Chapter 38: Father and Son, Each with Their Own Thoughts

Chapter 38: Different Agendas for Father and Son

The Old Lady's possessions were nothing short of extraordinary. When Gan Lu brought out that pair of Tianhuang stones, everyone present couldn't help but show expressions of astonishment. The texture was lustrous, oily, and spiritually resonant; it was fine, smooth, and dense, with red veins interlaced rhythmically beneath the surface. "Is this top-grade Tianhuang Dong?"

Ordinary Tianhuang stone was already worth one tael of Tianhuang for three taels of gold, but top-grade Tianhuang Dong was worth one tael of Tianhuang for ten taels of gold. It had always been a tribute item. Tang Mo felt somewhat hesitant to accept it. "Your grandson thought it was just ordinary Tianhuang stone; I wouldn't dare accept something so precious."

Tang Rong's gaze was fixed on the Tianhuang Dong, unable to move; the longing in his eyes was impossible to hide. Xin An maintained a faint smile on his face throughout, his gaze sliding over Tang Rong's face with a slight curl of his lips. The cold and indifferent Heir simply couldn't bring himself to say what he wanted; seeing him trap himself in his own making, Xin An felt a surge of satisfaction.

"Giving such good things to your grandson is a waste."

The Old Lady picked up a piece of Tianhuang stone to play with. "I cannot appreciate this; it looks like nothing more than a particularly beautiful stone. Since I am in a good mood today, I shall bestow it upon you. You are not allowed to refuse."

Tang Mo showed a look of deep emotion. "Grandmother is so good to your grandson, your grandson—"

Before he could finish, his eyes reddened. The Old Lady felt great pity for him. "Look at that pitiful look, truly endearing."

Tang Mo was actually more handsome than Tang Rong, but usually, everyone's attention was focused on Tang Rong, causing them to overlook him. Now that he was deliberately acting charming and pleasing, the Old Lady's heart melted instantly. Who wouldn't love a grandson who was both good-looking and close to them?

Tang Rong's fists clenched beneath his sleeves. Compared to the pair before him, his own pair of Tianhuang stones were as different as clouds and mud. The Old Lady was truly too biased.

After a bout of banter, Tang Mo happily accepted the pair of Tianhuang stones. In front of the Old Lady, he winked at Xin An. "I'll find a master craftsman to carve them exquisitely later. One for you, and one for me."

Xin An forced a bashful expression, which in turn made the Old Lady laugh heartily.

When it was time to serve the meal, Tang Mo spoke up again, "Grandmother, I want to eat crispy pastries today."

"You little monkey, you're treating my place like a dining hall."

The Old Lady laughed uncontrollably and said to Gan Lu, "Go tell the small kitchen quickly, otherwise, this little monkey might throw a tantrum if he doesn't get his crispy pastries."

Gan Lu also laughed. Tang Rong felt he should join in the laughter and say a few pleasing words, but after struggling for a long time, all he could squeeze out was, "Second Brother is still as humorous as he was when he was a child, possessing the temperament of a playful youth."

Tang Mo replied with a smile, "All the major matters in the family are handled by Father and Eldest Brother. I am dull; besides eating, drinking, and entertainment, I truly don't know what else I can do. Being able to entertain Grandmother is more than enough to satisfy me."

"You, ah... in the future, staying out of your father's way would be better than anything else."

The Old Lady stood up, and Tang Mo hurried forward to support her. "Your grandson has been changing lately. Next time Father wants to hit me, Grandmother must protect me."

The Old Lady laughed again, and the breakfast was eaten in a joyful and lively atmosphere. However, this only applied to Tang Mo, Xin An, and the Old Lady. For Tang Rong and Tao Yiran, it was like sitting on needles. Someone who had always been the center of attention suddenly saw the younger brother he looked down upon becoming so popular, while he himself was relegated to the sidelines. The sense of loss in his heart was immense.

At the same time, a sense of crisis arose in his heart. He felt that Tang Mo had become different after his marriage; in recent days, Tang Mo had indeed been riding high on success, while Tang Rong's own misfortunes seemed to be increasing.

