When Nanny Liu went to invite Xin An for lunch, she returned empty-handed. “Second Young Madam has gone out—said she’s bringing food to Second Young Master.”
“Bringing food?” Madame Tao raised an eyebrow. “The Northern Garrison doesn’t provide meals?”
Of course the Northern Garrison provided meals—and Xin An knew that perfectly well. But she deliberately pretended otherwise, leading a group of attendants while carrying a lunch box brimming with dishes. Once they reached the gate, they had to wait quite some time before being granted entry.
It was right around lunchtime, and Tang Mo was in the mess hall. The room was rowdy with officers talking and eating all at once. When a beautiful woman appeared at the doorway, curious glances were cast in her direction.
Tang Mo quickly stepped forward to block their view and ushered her to the side. “Why are you here?”
Xin An slipped seamlessly into her role, speaking with feigned unease. “I brought you lunch… I didn’t know they provided food here.”
She reached for his hand and, under cover of a timid expression, gave him a sharp pinch. “Did I embarrass you?”
Several of the men, amused by the scene, looked on with teasing smiles. Tang Mo, wincing from the pinch, hurriedly grabbed her hand. “No, it’s my fault—I forgot to tell you they serve food here. I won’t go hungry.”
“Second Brother Tang, now that’s not right,” someone chimed in. “You made your wife walk all the way here under the sun? Hurry up and apologize.”
After Tang Gang offended Liao Zhi, Tang Mo had inevitably taken some collateral damage. He’d already been given a harsh welcome upon arrival. Most people hadn’t been particularly warm toward him today. But Tang Gang was still a marquis, and the old Tang patriarch’s legacy remained. Those from lesser backgrounds didn’t dare make things too difficult for Tang Mo—they simply kept their distance.
Mealtime was when everyone relaxed the most—the mood was at its highest then. Xin An had chosen this time on purpose. As a few people egged them on, she lowered her head with a ‘shy’ expression. “Do you still want the lunch box or not?”
“Of course we do! If Second Brother Tang won’t eat it, we will!” someone called out.
The one who started the teasing was Zhuang Shi, from the Yongshuang Bo Manor. The Zhuang family’s circumstances were quite similar to the Tang family’s. Though they hadn’t officially abandoned the military path, few of their sons remained in active service—otherwise, Zhuang Shi wouldn’t be loafing about in the Northern Garrison either.
Their families had ties, so Zhuang Shi giving Tang Mo some face wasn’t unexpected.
With Zhuang Shi leading the ruckus, others joined in. Xin An ‘blushed’ and quickly turned to leave with her attendants, walking off at a brisk pace. Tang Mo watched her retreating figure, momentarily dazed.
Zhuang Shi chuckled as he lifted the lunch box and brought it inside. “Second Brother Tang is so taken with his wife’s back that he forgot to follow her in. Let’s take a look and see what delicacies she’s packed.”
Several men happily carried their bowls over. The box revealed an array of roasted chicken, grilled duck, and even an orange-glazed smoked goose—there was seafood too.
Someone exaggeratedly praised, “Second Brother Tang sure eats well.”
“I’ve heard the Xin family is wealthy. Clearly, the rumors are true.”
“Second Brother Tang, hope you don’t mind—we’re digging in!”
Tang Mo smiled as he entered the hall. “Let everyone have a good laugh. She already brought it here—can’t exactly send it back now.”
“That’s a wife’s heartfelt gesture—bringing a meal like that. Second Brother Tang, you’re truly blessed.”
“That’s right. Around here, you’re the first man to have his wife bring him a homemade meal. Secretly pleased, aren’t you?”
Thanks to the dishes Xin An had brought, the others’ attitude toward Tang Mo softened by the afternoon. At the very least, they were willing to clue him in on some of the Northern Garrison’s rules. Tang Mo, ever adept in social situations and utterly unpretentious, greeted everyone with a cheerful smile—leaving those who had planned to find fault with him without a single excuse to do so.
By the time Xin An returned to the residence, Madame Tao had already departed. For some unknown reason, Tao Yiran had quarreled with Tang Rong. Rumor had it that Tang Rong had stormed off in a huff.
