Chapter 11: You've gone too far!!!

Chapter 11: You’ve Gone Too Far!!!

In Qiushi Courtyard, seeing that Xin An was still in the mood to sit and sip bird’s nest porridge in a leisurely manner, Tang Mo began to speak with biting sarcasm from the side.

"You’re certainly generous. You just gave up thirty percent of your dowry like that."

Xin An set her bowl down unhurriedly. "While the matter of swapping brides is hardly honorable, it is the Marquis’s household that loses face. It doesn't have much of an impact on your dear elder brother."

"Once outsiders ask about this, it will be defined in a few words as a mere romantic affair, a bit of gossip. By then, people will swallow a cup of bitter wine, offer a self-deprecating smile, and say, 'I’m sorry,' and because of that, he gave me thirty percent of his mother’s dowry. Tell me, what kind of person will I become in the eyes of those people?"

"Besides, do you even know how much of that dowry is actually left?"

The good items had all been swapped out by that mother-son pair, yet they claimed Tang Gang and Tang Rong had used them. The remaining items looked substantial, but were they worth anything?

After saying this, she didn't forget to mock Tang Mo. "Your father’s way of doing things is truly interesting. The pathetic way he died in the end was not undeserved at all."

"Tell me about it."

Tang Mo was quite interested. "Let me have a laugh."

His old man was a biased creature. Ever since he could remember, he had been biased; all the good things went to Tang Rong, and only what Tang Rong didn't want would fall to him. Yet Tang Rong was also good at putting on a show—he would take out things Tang Mo had longed for but couldn't get when there were many people around, show them off, and then 'sincerely' gift them to him, thereby earning a reputation for being modest and polite.

As for him, he was naturally the son of a step-wife who wanted to snatch everything, someone who couldn't be brought out in public.

Xin An rotated her shoulder. "I won't say. It’s bad luck."

Tang Mo wouldn't give up. "Then tell me, did he die miserably?"

"Not miserable."

Xin An spoke the truth. "With his children and grandchildren guarding his bedside, he passed away satisfied."

Tang Mo rolled his eyes. Xin An curled her lips, kindly pointing out the way for him. "That is your own father. Can you restrain the expression on your face that wishes for his death? Learn from your elder brother—he offers warm concern in action but doesn't spend a single cent in reality. A truly 'good' son."

"Let me tell you, your father doesn't like your dear elder brother that much at all. It’s only because your dear elder brother can make him look good, so when he goes out, he is praised for knowing how to raise his children. If you could make him look good, you would naturally be his precious treasure."

"You performed well today, didn't you? That position in the Northern Yamen Army fell right into your lap."

Tang Mo was thoughtful. He rubbed his chin, pondered for a moment, and then looked suspicious again. "Are you telling the truth?"

"Do I have any reason to lie to you?"

Tang Gang was a selfish person; that was a conclusion she had reached after many years.

"Swear it."

Tang Mo leaned in. "Just say that if you’re lying to me, the current scene is just a dream you’re having. When you wake up, you’ll still be seventy or eighty years old, coughing up blood from Tang Rong’s anger, and still being ruthlessly humiliated by him."

How vicious!!!

Xin An 'pfft'-ed at him. "Believe it or not."

The two began to bicker again. When they finally stopped, Tang Mo asked, "You don't want the dowry, and you don't want the management of the household either? You used to be so desperate for it."

"When did you become so generous?"

"Naturally, after suffering losses." Xin An was counting on singing a duet with him in the future, so she didn't hide it from him. "Go ask your mother how easy it is to manage this household. Aside from the old madam and you, no one in the whole family is wealthy."

"Nonsense."

Tang Mo looked alert. "Where am I wealthy?"

Xin An smiled, staring at him with interest. "Guess how Tao Yiran handled the family wealth you hoarded like a rat after you died?"

If Lady Wang hadn't been so heartbroken that she followed him to the grave after Tang Mo died, she wouldn't have had the chance to know how much wealth Tang Mo had left behind. "At least half of it fell into my hands. Of course, it was ultimately used on your dear elder brother."

"A portion of the remaining half was also used by your dear elder brother."

Tang Mo’s face turned ashen, his heart bleeding. He was dead, yet his money remained, and it had been spent by his arch-rival. He wished he could be reborn immediately and spend all his wealth within a day; if he couldn't spend it all, he would throw it into the river.

He glared at Xin An with fierce eyes, gritting his teeth. "I really wish I could strangle you right now."

Just as he said this, Chunyang happened to walk in to serve tea and was so frightened that she spilled it. Xin An lowered her eyes and pretended to cry. Chunyang was furious and slammed the tea onto the table. "Young Master, you’ve gone too far!!!"

Her young lady had such a bitter life; why did she have to marry this second young master with such a foul reputation?

Tang Mo wanted to strangle both the mistress and the servant.

As night fell, when Tang Rong learned from his father that half of his biological mother’s dowry had already been spent, he was very dissatisfied. He subconsciously assumed it had been embezzled by his stepmother, but when he saw the records in the ledger, he couldn't say a word.

Tang Gang’s intention was that it would be best if outsiders didn't know about this, as it would damage their reputation. Tang Rong agreed; he didn't want people outside saying he was extravagant and unrestrained.

"I will give you those dowry items tomorrow and just say they were given in full. You just accept them."

The father and son chose to remain silent, acting as if nothing had happened. This was exactly what Lady Wang wanted. Tang Mo approached her. "How was it?"

Lady Wang smiled triumphantly. "Of course they accepted it quietly. Your father cares most about his face; how could he let this matter spread? A dignified Marquis misappropriating his late wife’s dowry—the spittle of the censors could drown him. Your elder brother wants to preserve his reputation as a noble gentleman, so he certainly wouldn't say anything."

"All these years, those two have been fishing for fame and spending without restraint. Can they even remember how much they’ve used?"

Her eyes were full of sarcasm. "Besides, those dowry items weren't earned by their hard work. It’s naturally pleasant to spend someone else’s money; do you expect them to pursue it?"

Utterly shameless!!!

Tang Mo’s smile was very satisfied. It wasn't actually difficult to scheme against his biased father and hypocritical elder brother. In his past life, he hadn't succeeded because Xin An was always getting in the way. In this life, since she was on his side, wouldn't manipulating that pair of father and son be as easy as turning over one's hand?

Caring about reputation is good; the more they care, the more opportunities he has.

Lady Wang warned Tang Mo not to harbor any more fantasies about Tao Yiran. "I sent someone to inquire about Xin An. When she was at her maiden home, she helped her father manage outside affairs, and her younger brother grew up following her. She lacks neither skill nor capability. If she is willing to help you, it is your good fortune."

"That Tao girl is arrogant and pretentious; there’s no need to dwell on her."

Tang Mo naturally knew of Xin An’s abilities. He hadn't even counted on her helping him; as long as she didn't hinder him, that was enough.

As for Tao Yiran, he had suffered so many losses—how could he still be thinking of her?

"Mother, don't worry. I know what I’m doing."

Lady Wang sighed faintly. "Although your father can listen to my words, whenever it involves Tang Rong, he won't listen to anyone. What you want, you must fight for yourself."

"Fortunately, you have a helper now. You must seize this opportunity."

"Go back. Don't be in a hurry to share a room; be a gentleman."

Tang Mo wanted to say that even if he had the intention, could he even get close to Xin An?