Chapter 55: It's Not Worth It for Mother

Chapter 55: It’s Unfair to Mother

"Grandmother, you must come back early."

"Yes, we are truly worried."

As it was time to leave, the group repeatedly urged the old lady, none of them feeling at ease.

The old lady didn't care at all. "It's as if you're trying to move everything in the manor with us. The doctor has come, and we've brought plenty of medicinal herbs. What could possibly go wrong? Let's go, let's go."

She didn't want them delaying her fishing.

The group boarded the carriage with worried expressions, praying that the old lady would remain safe and sound here, free from illness or disaster, and return to the manor smoothly. Otherwise, the three of them truly wouldn't be able to hold their ground in the household.

Once the carriage had departed, the old lady breathed a sigh of relief and said to Ganlu, "Not a single one of them is easy to deal with. I finally get to go out, and they want me to head back so early. I'm not going back."

If she went back, she would be confined to that same small world again. No matter how many treasures the Chunrong Hall had, she had seen enough. Besides, the manor was currently anything but peaceful, even if it wasn't exactly chaotic. She wanted to live a few more years and had no desire to meddle in the affairs of the younger generation.

"I know they are all eyeing my belongings. Once we return, I'll divide them among them so they stop making indirect remarks to me every time they speak."

She was referring to Tang Gang. She had no confidence in this son; he was a troublesome fellow.

Ganlu lowered her voice. "News just arrived. The Marquis has taken in another maid. He hasn't given her any official status, so I fear he is waiting for the Madam to return to make a decision."

The old lady's brow furrowed deeply, and she felt like following them back. "That scoundrel certainly knows how to twist the knife in one's heart."

Ganlu also thought Tang Gang was muddled, but she still held hope for Lady Wang. "The Madam has always been magnanimous; she should—"

"It is only a problem when there is no shouting or making a scene."

The old lady saw through it clearly. "If she truly didn't mind at all, that would mean she had truly given up hope. When a woman's heart dies toward a man, she only looks at interests. Ignorant men only feel self-satisfied, thinking the woman is simply being 'sensible'."

Taking a deep breath, she felt she had said all she could these past few days and helped that scoundrel as much as she could. They were of the same generation as a grandfather; how much more could she, as his mother, manage?

The old lady went fishing, but her mind was elsewhere.

Inside the carriage, Lady Wang spoke of Tang Mo's virtues to Xin An, and added that they should do whatever they wished to do; if Tang Gang tried to stop them, they should come to her. She had grown indifferent to it now. "In the past, I valued reputation too much and often let the second boy suffer alongside me. It won't be like that anymore. With me here, no one will dare bully you."

Xin An nodded with a smile. "Mother, please tell me about the various families in the capital. It won't be long before I must start making social calls myself; I can't go out completely in the dark."

"I indeed must tell you properly. There are many taboos involved. Let's start with the visit to the Duke of Enguo's manor next month..."

Lady Wang did not hold anything back, telling her everything she knew. Xin An listened intently. She knew from her past life that she had suffered losses in this regard. At that time, Lady Wang had not been kind enough to explain much; most things had been told to her by Auntie Cai. However, Auntie Cai was merely a servant and her knowledge was limited. Because her information was unreliable, Xin An had made several fools of herself when going out, which had caused Tang Rong to dislike her even more.

At dusk, the carriage arrived at the entrance of the Marquis's manor. The steward stepped forward eagerly to welcome them and secretly sent someone to inform Tang Gang. Without the old lady and Lady Wang to keep the household in order, Tang Gang had been living quite freely these past few days; he hadn't even returned home last night.

"The Marquis is out on business and has not yet returned. He will surely be delighted to hear that the Madam has returned."

Lady Wang smiled without a word. Having long since given up on Tang Gang, she had become increasingly skilled at maintaining appearances. "Since the Marquis is busy, let us not disturb him. Has there been anything in the manor these past few days?"

