RMBLCUCS – Chapter 23: Tang Mo’s Triumph
Inside Spring Sun Courtyard, Tao Yiran was carefully trimming flower branches with a pair of scissors, her mood noticeably good. She looked up when she saw Tang Rong return. “Rong Lang,1 you’re back?”
Tang Rong sat down beside her and commented on how beautifully the flowers were blooming. Tao Yiran gently stroked a petal and smiled, “I was thinking of setting up a flower trellis in the courtyard. The fragrance of the blossoms is so soothing—it would make the place even more delightful.”
Tang Rong had a lot on his mind, so he merely responded with a smile before asking, “Why didn’t you go to greet Grandmother today?”
“I originally planned to,” Tao Yiran replied softly, “but I felt a little dizzy this morning and decided to rest instead.”
Ever since she had learned that the old matriarch had come from a mere landowning family, she had lost much of her regard for her. Seeing the matriarch’s residence filled with garish decorations had only solidified her disdain. Of course, Tang Rong had no idea she felt this way and continued to gently persuade her, suggesting that, when she felt better, she should visit the old matriarch and chat with her. Tao Yiran nodded casually, but whether she would actually go or not was entirely up to her.
As Tang Rong entered the room, he noticed a famille rose entwined-branch vase sitting on the desk by the window. He picked it up for a closer look.
Tao Yiran explained, “It was brought over from my dowry today. This vase originally sat in my bedroom—I always used it for arranging flowers.”
Tang Rong’s eyes lit up with admiration. “This looks even more exquisite than Grandmother’s vase.”
“My father brought it back from his post when he was in office. He cherished it, but later, when he saw how much I liked it, he gave it to me.”
Tao Yiran sat beside him, still talking about how she would have fresh flowers cut and arranged in the vase tomorrow. Tang Rong hesitated for a moment, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he remained silent. Looking around the room, he noticed a few more newly placed decorations, all of them high-quality pieces. His heart filled with joy, and his affection for Tao Yiran deepened even further.
It was nearly midnight when Tang Mo returned home, reeking of alcohol. Unfortunately for him, he ran into Tang Gang, who was also heavily drunk. The two locked eyes at the mansion’s entrance. Before Tang Gang could explode in anger, Tang Mo quickly spoke up, “I was with my father-in-law today, having a few drinks with him.”
Tang Gang let out a cold “hmph”. The very thought of his good-for-nothing son, who excelled at nothing but drinking and fighting over things, only made his anger rise. As Tang Mo tried to slip away, Tang Gang called out, “Once your father-in-law leaves, you’ll report to the Northern Guard for training.”
“I understand, Father,” Tang Mo answered at once.
Tang Gang nodded in approval before adding, “This opportunity to train with the Northern Guard was originally meant for your brother, but I have given it to you instead. You must work hard and not slack off.”
Tang Mo was far from thrilled, but he knew better than to complain. If he said anything, his father might revoke the opportunity altogether.
“You took your brother’s post, so I must make new arrangements for him,” Tang Gang continued. “I plan to place him in the Ministry of Rites. Minister Wang holds your brother in high regard, so I—”
Sensing that whatever came next wouldn’t be in his favor, Tang Mo swiftly interrupted, “Big Brother is so capable—he will surely thrive wherever he goes. The Ministry of Rites is one of the Six Ministries, a prestigious place to serve. I sincerely wish my brother great success.”
Then, without waiting for a response, he turned and bolted.
Tang Gang’s face darkened with displeasure. He had planned to tell Tang Mo to hand over the famille rose vase for a gift, but the boy had slipped away too fast. The opportunity had passed.
Tang Mo sprinted all the way back to Autumn Fruits Courtyard, collapsing onto Xin An’s beauty couch, gasping for breath.
Xin An raised an eyebrow. “Did you run all the way back? Was a dog chasing you?”
Tang Mo froze for a moment, then burst out laughing. The more he laughed, the harder it became to stop, as if he had just rid himself of a great burden.