“He can storm off all he likes—what’s he going to do, walk out of the courtyard? I’d bet he doesn’t even make it past the gates,” Xin An remarked coolly.
Nanfeng grinned. “He stormed right back into the study.”
Sitting down to enjoy a cup of tea, Xin An set aside the cup and began planning for the opera outing the next day. “Choose something bright and vivid to wear, but go light on the jewelry. Don’t be too plain.”
Nanny Wang, concerned about first impressions, thought Xin An should dress more modestly for her first encounter with the noblewomen of the capital—best not to outshine anyone.
“Everyone knows my father is a salt merchant. If I dress too plainly, won’t that suggest he isn’t making any money?” Xin An said with a smile.
In her past life, she had endured plenty of ridicule for dressing too modestly. Besides, she never cared for dull clothing. “Time passes quickly—I only have a few years to wear bright colors. There’ll be plenty of time for somber tones later.”
Nanny Wang worried Xin An might draw too much attention, especially from those who might covet the Xin family’s wealth. But Xin An didn’t mind.
“Who decided that the Tang family alone gets to spend the Xin family’s silver?”
“My father’s a merchant—he naturally puts profit first.”
Nanny Wang wanted to caution her further, but Xin An stood and changed the subject. “Nanny Wang, what do you think of how the Tang family handled the marriage exchange?”
“What do you think of how the Marquis treats Second Young Master?”
Nanny Wang fell silent, realizing she lacked the knowledge or experience to judge. In the end, she said nothing at all and simply focused on preparing Xin An’s attire for the following day with a cheerful heart.
“As for tomorrow’s outing, Chunyang and Nanfeng will accompany me.”
Nanfeng was overjoyed. Being chosen to accompany her mistress out was a great honor, and she immediately agreed with a radiant smile. Chunlu, however, looked displeased.
Xin An explained, “Nanfeng is more familiar with the capital. If you want to go out too, you’ll need to be better informed than she is. Imagine someone greets me on the street, and I don’t know who they are—and neither do you. Wouldn’t that be embarrassing?”
“I’ll ask Mother to lend us someone well-acquainted with the capital. The rest of you must study hard. When we go out, you’ll be my eyes.”
Chunyang, Chunlu, and Nanny Wang all nodded firmly. Chunlu, remembering Xia’er—the girl they’d brought back—mentioned her to Xin An. Xin An asked that she be brought in for a look.
These past few days, Xia’er had been staying in the servants’ quarters of the marquis residence. Aside from learning rules, she helped with various chores. Even so, compared to her previous life, this was a world of difference.
Now, she was freshly washed from head to toe, dressed in a new servant’s uniform just like the others. Someone had even styled her hair into a maid’s knot, though it was a bit thin and slightly dry.
“Greetings to Second Young Madam.”
After several days of training, her manners were presentable.
“Rise,” Xin An said. “You look much better now. Are you adjusting well?”
“Yes, Second Young Madam. The residence is wonderful.” Xia’er was clearly excited—she spoke more than usual. “I sleep on a bed now, with a blanket. I have new clothes—two whole sets. I eat till I’m full. The work isn’t hard. I’ve never had a better life. I’m so grateful to Second Young Madam.”
“My cousin and I both cherish this opportunity. He says we must work hard and never bring shame to Second Young Master or Second Young Madam.”
Realizing she had perhaps said too much, she lowered her head and nervously clutched her sleeve.
Xin An smiled. “It’s clear from how much you’re talking that you truly like it here. That’s good. Learn well and serve properly. There’ll be more tasks for you in the future.”
Xia’er quickly agreed. After receiving a plate of pastries from Chunlu, she was led away.
Nanny Wang remarked that the girl seemed clever. “With proper training, she’ll be fit for service.”
“But all her family—her parents and brothers—were sold off by Second Young Master. Even if they didn’t treat her well, they’re still her blood. Who’s to say she doesn’t harbor resentment?”
Xin An didn’t plan to entrust her with anything important. “Keep a close eye on her.”
“The real concern,” she added, “is her cousin.”