"Everything is as usual."

The steward's face was full of smiles. "Several families have sent invitations that require your decision. Additionally, there are basic ledgers for your personal review, and next month's monthly allowance list is ready..."

Lady Wang acted as if nothing had happened, immediately beginning to attend to the household chores upon her return. Tang Mo, who had been in a relatively good mood, saw his expression change. He cursed Tang Gang bitterly in his heart, feeling that his mother's life was stifling and hating himself for his own lack of capability.

Before even reaching the Qiushi Courtyard, he saw a courtyard full of servants waiting at the door. Standing at the front was Nan Feng. Tang Mo thought to himself that if Nan Feng dared to covet him again, he would teach her a lesson.

As he approached, Nan Feng walked toward him with a smile. Tang Mo's brow furrowed slightly, about to lose his temper, but Nan Feng happily bowed to Xin An. "The Young Madam has returned! You have worked hard, Young Madam. Hot water is prepared, and bird's nest soup is simmering in the small kitchen; it will be ready shortly."

Nan Feng had been managing the Qiushi Courtyard these past few days. Seeing this expression, she knew nothing untoward had happened. Xin An smiled and said, "It was hard work, but seeing you so cheerful makes it feel less so. Prepare a few refreshing side dishes in a moment."

"I have already given the orders."

Nan Feng attended to Xin An eagerly, not giving Tang Mo a single extra glance throughout the process. Tang Mo's face darkened even further. Did he have no status left in this Qiushi Courtyard?

Everything in the Qiushi Courtyard was normal. After washing up, Xin An reclined on a beauty chaise and asked about the happenings in the manor. Nan Feng, having gathered information in the Marquis's manor for many years, was quite skilled; she told Xin An everything in meticulous detail. The situation in the neighboring quarters did not surprise Xin An. Being at one's in-laws' house is different from being at one's parental home; it was perfectly normal for her to invite her mother for a chat while her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law were away, and it was normal to meet with several close friends. It was only Tang Gang's sleeping with a maid that was exasperating.

Tang Mo nearly exploded, but a single look from Xin An stabilized him. After all matters were clarified, the bird's nest soup was ready. While eating, Xin An told Tang Mo, "That is your father; can you really manage his bedroom affairs?"

"I just feel it's unfair to Mother."

For what reason had his mother gone out to clear her head?

He showed no remorse in the manor and instead escalated his behavior; it was nauseating.

Seeing that Xin An was still in the mood to eat bird's nest soup, he asked, "Don't you feel angry?"

Xin An was not angry. She looked up at him. "The world is unfair to women. Is this kind of thing unique to the Marquis's manor? Go out and ask around; even men in their seventies and eighties have beautiful concubines by their side. They call it 'red sleeves adding fragrance' or a sign of 'vigorous old age' and a source of pride for men. Who ever cares what a woman thinks?"

"If you were to make a scene about it, they would just say you are being unreasonable and unfilial."

Tang Mo took a deep breath, curious about how a woman would truly feel in such a situation. "Are they really that magnanimous?"

"If they aren't magnanimous, what choice do they have?" Xin An put down her bowl. "If you express even a little dissatisfaction, you are branded as jealous and unvirtuous—a reputation that even affects your children."

"Unless it's the kind where they truly cannot bear children and fear being stripped of their inheritance, what woman would actually want her husband to take a concubine?"

"All beautiful illusions eventually turn into merely 'living together to get by.' Since it's just a partnership, expectations differ. If he does well, one hopes he lives a long life; if he does poorly, one hopes he dies early and gets out of the way."

She even gave him a bit of encouragement. "If you want your mother to live with dignity, you have to work hard. If you become truly capable, your father will have to watch your expression, and he won't dare take concubines so easily."

Tang Mo's lip twitched slightly. "In your eyes, I'm just a worker, aren't I?"

What a realistic woman.

(End of Chapter)