Xin An frowned in confusion. “Are you insane?”
Noticing a few wooden boxes he had brought back, she curiously stepped forward to inspect them. Tang Mo, still grinning, kicked off his boots and shifted into a more comfortable position.
“I went out with your brother today,” he sighed dramatically. “Compared to him, I really must be getting old. I’m exhausted from walking around all day.”
Xin An glanced at the items inside the boxes and was surprised. “Did you buy out the entire Imperial Medical Bureau?”
He had not only brought back Vital Energy Pills but also Rejuvenation Pills and Nourishing Beauty Cream.
Tang Mo smirked proudly. “I bought everything useful. These are for you, Grandmother, and Mother. Don’t women love these kinds of things? They’ll come in handy.”
“My mother-in-law’s share has already been personally delivered,” he added smugly. “You should’ve seen how delighted she was—she looked at me like I was her own son.”
Back when he had given gifts to Tao Yiran’s mother, she had only nodded politely and said, “You are very thoughtful.” The response had felt indifferent and perfunctory.
But today, his mother-in-law’s face lit up with joy. She kept calling him “good son-in-law”, which gave him a huge sense of satisfaction. He felt so pleased with himself that he wanted to send her even more gifts. Even his father-in-law had given him a friendly look for the first time. As for Xin Huan, his brother-in-law, the boy practically worshiped him now.
“I told Mother-in-law that whenever she finishes them, she should send word, and I’ll have more delivered. She needs to have something to show off when she goes home.”
“I even stayed for dinner with Father-in-law. We drank together—he has an incredible tolerance, truly impressive. If Mother-in-law hadn’t stepped in, I probably wouldn’t have made it back tonight.”
Tang Mo was in high spirits, unable to stop talking. His joy was infectious, and a small, unconscious smile appeared on Xin An’s lips, though she didn’t realize it.
By the time he finally quieted down, he had already fallen asleep. Xin An couldn’t be bothered to wake him, so she had Spring Sun bring a thin blanket to cover him. That night, she too slept peacefully.
Tang Mo woke up by falling off the couch. The beauty couch was narrow, and he had rolled over in his sleep. As he groggily pulled himself up, the events of last night came back to him. The moment he recalled how much his in-laws adored him, a grin spread across his face.
His laughter was so loud that it woke Xin An. She propped herself up on one arm, poking her head out from behind the bed curtains. “What are you laughing about so early in the morning? Are you trying to scare someone?”
Xin An’s naturally delicate features looked even more enchanting in the morning light. Her eyes were still drowsy, her long raven-black hair cascading over her shoulders, giving her an air of languid charm. A trace of dissatisfaction lingered on her face, mixed with a hint of playful sulkiness.
Tang Mo had been about to retort, but suddenly, he hesitated. Feeling a bit flustered, he cleared his throat. “Did I wake you?”
For some reason, his tone softened.
Xin An pulled back the bed curtains and sat cross-legged on the bed, stretching lazily as she yawned. Her teary eyes shimmered in the morning light. She muttered, “It’s time for morning greetings… When will I finally get to be the elder in the family?”
“Didn’t you already have your turn?” Tang Mo teased. “Being young is great! Hurry up and get ready—I’m coming with you today to curry favor.”
As he spoke, a playful smirk curled on his lips. He was about to pinch her cheek, but the thought made him shudder. He nearly forgot how dangerous this woman was beneath her pretty face.
“I’ll wash up next door.”
As soon as he left, Chunyang and Chunlü rushed in.
- “Rong Lang” (荣郎) is a term of endearment in classical Chinese, where “Lang” (郎) was often used by women to refer affectionately to their husbands or beloved men, conveying admiration and intimacy. In historical contexts, noble and well-bred women commonly used such terms to address their spouses in a refined and poetic manner. By calling Tang Rong “Rong Lang,” Tao Yiran expresses her deep affection and admiration for him, reinforcing her devotion and the romanticized image she holds of him. ↩︎