Chapter 59: The Couple Who Refused to Act Like Humans

Chapter 59: The Unscrupulous Couple

Xin An wanted to make connections with Yan Wenhui to open doors within the circle of noble ladies in the capital;

Yan Wenhui wanted to help Liu Ming to build a rapport with Tang Mo, and she also felt that although Xin An was the daughter of a salt merchant, her beauty and refined temperament made her a worthwhile acquaintance;

As a result, the two quickly hit it off and immediately began strolling through the night market together. Xin An, who had originally felt there was nothing worth buying, soon had Tang Mo carrying numerous large and small bags. Liu Mingyuan’s hands were not idle either; the two men looked at each other with bitter smiles, resigned to their fate as they followed behind, actively paying the bills.

After Yan Wenhui bought two more items, she grew curious: had Liu Mingyuan been quite well-off these past few days?

"Sister, look at this."

Xin An held up a green bamboo embroidered pouch. "The embroidery is truly beautiful."

Interrupted, Yan Wenhui stopped her musings and lightly stroked the embroidered surface. "It is quite nice. Buy it; it can be used by yourself or given as a gift."

She desperately wanted to ask Xin An about the inside story of the marriage swap—after all, everyone has a gossiping heart—but the setting was inappropriate. "Will you be free in a few days, sister-in-law? Three days from now, I’ve invited a few close friends from my youth to watch an opera. Would you like to join us?"

"If it's convenient to bring me, I would love to come. I haven't heard an opera in the capital yet." Xin An had no reason to refuse. "I don't know many people in the capital; I would be deeply grateful if you were willing to take me along, Sister."

Yan Wenhui smiled. "Then it's a deal. I'll send someone to deliver an invitation to you tomorrow so you can go out with proper standing."

Xin An nodded with a smile. Yan Wenhui leaned in closer and lowered her voice, "You should smile more, sister-in-law. When you smile, even I, a woman, lose my breath. Won't your second brother's legs go weak?"

Xin An froze for a moment, then her smile grew even more brilliant, though the tips of her ears turned slightly red.

It wasn't until the bustle of the night market gradually faded that Yan Wenhui prepared to head back, looking somewhat reluctant. Xin An waved to her and boarded the carriage, supported by Tang Mo. As they traveled, Yan Wenhui spoke up, "Previously, when my brother said Tang Mo valued this bride he swapped for very much, I didn't quite believe him. Having seen her today, I know he wasn't exaggerating. But since Sister Xin is so beautiful, it's only natural that Second Brother Tang likes her."

Liu Mingyuan had mentioned that Tao Yiran was also quite good—a famous talented woman in the capital—and more importantly, the Tao family was an official family, which made a difference after all.

"What do you know?"

Yan Wenhui did not like Tao Yiran; she claimed the girl was always putting on airs. "The colors of her clothes are so pale they're almost unrecognizable, like mourning clothes. She's terrified of not standing out."

Tao Yiran liked wearing plain-colored clothing. At every banquet, she stood out starkly amidst a crowd of girls dressed in vibrant reds and greens, attracting the gaze of most young masters and infuriating many of the ladies.

How could Liu Mingyuan understand the thoughts of women? As a man, he naturally cast more glances toward talented ladies, especially since Tao Yiran was both beautiful and talented. Fearing that saying too much would upset his own wife, he hurriedly coaxed her, saying his wife was still the most beautiful.

Yan Wenhui gave a "hmph" and then asked about his finances. "Why does it seem to me that you've been quite prosperous these past few days?"

Liu Mingyuan felt nervous, but he played it off with a laugh. "Second Brother Tang is paying for everything for his wife; I can't let you pay for everything yourself, or you'd lose face. I'm also gritting my teeth to make it work. If you buy any more, I truly won't be able to afford it."

Yan Wenhui did not press him further, deciding to ask her brother about it later.

By this time, Tang Mo and Xin An had returned to the manor. Just as they entered the door, Manager Zhang, who was close to Tang Gang, hurried over. "Second Young Master, the Marquis requested to see you as soon as you return."

