Chapter 39: Tang Rong Beaten into a Pig's Head

Chapter 39: Tang Rong Beaten into a Pig's Head

Today, Tang Gang took Tang Rong with him to host a banquet for Vice Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites. Naturally, there were others accompanying them at the table. After the meal, someone suggested going out to relax. As for where they would go, everyone wore meaningful smiles. Among those present, only Tang Rong, being the junior, took the initiative to excuse himself early, earning a few playful jests from the officials.

Unexpectedly, shortly after Tang Rong's carriage left the gates, it was blocked by a crowd. "There were hardly any people on the street, but those people rushed up and started smashing things, even dragging the Heir Apparent out of the carriage to beat him."

Tang Rong's manservant, Qing Mo, had one swollen eye, bruised cheeks, and a bleeding lip. He grimaced in pain. "Halfway through the beating, someone suddenly shouted that they had hit the wrong person—that it wasn't him. Only then did the people beating me and the Heir Apparent stop. They even tossed us a piece of broken silver, saying it was to soothe our nerves."

Tang Gang, who had been summoned back in an emergency, had a dark, grim expression. Seeing his son beaten into a pig's head, his anger flared, and he glared at Tang Mo. "And what about you?"

Tang Mo looked like a cornered quail. "I was coming out of Grandmother's courtyard when I saw two people limping in from a distance. They were acting so suspicious that I thought they were thieves, so I called for the patrolling guards."

"How could I have guessed it was Eldest Brother? Not only was it too dark to see clearly, but Eldest Brother has always been a dignified man who walks like a pine tree; how could he be acting suspicious? I truly didn't do it on purpose."

Everyone's gaze fell upon Tang Rong. He had been beaten the worst; both his eyes were swollen shut, his nose was slightly crooked, his hair was disheveled, and his silk clothes were wrinkled and covered in large footprints. Tao Yiran was weeping profusely. Tang Rong's mouth twitched, his face contorting in pain so much that he couldn't speak. Qing Mo hurriedly interjected

"The Heir Apparent said these are just superficial injuries and there is no need to alarm everyone. We just need to apply some medicine back at Chunhua Courtyard. That is why we intentionally avoided the patrolling guards when entering; it wasn't because we were being suspicious."

Tang Gang continued to stare at Tang Mo. "Do you dare say this wasn't intentional?"

Tang Mo immediately knelt and cried out his innocence. "In all these years, when has your son ever done such a thing? Even when Eldest Brother and I have disagreements, I address them on the spot. Furthermore, whenever I encounter him outside the Marquis's manor, I treat him with utmost respect. I have always remembered what Father said: no matter how much resentment one holds at home, one must not let others see us making a fool of ourselves once we step outside."

"Besides, Eldest Brother and I have no deep-seated vendetta. Calling the guards was purely a misunderstanding."

Anger surged in Tang Gang's heart. Firstly, his precious son had been beaten into this pig-like state, which pained him; secondly, he was due to take up his post at the Ministry of Rites tomorrow—how could he show up looking like this?

He would have to personally explain this to Vice Minister Wang, and if word got out, it would become a laughingstock.

The dignified Heir Apparent of the Marquis's manor had actually been beaten like this by street thugs—where was the prestige of the Marquis's house?

Lady Wang stepped forward to persuade him, "Marquis, please calm your anger. The priority now is to send the Heir Apparent back to Chunhua Courtyard to get cleaned up. The physician will be here soon, and the Heir Apparent's injuries cannot be delayed, especially his face."

"Nothing is more important than the Heir Apparent's injuries."

Tang Gang nodded. "Everyone, disperse. The guards who laid hands on the Heir Apparent today shall receive twenty strokes of the cane and a three-month salary deduction. Second Son, stay behind."

