Chapter 31: Tang Mo Wants to Help Tang Yong

Chapter 31: Tang Mo Wants to Help Tang Yong

Tang Yong was an upright, conscientious, and somewhat simple-minded man. Tang Mo recalled Xin An's words: this second uncle, who had rarely benefited from the Marquis's household in the past, had exhausted his family fortune to help out after the household fell into trouble. True character is revealed in times of hardship; though Tang Mo had not witnessed it firsthand, it did not stop him from wanting to treat this honest and decent uncle better.

"Second Uncle, you are being too formal. Forget that I came here today to apologize—even if this incident hadn't happened, as your nephew, shouldn't I come to show my filial respect?"

"In the past, I was immature and a bit reckless. But now that I am married, I must learn to take on responsibilities. Mother also says that you are a sincere and steady person, and she told me to come visit you more often to learn from you."

"I only hope you won't find me too dull."

Tang Mo's attitude took Tang Yong by surprise. Although he didn't know much about this nephew, the boy had never been this respectful before. While he remained somewhat guarded, he also felt a pang of emotion. He was a member of the Marquis's household, and his lifelong wish was to gain the family's recognition, yet he had never succeeded.

"Just don't think too lowly of me for being useless."

Ah, his nose felt a bit stingy.

The uncle and nephew sat together drinking tea. Tang Mo was a smooth talker, and before long, he was chatting and laughing with Tang Yong. Seeing the right moment, he asked about his cousin, Tang Yaoming.

"Regarding your cousin..."

Speaking of his most outstanding son gave Tang Yong a headache. After much effort, the boy had finally made the list, yet as a father, he couldn't secure him a position. "I went to inquire at the Ministry of Personnel, but they said there are too many candidates in line and your cousin's ranking is too low. He can only wait for his turn."

"I've looked into it. Even after years of imperial examinations, there are still over three hundred people waiting in line. How long will it take for it to be my cousin's turn?"

"It is possible to use connections, but the places one could be sent to through such means are far too remote. It would be extremely difficult to achieve any political merit, and even harder to return later."

Tang Yong looked troubled. In truth, if his brother Tang Gang were willing to help, Tang Yaoming's future wouldn't be an issue at all. After all, the boy had passed the imperial examination legitimately. Tang Rong was known for his exceptional literary talent, but Tang Yong had never personally sat for the exams; those seeking officialdom usually took the path of recommendation.

"Does my cousin have a specific place he wishes to go?"

Tang Mo calculated in his mind. As long as the requirements weren't too high—such as entering one of the Six Ministries—he could lend a hand elsewhere.

Tang Yong replied, "Your cousin still wishes to be sent out to the provinces for experience. His requirements aren't high; a mid-level county as a Two-Thousand-Hu official would suffice."

Tang Mo had a plan. "Father will likely be quite busy during this period. Since the opportunity for training in the Northern Command has been given to me, I will naturally have to help my brother plan for a new position. I'll be busy with that for the next few days and might not be able to make myself available."

Tang Yong nodded. It would be a lie to say he wasn't disappointed. For all these years, he had never taken advantage of the Marquis's household, nor had he ever asked for anything. Even during the division of the family estate, he hadn't received much. But he was, after all, the father's son and a member of the household; why couldn't they lend a hand at his son's most critical moment?

"If Second Uncle trusts me, I will try to plan something for my cousin. Though I am not particularly ambitious, I do know a few people. It might just work out."

Tang Yong looked up, surprised that Tang Mo would say such things, and felt a surge of emotion. He knew that this nephew was not particularly favored by his father either; children who are not favored do not have an easy life.

"On behalf of your cousin, I thank you. He went out to meet friends today, so we won't wait for him. Stay and have a meal at my place before you leave."

"Speaking of which, it's the New Year season. Since you've come to visit, I have some good wine stored away. Let's bring it out and have a drink in a moment."

*Even though his own life isn't easy, he's still thinking of helping me. Regardless of whether this succeeds, I must accept this kindness.*

Tang Mo stayed happily. When Madam You came from the backyard to meet Tang Mo, she was delighted, and even more so when she saw the many gifts he had brought. "Have you told your mother?"

