Chapter 34: Partiality Becomes Natural

Chapter 34: Partiality Becomes Natural

When Tang Mo returned to the manor, Tang Gang and Lady Wang were still in Chunrong Court speaking with the Old Madam. They were discussing Tang Rong's affairs—specifically, that his appointment to the Ministry of Rites had been finalized, but since someone had helped him, he needed to show some gratitude. The idea was to target the Old Madam's precious treasures.

The Old Madam could be generous; if someone won her favor, she would give away her treasures quite readily. However, she could also be incredibly stingy; if she disliked someone, no amount of pleading would change her mind.

She was currently dissatisfied with both Tang Rong and Tao Yiran, so how could she possibly provide things to pave the way for Tang Rong?

Seeing that the Old Madam remained unmoved, Tang Gang grew anxious. Just as he was about to speak more bluntly, Tang Mo arrived. Feeling a surge of irritation, Tang Gang directed his anger toward him without hesitation. "I heard you took your father-in-law to Shili Xiang for drinks today. Were the people from the Ministry of War there as well?"

"The Xin family is the purse that your grandfather left to this Marquisate. Do not think that marrying into the Xin family allows you to do as you please, and do not harbor any thoughts of monopolizing them."

Tang Mo did not react with anger as he had in the past. Instead, he bowed respectfully. "Reporting to Father, Vice Minister Xu of the Ministry of War happened to encounter my father-in-law the other day, and Uncle Tao was also present."

"My father-in-law is leaving the capital tomorrow. I originally intended to go with Xin An to see him off, but only upon arrival did I learn that Vice Minister Xu had already made an appointment to see him off first. My father-in-law invited me along. Vice Minister Xu also invited several other high officials to accompany them. During the meal, the officials treated my father-in-law with great respect, and the conversation was very pleasant."

Tang Gang frowned deeply. On one hand, he resented how obvious the court officials' attempts to poach connections were; on the other, he secretly blamed Xin Kuan for not being more discreet. Even though he was now an in-law to the Marquisate, he was still getting entangled with others.

The Old Madam, who had remained silent, let out a cold snort. "Even outsiders know to see off a member of the Xin family. You, the legitimate in-law, have not only failed to show any gesture of your own, but you are also here blaming the son who is trying to make up for your shortcomings."

"Your father once said that the Xin family did not exist because of the Tang family, but rather that the Tang family exists today because of the Xin family's immense support. By that logic, the Xin family owes the Tang family a debt. You have reversed the order of things by looking down on the Xin family; if they were to abandon you to find another patron, it would be perfectly reasonable."

"You may look down on the Xin family, but plenty of others value them. Do you think a marriage alliance alone will allow you to rest easy?"

The Old Madam had long been dissatisfied with Tang Gang. She had failed to teach him properly when he was young, so in her old age, she simply stopped caring. After all, she had no spare sons to replace him. She usually turned a blind eye, as long as the Marquisate didn't fall, she could live her life in peace and comfort.

"It is fortunate that the second boy is sensible and understands the gravity of the situation. Haven't you seen how he has been ingratiating himself with his father-in-law these past few days?"

"Speaking of which, the marriage swap was most unfair to him. Has a father like you offered him even a word of comfort? He traded an official father-in-law for a merchant, yet he can set aside his grievances to win over the Xin family. Is he not sensible enough? Is he not doing enough to share your burdens?"

"If he hadn't been accompanying them recently, I fear the Xin family would have been courted by others long ago. Do not be too biased."

Tang Mo's posture slumped, instantly adopting the look of a man who had suffered a great injustice but was choosing to remain silent. Internally, he was quite frustrated. Why hadn't he thought of this line of reasoning? He wasn't "ingratiating himself" with his father-in-law; he was suppressing immense personal grievance to actively assist his father!

Suddenly, his image became quite heroic.

Tang Gang's gaze swept over him. "Is that how you think?"

Tang Mo's voice dropped an octave. "Father gave the opportunity for Eldest Brother to train in the Northern Guard to your son, leaving Father to continue toiling and struggling. Your son is dull and cannot help Father, so he can only do small things within his power."

Tang Gang's expression softened slightly. "At least you are becoming sensible."

Seeing him standing there with lowered eyes, and thinking of that Famille Rose vase in his hands, Tang Gang wanted to speak but found no justification. It was true he was biased, but he still had his dignity to maintain.

Tang Mo did not linger and left quickly. Tang Gang intended to continue persuading the Old Madam, but she rose from her seat. "I am tired. You two should go and rest early."

Tang Gang and Lady Wang rose. After leaving, Lady Wang did not say much to Tang Gang. She had originally planned to send two young, enchanting women to exhaust his vitality, but remembering that her son still needed his father to stand at the forefront, she relented. "Concubine Yang mentioned having a headache today. Does the Marquis wish to visit her?"

Tang Gang had no such inclination. He noted that the Old Madam had been full of affection for Xin An in her words these past two days, and her view of the second son had changed significantly. He mused that while the second son had changed somewhat after marriage, the partiality had become natural. His concern remained that after Tang Rong's marriage, instead of rising higher, he might actually fall behind.

"I will not go. I have matters to attend to. You should rest early."

Seeing him turn toward the study in the front courtyard, the corners of Lady Wang's lips curled slightly. There was no need to ask; he was going to toil once again on behalf of his eldest son.

Tang Rong had been in his bedroom, being intimate with Tao Yiran. They had even taken off their shoes before being summoned out by Tang Gang's men. Seeing Tang Gang's grim expression, Tang Rong spoke without thinking. "Is Father angry about Second Brother's matters? Uncle Xin is now Second Brother's father-in-law, so naturally, he must side with him. I believe Second Brother knows what he is doing and will not let Uncle Xin be snatched away by other families."

Tang Gang let out a "Hmph." "I have my own plans regarding the Xin family. As for you, what have you been doing these past few days since your marriage?"

Aside from going out with him on business, he spent all his time cooped up in Chunhua Court. How could a man consumed by romance ever achieve greatness?

Tang Rong bowed. "Father, your son—"

"From the moment you entered this manor until now, you and your wife have only visited the Old Madam once to pay your morning and evening respects. Today you are unhappy, and tomorrow your health is poor. Do you think the feng shui of my Marquisate is so bad that it cannot sustain a person?"

He was referring to Tao Yiran. "I originally hoped that after your marriage, there would be someone to manage the affairs of the household so you wouldn't have to worry about them. Now, it seems she has tied you to your courtyard so you cannot even leave."

It was precisely because of his bias that Tang Gang spoke so harshly to Tang Rong. He was already quite dissatisfied with Tao Yiran; she completely failed to meet his requirements for a primary wife. "You are the Heir of the Marquisate and will inherit the title in the future. Your wife cannot be merely a beautiful but useless flower. She must have the capability to manage affairs both inside and outside the house. Do not spoil her too much."

Tang Rong had forgotten when he was last reprimanded like this. He couldn't quite describe the feeling in his heart. "Your son understands."

Tang Gang issued an order. "There is a Famille Rose vase in your wife's dowry list. Find a way to have her give it to you to aid your official career. You and your wife are one; there is no distinction between you."

Tang Rong's brow furrowed slightly. He and Tao Yiran had just married, and using her dowry felt somewhat undignified. "Could we perhaps ask Second Brother to part with his?"

Tang Gang's gaze turned cold. "If you have the ability, go and ask your sister-in-law yourself."

Even he, as the father, could not bring himself to ask. For this man—who, to the second son, represented the bitterness of having a wife stolen—to actually make such a suggestion... did he think that he, as the father, was someone who could simply abandon all shame?

(End of Chapter)