As commander of the Northern Garrison, Liao Zhi held significant power. Xin An believed it necessary to find a way to connect with the Liao family. At the very least, today’s little performance by Wang Shi hadn’t been in vain—there had been some gains.
“Liao Zhi’s wife is a young lady from the Xu family of Linzhou, the wealthiest household in the region. Their estates span thousands of acres. I still remember the grand spectacle when she married into the capital—it caused quite a stir. Her dowry was exceptionally lavish. Just the grain alone amounted to fifty thousand jin, and it clogged the capital’s wharf for days.”
Xin An recalled the matter as soon as she heard it. “I think I’ve heard something about that. Wasn’t it said that this Madame Xu had a younger sister who married the second son of the Prince of Jin?”
Wang Shi wasn’t certain about that detail, but it wouldn’t be hard to find out. Xin An took a leisurely sip of tea and said, “There’s no rush. As long as they’re in the capital, there’s always a way to find someone who can link us to Liao Zhi.”
Wang Shi nodded, studying Xin An carefully, yet found herself unable to see through her. There were moments when, despite the girl’s youthful face, she gave off the impression of someone from her own generation—especially in the quiet, contemplative moments when that feeling became all the more pronounced.
“Is something on your mind, Mother?”
Xin An looked up, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. Wang Shi smiled back. “I was just thinking how calculating you are. There may not be many places where I can be of help, but if you ever need me to step in, don’t hesitate to say so.”
Xin An didn’t stand on ceremony. “If my husband’s position in the Northern Garrison doesn’t change anytime soon, I may need you to ask Father to step in.”
“That’s hardly difficult. I could see to it today.”
Xin An shook her head. “If we can manage it ourselves, it might be good for Father to see what my husband is capable of.”
Wang Shi thought about it and agreed. “Very well, we’ll do as you say.”
With that matter settled, Xin An told her about Madame Tao’s visit. Wang Shi praised her handling of it. “From now on, if I’m not home, you’ll be in charge of all affairs in the residence. Tomorrow, don’t go out too early—I’ll introduce you to all the stewards in the household.”
After a good while of chatting, Xin An took her leave. On the way back, she was still pondering Tang Rong’s behavior. That man—he truly was a sorry creature. In her previous life, he had practically wanted to turn into a butterfly and flutter into Tao Yiran’s arms, convinced there was no better woman in the world. Now his wish had come true, and they’d only been married a few days… and already the novelty had worn off?
As evening fell, she was surprised to see Tang Mo had returned. The words slipped out of her mouth before she could stop herself.
“The banquet didn’t go well?”
“Nope.”
It was Tang Mo’s first day on duty, and he still carried a trace of excitement. “I didn’t extend any invitations. It felt too hasty. Better to observe for a few days first.”
Before even sitting down, he gulped down a cup of water, then finally took a seat to rest. “But the food you sent today was great. A few men who had been a bit distant toward me this morning warmed up after eating the roast goose you sent. Broke the ice and even chatted with me.”
“Liao Zhi wasn’t there today. His trusted men all went out with him. Word is they’ll return in three days. This gate’s going to be tough to get through.”
Xin An replied calmly, “Every pass is hard, but they can all be passed. I’m going out to the opera tomorrow—might as well gather more information while I’m at it. Who knows? Maybe we’ll find a solution before he even returns.”
Tang Mo leaned back and crossed his legs with great satisfaction. The feeling of not having to fight alone… was simply too good.
Weariness crept in, and he let out two yawns in a row. Xin An, seeing how tired he looked, asked, “What exactly did you do?”
“Just—”
He waved his hand, a little embarrassed to admit that after years of being pampered, he wasn’t used to physical exertion. He hadn’t done anything much, really, but even standing for the length of two incense sticks left him exhausted. “I’m still getting used to things. I have to memorize the layout of the capital’s streets. In seven days, I’ll have to join a patrol.”
“Not much work and still this tired?” Xin An teased. “Didn’t I say you were soft?”
“I propose this: from now on, you should get up early and practice two sets of boxing forms every day. Loosen those bones. Maybe even hire a martial arts instructor to guide you. It’s not like the capital is always peaceful. What if the day comes when they actually need you?”
“Your grandfather earned this title through military merit, on horseback. When it’s your turn, and you go up there swinging your flowery fists around, how disgraceful would that be?”
Tang Mo had to admit she made a good point. Besides, he was already required to wake early for duty. Adding some exercise wouldn’t make much difference. “Still feels like I’ll suffer bitterly for it.”
Xin An leaned closer, bending down until their eyes met. “What kind of man falls into a lotus pond and nearly dies? How weak can you be?”
Tang Mo’s mind went blank.
That wretched woman!!!
Seeing that he was angered, Xin An knew exactly how to reel him back in. “The one across the courtyard already has a reputation for showy martial arts. If you were different—if you were praised as taking after your grandfather—what an honor that would be.”
“That’s something even your father was never credited with.”
Tang Mo was tempted. He imagined himself in a moment of crisis, stepping forward heroically, drawing his sword and capturing the villain in one smooth motion, then landing gracefully—ah, such flair. He could almost applaud himself.
“All right, I’ll do as you say. Starting tomorrow, I’ll get up early to practice. And when I have free time, I’ll train at the martial arts hall. My old instructor opened his own place—he’s actually quite skilled.”
Xin An straightened up. “I knew you had it in you. Granted, mastering martial arts at your age won’t be easy, but you have a foundation. Even if you don’t build a great legacy, at least you’ll be in good health. Next time you fall into a lotus pond, you’ll leap out like a dragon. What could a mere pond do to you?”
What had once been a scandal in his past life had now become a joke. Who knew how long it would continue to haunt him? Tang Mo ground his teeth, vowing that once he made his fortune, he’d have that damned lotus pond filled in for good.
“Well then, we’ve rested enough. Let’s go greet Mother. She’s probably been worried all day.”
“You’re coming with me.”
As if dragging Xin An along could somehow avenge him, Tang Mo huffed. Xin An laughed. “You sound just like the pigs in the countryside. Still grunting.”
Tang Mo rolled his eyes but couldn’t help chuckling as well—who knew what he found so funny? He was just… happy.
At that moment, Tang Gang was also present. Rarely, he took the initiative to ask about Tang Mo’s day. Tang Mo couldn’t help but run his mouth. “Of course I was targeted at every turn. What, did you expect a welcoming parade?”
His words left Tang Gang speechless. His face darkened as he glared at his son. Wang Shi shot Tang Mo a warning look. “Your father asked because he’s concerned. Watch your tone.”
She could quarrel with Tang Gang, but Tang Mo couldn’t. Filial piety came first—no matter what Tang Gang had done, he was still his father. To defy him was to be unfilial. And in the capital, what noble family could endure such a stain?
Tang Mo reluctantly softened. “It wasn’t as bad as I imagined. Some did try to give me a hard time, but others showed a bit of goodwill. After all, I’m from a marquis’s household—they had to give me some face.”
Tang Gang gave a short grunt. “Don’t worry about Liao Zhi. He’s been sent out of the city on an official mission. Once he returns, I’ll host a banquet and smooth things over.”
Tang Mo stared at him in surprise, eyes wide in disbelief. Tang Gang looked up, growing annoyed. “What’s with that expression?”
Tang Mo rubbed his hands together. “Just… caught off guard, I guess.”
This was a first. The old man was actually going to pave the way for him.
“I’m your father—would I ever harm you? There’s a time for urgency and a time for strategy. Don’t be petty.”
Tang Gang was clearly irritated, feeling mocked. Tang Mo quickly put on a grin. “You’re absolutely right, Father.”