Tang Mo said his mother had prepared these things. "Mother also said that once she is free, she wants to invite Second Aunt out to see a play. She hasn't been out in a long time."

"Good, good. Second Aunt loves watching plays. We'll take your mother along when the time comes."

"Your other two cousins have gone to the academy to study. If they knew you were coming today, they would be overjoyed."

Upon learning he would stay for dinner, Madam You went to make arrangements with a smile. Tang Yong added with a laugh, "Your Second Aunt is very hospitable."

"Second Aunt seems to be in good spirits. Oh, right, my mother asked me to bring some Beauty Preserving Pills from the Imperial Medical Bureau for Second Aunt. I'll give them to her in a moment."

The uncle and nephew walked inside, chatting and laughing, their relationship growing closer. Soon, their laughter drifted out, followed shortly by the overlapping laughter of Madam You.

At Tang Yong's house, Tang Mo once again experienced the warmth of being cared for by elders. Previously, this feeling had only come from his parents-in-law, and he found it quite endearing. In the afternoon, after leaving Tang Yong's residence, he went to find Yan Shimao and the others.

Once the group sat down in a private room at the teahouse, Tang Mo stated his intention. "My cousin is quite capable, with genuine talent. My old man is too busy to help, so I thought I'd try. Brothers, help me think of a way."

This was a serious matter that none of them had much experience with, so they all became interested. Wei Ye was the first to speak. "My old man can't do it, but my eldest brother should be able to. I'll go back and ask him."

Xie Changyou said, "My old man is the least willing to help with such things, and my eldest brother is a blockhead, but my uncle can. I'll go find him."

The others looked at Yan Shimao. Yan Shimao cleared his throat. "You guys are all too much trouble. I'll go find my brother-in-law. He's right there in the Ministry of Personnel."

Every one of them came from a family that was either a Marquis or a high-ranking official; Tang Yaoming's situation was no big deal to them. Tang Mo stood up to pour tea for them. "My old man doesn't care for me, but my father-in-law and my second uncle do. I wanted to do something for them, but I can't manage it on my own. Thank you, brothers."

They all knew that because of Tang Rong, Tang Gang was unwilling to let Tang Mo tap into the family's connections and power. As his brothers, they couldn't say much. Yan Shimao said, "What kind of friendship do we have? Your business is our business. With brothers working together, what can't be accomplished?"

Tang Mo pulled out a banknote for one thousand taels. "I can't let your brother-in-law help for nothing. Regardless of whether this succeeds, this is a small token of my appreciation."

There was no way Yan Shimao would accept it. Tang Mo smiled and said, "Didn't you say your sister is strict, and your brother-in-law can't even pull two taels of silver out of his pockets? This isn't much, just let him have it as pocket money. We won't say a word."

This time, Yan Shimao didn't stand on ceremony. "I'll thank you on behalf of my brother-in-law."

Xie Changyou added jokingly, "Brother Tang has become quite wealthy now. I must say, your new father-in-law is truly something."

The other two agreed. "Your brother-in-law is quite an interesting character."

Tang Mo took the opportunity to praise his father-in-law even more. Seeing his genuine joy, Yan Shimao and the others exchanged glances, truly happy for him.

Needless to say, Tang Mo returned that night smelling of wine. Seeing Nan Feng still standing outside the door, he frowned. Nan Feng took a startled step back, but then remembered she now belonged to the Second Young Master and stepped forward. "Reporting to the Second Young Master, this servant is now following the Second Young Mistress and working for her."

Tang Mo said nothing, but as soon as he entered the room, he brought up the matter. Xin An nodded in admission. "I think Nan Feng is good. If you don't want her, is there a problem with me picking her up?"

"Nan Feng, you may go and rest. Don't be afraid."

Nan Feng bowed outside and quickly withdrew. Tang Mo sat down and poured himself some tea. "You certainly know how to pick them."

(End of Chapter)