Chapter 13: Treated Differently

Chapter 13: Differential Treatment

Stepping into the Old Madam’s courtyard gave one a sense of opulence. The yard was filled with clusters of flowers, vibrant and fragrant. Stepping into it once again, Xin An still felt a sense of joy; she loved this kind of overwhelming, bustling display of wealth, and suddenly felt as if she had grown a little younger.

Passing through the courtyard and up the steps into the main hall, that thick air of luxury rushed to meet her. Aside from the people, the most eye-catching things were the two massive shoulder-high porcelain vases in the corners. Their luster was smooth and translucent, and the paintings of beauties admiring flowers upon them were so lifelike that one could tell at a glance they were of immense value.

Then there was the screen to the side. The slanting light of the morning sun shone through the vermilion windows, reflecting onto a corner of the screen where white butterflies embroidered with gold thread shimmered, instantly dazzling Xin An’s eyes. A quick glance revealed the curio cabinet on the other side, with a bouquet of roses placed in a sky-blue porcelain vase, the petals still dotted with dew. Beside it were rare, high-quality ornaments, with every shelf packed full of various vases and jars.

Underfoot, it felt as if she were walking on clouds; the thick, magnificent, and striking carpet featured patterns Xin An couldn't decipher, but that didn't stop her from knowing it was expensive.

The Old Madam appeared to be smiling, but in reality, she was scrutinizing the expressions of her two new granddaughters-in-law. Tao Yiran’s brows were slightly furrowed; she likely looked down on this kind of unhidden, low-class display of wealth. Xin An, however, wore the dazed look of someone who had never seen the world. It couldn't be helped—although the Xin family was wealthy, their status was what it was. Sometimes, even with money, one couldn't buy such things, and even if one did, one couldn't display them; that would be called overstepping one's bounds.

In her past life, she had tried her best to please the Old Madam after her marriage, not only to secure benefits for Tang Rong but also because she loved these luxurious items. Later, as the elders of the manor passed away one after another, these things naturally fell into her hands, but she never got to use them because Tang Rong said they were dreadfully vulgar.

Tang Mo, on the other hand, loved these treasures in the Old Madam’s room; every single one of them seemed incredibly lovely to him. The two had been standing together, and now, identical looks of fascination appeared on their lips involuntarily. The Old Madam felt a sense of relief in her heart.

Tang Yong’s wife, Madam You, was the first to speak: "They say the two new brides who just entered the manor are as beautiful as clouds. Seeing it today, it is truly so. Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law are truly blessed."

Before the Marquis fell gravely ill, he had separated Tang Yong’s family from the main household. He knew well that his wife hated nothing more than the fact that he couldn't endure loneliness and had found someone else outside, and she despised this illegitimate son intensely. He feared that after he was gone, the second branch would suffer.

However, Tang Yong could not understand his father’s painstaking efforts; he only felt that the old man was biased and looked down on him as an illegitimate son. Over the years, his interactions with the Marquis’s manor had been distant, though his wife had never given up on currying favor with the main branch, hoping to secure benefits for her own son.

Tang Gang and Madam Wang both put on joyful expressions, and the Old Madam was all smiles. Seeing that both pairs of newlyweds appeared normal, Madam Wang replied to Madam You quite cordially, "In the future, I must ask for your care, sister-in-law."

"That goes without saying."

She laughed again, "It really is different once one is married. Look at how considerate the Second Young Master was in helping his wife through the door just now; he has become much more steady."

"I’ll take your kind words."

Madam Wang’s smile deepened, and her gaze fell upon her two sons. "From today on, you are both men with wives. In the future, you must be even steadier. You must cherish your wives, discuss matters with them, and not act on impulse."

Both nodded sincerely, "We will remember, Father."

A servant woman nearby smiled and reminded them, "It is time for the new brides to offer tea."

Maids hurriedly brought over two soft cushions, and the tea had been prepared well in advance; it was warm and just right for drinking.

Tang Rong and Tao Yiran stepped forward and knelt, taking the tea cups from the maids and presenting them respectfully, "Please drink the tea, Grandmother."

The Old Madam happily drank the tea and gave them gifts, "You are both good children. Live a harmonious and beautiful life together."

After they acknowledged this, they knelt before Tang Gang, "Please drink the tea, Father."

Tang Gang was full of gratification. Furthermore, having used the dowry of Tang Rong’s mother, he felt guilty and was all the more amiable toward Tang Rong. After drinking the tea, he presented red envelopes and said, "I hope you two will be harmonious as husband and wife, support each other, and uphold the reputation of our Marquis’s manor."

After kowtowing again, they took the tea and presented it to Madam Wang, "Please drink the tea, Mother."

Madam Wang acted as if she didn't see the marks on Tao Yiran’s neck. Her expression was very kind, and after offering a few words of encouragement and blessing, she presented the red envelopes. When it came to Tang Yong’s family, it was inevitably awkward, so Tang Yong simply said there was no need to kneel, just drink the tea.

He was mainly afraid of offending the Old Madam.

After Tang Rong and his wife offered their tea, it was Tang Mo and Xin An’s turn. The two knelt before the Old Madam. Upon raising her eyes and seeing a translucent white jade Guanyin, Xin An’s joy was evident. The Old Madam happily drank the tea, gave them red envelopes, and said to Xin An, "If this brat bullies you in the future, come find Grandmother. Grandmother will back you up."

Xin An was wearing the full set of pigeon-blood red jewelry she had been gifted, looking very noble. The Old Madam was extremely satisfied, "This jewelry truly suits you perfectly. It’s beautiful."

Madam Wang smiled and chimed in from the side, "Whatever Mother gives is naturally the best. This girl has delicate features, and they complement this set of jewelry perfectly. Mother has a unique eye."

A flash of envy crossed Madam You’s eyes. She, the wife of an unfavored illegitimate son, had never received even a scrap of cloth from the Old Madam, yet this girl had received such a magnificent set of jewelry the moment she entered the door. The difference in favor was clear at a glance.

She couldn't help but look at Tao Yiran. Tao Yiran’s gaze was fixed on Xin An’s jewelry, her expression faint, making it impossible to tell what she was thinking.

When it was Tang Gang’s turn, he drank their tea and said to Tang Mo, "Since you are married, you cannot be like you were before. You must always remember that you are a son of the Marquis’s manor. Put the reputation of the manor first in all things, be filial to your elders, respect your elder brother, and live your life peacefully."

Tang Mo couldn't help but want to stab him to death. Madam Wang almost couldn't maintain the smile on her face; she gritted her teeth, deciding to bring in two concubines for him in a couple of days and finish him off.

Fortunately, Tang Mo was already used to being treated differently, so he responded submissively.

When it was Madam Wang’s turn, her eyes reddened with joy, "Once married, you are a person who can stand on your own. Be steadier in the future, and do not let your father down."

"You two must also live in harmony. Husband and wife are one. The road ahead is still long. Get up."

The two stood up and turned to offer tea to Tang Yong. Xin An’s attitude was very respectful. In her past life, after her Zixuan was unjustly imprisoned, it was Tang Yong who had run around asking people to help save him. Although he didn't succeed, he had put in a lot of effort, and in the end, it was he who took the lead in the burial. As for Tang Rong, that father of his...

Forget it, she couldn't think about it. Once she did, she couldn't help but want to finish him off with a cup of poison.

Once this thought arose, she couldn't suppress it, and her heart was agitated. Tang Mo quietly pulled her back to stand to the side, squeezing her hand hard to help her calm down.