Chapter 19: Father-in-law has a misunderstanding regarding his son-in-law

Chapter 19: Father-in-law Misunderstands Your Son-in-law

The Xin family's residence in the capital was merely a temporary dwelling. It hadn't been well-maintained over the years and appeared somewhat unpretentious. However, Xin An liked it; after the Marquis's manor was confiscated, this place became her refuge, shielding her from the wind and rain.

"I'll send someone later to tidy this place up properly, and arrange for a few people to sweep and plant some flowers and greenery."

Seeing that she still had the leisure to consider such things, Madam Xin felt truly relieved. "Is your husband treating you well?"

"He's alright."

Entering the house, the two bowed to Xin Kuan. When he saw Tang Mo, he remained displeased—after all, Tang Mo's reputation outside was not particularly good.

Tang Mo cast a pleading look toward Xin An, but she turned a deaf ear, taking her mother's arm toward the backyard; she still had much to say.

After the mother and daughter shared a long private conversation, Madam Xin learned that the two had not yet consummated their marriage. Fortunately, Madam Xin did not urge her to bear children early to win her husband's heart; in her view, if a man doesn't like you, it makes no difference whether you bear him ten children or none.

"I think he's not too bad. Why don't you give him a chance and get to know him better? If it turns out to be a good match, it's a blessing from the Bodhisattvas."

"I know."

Xin An sat drinking tea. After setting down her cup, she spoke with great seriousness, "I shouldn't have said such discouraging things upon my return today, but Mother, you must tell Father: the Weiyuan Marquis Mansion is not an entity to be closely associated with. Just because I have moved into the Marquis Mansion now, Father shouldn't provide them with unreserved support. He must leave himself a way out."

Some things could not be said too plainly, but Tang Gang's character was truly not good. "To put it bluntly, what kind of influence does the Marquis Mansion hold in the imperial court?"

"That bit of prestige was earned by the old Master Tang on the battlefield years ago. Since they transitioned from military to civil service, the Tang family hasn't achieved much. Even if Tang Rong has a good reputation outside, once he enters the court, having a good reputation isn't enough to climb the ranks; he'll inevitably have to spend vast sums on networking..."

Tang Gang and Tang Rong were not the type of people to repay kindness. What benefit would she gain from supporting Tang Rong?

Madam Xin frowned. "Your father was saying the same thing last night; he's just worried it will make things difficult for you."

"What is there to be difficult about?"

Xin An smiled. "My husband is not the eldest legitimate son upon whom great expectations are placed, nor will the benefits fall on his head. Whatever happens, it can't be blamed on me."

"The Marquis Mansion is quite empty now. Yesterday, my mother-in-law even wanted to give me two thousand taels of silver, and that was her private savings..."

Madam Xin felt a pang of regret. "I shouldn't have left you in the Marquis Mansion."

Xin Huan also leaned in. "Sister, what do you think we should do now?"

"Naturally, we use the Marquis Mansion's banner as a cover to seek other ways out. We must not hang ourselves from a single tree."

Xin Huan nodded repeatedly. "Sister, tell me the details. I'll follow your lead."

Xin An raised her hand and tapped his forehead. "You're a grown man; is your brain just for show?"

"In my absence, you must learn to use your own brain. Making a profit or not is secondary; the important thing is to ensure your own safety so that if something happens, you won't be implicated. You can never earn all the money in the world, but you only have one life. You must consider everything thoroughly."

Xin Huan rubbed his forehead sheepishly. "I've listened to you since I was a child; I don't feel confident using my own brain."

Xin An's expression softened. In this life, she would certainly protect this silly fellow.

In the front courtyard, Tang Mo sat before Xin Kuan, feeling so awkward he could have scraped a hole through the soles of his shoes. Xin Kuan said nothing, merely sipping his tea indifferently. After a long period of mental preparation, Tang Mo finally mustered the courage to speak. "I heard Father-in-law is about to return to Huaijiang?"

"Mhm."

Then, a deathly silence followed.

Tang Mo smiled awkwardly. "When will Father-in-law visit next?"

"When you are being unkind to my An'er."

Tang Mo: "..."

