearby.
Tang Mo cheerfully lifted the lid and picked up the porcelain bowl. He blew on it carefully at first, but upon finding it was just right, downed it all in one gulp. Setting the bowl down, he flopped onto the beauty couch and let out a long, contented sigh.
Xin An yawned. “Well? Did everything go smoothly?”
- Guan Gong – Refers to Guan Yu (关羽), a legendary general from the Three Kingdoms period, widely revered for his loyalty and valor. He is often depicted with a bright red face, symbolizing righteousness and heroic strength. ↩︎