Tang Gang had never particularly liked the sight of Tang Mo. But ever since Tang Mo had helped secure a post for Tang Yaoming, his attitude had softened somewhat. Even if Tang Mo still behaved without the slightest decorum in his presence, Tang Gang no longer found him quite so disagreeable.
Wang Shi, however, paid no mind to what Tang Gang thought. She turned to Tang Mo with concern, asking about his first day on duty—whether he had been bullied, if he was adjusting well, and so on.
“Still getting used to it.”
When speaking with his mother, Tang Mo’s demeanor changed completely. “You know, Mother, this is my first official post—I was overjoyed at first, but once I arrived, I felt uneasy, unsure of what I was supposed to do. Give me a couple more days to find my footing.”
Wang Shi’s heart ached for him. “Your Second Aunt brought over some jerky and sweets for you today. Take them back with you later—wrap them in oil paper and keep them in your pouch. If you get hungry, they’ll tide you over.”
Tang Gang couldn’t bear to listen anymore. “Spare the rod, spoil the child. He’s a grown man—so what if he goes hungry a few times? Now he’s taking jerky and candy to work? Why don’t we just assign him a wet nurse while we’re at it, and give people something to really laugh at.”
Wang Shi countered matter-of-factly, “Whether he takes them or not is up to him. But you two make sure to bring them back later—they’re good for snacking when there’s nothing else.”
Tang Mo grinned. “Second Uncle’s shop makes the best jerky—flavorful and filling. He promised to bring me some last time, and now that I’ve finished it, I’ll be going back for more.”
Wang Shi laughed. “Your Second Aunt said the same. If you want something, just ask one of the servants.”
Just then, Steward Zhang arrived with a basket of grapes. “These are from Second Master’s estate. Young Master Yaoming’s courtyard grapes are ripe, and the Second Young Madam thought you’d like to try some.”
“They’re from my cousin-sister,” Xin An said as she stepped forward to receive the basket with a smile. “When I last visited, the grapes were still tart. She said she’d send some once they ripened.”
She popped one in her mouth and smiled, “They really are sweet now. Last time they were so sour.”
“Quick, go wash a few bunches,” someone said.
Before that, Tang Mo grabbed two bunches and handed them to Steward Zhang. “I remember Old Madam Zhang likes these. Take some back for her to enjoy.”
The steward beamed. “Much appreciated, Second Young Master.”
Chunyang returned swiftly with the cleaned grapes. Xin An brought them to Wang Shi, who peeled one and tried it. “Truly sweet.”
Tang Mo leaned in to have one himself and agreed that it was delicious. The mother and son trio sat together, snacking and laughing, while Tang Gang watched silently. Xin An gave Tang Mo a look, and only then did he offer a bunch to his father. “You should try some too, Father. These are even better than what you get at the market.”
Xin An chimed in, “Cousin-sister said the vines were personally cultivated by Lord Gu himself. They’re large, juicy, and sweet—eight parts sweet, two parts tart. Please have a taste, Father.”
Tang Gang took the bunch and plucked a grape. “I’ve heard of these. Lord Gu sends them to the palace every year. His Majesty even mentioned them twice, saying they’re unmatched in the entire capital.”
Though he wasn’t familiar with Lord Gu and had never tasted his grapes before, Tang Gang felt a twinge of envy—not just for the fruit, but for Tang Mo’s easy closeness with Tang Yong.
Tang Mo looked curious. “Are Lord Gu’s grapes even better than these?”
Xin An, holding the platter, nodded as she ate. “Cousin-sister said her vines were planted by Lord Gu himself, but no matter how well she tends them, they never match the quality of his. She promised to bring back a couple of bunches for me next time so I can taste the difference.”
“Be sure to save some for me then.”
“Of course.”
Just then, Tang Rong walked in and caught sight of the cozy scene—four people gathered together, each with a plate of grapes, chatting and laughing as they ate. The warmth of the moment hit him like a punch to the gut, leaving him momentarily stunned.
Tang Mo smiled and greeted him, “Big Brother, your timing is perfect. Second Uncle just sent these grapes over—we saved two bunches for you and Sister-in-law.”
