Tang Gang didn’t dare lift his head under the weight of the Old Madam’s scolding. Truth be told, he felt some regret—but it was too late for that now. Still, he comforted himself with the thought that Wang Shi had always been magnanimous. A few gifts and some honeyed words would surely smooth things over.
That pitiful display only made the Old Madam’s anger surge. No matter how she looked at him, he grated on her.
“Your father was a warrior his entire life. In old age, he suffered through illness and pain. If only you had shown some backbone, he might’ve passed in peace. When he was alive, he protected the Marquisate. Even ten years after his death, he still protected it. But what about twenty years later? Thirty?”
“What have you ever done for this household?”
“The marquisate is not guaranteed to be passed down without merit. If your sons accomplish nothing, then your line will no longer hold the title.”
The Old Madam had first uttered such harsh words three months after the old master’s passing, when she’d caught Tang Gang in a scandal with a maid. It had wounded her deeply then—and it pained her just as much now to say them again. Tang Gang could no longer sit still. He got down on his knees, quietly kneeling before her.
The Old Madam’s eyes were full of disappointment. “You say I control you, so I let go. But when I stepped back, what did you accomplish?”
“When trouble comes, is bribery the only solution you know?”
Tang Gang had complained more than once about how thin his line was—only two sons, Tang Rong and Tang Mo. None of his concubines had borne children. He often wished for a few daughters to use in marriage alliances. Right now, he was simply thankful the Old Madam hadn’t caught wind of those thoughts.
But midway through her scolding, the Old Madam began to lose steam. If scolding could make someone change, he’d have changed years ago.
In her heart, she knew Tang Gang wasn’t entirely useless. Mediocre, yes, but at least he didn’t bring shame to the family or cause trouble outside. If only he could help the next generation successfully inherit the title, that alone would be enough.
And how sad it was, she thought, that her expectations had fallen so low.
“Get up. You’re not a young man anymore. It’s time you knew your place.”
Tang Gang rose and stepped aside. Ganlu entered just then to report that Tang Rong and Tang Mo were waiting outside. The Old Madam called them in and even let Tang Gang stay seated—an act of consideration to preserve his dignity.
“Grandsons pay their respects to Grandmother.”
Tang Rong and Tang Mo entered side by side. Both were fine-looking men—tall, upright, and dignified. As they stepped forward in unison to bow, the sight pleased the Old Madam.
“Mm. Now that you’re both working official posts, you carry yourselves with more spirit.”
Tang Rong was the first to speak. “Did Grandmother enjoy her time at the estate?”
“I did. If only it hadn’t been so hot.”
Tang Mo smiled and said they should wait until autumn to go again. “Steward Yang said the mountain is full of maple trees. When the leaves turn red, it’ll be a beautiful sight.”
The Old Madam nodded with a smile. But then her tone shifted.
“The other night, I dreamed of your grandfather. He was in full armor, long spear in hand—majestic as ever. But his brows were furrowed, and he said nothing. I woke up thinking… perhaps there’s something that weighs on him.”
Her words took a mystical turn. But no one dared treat a dream of an ancestor lightly. Everyone waited silently for her to continue.
The Old Madam sighed. “I’ve thought it over and can’t see what he might disapprove of. The three of you are healthy and doing well in your duties. The household has welcomed new members—an auspicious sign. I suppose… perhaps he’s still thinking of his old comrades.”
She turned to Tang Gang. “Have you seen to those men in recent years?”
Tang Gang nodded. “We’ve continued to look after the old generals who were close to Father. Every year, the household allocates some money and provisions to support them. But Mother knows the family’s current situation—it’s impossible to care for everyone.”
“If those retired soldiers are to have true security, it would have to come from the court. But if our Marquisate brings it up, people will say we’ve handed over our military command yet still wish to win hearts among the troops.”
In the early years, the Marquisate had indeed supported quite a few veterans. That generosity, however, brought a steady stream of people coming to the door, asking for help. If the household had endless wealth, that might have been sustainable—but with limited resources, they had no choice but to prioritize those whose support benefited the family most. It wasn’t ideal, but it was reality.
On this point, the Old Madam found Tang Gang not entirely without sense. Her gaze shifted toward Tang Mo. “These two children are grown now—married, with official duties. They can share your burdens. The elder one is in the Ministry of Rites, where affairs must be complex and the footing still unsteady. As a father, you must support him more where you can.”
Tang Gang nodded quickly. “Even if you hadn’t said so, I would’ve done it. I’m not much myself, but I hope my sons can go farther than I ever did.”
The Old Madam gave a quiet “Mm.” “The younger one is with the Northern Garrison. His post may be less demanding than the Ministry, and he’ll find it easier to take leave. In my opinion, some matters should be handed over to him.”
Everyone knew the Northern Garrison was a posting often given to young nobles to “polish their resumes.” Many loafed around, coming and going as they pleased. So what the Old Madam said wasn’t inaccurate.
“Young one,” she addressed Tang Mo, “you’ve heard your father. Though our household isn’t flush with silver and can’t help everyone, we shouldn’t let those truly struggling be left behind. You have more idle time—besides the regular annual support, see if there are other families in hardship. We can’t allow people to grow too cold-hearted. At the very least, let your grandfather’s spirit rest easy.”
Before Tang Gang could respond, Tang Mo had already stepped forward to accept the task. “The major affairs of the household are handled by Father and Elder Brother. I know little, but I will do my utmost to share their burden and honor Grandfather’s memory.”
Tang Gang hadn’t intended to stop him anyway. Those he found useful had already received help for years. The rest—those with no value to the household—were only a burden. Having someone else go placate them suited him just fine. Magnanimously, he added, “I’ll allocate some silver for you to use. But make sure the accounts are well kept, in case we need to review them.”
Tang Rong was unfazed. As long as the key connections weren’t falling into Tang Mo’s hands, it didn’t matter. He turned to him and cupped his hands. “Then we’ll be relying on you, Second Brother.”
“To ease the load on Father and Elder Brother—what hardship is there in that?” Tang Mo replied with a smile.
So harmonious they were—brotherly affection on full display.
The Old Madam gave Ganlu a look. Ganlu left and shortly returned from the storehouse, leading a few servants who carried in three heavy chests. When opened, they revealed rare treasures and fine jadeware.
Tang Gang’s lips curled faintly in satisfaction. Tang Rong tried hard to control his expression, keeping his features calm and composed. Tang Mo’s eyes, meanwhile, gleamed with joy.
The Old Madam took in their reactions with quiet scrutiny.
“I seldom interfere in household affairs,” she said. “With all my children and grandchildren around, all I wish for is to enjoy my remaining years in peace. So I’ll have to ask more of you all.”
“These three chests—one for each of you. I don’t approve of solving problems with bribes, but proper social courtesy is still necessary. Your grandfather left behind these items, and when I’m gone, they’ll be yours anyway. For now, I’ll let you use them. However you spend them is your concern. But one thing—I won’t be giving you anything else for the next three years.”
Three chests of treasures, in exchange for three years of peace—
The Old Madam thought it was a fine bargain.