Chapter 22: Unreasonable Favoritism

Chapter 22: Unreasonable Favoritism

Under Auntie Cai's flattery, a faint smile played on Tao Yiran's lips, but she said nothing more. Outside, the busy workers cast eager glances toward her from time to time, waiting for her to announce the rewards. Driven by this psychological pressure, they worked with exceptional diligence, and before long, all the dowry items had been moved into the storerooms.

Seeing that these people were lingering, Auntie Liu knew what they were waiting for. She felt the rewards should be given; normally, she might have let it slide, but this was the Young Mistress's first time commanding subordinates after entering the household. Furthermore, the people in the front courtyard were not easily offended. If they weren't capable of playing blind, they would have done so, but unfortunately, her Young Mistress's temperament...

"Thank you all for your hard work today, young masters."

Being observant, the servants said nothing upon seeing her awkward expression. After a polite exchange, they turned and left. As they exited, they ran into the servants coming out of Qiushi Courtyard. These men were all beaming with joy, clutching silver coins in their teeth and talking about going out for drinks, which only served to make those who were already disgruntled feel even more dissatisfied.

"Miss, the neighbors didn't give any rewards."

The way Xin An was addressed shifted constantly between Chunyang and Chunlü; they could never quite remember to call her "Second Young Mistress." Xin An prepared to make another trip to Chunrong Hall to establish her presence. "Whether they give or not is a matter of personal will, and one cannot force it. However, as newcomers, we must still handle certain social obligations. For the next few days, you and Chunlü should carry more silver on you. When necessary, please treat the subordinates to a cup of tea."

Turning to Auntie Wang, she added, "Auntie Wang, you should carry even more. The people around Mother and the Old Madam must all be properly looked after. Additionally, allocate fifty taels of silver to Uncle Wang so he can handle the people in the front courtyard, especially the managers and those close to the Marquis. Give another twenty taels to Wang Fu; it will all be put to good use."

The "Uncle Wang" and "Wang Fu" she mentioned were Auntie Wang's husband and son, who had come to the household as Xin An's personal attendants.

"Tell Uncle Wang that I plan to visit the manor in the outskirts of the capital in a few days. Have him and Wang Fu accompany me."

Auntie Wang nodded in agreement, noting that no matter where one went, silver was indispensable. Only silver could ensure that subordinates worked diligently for you; this was an expense that could not be spared.

While Auntie Wang went to cut the silver, Xin An took the fabrics she had selected to Chunrong Hall.

In Chunrong Hall, the Old Madam was admiring flowers. Seeing Xin An arrive, she waved her over. "Come quickly and look at how beautifully these hydrangeas are blooming. I'll have you take a pot back to your courtyard later."

Xin An looked delighted. "Then I want this purple one; it looks very elegant and noble."

"Mhm, good eye."

The Old Madam was in a good mood, so Xin An took the opportunity to act charmingly. "Grandmother, I have come to bring you a thank-you gift. I loved that pastel-colored vase you gave me. While checking my dowry today, I saw several bolts of fabric that are quite exquisite. Would you care to take a look?"

Chunyang placed the tray on a side tea table and lifted the cloth covering it. A bolt of dark purple brocade with auspicious cloud patterns came into view. Xin An spread the fabric out before the Old Madam and smiled, "I always say Grandmother has such fair skin and a noble temperament; you will surely carry this fabric well. It truly is beautiful."

The Old Madam loved such dignified colors—not too flashy, yet conveying prestige. Stroking the fabric, she praised, "It truly is a wonderful color. Ganlu, quickly pack this away. I'll have it made into clothes to wear when I attend the banquet at the Duke of Enguo's estate next month."

Ganlu stepped forward with a smile to praise the color, adding that the other bolts would also suit the Old Madam perfectly. The Old Madam was overjoyed and held Xin An's hand, refusing to let go. "You young ladies certainly have the best taste. Every three months, the silk merchants send new fabrics. You must help Grandmother pick them out more often in the future."

Xin An smiled and agreed. When the Old Madam asked about Tang Mo, Xin An replied with a smile, "My parents will be returning in a few days. He mentioned today that he wants to take my younger brother on a tour of the capital."

The Old Madam patted the back of her hand. "That second boy is a good person. Don't listen to the nonsense people say outside; you'll know once you've spent more time with him. Don't let his silver tongue fool you; he is a sincere man at heart."

Xin An nodded. "He even said yesterday that once my parents return, he wants to take me to the manor in the outskirts. He even mentioned wanting to invite you, Grandmother, but he was worried you might not be comfortable, as he isn't sure what the manor is like."

The Old Madam's eyes lit up instantly. Born into a landed family, her household had never lacked farmland. People of her age loved reminiscing about the past, so she began telling Xin An old stories. "You may never have seen the sight of wheat waving in the wind; it is a lovely sight. I haven't seen it in many years."

"There were sparrow nests and rabbit holes in the wheat fields. Whenever it was time to harvest, we could always catch little sparrows. Back then, as people were busy, the birds were busy too..."

Xin An listened, entranced. She had never seen such a scene of harvest, but hearing it made her feel happy. "Hearing you describe it, Grandmother, makes me want to stay at the manor for a few days even more."

"Then, would you like to go with me, Grandmother?"

"I will."

Aside from attending banquets, the Old Madam had few opportunities to go out. Even banquets were merely traveling from one estate to another, and seeing endless displays of flowers eventually became tedious. "Have the second boy make preparations. We shall go for a short stay together."

"What if Father disagrees?"

The Old Madam said with complete indifference, "He cannot control me."

Could Tang Gang control the Old Madam?

Absolutely not!

Tang Gang had just been given a blistering scolding. "What is filial piety?"

"Is it to obey my every whim? To confine me to this courtyard so I can go nowhere? Is that your idea of filial piety?"

Aside from saying, "Mother, please calm your anger," Tang Gang did not dare utter another word. He turned around and urged Tang Rong to have Tao Yiran curry favor with the Old Madam. "You are establishing your career and family; from now on, your focus should be more on matters outside the manor. The trivialities within the household should be shared with your wife."

"Today, your wife has not stepped a single foot out of Chunhua Courtyard. Not only did the second daughter-in-law pay her respects to your mother this morning, but she also accompanied the Old Madam for breakfast and presented her with several bolts of fabric, charming her so much that she loves her dearly."

"The second couple is even planning to take the Old Madam to the outskirts for a stay. They are making a grand entrance, yet you and your wife have made no movement at all."

"Today, I sought out Vice Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites to finalize your appointment to the Ministry. While the matter is not difficult, you must show some effort. I heard Vice Minister Wang loves pastel-colored vases. The Old Madam has one, but it is already placed in Qiushi Courtyard. You must find another one."

When it came to his favoritism, the son was beyond reason. Especially since Tang Gang had placed all his hopes on Tang Rong, naturally wishing for him to soar to great heights.

Tang Rong somewhat regretted his decision to be modest back then, but it would not be easy to make Tang Mo spit out what he had, especially with Xin An involved.

Thinking of the words Xin An had said to him, his brow furrowed; her hostility toward him was perhaps a bit too much.

(End of Chapter)