Lady Wang wanted to persuade him further, but Tang Gang gave her a warning look. Filled with worry, she was met with a gentle shake of the head from Tang Mo, signaling her to leave. Once only father and son remained in the room, Tang Mo remained kneeling. Tang Gang said nothing. At this moment, his heart was filled with a complex mix of emotions beyond mere anger. One voice told him that this was also his son, his biological son, and he should be kinder to him;

Another voice said that this son had been causing trouble and failing to learn since childhood, and there was no hope left; spending effort on him was futile.

"Do you harbor resentment regarding the matter of the swapped marriage?"

"No."

"Tell the truth."

"Yes."

Tang Mo felt that such matters should be spoken of candidly. "I am no saint; I cannot pretend as if nothing happened. What Eldest Brother did was despicable. He did it on purpose."

"So you sent people to beat him to vent your anger?"

Tang Mo: "..."

"It really wasn't me. I am dissatisfied with him, but I also benefited from it. I've actually realized that Xin'an is quite nice; perhaps I really can live a good life with her. I've been trying to spend more time with her these past two days. Since things have already turned out this way, what else can I do?"

"It's not as if I can't see that Tao Yiran likes Eldest Brother. If she looks down on me, how can I force it? If Father insists on making me admit something, then it's this: seeing Eldest Brother beaten into a pig's head just now made me quite happy. I want to thank the person who acted on behalf of Heaven."

This attitude actually caused the fire in Tang Gang's heart to subside slightly. He felt this was a normal reaction; if Tang Mo had said he held no grudge, he would have found that suspicious.

"You have been running to your Grandmother's place quite frequently these past two days."

Tang Mo stiffened his neck and replied, "Father does not like me. I cannot curry favor or please you; no matter what I do, I cannot enter your eyes. Grandmother dotes on me, so naturally, I go to her."

Tang Gang frowned deeply, unsure of what to say. Just then, Gan Lu, the attendant beside the Old Lady, arrived. After entering and performing her salutations, she conveyed the Old Lady's wishes. "The Old Lady has learned of the Heir Apparent's situation and asks that he be well cared for. As for the Second Young Master, he has been by the Old Lady's side all day fulfilling his filial duties. The Old Lady said that if the Marquis is feeling unwell and wishes to administer a few lashes, please do so lightly. Tomorrow, the Second Young Master must accompany the Old Lady for her meal and prepare for their stay at the manor."

Tang Gang rubbed his forehead. "I understand. Tell Mother to rest early; there is no need to worry about such trifles."

Gan Lu left nimbly. Tang Mo maintained an air of "I have the Old Lady backing me up," which made Tang Gang's temper flare again. "Get out."

Tang Mo stood up and walked away without looking back. Tang Gang placed a hand on his hip. "That brat."

Upon returning to Qiushi Courtyard, Tang much to his annoyance, had someone close the door, acting as if the matter had nothing to do with him. Even after entering, he was still grumbling about his father's favoritism. Once everyone had withdrawn, his expression changed instantly. He approached Xin'an with a grin. "I did what you asked of me. Are you satisfied?"

"It really was you?"

She had wondered how Tang Rong could have been beaten so suddenly, claiming someone had mistaken him for someone else, even though the carriage bore the Marquis's insignia. "You're quite clever. I must say, seeing that pig-like face of his made me feel incredibly satisfied."

Tang Mo said proudly, "I arranged this long ago. I thought I'd have to wait a few more days, but I didn't expect retribution to come so quickly."

"Retribution?"

"Exactly," Tang Mo said. "I am his retribution."

"Actually, I recognized him at a glance tonight. I had a sudden thought to give him another beating. I really wanted to rush up and kick him myself, but unfortunately, my status as a young master prevents me from getting my hands dirty."

Xin'an personally poured him tea. "The Second Young Master truly possesses great wisdom. I am impressed."

"Tomorrow, send some silver to those guards who were implicated by you. This is a perfect opportunity to win them over."

Tang Mo took a sip of the tea. "Why wait until tomorrow? Send someone to do it right now."

(End of Chapter)