Tang Mo gave an "mm." Seeing that he was heading in the wrong direction, Manager Zhang urged him once more. Tang Mo replied, "It's so dark; I am worried about my wife. I will take her back to Qiushi Courtyard first before heading over."

Just because he was told to go, did he have to go immediately?

Not a chance!

He reached out to support Xin An. "Watch your step, walk slowly."

His manner was as if Xin An were incapable of looking after herself.

Xin An suppressed a laugh. Suddenly, her eyes darted around, and with an "oh!" she pretended to sprain her ankle. "It hurts, I can't walk."

If he hadn't seen the lingering smile at the corners of her mouth, Tang Mo would have believed her. Wanting to tease her but mindful of Manager Zhang behind them, he spoke with "concern." "I told you to watch your step, how did you still sprain it?"

"Is it serious?"

Xin An put on a "pained expression." "I can't walk."

Tang Mo took a deep breath, rolled his eyes dramatically, and resigned himself to bending down to scoop her up in his arms. After walking a few steps, he didn't forget to whisper through gritted teeth, "Eat a little less; you're heavy enough to kill me."

Xin An finally couldn't help but burst into a wide laugh. Not having to walk herself felt wonderful. "Be a bit nicer. Who knows when this 'sprain' will heal?"

Tang Mo sighed. "I owe you. You used to be just like the Abbess, and now you're acting delicate. You haven't gone crazy from being suppressed, have you?"

She didn't look fat at all; how was she so heavy?

Xin An continued to smile. "Isn't it just because I never experienced it before? Shouldn't I make up for it now?"

Tang Mo chuckled. "There are many things you haven't experienced. Do you intend to make up for all of them on my body?"

"It's possible."

Tang Mo let out a resigned sigh and quickened his pace. There was no choice; if he didn't walk faster, she would feel even heavier.

After much effort, he finally got her into the room, practically tossing Xin An onto the bed. He slumped down beside her, panting heavily. "You really must eat less. You're as heavy as an iron egg."

Xin An rolled over, laughing heartily. She simply kicked off her shoes and sat cross-legged on the edge of the bed. "Aren't you going to see your old father quickly?"

"I'm not going."

Tang Mo had grown bold. "My wife sprained her ankle and is crying in pain; shouldn't I stay with her?"

What good could come from the old man wanting to see him at this hour?

"His Second Uncle must have visited. He's likely coming to demand an explanation."

Xin An smiled. "You have a point, but..."

"If Father wants to see you, it would be improper not to go. But there is a way to time it."

Tang Mo looked enlightened, then wore a mischievous grin. "True, I am a good son. If Father wants to see me, how could I not go?"

Xin An got out of bed. "I'm going to wash up and sleep."

How much Tang Mo envied her. She was a new bride, she was loved by her mother-in-law, and her father-in-law didn't even dare scold her; she could do whatever she wanted. "If there's a next time, I want to be a woman."

"Fine, we can be sisters then."

At the thought of the scene of himself pinning flowers in his hair before a mirror, Tang Mo shuddered. On second thought, it was better to be a man.

Tang Gang could not wait for Tang Mo. He sent someone to inquire and only then learned that Xin An had sprained her ankle and Tang Mo was busy rubbing medicinal wine on it. He couldn't help but feel dissatisfied. Considering it was already very late, he decided to wash up and go to sleep.

In the middle of the night, while he was sleeping soundly, the unscrupulous Tang Mo arrived. He began shouting at the door, "Father, are you asleep? Your son is here!"

"Father, Father!"

In the darkness, Tang Gang opened his eyes. Lady Wang got up to light a candle. "The second boy must have something urgent."

Tang Gang threw on a robe and opened the door, full of heavy morning-after irritability. "Do you have something to say?"

Tang Mo bowed with cupped hands. "Didn't Father have Manager Zhang notify me to come over? My wife sprained her ankle, and her ankle is all swollen. She also missed home and was crying her eyes out. I had to be busy applying medicinal wine and coaxing her; I finally managed to get her to sleep. So, I rushed over immediately."

Tang Gang:...

(End of Chapter)