Seeing the look of betrayal flicker across Tang Rong’s face brought Tang Mo no small satisfaction. If getting chummy with the old man could rattle him like this, then I wouldn’t mind playing the part of filial son more often.
he grapes had arrived at the perfect moment.
Tang Rong cupped his hands in greeting to everyone, hesitating slightly as though he had something to say. Wang Shi, ever “considerate,” offered gently, “Is there something you wish to discuss with your father?”
Tang Rong had come to assert his presence—he wanted to show his father that he had been working diligently, but it wasn’t something he could declare outright. So he said, “I have a few matters I’d like to consult Father about.”
Wang Shi smiled and turned to Tang Gang. “Since it’s official business, why not speak in the study?”
“Shall we dine together this evening?” she added.
Tang Gang nodded, and Wang Shi instructed someone to send for Tao Yiran.
Once the father and son left, Tang Mo burst into laughter. “Did you see the look on his face? Like I’d stolen Father away from him—almost made me laugh out loud.”
Wang Shi shook her head helplessly. “You never act properly.”
“He may be flawed, but he has his strengths. You should learn to see those. Lately, he’s just been a bit unlucky.”
Tang Mo grinned. “I’m well aware of his capabilities—I’d never underestimate him.”
In the study, Tang Rong presented himself more competently than ever before—as a proper heir to a noble title. When speaking about matters related to the Ministry of Rites, he was clear and well-reasoned. He even laid out a detailed plan for how he intended to conduct himself after entering the ministry. Tang Gang, who had recently felt disappointed in his eldest son, found himself heartened.
“Because of my Second Uncle’s connections with the Northern Garrison, things have been a bit tense. I hoped Father might find a good opportunity to host Commander Liao from the Northern Garrison, to help smooth things over. That way, it might ease things for Second Brother.”
“I also intend to visit some acquaintances and pull a few strings within the garrison to ensure they look after him.”
Who could say he wasn’t a generous and thoughtful elder brother? Tang Gang smiled, patting his arm. “I have arrangements in place for your brother. Just focus on your duties—establish yourself in the Ministry of Rites as soon as you can.”
In this son, he saw every dream he’d ever had for a firstborn fulfilled.
Moved by the rare sense of fatherly warmth, Tang Rong quietly mocked himself for being so paranoid—how could he have felt a flicker of jealousy toward Tang Mo?
Tao Yiran arrived late. By the time she entered, everyone was already seated. Dressed in a gown of pale moonlight white, she looked especially delicate. A simple white jade hairpin added to her understated elegance. But Tang Gang frowned deeply. While the Tang household might not be in its prime, it still bore the lingering prestige of the late marquis. Her appearance today, so plain and subdued, felt almost like an omen of ill fortune.
Tang Rong rose to assist her, carefully helping her to sit. Though he was a devoted husband, in Tang Gang’s eyes, it all seemed out of place—as if his son, exemplary in so many ways, lacked judgment when it came to household matters.
Wang Shi had no intention of playing the gracious matriarch. As the mother-in-law, refraining from tormenting her daughter-in-law was kindness enough. She said curtly to the group, “Since everyone is here, let’s begin the meal.”
Tang Gang was the first to pick up his chopsticks and take a bite. Only then did the others start eating. Throughout the meal, no one spoke. Afterward, there was no leisurely walk, no shared tea—everyone went their separate ways.
Tang Gang remained seated. Once the others had gone, he said to Wang Shi, “The eldest daughter-in-law is out of line. You should find time to speak to her.”
Wang Shi sipped her tea. Setting the cup down, she replied, “If it were the second daughter-in-law, I’d say what needed to be said. If she made a mistake, I’d point it out. I’d scold her if I had to.”
“But the eldest daughter-in-law? That’s another matter entirely. If I speak harshly, I’ll be branded an unkind stepmother. You saw it yourself—more delicate by the day, like a willow in the wind. She’s even planning to come pay her respects to me tomorrow morning. And if she faints at my feet, won’t I become the wicked mother-in-law who torments her daughter-in-law? What would the Tao family think then?”