After the meal, Tang Mo and Xin An stayed at Chunrong Hall. Since they had nothing to do today, they planned to have lunch at the Old Lady's place before returning for a nap, and then come back again to wait for dinner. Although the Old Lady called them "shameless," the joy in her eyes was unmistakable.

Returning to Chunhua Courtyard, both Tang Rong and Tao Yiran were in a bad mood. Tao Yiran felt very guilty. "I feel I am not as good as Second Sister-in-law. Did I embarrass you?"

Tang Rong gave a light laugh. "Do not compare yourself to her. She comes from a merchant family; she knows how to lower herself."

"Second Brother has had a mixed temperament since childhood; he can handle banter with ease. Their mannerisms are things they have already practiced; we cannot learn them just by trying."

"The Old Lady likes this style, but people on the outside do not. Do not overthink it; your elegance and poise are things she cannot compare to."

Tao Yiran smiled. "Although it is improper to speak ill of someone behind their back, today I am extremely glad that the person I married is you. You are a refined gentleman, like a bright moon. It is hard to imagine what you would look like if you were acting so humble and sycophantic. Fortunately, it is you."

At this moment, Tang Rong felt a great sense of satisfaction. The two shared a moment of intimacy before parting reluctantly. Once outside, Tang Rong was still preoccupied with the pair of Tianhuang stones and even more infuriated by the Old Lady's favoritism. In the afternoon, while speaking with Tang Gang, he mentioned the Tianhuang stones as if by accident. "Top-grade Tianhuang Dong... only the Palace has such things. The items in Grandmother's hands are truly extraordinary. Second Brother was quite happy."

Tang Gang's expression turned unpleasant. He knew nothing about the Old Lady having Tianhuang Dong. "Years ago, when your grandfather was on the battlefield, he brought back many fine things. It is said they were all officially registered before the Emperor. Your grandfather also felt guilty toward your grandmother because of your Second Uncle's matters, so he gave all those things to her."

"The Empress Dowager knows your grandmother likes gold, silver, and jade, so every time she enters the palace, she bestows some upon her. Over the years, I fear your grandmother herself doesn't even know how many fine things she has."

This was also where he felt some dissatisfaction with the Old Lady. The household was not wealthy, and there were expenses everywhere; occasionally, they had to scrape by when managing affairs, yet she sat on those treasures without ever bringing any out.

He looked up at Tang Rong. "What do you think?"

Naturally, he hoped the Old Lady would bring out the good things—even if it were only half of them. But he did not dare say this aloud; to say it would be a great act of filial impiety. "Your son has no thoughts on the matter. Grandmother's things are hers to give to whomever she wishes. Today she gave them to Second Brother because he knows how to please her. In the future, your son will also visit Grandmother more often to fulfill his filial duties."

Tang Gang's wish went unfulfilled. He thought to himself that once Tang Rong had spoken his true heart, he would reprimand him verbally and then go to the Old Lady to mention it; perhaps that would persuade her to bring out a few items.

Tang Rong was also waiting for Tang Gang to say what he wanted to say. He had promised Tao Yiran a Yellow Jade Peony but had not known how to bring it up.

With both father and son harboring their own calculations, the conversation died down. Tang Gang raised his hand. "I have an appointment with Vice Minister Wang tonight. Go and prepare."

Tang Rong was quite disappointed and could only withdraw reluctantly.

That evening, after dinner, Tang Mo, Xin An, and Lady Wang accompanied the Old Lady for a stroll in the courtyard to aid digestion. The Old Lady was in a good mood and strolled for nearly half an hour before returning. Tang Mo was exceptionally attentive in serving her today, staying by her side until she had finally settled down to sleep before leaving with Xin An.

As they passed the front courtyard, they saw two limping figures approaching under the dim light of the lanterns, acting somewhat furtively. Tang Mo perked up and stepped forward, shouting loudly, "Who are these thieves daring to sneak into the Marquis's manor? Guards!"

The patrolling guards rushed over immediately. Before the two could even speak, a flurry of fists and heavy feet landed on them, causing cries of pain to erupt. Once more lanterns illuminated the area, Tang Mo let out a startled cry, "Eldest Brother, what kind of play are you performing today?"

(End of Chapter)