"Father-in-law, you must be joking. Although I may be a bit of a rogue, I would never mistreat my own wife. How could I wrong her?"

Xin Kuan's gaze seemed to pierce right through him. "As long as you know what you're doing. I don't know the truth or falsehood of your past affairs, but now that you are married, you cannot act as you did before."

As he spoke, he tapped a wooden box beside him. "Take this with you later. As long as you treat An'er well and let her live a comfortable and carefree life, you will never lack this. If you see something rare, there is no need to fight others for it."

Curious, Tang Mo leaned forward. Seeing that the box was filled with silver, he was momentarily speechless. He could only curse Tang Rong in his heart for ruining his reputation, making his father-in-law misunderstand him as some petty man who loves to fight for everything.

"Father-in-law misunderstands your son-in-law."

Xin Kuan raised an eyebrow. "Have you never fought for things with your brother?"

"I... have fought for things."

Tang Mo felt utterly powerless.

"Then that's it, isn't it?"

Xin Kuan ignored his explanation. "In the future, do not fight for things unless they are absolutely essential. It's just a matter of a few coins."

A father-in-law's wealth gave his words weight. Tang Mo suddenly felt wonderful. In his previous life, Tang Rong had been quite prosperous with the support of the Xin family, whereas the Tao family was quite mediocre—not only did they not help him, but they also made many unreasonable demands. Back then, he had been so jealous of Tang Rong that he couldn't sleep; now, such a good thing had finally fallen to him.

"Your son-in-law thanks Father-in-law for his care."

"Please rest assured, Father-in-law. Your son-in-law will certainly respect Madam and put her needs above all else."

Xin Kuan was finally somewhat satisfied. He knew that as long as money was involved, he could make this boy behave. He would first whet his appetite; if he ever dared to treat An'er poorly, he would cut off his funds and see if he would still behave.

After the meal, Xin An learned of her father's "grand plan" and gave an awkward but polite smile. To think that her father, a dignified salt merchant who had dealt with so many high officials, would come up with such a childish way to deal with his own son-in-law.

"Father-in-law is being cautious because he's afraid of hurting the target. Who told you to be in my hands right now?"

Tang Mo took the opportunity to whisper triumphantly in her ear. Xin An gave a dry laugh. "If you get the benefits, you give me half. Don't forget, whether I am living well or not is for me to decide."

"Deal."

At this moment, Tang Mo was overjoyed. He was incredibly attentive to Xin Kuan, calling him "Father-in-law" with every breath, and was equally warm toward Madam Xin. He even mentioned that he would take Xin Huan around tomorrow. When Xin An mentioned the Qi-Nourishing Pills, he immediately patted his chest and promised he could buy them by tomorrow. This attitude successfully made Xin Kuan feel that he was a decent person.

After the meal, the father-in-law and son-in-law sat drinking tea. Tang Mo very generously told Xin Kuan everything he wanted to know. Since Xin Kuan had visited the capital infrequently, he was not well-versed in the relationships between the powerful, which happened to be Tang Mo's strength.

"If Father-in-law wants to know anything in the future, please write to me as soon as possible. Your son-in-law will certainly assist with all his might."

Xin Kuan gave an "mhm." "Listen to An'er more in the future. She won't harm you."

Tang Mo's mouth twitched slightly. This was the second time he had heard that sentence today; how interesting.

In the evening, Madam Xin urged Xin An to return to the Marquis Mansion. Since the Xin family rarely came to the capital, they couldn't help but prepare many things during their visit. Since they couldn't take everything back with them, they packed it all for Xin An.

As a result, Xin An and Tang Mo arrived in two carriages, but they were returning with three. They happened to run into Tang Rong and Tao Yiran returning from the Tao residence. Seeing the servants busy unloading the carriages and the goods blocking the entrance to the Marquis Mansion, Tang Rong's eyes narrowed slightly. After scanning the items one by one, just as he was about to lead Tao Yiran through the gate, Tang Mo seized the opportunity to step forward and greet them.

"Brother, Sister-in-law, you're back?"

"I am truly sorry. Father-in-law and Mother-in-law gave us too much, and it's blocking your way, Brother and Sister-in-law."